Gov. Evers has vetoed a package of “Red Tape Reset” bills authored and passed by Assembly Republicans that aim to rein in the growth of state regulations and require agencies to justify new rules. The reforms would have created stronger oversight of the rulemaking process, required outdated regulations to be reviewed or eliminated, and ensured that any new regulatory costs were balanced by reductions elsewhere. The legislation was a commonsense way to simplify government, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and make it easier for Wisconsin businesses and families to operate without added hurdles.

Because of this veto those changes will not take effect, leaving Wisconsin’s current regulatory structure in place. That means more paperwork, longer delays, and higher compliance costs that often get passed along to consumers. Instead of streamlining processes and lowering costs, this veto preserves a system that can make everyday interactions with government more cumbersome and, ultimately, more expensive for Wisconsinites trying to work, build, and grow in the state.

Wisconsin is the 13th most regulated state in the country and has over 165,000 regulatory restrictions on the books. Cutting red tape by just 10% can grow Wisconsin's GDP by $6.6 billion over 12 years. This decision is irresponsible and will allow bureaucracy to grow instead of shrink.