Political Football

Doesn’t sound like a deal to me… stay tuned.

Republicans, Democrats reach deal on bargaining bill

By MIKE GLOVER

DES MOINES, Iowa – Republicans and Democrats agreed Friday to end a 24-hour stalemate that had blocked a proposed expansion of the state’s collective bargaining law.

The deal will delay a vote on the measure in the Senate until Monday, but it also will limit debate when the bill comes up. And ultimately, Democrats said they were confident the bill would pass and head to Gov. Chet Culver.

At issue is the first expansion of the state’s collective bargaining law governing public-sector workers since 1974. The bill set for debate Monday would expand a list of issues that are subject to bargaining, for example letting teachers raise matters like class size and others address discipline rules.

The proposal is supported by public-sector unions, a key part of the political base of Democrats who run the House and Senate.

Republicans have opposed the measure and forced a marathon debate in the House, which approved it on a party-line vote.

After its arrival in the Senate, minority Republicans rushed to a closed-door private meeting, then refused to emerge and allow debate on the measure. By Senate tradition, debate rarely moves forward without both parties present.

Under the deal announced Friday, the Senate will delay debate until noon Monday and a vote is scheduled at 6 p.m.

“We give up the scheduling and the minority party gives up extending the debate beyond six hours,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs.

Senate Minority Leader Ron Wieck, R-Sioux City, had threatened to keep Republican locked in their Statehouse meeting room throughout the Easter weekend in an effort to delay a vote.

“It’s been an interesting process,” Wieck said at a news conference with Gronstal.

The standoff prompted a handful of Democrats and Republicans to spend the night at the Statehouse. Some brought beverage coolers and sleeping bags, stretching out on benches and watching basketball games on television.

Democrats argue the expansion of bargaining rights is needed so public workers have the same rights as those in the private sector. Republicans contend such a change would strengthen the hands of public-sector unions and ultimately cost taxpayers.

Culver was elected with the backing of key unions who are pushing the issue, such as the state’s teacher union and the union representing state government workers.

Courtney Greene, the governor’s press secretary, wouldn’t say whether Culver would sign the bill.

“As for the bill itself, he will continue to listen to the debate, and as with all pieces of legislation, he will carefully review and consider it if and when received, and make a decision at that time,” Greene said in a statement.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

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