Latest possible Wisconsin budget deal rejected

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Another possible solution to the impasse over a bill taking away collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin has been rejected by the Republican Senate leader.

Democratic Minority Leader Mark Miller sent a letter Wednesday to Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald proposing that all parts of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal be passed except those that don’t directly affect the budget.

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau identified the collective bargaining piece is a policy issue not related to the budget. But Walker has argued it is budget-related because the changes he is proposing would help local communities deal with coming budget cuts.

Fitzgerald said in a response that the bill can’t be amended and Democrats gave up their chance to make changes when they left the state in protest.