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Email
Marketing

Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
We'll handle if you refer folks to us
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Thursday, March 24, 201112:30 PM
Vigue, Carla J - DOA; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA
RE: budget fix bill
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Vigue, Carla J- DOA
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 12:27 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Subject: FW: budget fix bill
Chris and Cullen- I understand this may be on hold for today but Jodi said your office would handle these
requests. I haven't responded to Karen.
Thanks, Carla
To: Vigue, J - DOA
Subject: budget fix bill
Hi Carla. I'm seeing reports that the remaining parts of the governor's budget fix bill were reformulated and are coming
out today? Can you let me know what's going on? I'm very interested in the bond restructuring part. Thanks.
Karen Pierog
Correspondent
Reuters
karen.pierog@thoms
Reuters Messaging:
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Reuters news and information reaches one billion People every day. Get the latest news at Reuters.com
This email was sent to you by Thomson Reuters, the global news and information company. Any views
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be the views of Thomson Reuters.
140
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Thursday, March 24, 2011 7:21 PM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts
Contacted by Senators Harsdorf, Wanggaard, and Kedzie regarding what federal employees can collectively
bargain over.
Contacted by Senator Harsdorf's Office about the deletion of their Byrn Grant funded ADA position and the
deletion of their Justice Information Fee ADA position.
Contacted by many Senators' Offices requesting a copy of the presentation given to the caucus on Tuesday.
Assembly Committee on Elections held an information hearing on election reform.
Economic Development and Regulatorv Reform Team
DOT
Information provided on change in statutory language for Eminent Domain
Update regarding the Raw Forest Products Permit and Frozen Road Declaration.
Update on details on the Zoo Interchange ramps.
Expressed desire for the Transportation Policy Committee to meet two times in 2011.
Twitter updates for accidents statewide are now available
Jobs Hotline
2 calls received
Call from Laurie Spencer from Baraboo Ambulance who is seeking grant assistance for expansion of their
"Community Paramedic" program.
Commerce
Transfer of Housing
o WHEDA and Commerce continue meeting to plan the transition of housing functions
Venture Capital
o Ryan and Jason met with Jeff Craver of Advantage Capital
Human Services and Education Team
Health Care
Met with WI FamilyCare Association: Wondered what the state's intentions are for FamilyCare; highlighted how
FamilyCare allows for a streamlined, more cost-effective, consumer driven system rather than a provider-driven one.
Met with Kara Slaughter (WI Farm Union): Discussed farm families'.concerns with BadgerCare; concerned with the
power that DHS will gain in the budget and the budget repair
Today, there were picketers outside the State Office Building in Milwaukee protesting a specific case in the Wisconsin
Shares program that DCF lost.
Education
Met with Katy Venskus from Democrats for Education Reform to review their agenda. She and her group are very
supportive of much of our agenda but worry about legislative support from Democrats in the current political
environment. Katy brought our attention to the development by Howard Fuller, MMAC, and others of a "Common Report
Card" for all schools in Milwaukee.
Met with Steve Lyons and Mike Rogowski from WEA Trust who assured us that WEAC does not benefit financially from
their insurance company and that the company wishes to compete with other carriers.
132
Education News
Madison teachers given until Apri115 to rescind fake doctors' notes (Wisconsin State Journal)
Madison teachers who missed school last month to attend protests and turned in fraudulent doctor's notes have been
given until Apri115 to rescind those notes, officials said Thursday.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
I met with Craig and Ara today to talk about suggestions and for them to meet Fay Simonini from DCF. She has
suggestions for millions in savings if we put some money into pursuing fraud claims. Craig and Ara were very
excited.
Local Governments:
La Crosse Tribune. Editorial: Recycling changes make little sense
According to the State Journal, Sens. Michael Ellis, R-Neenah, and Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, wrote a letter to
constituents last week stating: "We have long opposed unfunded mandates on local governments by the state. The
elimination of recycling grants while still prohibiting cerlain materials from landfills effectively constitutes an unfunded
mandate."
