The controversial bill denying Wisconsin state workers the right to collective bargaining has been passed by the Wisconsin Assembly. The Wisconsin Assembly passing the bill does not mean it is now law, as the Assembly is the lower house of the state legislature of Wisconsin. Before the bill can go to Gov. Walker, it has to pass the Wisconsin Senate.
Too few members of the Wisconsin State Senate means the bill cannot pass
Collective bargaining rights are likely to be taken away from the state unionized employees with the Wisconsin Assembly SB11 bill that has passed. There isn’t enough Wisconsin U.S. Senate present to vote on the bill though. MSNBC reports that this will mean the bill could be stuck not going anywhere. There has to be 20 individuals minimum to vote on the bill while right now only 19 members are present. The capital was left by 14 Democrats that didn't want to vote on the bill. These are the ones missing for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate. The legislation can't be voted on until their return. That means no laws can pass.
Democrats did not realize it was finally taking place
The controversial bill was passed in a manner that Wisconsin Democrats view as dishonest. Wisconsin Assembly Republicans voted for a roll call vote after killing the debate after there were 60 hrs of debate with Democrats filibustering with extra amendments for the bill. Bloomberg explains that 28 individuals did not even get a chance to vote in how easily it happened. Democrats did not even realize what was taking place. Since the Senate Democrats are in Urbana, Ill., right now, the Wisconsin state troopers sent to their homes to get them for the vote didn't work.
Governor didn't want to cooperate
Gov. Scott Walker, recently the subject of a prank call in which he made questionable statements to a male he thought was campaign donor Koch, has declined to work with unions at all in resolving the Wisconsin state budget woes. Unions agreed to absorb more costs for pension and health care plans which the bill requires. However, the affected unions have maintained they have to retain collective bargaining rights, which Walker refuses to bargain on. You will find a couple of specific unions that can keep collective bargaining rights. This contains unions for firefighters and police in Wisconsin.
Citations
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/41774667/ns/politics-more_politics
Bloomberg
bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/wisconsin-assembly-passes-bill-curbing-unions-collective-bargaining-power.html
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