Assembly Democrats, Republicans spar over student loan bill

MADISON — Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos isn't allowing Democrats to get an immediate vote on a bill allowing higher education student loan debt to be refinanced.

But Vos said Tuesday in the spirit of "wiping the slate clean" he will allow the bill to be referred to the budget committee where it could be examined more closely. But Vos says the measure as introduced "is not ready for prime time."

Vos says he is inspired by newly elected House Speaker Paul Ryan and is trying to work to improve relations between Democrats and Republicans.

Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca says he wants to ensure the bill gets a hearing.

This is the second session Democrats have introduced the bill, but it has yet to get a hearing.