Madison — The Senate abruptly passed a controversial budget-repair bill Wednesday night – without Democrats – and sent the measure to the Assembly, which is expected to pass it Thursday.
The bill eliminates almost all collective bargaining for public workers.
It passed18-1, with Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) casting the no vote. The Assembly passed an almost identical version of the bill Feb. 25.
None of the 14 Senate Democrats was present for Wednesday’s vote.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) said they would be back by Thursday. They had been able to block a vote on the bill for three weeks because 20 senators had to be present to vote for it. Republicans control the house 19-14.
Full Story: Senate advances collective bargaining changes; Democrats to return Thursday – JSOnline