MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new union contract for about 360 members of the Wisconsin state patrol that included an average 17 percent pay increase has been rejected. A special committee of legislative leaders voted down the deal Thursday. All Democrats were in support, with Republicans against. Voting down the deal reached over a year ago now sends the troopers and Gov. Scott Walker’s administration back to negotiations. Walker’s administration had recommended approval of the contract, but Republican lawmakers say the 17 percent raise is too high. Democrats support it as a way to help deal with difficulties recruiting and retaining troopers. There are 34 vacancies currently. Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says his members would likely support a 3 percent raise not 17 percent.
