Senate throws down gauntlet with anti-union bill

BOISE (AP) — Senate Republicans took on a federal judge by name, daring him to reject the latest attempt to forbid state and local government from requiring union labor on public works projects.

Wednesday's vote was 26-8, moving the bill to the House for consideration.

In January, U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill ruled a similar 2011 law was illegal

But Senate backers insist they've made changes to this one that will avoid Winmill's objections.

GOP Sen. John Goedde of Coeur d'Alene threw down the gauntlet, telling lawmakers Winmill will have a tough time trying to overturn this one.

Even so, union attorney James Piotrowski contends this renewed legislation will only add to taxpayers' legal costs.

Sen. Michelle Stennett of Ketchum argued Idaho's workforce is less than 10 percent unionized, making such legislation unnecessary.