WISCONSIN—Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has rejected an invitation from Democratic leaders in the state, to meet with them at the Wisconsin-Illinois border to discuss a reasonable solution to the $137 million budget shortfall.

Democratic leaders’ flee from Wisconsin was sparked by Walker’s desire to limit the collective bargaining rights of nearly all public employees in the state.

Walker’s proposal on forcing state employees to pay more heavily into their pension and healthcare funds was accepted by both unionists and democrats as a necessary step during the state’s tough economic times. But when he proposed to take away their collective bargaining rights, tens of thousands of unionists began marching the streets, stalling further legislative action and demanding a recall election of Governor Walker.

The republicans currently have a 19-14 majority in the state senate, but could not vote on the proposed measure when the state Democrats refused to enter the state capitol.

Senate Minority leader Mark Miller has made it clear that he is open to discussion with the governor, but will reject to vote on any legislation that will limit the rights of state workers’ ability to bargain for benefits.