Thursday, January 20, 2011
6:59 PM
Assembly approves tort reform
The Assembly voted 57-36 to approve the guv's tort reform bill this evening, clearing the way for the first special session bill to go to his desk.
Republicans turned back some 20 amendments seeking to pull out caps on damages for sexual assault victims, remove changes in standards for expert witness testimony and other provisions.
Dems also complained frequently that the special session was called to deal with job creation, but the overhaul of the state's liability laws would do nothing to accomplish that goal.
"Nobody is going to go to work tomorrow because this bill passes," said Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha.
Republicans largely allow Dems to propose their amendments without much debate before tabling them. But Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, took the microphone to chide Rep. Joe Parisi, D-Madison, for what he said were over-the-top attacks on Republicans.
He also knocked Dems for failing to pass more job creation efforts while they were still in charge last session.
"This is about changing the culture here in Wisconsin," Fitzgerald said. "It's about getting people back to work."
Quorum Call site feed
Post a Comment