Senator Steve Nass
A state senator is blasting a decision by Republican leaders not to schedule a vote on a bill targeting so-called sanctuary cities.
The legislation would fine cities with policies in place that prevent government agencies from asking about the immigration status of someone charged with a crime. It passed out of the Assembly earlier this year, but is not included on the calendar for Tuesday’s Senate session – the last time the chamber is expected to meet this year.
In a statement, Republican Senator Steve Nass of Whitewater called the decision not to take up the measure a “prime example of the adherence to political correctness,” which he argued only serves to anger those with common sense.
The proposal sparked a massive protest at the Capitol last month, with nearly 20,000 people rallying at the building to call on lawmakers to stop the measure from advancing further. Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said after the demonstration that none of his members had indicated the bill was a top priority for them, while Governor Scott Walker also indicated he was fine with the legislation not making it to his desk this session.