Capitol Chaos: Local Officials To Battle Bill

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Local government officials from across Wisconsin are publicly registering their opposition to Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to cut most collective bargaining for nearly all state employees.

More than 200 mayors, school board presidents and other local officials held a news conference at the Capitol Wednesday to voice their objections to Walker's budget repair bill.

The group, representing at least 20 cities, 41 towns and 22 counties, has sent a letter to the governor asking him to restore collective bargaining to his bill.

The officials say the proposal harms their ability to find common ground with municipal and county employees when crafting budgets.

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, says they won't compromise on their request. Other local leaders, including Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, have supported Walker's bill.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
 

Raw Video:
• Gov. Walker's 'Fireside Chat'
• Democratic Response

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TODAY'S TMJ4 I-Team: Buried in the Bill
• Part 1
• Part 2

Live video:
• Click here to watch the debate live

More: 
• Click here to read the original budget bill