Wis. Assembly passes anti-union bill

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Assembly yesterday gave final approval to a GOP measure that sharply limits collective-bargaining rights for most public employees.

By 53-42, the Assembly passed the measure, an expected step after the State Senate approved the proposal Wednesday night despite a boycott by all 14 of the Democratic lawmakers.

Democrats fled the state Feb. 17, denying the Senate a quorum, but Republicans modified the bill so that a simple majority was sufficient to pass the plan proposed by Gov. Scott Walker and send it to the Assembly.

Even though passage was expected, it didn't stop the fiery words that have monopolized Wisconsin politics for almost a month.

Tens of thousands of people have protested for more than three weeks outside and inside the Capitol. Yesterday morning, hundreds clogged hallways and some security checkpoints, forcing police to clear the areas and to even shut down the Capitol for a time. The confrontations delayed the start of the Assembly's deliberations by about two hours with the outcome in the GOP-controlled body assured.

As a prayer was offered before the Assembly session began just after 12:30 p.m., people in the gallery shouted, "Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker" at Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, who had just finished talking. The shouts drowned out much of the prayer.

A few minutes later, Democratic state Rep. Joe Parisi introduced the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who received a standing ovation from protesters in the gallery. Jackson then led the Assembly in prayer, encouraging lawmakers to hold hands across the aisles in the chamber. But that gesture was lost amid the muffled sounds of protesters' chants and drums that served as a discordant harmonic backdrop to the Assembly's deliberations. On the floor, the debate was less about the issues than about who should be politically blamed. Democrats and Republicans exchanged charges about who was trying to trick the other and who was engaged in political theater.

After several hours, the Assembly acted and the measure now goes to Walker, who has said he will sign it. Democrats are expected to fight the plan in the courts and have started recall campaigns against some Republicans.

WISCONSIN'S NEW RULES

No collective bargaining for most public workers over benefits, vacations and workplace safety. Police and firefighters exempt.

Require unions to hold a vote every year to stay in existence.

Make the payment of union dues voluntary.

Require state workers to contribute 5.8% of their salary toward pensions and pay 12.6% of their health insurance costs. Those changes amount to an average 8% pay cut.

Give broad authority to the governor to make cuts and other changes to Medicaid programs benefiting the poor, disabled and elderly without legislative approval and regardless of current law.