Two local legislators cross party lines to protect property rights from entities like railroads using eminent domain to acquire land. Democrat Mark Spreitzer of Beloit worked with Republican Amy Loudenbeck of Clinton to include a provision in the proposed budget. Spreitzer says the provision is in response to Great Lakes Basin Transportation’s attempts to force a railroad through Rock County. Loudenbeck says under the provision, the legislature would need to find the acquisition necessary and in the public interest, before a railroad could use eminent domain. Loudenbeck warns the governor could still veto the measure.
