Wisconsin Senate Passes Right-to-Work Bill Amid Protests

The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a fast-tracked right-to-work bill with no Democratic support.

The measure now heads to the state Assembly, which plans to take it up next week. Gov. Scott Walker has said he will sign it into law.

The 17-15 vote Wednesday came after nearly eight hours of debate. Democrats argue right-to-work would be bad for workers, wasn't wanted by businesses and would hurt the state's economy.

Republican supporters say it will give workers the freedom to decide whether to pay union dues and will attract more business to the state.

All Republicans voted for the measure except Sen. Jerry Petrowski, of Marathon. He says he's not convinced it will be beneficial.

Several people were removed from the galleries for disrupting the debate throughout the day.

Copyright The Associated Press
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