They argued that the Walker plan 'just doesn't make sense and should be taken out of the budget."
They're absolutely right.
Our environment and its future would be better served if the governor would listen.
Wisconsin State Journal. Natural Resources Board urges Walker to reconsider rollback of phosphorus rules
Moroney said Walker's goal is to ease any financial burden on local governments and on businesses faced with paying
more for increased water treatment.
"I think the governor is sensitive to municipalities and is looking for a way not to force additional expenses on them,"
Moroney said.
Oshkosh Northwestern. School board approves teacher, staff contract extensions
The average teacher- who earns $50,426- will see their take-home pay reduced by as much as 8 percent due to the
concessions. That amounts to $3,985 less take-home pay annually or $332 less per month. Most of that monev, while felt
as a loss of income, is being invested in their pensions.
Key provisions In new Oshkosh school labor union contracts
-Total wage freeze, saving $1.2 million
-Employees pay 12 percent of health insurance instead of 5 percent, saving $1 million.
-Employees pay 5. 8 percent of salary toward pension, saving $2.9 million.
-District administration (lllowed to seek cheaper health insurance providers without negotiating.
-Teacher no longer receive 90 sick davs per vear. Instead, they receive 10 sick days per year that can accumulate up to
90days.
-Seniority rules no longer apply to paraprofessionals and non-teaching employees when filling vacancies or giving
promotions.
La Crosse Tribune. City officials set to meet on workers' contracts
They will pay 10 percent of monthly medical insurance premiums in 2012 if parlicipating in a health risk assessment, 12. 6
percent if not. That share rises in 2013 to 12. 6 percent for those in health risk assessment and 16 percent for
nonparlicipants.
133
This article is riddled with inaccuracies which I underlined. It is interesting to note that the mayor thinks she will
save less because people retired. No mayor, you will save more because you don't have those salaries or fringe
benefits anymore, not just the pension savings.
The Chippewa Herald. City official: Walker's figures don't add up for Chippewa Falls
"The reason the $154,920 number is wrong is because the state calculated what we could potentially capture in retirement
contributions from emplovees," Bauer said.
"The $230,000 thev have used is overestimated."
Instead of gaining savings, she figures the city will lose $124,656 in shared revenue, $101,471 in general transportation
aids, and potentially another $60,000 in recycling funding.
Plus the city has to consider what will happen if it loses $347,000 in library funding and another $212,000 in what the state
calls expenditure restraints.
"The city is going to be preparing for a worst-case scenario," she said.
She said Walker office's savings estimate is wrong because it takes the city's 2009 year-end total payroll and uses that
amount in its calculations. Part of that was monev for eight citv workers who took earlv retirement.
~ s we have not filled those positions, by using that payroll figure, they have used an inflated number and therefore
overestimated what we could capture," she said.
Then the governor's office assumes the city will save $166,000 for insurance. Only, the city is not on the state health plan.
What the city is looking at saving on health insurance under its contract with AFSCME for 2011 is $18,000. Bauer said the
savings figure for 2012 isn't known yet.
Other savings expected by the city this year include:
--. The workers increasing their pension contribution to 5. 8 percent. saving $24,000 for 2011 and $48,000 for 2012.
-- Reducing the longevity payout will save $30,000 for 2011.
-- Reducing the sick leave annual payout will save $22,000 for 2011. The total annual budget for this item for all
employees is $62,000.
-- Seyving about $16,000 in dental insurance in 2012.
--And saving $16,000 in pension contributions for management workers this year.
134
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Goetzman, Michael - DOT
Friday, March 25, 2011 8:01AM
DOT DL EXEC Reader Review
Subject: In today's Reader Review
Editorial: Get on board, governor
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/118617714.html
A deadline is fast approaching on an opportunity to improve rail transportation between Milwaukee and Chicago. It's a
deadline that Gov. Scott Walker's administration should not miss.
