MADISON, Wis. -- The public gets a chance to weigh in on a universal health care plan made public by state Senate Democrats just a couple hours before Monday's hearing.

The plan has been in the works for months, but the details weren't revealed until Monday morning.

Republicans assailed the plan, which relies on a $15 billion payroll tax to pay for the universal coverage.

But Democratic sponsors said that major changes are needed to improve the health care system.

Democrats likely will put the plan in the state budget which is scheduled for debate on Tuesday. Assembly Republicans aren't expected to include it in their version of the budget.

Gov. Jim Doyle is proposing his own health care plan that builds on the state's BadgerCare program, and he said that would ensure that 98 percent of the state's residents have access to health insurance.