Gov. Walker signs bill undermining legal rights for veterans poisoned by asbestos

MADISON – Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement today after Gov. Walker privately signed a bill into law that will seriously undermine the legal rights of veterans who have been victims of asbestos poisoning:“I am extremely disappointed that Gov. Walker sided with corporate special interests over veterans and other workers who, through no fault of their own, have been harmed by exposure to asbestos – and it speaks volumes that the governor chose to sign this bill quickly and away from public scrutiny.“Major veterans’ organizations strongly opposed this bill and traveled the state to explain their hardships and how important it was for them to have their day in court. There were extremely compelling and moving arguments made by veterans and yet Gov. Walker and all the Republican legislators who voted for this bill chose to ignore their pleas.

“Here in Wisconsin, we have always honored and protected the brave men and women who have served and put their lives on the line for our country, and the bill the governor signed today does them a terrible disservice. Wisconsin is 35^th in the nation in job growth, yet this kind of extreme legislation appears to still be the top Republican priority.”

Mentioned in This Press Release