Legislative Reference Bureau Drafts Union Bill The Wisconsin Idea

On Friday March 25, 2011 The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau drafted the union bill. Wisconsin's Legislative Reference Bureau is located in suite 200, 1 east main street, (PO box 2037)Madison, WI 53701. Headed by Stephen Miller the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau is a clearing house for information on public affairs.

Recall that on March 11, 2011 Wisconsin held a special committee meeting of lawmakers which resulted in passage of a bill that removes collective bargaining rights from workers. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed with Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi to block the bill stating the legislative committee violated the states open meetings law.

The open meeting law has been in place in Wisconsin since 1959. Open meeting law is known as the sunshine law, which guarantees public has sunlight on processes and public is always aware of what is going on.

Recall that on Friday March 18, 2011 Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a ruling to halt the publishing of the union bill. The ruling prevented Secretary of State Doug La Follette from publishing the law. Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi ruled that the open meeting laws were violated when a special committee met to reformat the budget repair bill, and in turn creating a bill dealing specifically with collective bargaining for state workers.

The restraining order by Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi blocked Secretary of State Doug La Follette , but the bill was then drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau, which was not included in the Judges ruling. The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau is the bill drafting agency of the general assembly.

Recall that on Thursday March 24, 2011 a three judge panel of the fourth district court of appeals sent the union bill to the state supreme court.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this legislation as it unfolds.