Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Child Labor Law Reforms

February 16, 2022

Governor Disappoints Small Business

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Child Labor Law Reforms

Legislation that would have expanded the number of hours a student be allowed to work on days preceding a school day, and also days preceding a non-school day has been vetoed by Governor Tony Evers. Senate Bill 332, introduced by Senator Mary Felzkowski (Irma) and Representative Amy Loudenbeck (Clinton), was approved by the Senate on a voice vote, and passed the Assembly, 60-35. The bill had the strong support of NFIB, the Association of Tourism Attractions, Wisconsin Grocers Association, and the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association. The opponents included the League of Women Voters, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, Wisconsin Education Association Council. Governor Evers said he vetoed Senate Bill 332 because he felt the bill would “increase complexity for employers and would result in unintended consequences.” Senator Felzkowski, the bill’s author, responded to the Governor’s veto, “It’s incredibly unfortunate Governor Evers did not consider the positive effect this would have had on both our small businesses and the 14 and 15 year old’s they hire.” Representative Loudenbeck, co-author of the bill, said she also was disappointed with the Governor’s veto, “The bill was intended to help our smallest local Mom and Pop businesses. Governor Evers should have taken the time to talk to these small businesses to hear about this issue directly instead of simply vetoing it.” NFIB supported passage of the bill because it provided some modest revisions in child labor laws that would have helped small business employers with staffing shortages, and also maintain the key role small business plays providing a learning experience, provide additional employment opportunities, and could be very helpful for small employers struggling to fill job vacancies.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Wisconsin

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