APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — A Fox Valley State Representative is leading an effort to make sure Wisconsin communities aren’t left on the hook when political campaigns come to town.
Appleton Democrat Amanda Stuck says a number of cities are still owed thousands from the 2016 Presidential Campaigns of both then-candidate Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
“When [these cities] are looking at their budgets and looking at the costs that they’re left with, they simply can’t do this anymore,” Stuck told WTAQ’s ‘Morning News with Matt and Earl’. “They want to make sure they’re not on the hook and that the taxpayers aren’t on the hook for these campaign stops.”
Under the legislation, candidates with outstanding bills owed to Wisconsin cities could be denied another permit in the state until those bills are paid. It would empower municipalities to deny the permits if the campaigns have overdue bills, either with that municipality or another in the state. Stuck says the candidates will pay up, because they need the state.
“Wisconsin is a key state that anyone who is running for a major office needs,” said Stuck. “I don’t think [this would] lead anybody to make the choice not to come here.”
The bill could come up for a vote this spring. Stuck is still seeking additional co-sponsors.
There is bipartisan support for the bill.
“Republican or Democrat, if you come to our state, you should pay your costs,” Stuck said. “And if you have outstanding bills, you shouldn’t get another permit until those bills are paid”
