Wisconsin Governor Warns of Layoff Notices

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker warns that state employees could start receiving layoff notices as early as next week if a bill eliminating collective bargaining rights isn't passed soon.

Walker said Tuesday in a statement to The Associated Press that the layoffs wouldn't take effect immediately. He didn't say which workers would be targeted.

Walker says in the statement, "Hopefully we don't get to that point."

Senate Democrats walked out last week rather than vote on Walker's bill that would force public workers to pay more for their benefits. He also wants to eliminate collective bargaining for nearly all workers except over salary that's not greater than the Consumer Price Index.

The Assembly was expected to begin debate of the bill later Tuesday.