Assembly Republicans Focus On Economic Development, Health Care

MADISON, Wis. -- Assembly Republicans said they will work on passing economic development proposals backed by Gov. Jim Doyle as well as health care reforms.

But Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch said Wednesday that a universal health care plan that earlier passed the Senate won't come up for a vote.

Huebsch wouldn't say whether he would take up a smoking ban in the Assembly, but he said he doubts it will get through the Senate as is.

"Even the bipartisan support and opposition of that bill yesterday, as far as needing amendments to even get it passed, shows that it does have a long way to go yet. So, I think that the smoking ban has a long way to go and frankly a short time to get there," he said.

Huebsch said he is also taking a wait-and-see attitude on campaign finance reform. He said he wants to see what the Senate is able to pass.

Huebsch does support tax credit and economic development initiatives recently announced by Doyle. Huebsch said Republicans also will pursue requiring the disclosure of health care costs.