Thousands of folks rally against Governor Walker's budget. (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
Chanting “Whose state? Our state,” protesters were back in full force as a state Supreme Court decision late in the day allows the controversial collective bargaining law to take effect. One protester says it’s not over yet. “Scott Walker and his cronies may have won this battle, but we will win this war.”
Republican leaders had said they would include the provisions of the law in the two-year budget currently being debated in the legislature if necessary, but the High Court’s decision just before 5:00 pm spared them from having to vote on it again. The ruling clears the way to dramatically reduce the ability of public workers to collectively bargain, and requires them to contribute to their benefits packages.
Governor Scott Walker first announced what he called his “budget repair” bill back in mid-February. Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch says they are “reviewing the Supreme Court’s order and will begin implementing Act 10 when appropriate.”