A Dane County Judge’s decision to void passage of the Governor’s collective bargaining bill draws praise from Democrats, while Republicans contend it will not be the last word on the issue.
Opponents of the Governor’s bill say the decision proves the GOP violated the Open Meetings Law in March, when leaders called a conference committee hearing to vote on the measure with less than two hours notice. Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) says it’s part of a pattern with the GOP of not respecting the rules or the process.
Senate Democratic Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) says the ruling shows Republicans ignored the law in their push to pass the bill quickly.
In a statement, Republican Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) maintained that the bill was passed and signed into law legally. Both the Speaker and Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) note that the Supreme Court will have the ultimate decision, when it hears arguments on whether to take up the legal challenge next month.
Governor Scott Walker says the state’s legal team will continue with the Supreme Court challenge, but he has not ruled out the Legislature voting on the bill a second time.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on June 6th.
