Focus bipartisan energy on putting people back to work

MADISON – On the first day of active session the Wisconsin Assembly passed rules to govern the body. After many intense discussions, leaders agreed upon bipartisan rules to help reach their mutual goal of curbing late night sessions.

First Amendment and other restrictions placed on citizens observing the Assembly from the gallery were more contentious and partisan. Also troubling was allowing one committee to use mailed-in paper ballots, which cuts the public out of the process, eliminates deliberation and undermines democracy.

At the conclusion of the session day, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement:

“Moving forward it is vital that we replicate this bipartisanship and cooperation to immediately move forward on job creation and helping middle-class families.

“One of my top priorities is closing the skills gap so that unemployed workers have the skills employers need. I have discussed this frequently with colleagues, constituents, media and Republicans, including Gov. Walker, and believe this could be our next bipartisan success.

“Now that the debate on rules is behind us, let’s devote at least as much energy toward working together on the people’s priorities – let’s put the people of Wisconsin back to work.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.