Walker signs bill to fix budget shortfall

Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill designed to balance Wisconsin's budget this fiscal year.

The Legislature on Tuesday passed the measure which relies largely on refinancing of state debt to save $165 million between now and the end of the fiscal year June 30.

Much of what was included in the bill Walker signed Wednesday had previously been proposed along with Walker's plan restricting collective bargaining rights and forcing state workers to pay more for health insurance and pensions.

The budget pieces were removed so the union bill could pass without any of the Senate Democrats present.

That law remains held up in courts.

Wisconsin still faces a two-year $3.6 billion shortfall that Walker would plug with a separate plan pending before the Legislature.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)