There's a big incentive for legislative leaders to quickly work out their differences over a budget repair bill.
It's called an election year, says Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance President Todd Berry. He says lawmakers, regardless of party, want to be re-elected. Staying in Madison to fight out a prolonged battle over the budget repair bill will keep them off the campaign trail and puts bad news out there.
However, Berry says there are major differences between Republicans and Democrats that need to be resolved. Democrats are calling for new taxes and Republicans want spending cuts to wipe out a nearly $530 million deficit.