Senate GOP Has the Votes to Pass Budget

Wisconsin senators have started their debate on the proposed two-year state budget, amid word that majority Republicans now have enough votes to pass it. Minority Democrats have been bringing up their suggestions for amendments. By mid-afternoon, only the second of 16 Democratic proposals had been considered, with the first defeated 20-13. It was not immediately known who changed his mind after holding out for several items, including a requirement to get voter approval before raising local wheel taxes, moving up a repeal of the prevailing wage for state construction, and banning diversity training for U-W students.