MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - The debate continues in the Wisconsin Assembly over Governor Scott Walker’s plan to balance the state budget and slash public union bargaining privileges.
By 5:30 Wednesday morning, the Assembly completed action on only seven of the 100-plus amendments offered by Democrats.
Majority Republicans have not approved any changes in a session that’s approaching 18 hours. And for the most part, they’ve sat quietly while Democrats have gone into a filibuster to delay a final vote on the package as long as possible.
Oconomowoc Republican Joel Kleefisch called the stalling tactics “ridiculous.” He said Democrats know that the GOP has enough votes to pass the bill, so they should just get on with it.
But Democrats said they must do what they can to hold up the package, saying it would cripple public unions. Milwaukee Democrat Fred Kessler calls it “Union Busting 101.” They said the unions have agreed to pay more for their health insurance and pensions, and there’s no need to go any further.
Republican Governor Walker says it’s not about the workers – it’s about letting local governments cut their labor costs when they get dramatic reductions in state aid next year.
Meanwhile, protestors continued to yell and pound on drums in the Capitol while watching the Assembly’s debate on large TV screens.
