Illinois' next right-to-work competitor: Wisconsin

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

The Wisconsin Assembly passed a labor bill that may bolster Governor Scott Walker's presidential ambitions after more than 19 hours of debate punctuated by police escorting out protesters and Republican complaints about Democratic “derangement syndrome.”

Opponents spoke for more than 10 of those hours on a motion they ultimately withdrew that would have referred the measure to a committee for yet more argument. They offered amendments that they knew wouldn't be accepted. One lawmaker spoke in verse. Yet the outcome Friday was never in doubt after what Democratic Representative Robb Kahl called “a really bad play with ugly actors.”

The Assembly granted final approval of the right-to-work bill that allows employees in union workplaces to opt out of dues and membership 62-35 along party lines. It will make Wisconsin the 25th U.S. state to enact such a law, joining neighboring Iowa, Indiana and Michigan.

“This freedom-to-work legislation will give workers the freedom to choose whether or not they want to join a union, and employers another compelling reason to consider expanding or moving their business to Wisconsin,” Walker said in a statement. “I look forward to signing it into law on Monday.”

Monday , Wisconsin will become more free.