[GodBlessAmericaKD]

I apologize for the obvious question, but couldn’t the WI Senate create a new bill with the language limiting public union collective bargaining on non pay issues and vote on it with a simple majority present? There would be no spending involved in that. The emergency spending bill would be modified accordingly for a vote when the RATS return, and the people of WI get what they wanted (as demonstrated in the Nov 2010 vote). This seems to effectively counter the RATS move of running away and then the R’s in WI can have a field day passing any and all other legislation they may want. Could end up being the most productive legislative session in the history of the Republic.

[Hamilcar_Barca]

You're correct. As long as a bill does not have a “fiscal” component it can be passed with only 17 senators present. The state constitution says 60% for a quorum on fiscal bills. There is no filibuster.