MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Two legislative committees have endorsed a constitutional amendment to stop Wisconsin’s governor from raising or lowering the amounts of individual state budget items. The amendment would force the governor to say yes or no to the amounts approved by the Legislature.

Senate President Fred Risser of Madison says he believes Wisconsin is the only state where the governor has the power to cross out spending figures, and write in different numbers as he chooses. Governor Jim Doyle used that power several times in last year’s budget, mostly for smaller grants and programs. The amendment now goes to the floor of both houses. It would need approval in 2 straight sessions before it goes to the voters in a statewide referendum.