Wis. Republicans Press Forward on Anti-union Bill

MADISON, Wis. — As Republicans in Ohio edge back on a bill that would strip public workers of their union rights, their counterparts in Wisconsin are slogging ahead on a similar proposal.

Both bills would take away many public workers' right to collectively bargain benefits and work conditions. Wisconsin's preserves their right to negotiate wages, and Ohio Republicans agreed to do the same Wednesday.

In Wisconsin, the Assembly has been debating the measure since Tuesday morning, with only a few short breaks. Senate Democrats are still missing, preventing that chamber from taking up the bill.

Republicans in both states maintain the measures would limit spending by giving local governments more flexibility in dealing with workers. Democrats and unions say the bills are political attacks on Democratic allies.