Temporary Restraining Order Continued



Hon. Maryann Sumi.  Photo courtesy of
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
credit Michael P. King.

      Yesterday, Dane County Circuit Judge Maryanne Sumi stated that her earlier temporary restraining order blocking the Budget Repair Bill - officially known as Act 10 - was clear and did not allow for its publication by the Leglislative Reference Bureau because it said no steps should be taken to advance the law, which its publishing did.  "Further implementation of the act is enjoined.  Apparently that language was either misunderstood or ignored, but what I said was the further implementation of Act 10 was enjoined. That is what I now want to make crystal clear" stated Sumi.  She issued a new restraining order which bars Secretary of State Doug LaFollette from designating a publishing date or running any notice about it in the official state newspaper.  However, the point of contention among the Walker administration is that the order does not name anyone else.  Department of Justice spokesman Bill Cosh said "We don't believe that the court can enjoin non-parties.  Whether the Department of Administration or other state officers choose to comple with and direction issued by Judge Sumi is up to them."  That is the basis on which the Dept. of Administration began witholding retirement moneis, began charging more for health insurance, and stopped collecting union dues for state workers.