At stake are $2.4 billion that became available when Florida rejected a high-speed rail grant. The deadline for applications
for grants from that funding is a little over a week away: April 4.
Other states are applying; Wisconsin should be right in there with them. The money could be used to add trains, upgrade
rail lines to accommodate higher speeds and improve stations.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has been making a hard push for the funding. As he told us this week, it would be a "huge
missed opportunity" if Wisconsin did not apply. Especially as gasoline prices continue to climb toward $4 a gallon, the
mayor added, it just makes sense to improve a major service for commuters and business. He's right.
And business agrees: In January, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce gave Walker's staff an outline of
how to use $450 million to $500 million in stimulus money for rail upgrades. MMAC President Tim Sheehy said Walker
seemed interested in the ideas. Those ideas should be used as the basis for a new application.
Furthermore, the governor has agreed in the past. Although he opposed a fast rail line to Madison, and turned back
federal money for that project, he has said that he supports high-speed upgrades to the Hiawatha.
The Hiawatha is a popular and critical element in Wisconsin's transportation network. Ridership on the line has doubled in
the past eight years, hitting a record 792,848 in 2010. A recent study rates the Hiawatha route as one of the nation's most
promising prospects for an upgrade to high-speed rail.
In a letter to Walker and state Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb, Barrett said high-speed improvements to the line
could yield a top speed of 110 mph for the trains. That would "shorten the trip to 65 minutes, 40 minutes less than the
same trip by car or bus. In addition, more frequent trips will allow for increased ridership and greater flexibility for
individuals to freely move throughout the corridor."
A Walker administration official Thursday was looking into the issue of whether a decision has been made to apply for the
funds but did not provide an answer by deadline. But what's to decide? Improving this line is critical to improving the
state's link to Chicago.
Apply already.
WisDOT now offers traffic updates via Twitter
(All Gannett papers:
http://content. usatoday. neVdisVcustom/qci/1 nsidePage. aspx?cld=green baypressgazette&sParam=361 01 053. storv
http://www.gmtoday.com/news/fronVtopstory13.asp
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/WIWI TRAFFIC TWEETS WIOL-
?SITE=WIJAN&SECTION=STATE& TEMPLATE=DEFAU L T
MILWAUKEE (AP)- Just as spring construction is beginning, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is now
offering another way to get traffic updates- through Twitter.
State officials say an operator at the state's traffic operations center provides updates about congestion, delays and
accidents almost right after they've happened:
Traffic Operations Engineer Chris Quesnell encourages people to look at the updates as they are planning their drive and
not to view while driving.
Different areas of the state have different Twitter handles.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation to hold Interstate 39 construction meeting
http://www. wausaudail yherald. com/article/20 11 0325/WDH01 01/1 03250492/Wisconsin-Department-Transportation-hold-
lnterstate-39-construction-meeting?odyssey-tabltopnewsltextiWDH-News
126
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has scheduled an April 6 meeting to discuss construction on Interstate 39 in
Marathon County.
The project includes replacing the pavement on northbound Interstate 39 between Business Highway 51 in Rothschild
and the Highway 29 interchange in Rib Mountain. Crews also will reconstruct the northbound Interstate 39 bridge crossing
Business Highway 51.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Rothschild Village Hall, 211 Grand Ave.
Construction on the highway is scheduled to begin as early as April 11, and could be completed by November.
Expert: Student IDs should be OK under voter ID law
http://lacrossetribune. com/news/local/article 16d3c25a-569d-11 e0-93f3-00 1 cc4c03286. htm I
MADISON -Wisconsin's proposed voter ID law will be less expensive, less susceptible to fraud and less likely to face
legal challenges if student badges are included as an acceptable form of identification, an elections expert told lawmakers
Thursday.
Speaking for himself and three University of Wisconsin colleagues, UW-Madison political scientist David Canon told the
Assembly Committee on Election and Campaign Reform that he's not taking a stance on whether the Legislature should
require that voters present a valid photo identification card- just making suggestions on how to write a law that protects
the integrity of elections, limits legal challenges and keeps the costs down.
