Wisconsin Supreme Court Blocks $50M Reading Funds, Upholds PFAS Cleanup Authority

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Governor Tony Evers' use of the partial veto to reallocate nearly $50 million intended for literacy programs under the state's 'science of reading' law was unconstitutional, blocking the funds from being directed to the Department of Public Instruction. The court emphasized it lacked authority to override the legislature's budget decisions, and the funds may revert to the state surplus if unspent. Governor Evers criticized Republican lawmakers for withholding the funding, calling their obstruction 'unconscionable,' while Republicans argued the governor exceeded his constitutional authority. Separately, the court upheld the Department of Natural Resources' authority to enforce reporting and cleanup of harmful contaminants such as PFAS, affirming the state's Spill Law in a 5-2 decision. Governor Evers praised the ruling as a historic victory for environmental protection, stating it ensures polluters must report discharges and take responsibility for cleanup. However, Senator Eric Wimberger criticized the ruling, calling for better protections for innocent landowners and urging the DNR to enforce PFAS regulations more rigorously.