Wisconsin Senate Approves Eliminating Treasurer’s Office

The state treasurer position would no longer exist under a constitutional amendment approved by the Wisconsin Senate.

The Senate passed the amendment on an 18-15 vote Tuesday. The Assembly is scheduled to vote on the measure Thursday. Once approved by both houses, it would be put for a vote of the people in the April 2018 election.

Democratic opponents argue the office should have its duties restored and bolstered to serve as a check and balance on the executive branch. Supporters of the amendment say it makes no sense to keep the office since its duties have been all-but eliminated in recent years.

Two Republicans joined with all Democrats in voting against the measure. They were Sens. Chris Kapenga, of Delafield, and Sheila Harsdorf, of River Falls.