Protesters at a “Day without Latinos” rally. (File photo: WRN)
Governor Scott Walker says he does not expect a bill targeting so-called sanctuary cities in Wisconsin to pass the state Senate, and he’s fine with it not making it to his desk this session.
The bill, which cleared the Assembly earlier this month, would fine local governments who enforce polices that prevent agencies from asking about the immigration status of anyone charged with a crime. Some conservative lawmakers have called on Senate leadership to schedule a vote on the measure, but Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) has raised doubts about whether it has the support to pass the chamber.
Asked about whether he thinks the Senate should pass the measure during a stop in Madison Wednesday, Walker said “I don’t think they’re going to, and I’m just fine with that.”
The governor said his priorities are legislation he believes will help improve the economy, such as a college affordability package and changes to the administrative rule process. “My hope is that the Senate will spend its time focused on issues that relate to building a better economy, helping people get the skills and the education they need to be successful, and to make college and other areas of post-high school education more affordable,” Walker said.
The Senate will be on the floor in mid-March for what’s expected to be its final session day of the year. The Assembly wrapped up its final floor period last week.