"You already have tens of thousands of these IDs being produced by the state (at UW campuses}," he said. "So why
duplicate the state's efforts in terms of having (students) go out and get another free ID at a cost to the state?"
Voters would be required to present a valid ID, such as a Wisconsin driver's license or a military 1D card, to vote if the
Senate Voter ID bill becomes law. Student IDs are not a valid form of voter identification under the Senate bill.
Assembly members said Thursday they are drafting their own legislation.
Proponents say the legislation would limit voter fraud. Opponents argue that the Republican-led bill would disenfranchise
voters such as poor people and college students who are less likely to have a Wisconsin driver's license or other type of
photo ID accepted under the proposed law, and that the requirement would stymie political participation.
Ardis Cerny of We're Watching Wisconsin Elections, an elections-focused group that supports the voter ID proposal,
noted that students always can submit an absentee ballot where their parents live.
"If they want to be a (Wisconsin resident}, they either have to get an ID or a driver's license," Cerny said. "We feel that
they will have to make a choice."
Allowing student badges as a valid voter identification potentially would make it easier for thousands of students to vote -
and not just in Madison.
Under the Senate legislation, a Wisconsin driver's license that includes a voter's former address still would be considered
valid, according to the Legislative Council's office. Therefore, Wisconsin college students who grew up in the state
potentially could use their original driver's license as an acceptable form of I D.
But thousands of out-of-state students, including Minnesotans, would need to obtain a Wisconsin ID in order to vote here.
Wisconsin state law requires a residency period of 10 days before voting.
At Viterbo University in La Crosse, 33 percent of the its 1,875 un.dergraduates come from outside of Wisconsin.
At UW-La Crosse, 19 percent of all students are from out of state.
Canon said that UW IDs, which include a double bar code, are actually "harder to counterfeit than just about any other
kind of ID out there." . '
As for foreign students, they can get a state driver's license, but the Department of Transportation doesn't keep track of
their foreign status, he said.
"There's no way to find out that person's not a citizen," he said. "They can take that ID and go vote."
Universities, however, know exactly who the foreign students are, and that information easily can be traced from student
IDs, Canon said.
As for other legal and monetary concerns, Canon said not allowing student IDs would make Wisconsin's voter ID law the
toughest in the country, which would invite legal challenges.
And the law could be written so that non-UW schools would be required to meet the UW student ID standard for their
student cards to be considered valid for voting purposes, Canon said.
'Pretty darn clean' buses introduced
http://www. jou rnaltimes. com/news/local/article Ob40d bd0-5670-11 eO-a 786-001 cc4c03286. htm I
RACINE - Five new environmentally friendly buses will be on city and surrounding streets starting Monday.
Officials tout the new buses as near-zero emission buses because it reduces the nitrous oxide emissions to 4 percent of
the old ones.
Three of them were available for demonstration rides Thursday afternoon at Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St.
127
The buses have an added filtration system that turns nitrous oxide emissions into just nitrogen and water, said AI Stanek,
the city's transit and parking system manager. The soot that comes out is also reduced to 10 percent of the original
amount.
"By the time it comes out of the tail pipe, it's pretty darn clean," Stanek said.
Some said the air coming out is cleaner than the air going in.
It is expected to increase fuel economy by 5 percent. The new buses will also have ramps now available, making it more
senior and wheelchair friendly.
The buses will reduce the impact on the environment as well as the city's costs for fuel, officials said.
The five new buses will be replacing five from 1977, reaching the end of their useful lives with approximately 650,000 to
675,000 miles on them, according to Stanek.
They will be among the 38 currently operating in Racine's Belle Urban System. BUS General Manager John Meyers said
the new buses will be rotated around all the routes.
The buses cost a little less than $400,000 each to the total of about $2 million, which was covered 80 percent by federal
funds with a 20 percent city match, less than $400,000 from the city's capital budget. They come with a 12-year warranty.
