QUOTES: Local Leaders React to Act 10 Being Ruled Unconstitutional

The law that ended most collective bargaining rights for public employees was .

Dane County Circuit Judge Juan Colas on Friday ruled that the budget repair bill was null and void because the law violates both the state and U.S. Constitutions. Specifically, the law violates the guarantee of freedom of speech and citizens' freedom of association.

Gov. Scott Walker issued the following statement after the ruling was announced:

"The people of Wisconsin clearly spoke on June 5th. Now, they are ready to move on. Sadly a liberal activist judge in Dane County wants to go backwards and take away the lawmaking responsibilities of the legislature and the governor," he wrote. "We are confident that the state will ultimately prevail in the appeals process."

READ A SUMMARY OF COLAS' 27-PAGE DECISION

In our part of the state, local influencers on both sides of the aisle are chiming in with their opinions on the ruling. Here are some of them:

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"Obviously we think it was a good decision. We like it, but there's a long way to go. This isn't a final decision, I don't think, by any means. For us this year, our focus is on teaching the kids. There's a long way to go. The judge made the right decision. We'll see where it leads to down the road."

  --Brian Huser, president, Hudson Teachers Union

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"Here in Wisconsin we have a long history of sitting down together and working out our differences. We reject labor polarization and treat workers with respect, and this decision is a positive step in that direction. 

"The judge's ruling puts great weight on the constitutional rights of free speech, association, and equal protection. The effect of this ruling will take some time to understand, but I believe it ultimately will help restore our shared value of civility which has suffered in these turbulent times."

  --Diane Odeen, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly (District 30)

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"This ruling is the definition of judicial activism.  We have a systemic problem where as long as conservative, fiscally responsible elected representatives and Governor Walker pass laws in this state they will automatically be placed in the hands of a Dane County judge. Now more than ever we need a judicial process that randomly chooses where a case will be tried in our great state.

"The voters just went through a $13 million taxpayer-funded recall and over $70 million campaign where the voters clearly stated they stand with the direction Governor Walker is taking this State. We cannot put every piece of legislation in the hands of one county court system, I feel confident this law will stand up in appeals and we can move on to solving the challenges we face in Wisconsin and this country."

  --Jesse Garza, chairman, St. Croix County Republican Party

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"I can't say I'm surprised that, a court might find Act 10 unconstitutional, at least in part. I would caution people from getting too excited about this being the final say in the matter.

"The speed that Act 10 was introduced and passed into law was much more rapid than your average law that is introduced into the legislature. At the time, it appeared that the goal was to move fast before too many questions could be asked. The absence of adequate time for public discussion and floor debate led to a quick passage and many questions left unanswered. 

"Given the fact that Governor Walker had just taken office, more time should have been spent exploring additional options with the legislature for balancing the budget. They may have still come to the same conclusion, and with a majority in both houses it would have probably been the same results, but it would have at least appeared to be a more cautious, well thought out, approach. 

"Neither party has all of the answers, that's why it's important for all members of each house to sit down and have a civil discussion and come to a solution that can be mutually agreed upon. Maybe this ruling can lead to additional discussions which could eventually result in some new measures to effectively balance our budget without placing the burden on public sector unions."

  --Dan Olson, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Senate (District 10)

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Editor's Note: Requests for comment also were sent to State Rep. Dean Knudson, State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and St. Croix County Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Stori, but their responses were not received before this post was published. Any responses they submit will be added to this post once they are received.

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