The following is a statement from Senator Wanggaard regarding a request from Seantor Bob Wirch to give Senate Bill 233, which reinstates collective bargaining priveleges for some state employee union members, a public hearing.  Senator Wirch accused Republicans of not allowing citizens the chance to have their voices heard:

"Instead of a politically-motivated rehash of reforms that are working and saving taxpayer money, my focus continues to be improving Wisconsin’s economy. My constituents are tired of the political “gotcha” games and partisan fighting. I remain committed to their goal of bringing more family-supporting jobs to Racine and Wisconsin.

The Act 10 collective bargaining reforms requiring government employees to make pension and health care contributions became law just four months ago. Specific examples of Act 10 successes, including a tally of taxpayer savings can be found at www.reforms.wi.gov.

These reforms took place amid historic debate in Wisconsin. The Joint Committee on Finance held the longest public hearing in Wisconsin history. The Assembly debated the issue in open session for a record 61 hours. While Senate Democrats abandoned Wisconsin for three weeks, the issue was aired and debated constantly, in public and in private, in the Capitol, in Racine, and across the state. We had a Supreme Court election that was called a “referendum” on the changes, and nine recall elections that were called “referendums.” Arguing that people’s voices haven’t had a chance to be heard is ludicrous.

While others are apparently only interested in scoring points with their political base, my top priority has been and continues be the same as my constituents - job creation."