Small print in Wisconsin's disputed bill: Governor can sell off state assets in no-bid deals. (lobby, companies)

[Dane_in_LA]

They say an honest politician is one that stays bought, and in that respect, Walker certainly doesn't disappoint.

From the bill:

16.896 Sale or contractual operation of state-owned heating, cooling, and power plants. (1) Notwithstanding ss. 13.48 (14) (am) and 16.705 (1), the department may sell any state-owned heating, cooling, and power plant or may contract with a private entity for the operation of any such plant, with or without solicitation of bids, for any amount that the department determines to be in the best interest of the state. Notwithstanding ss. 196.49 and 196.80, no approval or certification of the public service commission is necessary for a public utility to purchase, or contract for the operation of, such a plant, and any such purchase is considered to be in the public interest and to comply with the criteria for certification of a project under s. 196.49 (3) (b).

Or, in short: The Governor decides who buys, sets the price, doesn't need to run the contract by the public service commission and because of nothing but his say-so, it is in the public interest.

Anyone up for a bet whether major campaign contributors just so happen to be on the list of companies the Governor deem fit to take over the taxpayers' property?

[Frank DeForrest]

Oh ok,in that case never mind about the necessary teachers union concessions

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Frank DeForrest

Oh ok,in that case never mind about the necessary teachers union concessions

The unions have offered to concede to the original demands, but of course you know that. There, I've responded to the deflection.

Now, feel free to address the quote from the bill. Is that appropriate legislation, in your opinion?

[jojajn]

Originally Posted by Frank DeForrest

Oh ok,in that case never mind about the necessary teachers union concessions

This is a separate thread Frank. What do you think of this issue?

[HappyTexan]

Not to nitpick but it says "the department" and not "the Governor".

[Dane_in_LA]

I am actually positively surprised that nobody feels like stepping up for this one.

[Savoir Faire]

I smell a rat!!

[jojajn]

And this is the rat hole!

The expanded lobbying effort by the Koch brothers in Wisconsin raises red flags in particular because of a little discussed provision in Walker's repair bill that would allow Koch Industries and other private companies to purchase state-owned power plants in no-bid contracts.
"It's curious that the Kochs have apparently expanded their lobbying presence just as Walker was sworn into office and immediately before a budget was unveiled that would allow the executive branch unilateral power to sell off public utilities in this state in no-bid contracts," says Lisa Graves, executive director of the Center for Media and Democracy.

Koch brothers quietly open lobbying office in downtown Madison

[Recovering Democrat]

Originally Posted by Savoir Faire

Wisconsin governor wants to sell utility companies in no bid contracts, utility company contributed to his campaign.

Don't you mean: Former Wisconsin governor, Jim Doyle, sold out to public school unions in no bid contracts, unions contributed to his campaign.

[Savoir Faire]

Originally Posted by Recovering Democrat

Don't you mean: Former Wisconsin governor, Jim Doyle, sold out to public school unions in no bid contracts, unions contributed to his campaign.

No, I meant Governor Walker. The utilities have not been sold by previous governors, if they were Walker would not be able to sell them anymore.