Corporations supply beer and brats for Gov and lawmakers

Gov. Walker says he and state lawmakers were eating and drinking for free at the beer and brats gathering at the Executive Residence. The food and drink came from corporate donors.

The governor’s office has released a list of 24 corporations that have donated beer, bratwurst, other foods and supplies to the so-called Beer and Brat Summit. The list surprised some who thought the governor and his wife —who he credits with the idea for the summit – were paying for the chat and chew. But Walker says lawmakers, staff and other summit-goers won’t be asked to pay back the corporations.

GAB attorney Michael Haas confirms Walker’s office was sent an e-mail saying the beer and brat summit is a state function, and not reimbursing the corporations is permissible under the state ethics code and lobbying laws.