A bill that would roll back components of living wage ordinances — including those in Madison and Dane County — was criticized by opponents during a public hearing Monday on the grounds it would harm workers providing services to vulnerable residents, and is morally unjust.

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and co-sponsored by Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, the bill would no longer require businesses under contract with local governments to pay their employees a living wage if any federal or state money is part of the contract.

The legislation would impact 65 of the 152 companies or nonprofits under contract with the county to provide services to county residents. It includes services under contract with Catholic Charities or centers like the Colonial Club that provide supportive home care.

Dozens of people wearing bright yellow stickers that read, "Hands off living wage, hands off local control" filled the Capitol hearing room waiting for their chance to testify against the bill.