Mary Spicuzza, and Patrick Marley

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON - State senators on Wednesday approved a bill preventing local governments from requiring contractors to work with unions on taxpayer-funded building projects.

Senators also approved a bill making it easier to obtain a drug derived from marijuana.

The bill on labor agreements is the latest in a series of moves against unions by Republican lawmakers in recent years.

Project labor agreements establish wages and other conditions for certain projects. Republicans were critical of the agreements put in place last year for plans to build a $500 million arena for the Milwaukee Bucks that is being partially funded by taxpayers.

Republicans who control the Legislature contend ending the use of project labor agreements will protect taxpayers.

Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield), the bill's lead sponsor, insisted the Legislature wasn't taking away powers from local governments.

"Local elected officials will still be able to use PLAs," she said.

But Democrats said the proposal, Senate Bill 3, will interfere with the ability of local governments to get the best value for projects in their area.

"I think it comes down to trusting local control," said Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee).

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the decision is best left to local officials.

“Hiring a well-trained, high-quality workforce is a priority for me," Barrett said. "Our building and construction trades are critical partners in Milwaukee’s renaissance, which is why I support their contributions. They visibly strengthen our economy."

Unions say such agreements provide skilled workers who do quality work and make living wages.

The bill, which passed on a 19-13 vote, heads next to the Assembly.

Senators also overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 10, which would make it easier to acquire cannabinoid oil, or CBD oil. The oil is made from marijuana and used to treat seizures in children. That bill passed on a 31-1 vote, with just Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) opposing it.

A similar bill passed the Assembly last year but failed to get through the Senate. Lawmakers recently reached a deal that they believe they can get through both houses.

The support for the CBD oil comes as Democrats are promoting legislation to allow medical marijuana. That measure has not gained support among majority Republicans.

Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) introduced an amendment Wednesday that would have expanded the bill to address manufacturing and delivering CBD oil.

"Parents are suffering," he said. "Families are suffering."

Larson and other Democrats said the change was not about legalizing medical marijuana, but making it easier to help children experiencing debilitating seizures.

"This is not a cannabis conspiracy," state Sen. Robert Wirch (D-Kenosha) said. "This is a bill that was asked for by parents of children with serious health problems."

Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) said the bill was written specifically to ease the fears of families nervous they could be arrested simply for possessing CBD oil to treat their children.

The Assembly on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 1, which would clear the way for taxpayer incentives for a cheese plant near Sheboygan.

The bill would allow the Village of Oostburg to exceed its existing tax incremental financing limits and contribute $2.7 million to help Masters Gallery Foods build a $30 million cheese packaging and distribution plant expected to create 120 jobs over three years.

"It's not speculative," said Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg), the bill's lead sponsor. "The expansion is ready to go right now."

The tax financing program serves as a subsidy to developers in which the city takes out loans, uses the loans to pay some portion of the costs of a development and then uses the taxes on that development to pay off the loan. This is known as tax incremental financing and can make possible a development that might not have otherwise been built.

There are limits as to how much of a local government's property tax base can be tied up in this financing program, and Oostburg wants to raise its limit from 12% of its total property base to 15%.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said the measure was another move by the GOP-controlled Legislature that would help create jobs.

But Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) said far more needs to be done to help the middle class and spur economic growth.

"We have dozens of communities that need much more significant help," he said.

The Senate unanimously passed the bill last month. The Assembly passed it 97-0, meaning it now goes to GOP Gov. Scott Walker.

Patrick Marley can be reached at patrick.marley@jrn.com and twitter.com/patrickdmarley. ​​