Gov. Scott Walker threatens layoffs if Democrats don’t return to vote

In a Wednesday press conference, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) said that he would be forced to layoff 1,500 state workers if Democratic state senators didn't return and allow his union busting bill to pass.

"In total we have just over $1.7 billion worth of savings in this budget repair bill and for us to lock in that savings we need one thing in particular, and that is for those 14 state senators to come back to Wisconsin to debate this bill, to participate in democracy, and allow us to move forward," Gov. Walker said.

"For us, the alternative is, if we do not see this bill pass, for this year alone, the total number of jobs that we equated would be the equivalent of the $30 million we save by starting our wage and benefit reforms is the equivalent of 1,500 jobs," he added.

Last week, 14 state senators left Wisconsin to protest legislation that would curb the union rights of public employees. There are 19 Republican senators, but the state legislature needs a minimum of 20 senators to be present to debate and vote on the bill.