Wisconsin Might Implement Discrimination Tax
S.B.20, passed by the Wisconsin legislature in Madison and sent to Governor Doyle for his signature, ratchets up the cost of discrimination on employers. Under current statutes, an employer can be required to reinstate a discriminated-against employee, pay back pay, and cover the successful claimant’s attorney’s fees.
The new bill would, in addition, permit the employee or the Department of Workforce to sue in circuit court to recover compensatory and punitive damages caused by the discrimination. And as the cherry on top, an employer found liable would pay an additional 10% surcharge, based on the total amount of compensatory and punitive damages, into the circuit court. According to the bill, this additional penalty would be used to further enforce the so-called Fair Employment Law.
As of this writing, Doyle hadn’t signed the bill yet, nor had his office indicated his intent. Honestly, though, does anyone really think that Doyle won’t sign this?
