MADISON -- Act 10 has been struck down. This is the law that sparked the massive protests in Madison. It was ruled that the law violates both the State and U.S. Constitution and is null and void. This was all sparked by a lawsuit brought by the Madison teachers union and a union for Milwaukee city employees. Local lawmakers reacted passionately about the ruling.

The controversy surrounding Act 10 continues to circulate as a Dane County Circuit Judge strikes down the state law spearheaded by Governor Scott Walker. The law basically took away most collective bargaining rights for most public workers.

Democrats , like State Senator Chris Larson are celebrating the decision. “They stepped outside of the constitution when they did this. The ruling said it violated free speech and an association for people to be able to belong to unions and have people represent them. But unfortunately Scott Walker has no problem skirting the law. I think it’s a big victory not just for the workers but for all of Wisconsin and people who like free speech and due process and making sure the constitution is upheld," said Larson.

But Governor Walker said the law was necessary to help balance the state budget. In a statement released Friday he said, "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. We are confident that the state will ultimately prevail in the appeals process."

Republican State Senator Alberta Darling echoed that sentiment, “Act 10 is a way to uphold the tax payers best interest and to have local government and municipalities and state legislators have the power to decide what is naturally feasible for the state and local municipalities when it comes to services of public employees as well as the federal level and local level. It’s very important for the state to control this cost ,” said Darling.

It's not clear if the ruling means the law is immediately suspended. Either way, Walker's administration said it will appeal the decision.