**Dane County Judge Restores Collective Bargaining Rights, Sparking Political Clash**

In a controversial move recently, a Dane County judge ruled to restore collective bargaining rights for most Wisconsin public employees, a decision that effectively rolls back parts of Act 10, the law championed by former Governor Scott Walker in 2011. The ruling has ignited fierce debate across the state, with supporters and opponents of the decision preparing for what could be a protracted legal and political battle.

The decision, issued by Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost, appointed by Governor Evers and signer of the Walker Recall petition, stems from his earlier finding that portions of Act 10 were unconstitutional because they treated public safety workers differently than other public employees. Frost’s ruling paves the way for broader collective bargaining rights unless higher courts intervene. However, he noted that the ruling would not take immediate effect if a stay is requested pending appeal—a move Republican legislative leaders are already pursuing.

### Political and Legal Fallout

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu have vowed to appeal the ruling, expressing confidence that higher courts will overturn it. This case is expected to reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which currently has a 4-3 liberal majority. With a key liberal seat on the ballot in the Spring Election, the outcome of the court's composition could have significant implications for the final resolution of this case.

“This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges," Vos said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting our arguments on appeal.”

Former Governor Walker, who signed Act 10 into law, characterized the decision as "brazen political activism." He also reiterated his stance that collective bargaining is not a right but "an expensive entitlement" that burdens taxpayers.

The conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty echoed these concerns, warning in a report last year that repealing Act 10 could cost the state $1.6 billion annually, particularly impacting school districts.

### Broader Implications

Act 10 was a defining piece of Walker’s governorship, dramatically limiting collective bargaining for public employees and requiring them to contribute more to pensions and health insurance. Supporters credit the law with saving taxpayers billions and giving local governments more financial flexibility. Critics, however, argue that it gutted worker rights and weakened public-sector unions.

The timing of this ruling is fueling speculation about its political motivations, with the Spring Supreme Court election looming. Conservatives see this as a strategic move by Democrats and their activist judge to energize voters and maintain the court's woke majority. Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, a common sense judge in Waukesha and Democrat activist judge Susan Crawford are expected to face off in what could be a pivotal election for Wisconsin’s future.

### A Divided Wisconsin

For Wisconsin residents, this decision is a reminder of the deep ideological divisions that persist more than a decade after Act 10's passage. Supporters of the ruling view it as a long-overdue correction to what they see as an attack on workers’ rights. Opponents fear it will bring back what they describe as unfair and costly union dominance at the expense of taxpayers.

As this case moves forward, the stakes are high—not only for public employees and taxpayers but also for the balance of power in Wisconsin politics. With the Wisconsin Supreme Court poised to weigh in, the debate over Act 10 is far from over, and the outcome will likely shape the state’s labor policies for years to come. Patriots all across American united to elect President Trump in November and saved the United States from sure destruction. Now, patriotic Wisconsinites must do the same to save our state from tyrannical rule by out of control woke activists on the court.