Judge Sumi Blocks bill Round 2

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 5:14 PM Sumi blocks further implementation of collective bargaining bill Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi issued an order this afternoon blocking further implementation of the collective bargaining bill.Sumi stopped short of signing off on a proposed declaration that publication by the Legislative Reference Bureau does not make the law take effect. But she made clear during her ruling that "further implementation of the act is enjoined."The judge reiterated that lawmakers could easily implement the law through another, properly noticed committee hearing and legislative vote, commenting that "when taxpayers are paying the bill, that needs to be part of the discussion" of continuing litigation.Sumi also warned that those who act "in willful defiance of a court order" not only may subject themselves to sanctions, but endanger the financial and governmental health of the state.Dane Co. DA Ishmael Ozanne requested that the order include the declaration that the law was not in effect, saying, "We believe there's a strong public interest in people knowing today ... what the status is."Sumi struck that portion of the order, saying that testimony on that issue has not concluded. The case is set to resume Friday.Assistant AG Steven Means said after the ruling that the state's position remains that the budget repair bill is the law of the land following publication by LRB.-- By Andy Szal http://budget.wispolitics.com/