The state Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down lawmakers? 2007 raid of a medical malpractice fund, delivering a victory to Wisconsin physicians, a defeat to Gov. Jim Doyle and the Legislature, and a bruising blow of more than $200 million to the state budget.
The ruling left open the crucial question of when lawmakers and Doyle will have to patch together a repayment plan out of the state?s already shaky finances – opening the door to new possible spending cuts, tax increases or borrowing. A top aide to Doyle and the head of the state Senate said a special session for lawmakers ahead of November?s elections is unlikely.