Democrats: Last-Minute, Marathon Floor Sessions Shut Out The Public

Minority Democrats in the state Legislature are saying that Tuesday’s marathon schedule shuts the public out of the process.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca said prior to the floor session that the schedule set by majority Republicans cuts the opportunity for public input out of the legislative process.

“When they set up calendars like that, it’s specifically to make sure that the public is not aware of all of the harmful things that they’re doing,” said Barca.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, however, told reporters this is normal for the end of session.

“It’s just the end where we always get to that point, where people want to get stuff done,” he said.

The Senate and Assembly are both expected to meet late into the night. Their agenda includes bills that would change funding for public schools and allow online voter registration.

The Assembly is scheduled to return Wednesday and Thursday before adjourning for the year.