A proposed constitutional amendment could block the aid that helped save my business

My name is Chef Evan Dannells and I am an owner of Cadre restaurant and Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge in Madison, Wisconsin. My businesses are my passion, the culmination of my life’s work.

From the moment I started cooking as a teenager in the 1990’s to the opening of my first full service restaurant, all I ever wanted was my own business. I worked long hours, missed innumerable holidays, saved every dollar I could and waited for the right moment for over 25 years. Finally, the stars aligned and I was able to open Cadre in the fall of 2019. Little did I know, the health crisis of the century was not far behind.  

Less than five months after opening, while watching reservations rapidly decline in fear of the pandemic, we made the decision to close our dining room for the safety of our staff and customers. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I still had a business to run and people who depended on me to provide a workplace where they could make their living.

During those early days of COVID-19 I wasn’t sure how we’d operate, if I could make payroll or if my dream was going to die. It was stressful beyond measure, constantly wondering what would go wrong next and having no idea when the crisis would end.  

Thankfully, Gov. Tony Evers was able to take the swift action needed to get financial support to businesses across the state. 

Wisconsin led the country in support for small businesses like mine, spending $1.6 billion on economic revitalization. This was made possible because our state laws were written to allow governors to act quickly to get support to Wisconsinites who need it most, whether for issues like COVID, flooding or other natural disasters. This fast action saved my restaurant more than once over the course of a pandemic that had no concrete end in sight.

Now the Republican-led Legislature wants to change the rules to give themselves more power and gain control over these federal dollars designed to respond to emergencies. 

A proposed amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution would require all funds the state spends to go through the state Legislature for approval, and would prevent the Legislature from delegating its spending authority. Voters will be asked two questions on the ballot next Tuesday: 

1. “Shall Section 35 (1) of Article IV of the Constitution be created to provide that the Legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”
2. “Shall Section 35 (2) of Article IV of the Constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the Legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

The Wisconsin Republican lawmakers who voted on this language claim it  is to provide “oversight” and “transparency” over these dollars. However, during the pandemic the Legislature had the opportunity to help, but chose to be out of session for most of a year. 

During that time, they didn’t do a single thing, even using the state’s dollars, to support small businesses like mine. Had Questions 1 and 2 been in effect it is likely that federal support would have been delayed, or even denied, leading to thousands of Main Street businesses across Wisconsin permanently closing.

You don’t have to take my word for it: Back during the pandemic Republican lawmakers tried to cut $400 million in small business grant programs to bankroll a property tax break that would have largely gone to the very wealthy. I’ve got the receipts. 

If Questions 1 and 2 pass it would  upend our state’s constitution and tie the hands of either Evers or any future governor as they respond in times of emergency. When the next crisis occurs, Wisconsin’s leaders will keep the dreams of small business owners like mine alive through swift, executive action for the good of our state.