MADISON, Wis. – Police officers were dispatched Thursday to find Wisconsin state lawmakers who had apparently boycotted a vote on a sweeping bill that would strip most government workers of their collective bargaining rights.
The lawmakers, all Democrats in the state Senate, did not show up when they were ordered to attend a midday vote on the legislation.
The proposal has been the focus of intense protests at the Statehouse for three days. As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed "Freedom! Democracy! Unions!"
Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill.
"Today they checked out, and I'm not sure where they're at," Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. "This is the ultimate shutdown, what we're seeing today."
Democratic Minority Leader Mark Miller released a statement on behalf of all Democrats urging Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans to listen to opponents of the measure and seek a compromise. His statement did not address where Democrats were or when they planned to return.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110217/ap_on_re_us/us_wisconsin_budget_unions
Shutting down the unions for government workers? Seems like a terrible idea, then the workers won't work and you essentially shut down the government. I hope the Democrats get some good support.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Republicans need to work with the democrats instead of just shouting over them like they have the last year and a half. This is just coming from their utter lack of respect for democrats.
ReplyDeletedemocrats all the way man, republicans don't know what they are doing most of the time
ReplyDeleteSure would be nice to get paid for a job you don't even have to be at.
ReplyDeleteWow, boycotting to vote on a bill? Doesn't that seem a bit anti-democracy?
ReplyDeleteFinally these cops are thinking smarter.
ReplyDeleteCops out looking for members of the Govt who should be at work...yeah there's a valid use of tax payers funds!!
ReplyDeleteAnyone hear about american indeciciveness on the middle eastern crisis? Following
ReplyDeleteFinally!
ReplyDeleteGood thing to know that some things are turning out good for some people xD
about time, politicians need to be under the microscope more.
ReplyDeleteWow, didn't even show up?
ReplyDeleteNice post man! :) Love the blog, keep it up! Following and supporting!
ReplyDeletewow cops doing something remotely intelligent?
ReplyDeleteI wish I where a politician, now that's a good career right there.
ReplyDeletei wonder if their boycotting will help at all
ReplyDeletehttp://skybluetrading.blogspot.com/
Hmm thanks for the info, great poist!
ReplyDeleteThe Democrats are just barely holding USA together right now. They have to take extreme measures such as this. I don't think Republicans fully realize the damage they've done to America's economy and the whole worlds.
ReplyDeleteWhat, cops doing that? WHat has the world come to :P
ReplyDeleteNothing good ever came out from the democrats...
ReplyDelete