DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – Governor Walker stopped in De Pere Monday for a bill signing.
Outside the Amerilux International facility, the governor put pen to paper on Senate Bill 3, which prohibits local governments from requiring contractors working on public projects to use collective bargaining agreements.
Supporters say the bill gives non-union firms more chances to win public work while opponents call it another attempt to limit union influence in Wisconsin.
Walker says “this is really a taxpayers’ protection act when it comes to local and statewide projects. We want to make sure the taxpayers get the best value possible, and that’s what this new law does.”
Similar laws are already in place in more than 20 states.
The governor also discussed Senate Bill 10, which he would sign into law in Burlington later that day.
It legalizes using the marijuana extra Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, to treat seizures.
CBD oil does not produce a high, and a doctor would need to authorize a patient’s usage.
While the measure passed through the legislature this spring, a similar version stalled last session.
Lawmakers were afraid it would lead to the complete legalization of marijuana.
Walker shares the stance and says the bill was carefully crafted to prevent that from happening.
“They repeatedly in law enforcment have told me that they’re concerned about legalizing marijuana outright, because that’s a gateway drug. It would open a door in an area we’ve already got big problems.”
For years, the governor says parents of children suffering from seizures have pushed for access to CBD oil.
In addition, Walker commented on President Trump’s planned Tuesday visit to Kenosha’s Snap-On headquarters.
Governor Walker hopes the commander-in-chief will focus on a topic important to many Wisconsin communities: “manufacturing jobs and highlighting skilled trades.”
Walker, who will be in attendance, also plans to speak privately with Trump “regarding Canada and the dairy industry and the areas we think are in violation of trade agreements, both now and in the past.”
Wisconsin dairy farmers have noted difficulties selling their milk due to Canadian duties placed on imports classified as ‘ultra-filtered milk.’
Roughly 75% of Wisconsin dairy farmers are reportedly left with no market as a result.
Tuesday’s stop would be President Trump’s first in the Badger State since his January inauguration.
A planned February trip to Menomonee Falls’ Harley Davidson location was called off amid concerns over planned protests.
