A bill being proposed in the state Legislature would knock government down to the smallest size allowed by Wisconsin’s state constitution, but some lawmakers feel the measure to eliminate half the legislative seats goes too far.

Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, announced yesterday he plans to introduce the legislation by the end of this week. The bill would slice the number of seats in state Assembly from 99 to 56 and the number of seats in the Senate from 33 to 14.

“Our government has to look at all potential cuts,” Black said. “State Legislature shouldn’t be exempt.”

Wisconsin’s last biennial operating budget listed the state Legislature operating costs at $125 million.

The proposed bill would direct the redrawing of legislative districts in the state so there would be half as many legislative seats for citizens to vote for in the 2004 elections.

The proposed legislation could cut state general-fund spending by tens of millions of dollars while maintaining equal representation for all state citizens.

Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said he felt Black’s proposal was too drastic.

“Rep. Black is usually against any budget cuts proposed,” Suder said. “To cut the Legislature in half after we just went through redistricting last year would be unreasonable.”

Suder accused Black of misusing campaign grants and suggested cutting government spending on a number of unreasonable things before looking at more necessary bodies, such as Legislature.

Unnecessary spending pops up in almost every area of state spending, Suder said. Legislators have called for the sale of two 18-hole golf courses currently owned by the University of Wisconsin.

While there are prisoners in state correctional facilities who work while incarcerated, those who do not are still paid eight cents a day.

Many state programs, including the UW System, often buy new cars and SUVs for their organizations using state funds.

Suder said freezing budget increases alone would save $2 billion, which would take a substantial bite out of the current deficit.

“When I’m looking at budget cuts that will severely affect the quality of life in Wisconsin, like cuts to state parks, health care and the environment, we have to start considering broader options,” Black said.

Black has received mixed reactions from other legislators about the bill. He is preparing to circulate the bill among legislators to try and get supporters to sign on this week.

“I know this proposal will displease some of my colleagues,” Black said.

The purposed cutting of half the seats would force current colleagues, friends and party members to run against each other.

Jay Heck, executive director of Common Cause In Wisconsin, a political watchdog group, said Black’s bill was a radical proposal that would completely change the way the state government operates.

Heck said Black’s bill would save the state a lot of money and would be a positive message in light recent corruptions in state government.

Heck said the size of the Legislature might not be the only way of trimming the government’s operating budget.

“Wisconsin’s Legislature meets fairly regularly. There are still states where they’re only in session for maybe three months every two years, and that’s it,” Heck said.

Heck said because of its unusualness, Black’s idea was easy to attack, but anything saving the state money and reforming the legislative culture should be considered.