Obama Will Be In La Crosse Thursday To Outline New Overtime Policy

President Barack Obama visits the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Thursday to lay out proposed changes to overtime payment rules.

The president’s plan would extend overtime compensation to salaried workers making up to $50,400 annually — more than double the current limits. That means an estimated 5 million workers could be compensated for all the hours they work.

It’s likely the Department of Labor would take action on the plan, and it would then be up to Congress to decide to change or block the law.

UW-La Crosse political science assistant professor Tim Dale said it’s an issue that shows fundamental differences between political parties, with most Democrats in favor of wage increases and most Republicans interested in job and business growth.

He also said the president may have political reasons for unveiling his plan in La Crosse.

“Who has helped him along the way in some of his economic policies in office? So, Ron Kind has been instrumental in some of Obama’s projects, and so this may be a visit to Ron Kind’s district because of that,” said Dale.

Dale said Minnesota and Iowa being nearby also helps spread Obama’s message. Plus, he said it could be a way to contrast a Democratic economic plan with that of likely presidential candidate Gov. Scott Walker.

The governor’s spokeswoman said Walker plans to greet Obama when he arrives in La Crosse.

Dale said the visit is significant way to highlight the university and community and could open the doors to future presidential visits.