Wisconsin’s Century-Long Battle with Daylight Saving Time
On March 9, Americans in 48 out of 50 states will wake up with one less hour in the day, as daylight saving time (DST) begins once again. The practice, which has been federal law since 1966, continues to be a topic of debate across the country. However, Wisconsin’s struggle with DST dates back even further, with a history of resistance and controversy spanning more than a century.
The Early Days of DST in Wisconsin
When President Woodrow Wilson signed the Standard Time Act in March 1918, it was meant as a wartime measure to conserve energy by making better use of natural daylight. At the time, Wisconsin residents complied, with Governor Emanuel L. Philipp declaring it a “patriotic duty” to support the change. The idea was simple: More daylight meant less need for artificial lighting, ultimately reducing fuel consumption during World War I.
However, not everyone was on board. Farmers and those in the agricultural industry quickly raised concerns. The new time system disrupted the natural rhythms of their work, as cows and other livestock did not adjust their schedules to match the clocks. Many argued that the time shift made farm life more difficult rather than beneficial.
Wisconsin Pushes Back Against DST
By 1923, the resistance had grown strong enough to prompt action at the state level. That year, Wisconsin lawmakers officially rejected daylight saving time. Governor John James Blaine signed a bill that prohibited the practice throughout the state. The Iron County News of Hurley, Wisconsin, even mocked the idea of changing clocks, stating in a June 16 article that “tampering with clocks has ceased to be a municipal pastime.”
Despite the legislative ban, the battle was far from over. Business owners in urban areas like Madison and Milwaukee continued to push for DST, arguing that the extra daylight in the evening was beneficial for commerce and recreation. The issue remained a source of conflict for decades, with repeated attempts to overturn the 1923 decision.
In 1931, the state doubled down by passing an even stricter law that not only rejected DST but also imposed penalties for non-compliance. Under this law, anyone who operated on daylight saving time instead of Central Standard Time (CST) could face fines or even up to 30 days in jail.
Wisconsin Finally Adopts DST—But Not Without a Fight
Despite ongoing opposition, daylight saving time eventually gained enough support to be reinstated in Wisconsin. In April 1957, a statewide referendum on the issue passed with 54.63% of voters in favor of adopting DST. After decades of resistance, Wisconsin finally joined the ranks of states observing the seasonal time change.
Even though DST had officially become law in Wisconsin, the debate never completely faded. Over the years, various lawmakers and citizens continued to question the necessity and effectiveness of the practice. Some argued that the benefits of daylight saving time were outdated, particularly as modern technology reduced the need for energy conservation through adjusted daylight hours.
Recent Attempts to Eliminate DST in Wisconsin
Though Wisconsin has observed DST since 1957, efforts to repeal it have surfaced in recent years. In 2017, two Wisconsin lawmakers introduced a bill attempting to eliminate daylight saving time once again. However, their efforts failed to gain traction, and the proposal ultimately did not pass.
The debate is not limited to Wisconsin. Across the United States, public opinion remains divided on whether daylight saving time should continue. According to recent polls, more than half of Americans support ending the practice altogether.
The National Debate: The Sunshine Protection Act and Public Opinion
At the federal level, discussions about daylight saving time have persisted for years. The Sunshine Protection Act, a Congressional bill that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, has been stalled in Congress since 2022. Supporters argue that keeping DST year-round would reduce seasonal disruptions, improve public health, and enhance economic activity. Opponents, however, claim that the biannual time change helps maintain a balance between daylight hours and traditional work schedules.
Even former President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, initially promising in December 2024 to get rid of DST. However, he later acknowledged that the issue remains controversial, calling it a “50-50 issue” due to the divided public opinion.
The Future of DST in Wisconsin and Beyond
As another daylight saving time transition approaches on March 9, the debate continues. While Wisconsin has now observed DST for decades, its history of resistance highlights the deeply rooted conflicts surrounding the practice. Whether DST remains a permanent fixture or is eventually abolished, Wisconsin’s long-standing struggle with time changes serves as a reminder of the complexities behind what may seem like a simple adjustment.
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