Consumer groups, attorneys criticize proposals

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Consumer advocates are blasting a series of proposals backed by Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans that could be voted on in the Legislature later this month.

The proposals in question give drug-makers immunity from lawsuits, lower interest rates on judgments for people who successfully sue for injuries and limit the amount plaintiff’s attorneys can charge in some cases to three times the amount of any compensatory award.

Representatives from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, the Wisconsin Association for Justice and others said at a Wednesday news conference that the bills won’t create jobs and are instead meant to reward special interests.

Gov. Scott Walker has defended the measures saying they will help create certainty in the state’s legal climate.