Republican Gov. Scott Walker scored more victories Thursday, signing a major lawsuit reform bill into law and watching as the Legislature approved a tax cut for businesses that he says will create new jobs.

Passage of that bill in the Senate on a bipartisan 25-8 vote, after it previously cleared the Assembly, marked the fifth piece of Walker's legislative agenda to clear the Republican-controlled Legislature in his first month in office.

Walker had promised swift action to show that Wisconsin, in his words, is "open for business." Even though most of his measures have received some support from Democrats, critics argue they are largely symbolic and will do little to actually create jobs or improve the state's economy.

Senate Democrats said the latest tax cut measure, expected to cost the state $67 million over two years, was too expensive given the projected $3 billion shortfall in the two-year budget. They also said the tax bill, which would give businesses deductions worth $92 to $316 per job, wouldn't be enough by itself to get businesses to hire more people.

"It makes no difference, who cares? It's about marketing the state," said Sen. Jim Holperin, D-Conover.