Friday, February 25, 2011

With No ‘SHAME,’ Republicans Ram Walker’s Bill Through Assembly | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG #wiunion #wisolidarity

With No ‘SHAME,’ Republicans Ram Walker’s Bill Through Assembly | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

With No ‘SHAME,’ Republicans Ram Walker’s Bill Through Assembly

by Mike Hall, Feb 25, 2011

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The Republican-controlled Wisconsin State Assemblyearly this morning unexpectedly cut off debate and quick-marched a vote on Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) bill to eliminate the right of public service workers to bargain for middle-class jobs

The bill passed 51-17 with 28 lawmakers—all Democrats, three Republicans and an independent—abstaining in protest. The bill still must pass the state Senate and Wisconsin workers continue their fight against the bill.

There were still more than 15 speakers still scheduled to speak out against the attack on workers and more amendments poised for votes. But according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Republican leaders invoked rarely used rule to end the debate before voting on the bill.

That rule requires a motion seconded by 15 members and then a roll call vote. Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller said afterward he was not sure whether that had occurred, saying he had heard the order to start a vote on the final passage of the bill