WI GOP senators omit hearing, debate on water giveaway bill

[Updated] A GOP-led Wisconsin State Senate committee, having seen the public's great concern over a groundwater privatization bill brazenly demanded in writing by Big Ag and Big Dairy

that is now speeding towards Gov. and special-interest bellhop Scott Walker's desk has decided to eliminate public participation, committee member debate and normal voting procedures when the bill comes up for a committee decision next week:

State Senate Republicans plan to vote next week without a public committee meeting or debate on a controversial bill that would further loosen regulation of high-capacity wells that are linked to low water levels in lakes and streams.

After the plan for Labor and Regulatory Reform Committee members to vote by submitting paper ballots was announced Thursday, Democrats accused the GOP majority of trying to duck public discussion of the bill, which is favored by the agriculture industry, but unpopular with recreational users of lakes and streams.

That's how public resource stewardship forfeiture is handled by Walker's 'chamber of commerce mentality' government and his allies in the Legislature and brazenly and in writing by GOP Attorney General Brad Schimel. 

History and specifics, from a 2016 posting, here:

Here is a summary post of the consequences of that intentional policy direction.

Inside the WI DNR: poor morale, fear, despair over lost mission

This is all particularly relevant now that [DNR Secretary Cathy] Stepp wants to change the rules and allow big water users and other permit applicants to self-regulate by writing their own permits, thus dictating the terms of their operations as well as any post-permitting enforcement even if the public's land and water is at stake.