Wisconsin Assembly begins debate on union curbs

The Wisconsin state Assembly on Tuesday opened debate on a Republican proposal to curb the power of public sector unions that has sparked mass demonstrations and a tense stand-off with Democrats.

Hundreds of protesters choked the Capitol halls on Tuesday, as they did last week, chanting "It's about rights, it's not about money," while others banged plastic pails outside in opposition.

The proposal, which has been advanced by Republican Governor Scott Walker as a way to cope with a $137 million state budget deficit that is projected to hit $3.6 billion by 2014, would strip most collective bargaining rights from many state workers.

National attention has focused on the turmoil in Madison, which parallels similar battles in Washington and across the country as the United States confronts spiraling public deficits and pressure from voters to deal with them without stifling economic growth.