Score one for the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.
After the Walker administration mocked and threatened to flout the authority of Judge Maryann Sumi over its union-busting bill, the judge issued an order at 8:15 Thursday morning stating unequivocally that the law was "not in effect."
Her order states:
"Based on the briefs of counsel, the uncontroverted testimony, and the evidence at the March 29, 2011, evidentiary hearing, it is hereby DECLARED" that the anti-union bill "has not been published within the meaning" of the required statutes and is "therefore not in effect."
Finally, the Walker administration has decided to back down.
Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch "said the agency will suspend implementation of the legislation, even though he continues to believe it was properly published and is law," according to Wispolitics.com.
For the moment, at least, a constitutional showdown appears to have been averted.
If you liked this story by Matthew Rothschild, the editor of The Progressive magazine, check out his story "Walker and Cronies Are Lawless Bastards!."
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