Senate chambers
The Wisconsin state Senate has begun debate on right-to-work legislation. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) offered a primer on labor history in his opening remarks about the bill, SB-44.
Fitzgerald said the bill provides workplace freedom and makes Wisconsin more attractive to businesses. “There will be no more important jobs bill in this chamber over the next two years than the one that is before us today,” Fitzgerald said.
Democrats thus far have offered just two amendments to the controversial measure. “This bill is going to drive down family wages,” said Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse).
Wednesday’s debate followed a day long committee hearing on the bill on Tuesday, as Republican leaders have put the legislation on the fast track.