Republican legislators are challenging a Dane County judge’s ruling that struck down core parts of Wisconsin’s collective bargaining law, Act 10. The law made changes to government pension contributions, specifically stating that general government employees could not collectively bargain over retirement contributions and health insurance premiums, while public safety unions still could negotiate benefits. The Dane County judge ruled that this distinction between groups violated the Wisconsin Constitution’s equal protection clause. Since Act 10 was implemented, there has been a more equal split between governmental employers and employees in paying contributions to the state’s pension plan, the Wisconsin Retirement System. This change alone has saved state and local governments an estimated $5.2 billion. However, union members argue that taxpayers have been paying for Act 10 in other ways, such as a struggle to attract qualified teachers due to reduced benefits. Republican legislators have appealed the judge’s ruling, and the appeal process will take place in the Court of Appeals District II in Waukesha. This legal battle comes at a crucial time as Wisconsin prepares for its next major election with control of the state Supreme Court at stake. Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority, but a seat held by a liberal justice will be on the ballot in April, potentially shifting the balance of power.
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