With the August 2026 partisan primary election about a month away, attention is quickly turning to November. As candidates launch their campaign advertisements on social media, mailers, radio, TV and streaming platforms, much of the focus will be on the races themselves. But every Wisconsin voter will also see one important statewide ballot item this November: a proposed constitutional amendment.
What’s the amendment?
The proposed constitutional amendment would add the following language to the Wisconsin Constitution, further limiting the governor’s partial veto authority:
“… and may not create or increase or authorize the creation or increase of any tax or fee.”
Like all constitutional amendments in Wisconsin, this question will be decided directly by voters.
What would it do?
If approved by voters, the amendment would limit the Wisconsin governor’s ability to use the partial veto authority to create or increase a tax or fee.
Why was this proposed?
The proposed amendment follows the use of the governor’s partial veto authority to enact what became known as the “400-year veto.” The partial veto provided a $325-per-pupil increase for the next 400 years. The state did not provide additional state funding to support this increase, meaning property taxpayers will fund much of the increase over time through local property taxes.
Why it matters
Property taxes remain one of the most important issues facing Wisconsin homeowners and prospective homebuyers. As housing affordability remains a top concern across the state, the WRA continues to make property tax relief a legislative priority.
Earlier this summer, the WRA launched a Property Tax Workgroup made up of members of the Public Policy Committee to better understand Wisconsin’s property tax system, examine the factors driving higher tax bills, and develop recommendations for both short- and long-term property tax solutions. Constitutional changes that could affect future property tax policy are an important part of the workgroup’s conversation.
The bottom line
This proposed constitutional amendment is one of the few statewide questions every Wisconsin voter will decide this November. Understanding what the amendment would do, why it was proposed and how it fits into Wisconsin’s broader property tax conversation can help voters make an informed decision.
Learn more
The nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Council created a 2025 information memorandum that provides historical background and discusses the legal precedent surrounding the governor’s partial veto authority. You can also visit MyVote Wisconsin to find your polling place, view your sample ballot and update your voter registration before Election Day.