Walker calls for Democrat senators to return for budget-bill vote

The budget repair bill, which would effectively strip collective bargaining rights from most public employees in Wisconsin, has been stalled.

The bill was derailed Thursday by Democratic senators, including Bob Jauch, D-Poplar. The 14 senators did not show up for the legislative session which led to a lack of quorum, essentially preventing a vote on the bill.

Walker sent out a call for them to return at 2:51 p.m.

“Out of respect for the institution of the Legislature and the democratic process, I am calling on Senate Democrats to show up to work today, debate legislation and cast their vote,” he said in the news release. “Their actions by leaving the state and hiding from voting are disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of public employees who showed up to work today and the millions of taxpayers they represent.”

Jauch responded with a news release of his own, accusing Walker of not listening to his constituents.

“Tens of thousands of citizens have petitioned legislative offices to change the bill,” he wrote. “I agree with them. They deserve more time to ensure their voice is heard.

“I am joining my Senate Democratic colleagues to exercise our role to slow this process down and give citizens further opportunity to affect positive changes to this radical plan,” Jauch said. “It’s time for the governor to do his job. The Governor is ignoring the citizens of Wisconsin who oppose his extreme plan and rightly expect him to assert leadership to bring us together and not tear us apart.”

Tags: legislature, news, wisconsin, politics