Fifteen years ago today, then-Gov. Scott Walker dropped what he later would call “the bomb,” the divisive package of legislation that would become known as 2011 Act 10.
Then-Gov. Scott Walker, flanked by Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and Republican legislators, unveils the details of his “budget repair bill” on Feb. 11, 2011. The legislation, known as Act 10, effectively ended most collective bargaining rights for most public employees in the state.
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The legislation that would become Act 10 sparked strong debate inside and outside the Capitol.
Unwilling to cede any ground, protesters against Act 10 camped inside the Capitol for weeks in 2011.
Demonstrators drum and cheer against Act 10 inside the state Capitol. The bill ended up lowering the cost of government while precipitating a dramatic decline in union membership statewide.
Former Sen. Mark Miller and Rep. Peter Barca tried to slow down passage of the legislation to force a compromise.
Relive the story of the historic Act 10 protests in 20 photos
Solidarity
Democratic Reps. Mark Pocan, Fred Clark, Donna Seidel and Cory Mason hold a sign out a Capitol window Feb. 15, 2011, to show their support of the protesters outside.
Pouring into Capitol
Thousands of protesters enter the Capitol on Feb. 16, 2011, after a rally against Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining proposal.
From the dome
As seen from the Capitol rotunda dome, protesters drum and cheer on Feb. 18, 2011.
Aerial view
Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair bill march around the Capitol in Madison on Feb. 16, 2011.
Great debate
Tom Braun and Nathaniel Raghez, both of Milwaukee, spiritedly debate opposing sides at a rally outside the Capitol on Feb. 19, 2011. Observers nearby voiced approval of their civil discussion.
Capitol sleepover
A protester carries an air mattress up a flight of stairs in the Capitol on Feb. 21, 2011. The historic building became a protest village.
Pull up a sleeping bag
Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining bill started sleeping at the Capitol to ensure a spot at public hearings, but the campouts became a mainstay. Pictured here on Feb. 21, 2011.
Kept at bay
Protesters at the state Capitol were restricted to the ground floor of the Capitol on Feb. 22, 2011, while Gov. Scott Walker delivers his state budget address on the second floor in the Assembly chambers.
Shouts of shame
Assembly Democrats, in orange shirts, shout "Shame!" after GOP leaders cut off debate, move to abruptly pass the bill and walk out on Feb. 25, 2011.
Notes of support
The legislative office entryway of Rep. Brett Hulsey, D-Madison, is covered in notes of support from opponents of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill on Feb. 26, 2011.
Stay or go?
Protesters raise a cheer as a 4 p.m. deadline approaches to leave the Capitol. People debated whether to leave or stay and risk arrest Feb. 27, 2011.
Outdoor office hours
Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo, meets with Lars Bergan of Viroqua, Connie Hundt of Madison and Jacob Hundt of Viroqua outside the Capitol on March 2, 2011. Several Democratic legislators moved their offices outside the building as constituents had trouble getting inside.
No more sleeping over
The final protesters leave the Capitol on March 3, 2011, after a court ruling that said people must leave the building during overnight hours.
Capitol shocker
Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, right, continues to object while Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, bangs a gavel adjourning a committee meeting on March 9, 2011, at which Republicans advanced the bill despite Democrats' absence.
Plea for peace
Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, D-Milladore, implores protesters to remain peaceful after a snowball hits a Capitol window on March 9, 2011, the night GOP senators abruptly passed the governor's collective bargaining bill.
Chief: Please leave
Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs pleads with protesters to leave the state Assembly antechamber voluntarily March 10, 2011, to avoid being hauled out.
Protesters hauled out
Officers pull Elizabeth Wrigley-Field out of the Assembly's lobby March 10, 2011, after protesters spent the night. Tensions flared overnight after senators passed an amended version of the bill that stripped nearly all of collective bargaining rights from most public workers.
Mr. Speaker!
Assembly Democrats seek to be recognized as Republicans move forward on a vote to pass the controversial budget repair bill at the Capitol on March 10, 2011.
Boiling point
Protesters deride Republican legislators with shouts of "Shame!" after the the Assembly passes the governor's collective bargaining bill on March 10, 2011.
Massive turnout
Nearly a month's worth of protests peak on March 12, 2011, in Madison with as many as 100,000 people turning out to protest Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining law.
