Governor Scott Walker delivers his fifth state of the state address. (FILE PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
After saying for months that taking up right-to-work legislation would be a distraction from other priorities facing Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker’s staff indicated this morning that he will sign legislation if it makes it to his desk.
Republican leaders announced Friday morning that they plan to call an extraordinary session next week to take up a right-to-work proposal, which would keep employers from requiring union membership as a condition of employment. Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said he has the votes needed to pass the measure, and hopes to have it through his chamber by Thursday of next week.
Since the issue first came up after the November elections, the governor has maintained that the bill is not a priority for him. Walker spokesman Laurel Patrick reiterated Friday in a statement that “Governor Walker continues to focus on budget priorities to grow our economy and to streamline state government. With that said, Governor Walker co-sponsored right-to-work legislation as a lawmaker and supports the policy. If this bill makes it to his desk, Governor Walker will sign it into law.”
Republicans were expected to formally introduce the legislation Friday afternoon.