Wis. gov signs bill erasing discrimination damages
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that prohibits workers from collecting damages in employment discrimination cases.
Under current state law, employees who prevail in discrimination lawsuits can collect between $50,000 and $300,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. The Republican bill blocks anyone from collecting such damages in employment discrimination suits.
The state Department of Workforce Development could still award an employee back pay, costs and attorney fees, however.
Democrats say the bill hurts women who might suffer discrimination in the workplace.
Walker signed the bill Thursday but announced the signing Friday. His spokesman says it was easier to include the announcement in a broader release noting the governor signed dozens of bills over the two days.
