Most other groups with legal protection against discrimination can sue in federal court for punitive damages, which are meant to deter businesses from future wrongdoing, and for compensatory damages, which are awarded for things like emotional pain.

The author of the Wisconsin bill, state Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, said he didn't know about the federal limits on veterans, but it wouldn't have changed his mind, because fewer lawsuits will mean more jobs for everyone, including soldiers returning from war.

"Employers facing punitive damages in court is a bad thing for jobs, and veterans want jobs," Grothman said. "We're going back to the way it was two years ago and nobody thought two years ago that is was horrible to be a veteran."

The Legislature amended the 2009 Wisconsin Fair Employment Law, removing the legal right to sue for up to $300,000 in damages in state court.

Victims of employment discrimination still can seek reinstatement and back pay through the state Department of Workforce Development.

"This has been viewed as a women's pay issue, but it affects a broad range of classes," said Jeffrey Hines, president of the Wisconsin Employment Lawyers Association. "It's a huge kick in the teeth to the people who serve our country."