Protesters Removed From Wis. Capitol Before Vote

Wis. gov. officially cuts collective bargaining

(AP) – 2 hours ago

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has officially taken away nearly all collective bargaining rights from the vast majority of the state's public employees.

Walker signed the bill to do so privately Friday morning. He planned an afternoon news conference in the Capitol.

The explosive measure passed the Assembly on Thursday following more than three weeks of protests that drew tens of thousands of people to the Capitol in opposition. The Senate cleared the way for passage with a surprise move Wednesday that allowed them to vote on the bill without 14 Democratic senators present.

Walker has said if the bill didn't pass up to 1,500 state workers could be laid off. He rescinded the layoff notices Friday morning.

Information from: WTMJ-AM, http://www.620wtmj.com

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