MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Assembly Democrats are keeping the state up all night as they debate a Republican bill that would strip public workers of their collective bargaining rights.
The bill has been a flashpoint of contention. Tens of thousands of protesters have descended on the state Capitol to join demonstrations. Senate Democrats have fled the state to block a vote in that chamber.
The Republican-controlled Assembly convened around noon Tuesday to take up the measure. Democrats immediately launched a filibuster that was still going strong early Wednesday morning.
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, a Horicon Republican, countered the bill would save money. But most of his fellow Republicans are sitting silently in their seats as Democrats drone on.
It was unclear when the body would vote.
