As discussion begins on the PLA bill, Dem senators lined up in opposition to the legislation, as few Republicans defended the bill. Decrying the bill as “anti-worker,” the Dems warned the legislation would roll back local control. They added the bill should not be a priority for the Senate. But Republicans pushed back, saying the bill merely increases options for local governments while allowing more contractors an opportunity to get involved in projects. Addressing her GOP colleagues, Sen. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, said the PLA bill would run in opposition to the governor’s call to build up the state’s work force. “Unfortunately what you’re doing is going to fly in the

Two amendments to the PLA bill were tabled as discussion on project labor agreements began. One amendment would have given preference to a contractor who is a minority business or a woman’s business. It was tabled following an 18-13 vote. Sen. Lena Taylor spoke on behalf of the amendment, urging her fellow senators that a vote for this amendment is “a vote that says we want to do better” for minorities and women in business. The second amendment would have given preference to a contractor who is a veteran. It was voted down 19-13. Sen. Leah Vukmir spoke in opposition to both amendments and

The Senate has gaveled back in after a short recess and will take up the project labor agreements bill. The PLA bill, authored by Rep. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, and Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Brookfield, would prohibit local governments from requiring companies bidding on their construction projects to enter into project labor agreements.  Check Quorum Call for updates on the bill.