The 2014 elections were largely a continuation of the status quo. Republicans continue to control both houses of the legislature: 63-36 in the assembly and, pending a special election, 18-14 in the senate. Legislative turnover continued to be high, particularly in the state assembly. Twenty-six representatives are new, and combined with turnover from the last three elections, 71 of 99 assembly members have served four or fewer years. This relative inexperience will soon be tested as lawmakers begin work on the 2015-17 state budget.
Legislative observers differ over what most contributes to effective lawmaking. Some point to experience as an asset. Others say new members bring fresh ideas and approaches to unsolved problems.
The results of the recent 2014 elections will put these ideas to the test, for Wisconsin’s 2015-16 legislature features many new faces. Will turnover provide an impetus for change? Or, will relative inexperience prove to be a drag on legislative success?
The new legislature’s biggest job will be crafting a state budget for 2015-17. After difficult and controversial choices in the 2011-13 state budget eliminated structural imbalances, fiscal problems return heading into the 2015-17 biennium. Budget writers have to address many issues, but fixing Wisconsin’s transportation finance system is particularly pressing after years of inaction.
2014 Elections Reviewed
In addition to electing a governor, lieutenant governor, and three constitutional officers, voters chose representatives in all 99 assembly districts and in 17 of 33 state senate districts. While many citizens think election season is limited to the fall, for many candidates it started much earlier.