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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talks about the budget bill Friday.
AP photo
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Friday signed into law the proposal that eliminates most union rights for public employees, saying he had “no doubt” that support for the measure would grow over time.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Walker said once the public sees government becoming more efficient, support for the changes will increase.
“What we’re doing here, I think, is progressive. It’s innovative. It’s reform that leads the country, and we’re showing there’s a better way by sharing in that sacrifice with all of us in government,” he said.
Walker signed the legislation in private Friday morning. At a ceremonial signing later in the day, he said the new law would be “good for the middle class for years to come.”
The governor insisted the proposal was necessary to balance the state budget
On Friday, the Democratic executive of Dane County asked a court to find passage of the law to be unconstitutional, arguing in part that it was adopted without the required quorum. A judge denied an emergency request to block the measure and scheduled a longer hearing for Wednesday.
Labor leaders and Democrats vowed to use the setback to fire up supporters.