Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Assembly and Senate, which could influence the dynamics of the upcoming legislative discussions.

Recent surveys show that 65% of rural Wisconsin voters support legalizing marijuana, suggesting a potential shift in public sentiment that Evers hopes to capitalize on.

Meanwhile, Republicans are working on finalizing an amendment to enshrine the state's voter ID requirement in the constitution, which will be voted on in the upcoming April election.

The political landscape is further complicated by ongoing advocacy for gun control following a tragic school shooting in December 2024, highlighting the urgency of legislative action on various fronts.

Since 2010, Republicans have proposed several amendments, with voters approving three in 2024, indicating a trend of using constitutional amendments to shape policy.

Evers has previously criticized Republicans for ignoring public opinion on key issues such as marijuana legalization and gun control, while they advance their own policies through constitutional amendments.

As the Wisconsin Legislature begins its two-year session, Governor Tony Evers has proposed a constitutional amendment to allow residents to initiate binding ballot proposals, a move aimed at increasing voter power.

Evers plans to include this amendment in the upcoming state budget, which he will unveil next month, reflecting his ongoing efforts to empower voters.

However, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has criticized the proposal, arguing that it undermines legislative authority and could hinder consensus-building.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Evers should focus on tax cuts and reducing government size instead of pursuing voter-initiated legislation.

The likelihood of the legislature adopting Evers's proposal remains uncertain, as Republican lawmakers have previously ignored his budget requests, including those related to cannabis legalization.

In Wisconsin, constitutional amendments require passage through two consecutive legislative sessions and a statewide referendum, with no role for the governor in this process.