With the help of a vote from one Milwaukee Democrat, the state Senate has passed legislation to allow the carrying of concealed weapons by a 25-8 vote.
The Assembly is set to take up concealed carry on Tuesday, and if it passes there it moves on to Gov. Scott Walker for his approval.
Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said many in her district carry concealed regardless of the current law, and that the bill has seen dramatic improvement since its introduction. She was joined by five other Dems in backing the bill – Jim Holperin, Bob Jauch, Julie Lassa, Kathleen Vinehout and Bob Wirch
Milwaukee Dem Spencer Coggs said his city has a gun violence problem, and that the bill means that "you’re going to have more people who will be out with more guns."
Coggs said, “The solution is less guns, not more guns.”
Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, said he understands concerns with the bill, but that 48 other states have already taken the step to allow citizens to protect themselves.
"We already have concealed carry," Kapanke said. "Those bent on criminal activity have been doing this for a long, long time."
– WisPolitics.com
