Outgoing Gov. Scott Walker just signed legislation limiting his Democratic successor's powers
Outgoing Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed legislation Friday limiting the power that newly-elected Democrats will have when they take office.
Dubbed a "power grab" by many, the bill was signed with no changes after Walker previously stated he was considering partial vetoes, Politico reports. The bill has been met with criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with governor-elect Tony Evers (D) and former Republican Gov. Scott McCallum both urging Walker to veto the bill.
The bills will limit the governor's oversight on previously approved laws and give the state legislature control over a state economic development agency, per The Huffington Post. The legislation also reduces the amount of time for early voting, capping it at two weeks statewide. A flood of early voters were reportedly influential in toppling Walker in favor of Evers in the midterm elections.
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Walker fought back against critics before signing the bill, saying that the issue has been sensationalized.
"There's a lot of hype and hysteria, particularly in the national media, implying this is a power shift," Walker said. "It's not."
Evers criticized Walker's decision to "ignore and override the will of the people of Wisconsin," and said the controversial decision will be Walker's legacy.
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