Madison, Wis. (WHBL-Learfield) - Wisconsin’s G-O-P Senate leaders say they’ll drop their contempt ruling and fines against 14 minority Democrats who fled to Illinois to delay a vote on the union bargaining restrictions. The Senate’s Organization Committee voted 3-nothing yesterday to stop enforcing its actions against Democrats – which included fines of 100-dollars each day they were gone. But the two Democrats on the panel never got a chance to vote, and the contempt order will technically stay in effect until the full Senate rescinds it next month. Still, Republican Senate President Mike Ellis says it’s time to stop the bickering and “get on with the people’s business.” And Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said he was promised that Democrats would not bolt again during the upcoming debate on the next state budget. Minority Leader Mark Miller said the end of the contempt finding would bring back a “sense of normalcy” to the Senate. But Miller said he never promised Fitzgerald he wouldn’t bolt again – and he’s not sure who did. Fitzgerald wouldn’t say. Miller also said he would oppose a constitutional amendment proposed by fellow Democrat Tim Cullen of Janesville to discourage future walkouts. It would end the requirement that 60-percent of senators need to vote on fiscal bills, with only a simple majority needed instead. Cullen said the most recent walkout was justified, but his amendment would make sure it doesn’t happen again. Fitzgerald said he favored the amendment. But Miller said the framers of the Constitution put in the 60-percent voting requirement to protect citizens, and to drop it would be an over-reaction. He also said it’s unlikely Democrats would walk out over the budget.
