Some Wisconsin lawmakers are pushing for local governments to have more control over labor mandates, despite state preemptive laws that prohibit this.
Under the Local Wage Act, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Subeck (Madison), Sen. Dave Hansen (Green Bay), and Sen. LaTonya Johnson (Milwaukee), local governments would be able to raise the minimum wage and enact Family and Medical Leave standards.
This proposal responds to AB 748 which would prohibit local governments from enacting their own labor-related laws. Specifically, it would:
- Create uniform, statewide standards for hours of employment and wage claims
- Prevent local governments from implementing redundant occupational licenses
- Eliminate mandated pay scales for employers contracting with local governments
- Allow employers to seek salary information from prospective employees
AB 748 has been approved by the Assembly and is 79 percent supported by NFIB/WI members.
AB 772, meanwhile, would streamline state and federal family medical leave laws. Under the bill, employers who are required to comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act would be exempt from the state family and medical leave law. The goal is to establish consistency between the two laws and make compliance easier and less expensive for employers.
