A law voiding a Milwaukee ordinance, which requires large businesses to provide paid sick days, passed the state Assembly Tuesday with Gov. Scott Walker's support before the it was able to take effect.
Republicans argued the ordinance would hurt economic growth because it would cost businesses more money and create inconsistencies across the state, making compliance more difficult for organizations.
""It would be difficult for job creators in Milwaukee if they were an island on this issue,"" Walker said. ""I think there's grave concern from the mayor, from other civic and business leaders in that city that they not be in a position where it's difficult to both retain and attract employers there.""
Democrats argued Republicans are hurting the ability of local communities to make their own decisions and are overriding the will of the people, while simultaneously hurting health care for workers in Milwaukee.
""You either believe in local control or you don't. You either believe in democracy or you don't,"" state Rep. Chris Danou, D-Trempealeau, said. ""The people of that particular municipality spoke. They spoke. They made their decision. We're going to second guess them now?""
The ordinance originally passed in November 2008 with 69 percent of the vote, but has been held up in legal challenges, ending in a split vote from the state Supreme Court, as Justice Annette Ziegler recused herself. The split vote resulted in a default to the appellate court's decision upholding the bill. The state Senate unanimously passed the bill while the Democrats were in Illinois.
—Patrick Tricker