With about a 10 percent cut expected in funding, Stanek said service cuts and fare increases cannot be ruled out but
would be the last resort. He pointed out as the city hires a private contractor, the governor's budget repair bill nearly
stripping collective bargaining rights from most public employees to help municipalities deal with cuts will not help them.
City officials said they expect at least a $205,000 cut for mass transit..
Mayor John Dickert expressed strong support for buses and public transit, saying it's important especially with gas prices
going up and making driving less affordable. Often buses are the only mode of transportation available for those without
cars to get to their jobs, he said.
"This is not the end of it for us," Dickert said. "We're going to continue to look at more efficient ways to move people."
Section of University Avenue to be repaved after asphalt fails tests
http://host. madison. com/wsj/news/local/qovt -and-politics/article 829cf4ce-568a-11 e0-a5d2-00 1 cc4c002e0. him I
Motorists who wailed last year as construction tore up University Avenue between South Segoe Road and Shorewood
Boulevard will suffer another two or three weeks this spring as contractors repave that section of the roadway.
State and city engineers confirmed that the asphalt that was placed on four lanes and nearly three-quarters of a mile of
road failed density and other materials tests last fall and didn't weather well over the winter.
The solution will likely involve peeling off the top layer of the six inches of asphalt and replacing it, said Scott LaCoursiere,
the consultant hired by the state Department of Transportation to manage the $6.7 million project that was largely funded
by federal stimulus dollars.
The resurfacing will likely take about two or three weeks, LaCoursiere said Thursday. "The cost of fixing it hasn't been
determined, but right now, we are not paying the contractor until we get the issues resolved," he said.
Glen Yaeger, a Madison city engineer who's been helping to oversee the reconstruction, said Stark Asphalt of Waukesha
was the asphalt contractor, and Tri-County Asphalt was the asphalt supplier. "The contractors have agreed there's a
problem with the asphalt but the extent of problem isn't yet known, Yaeger said Thursday.
A DOT manager sent area residents a letter Feb. 1 that called the situation an "unfortunate, unexpected issue."
"Work to remove and replace areas of asphalt surface is anticipated," wrote engineer Mark J. Sponem. "We appreciate
your patience with the past construction and hope you will extend additional patience with this."
Yaeger said the cost of repaving is not firm- the hot mix asphalt item in the contract was worth about $800,000 for six
inches, and replacing the top layer could cost about a third of that.
The problem with the asphalt mix was first discovered after routine DOT testing after the first day of paving, LaCoursiere
said, and contractors adjusted the mix. But the paving didn't take very long, and by the time tests on the new asphalt
came back also showing problems, the paving was done, he said.
"Even though corrective action was taken, we still didn't get the results we needed," he said.
Then winter arrived. "The asphalt surface wasn't what we had anticipated and isn't performing as expected," LaCoursiere
said. "It weathered poorly during the winter."
Yaeger said he expects the contractors to negotiate a solution, but the contractors probably won't be responsible for the
city's extra costs. "There is a cost for the delay and detouring of traffic that takes place," he said. "We will keep the street
open again, maintaining with traffic control similar to last year."
Passenger traffic at Dane County airport down 11 percent from last year
http://host. madison .com/wsj/business/article 2bba8442-5648-11 e0-9123-00 1 cc4c03286. html
February's rough winter weather had an impact at Dane Countv Regional Airport, where passenger traffic was down more
than 11 percent compared with a year ago.
There were 49,354 outbound passengers last month, an 11 percent decrease from February 2010, the airport reported
this week. There were 46,613 arriving passengers last month, down 12 percent from a year ago.
128
"The weather was a big reason. Our airport was always open, but other ones weren't," airport spokesman Brent McHenry
said. "Minneapolis had fog and snow, Milwaukee had snow, Chicago had snow."
Last month, 1,141 flights were scheduled to fly out of Dane County Regional Airport, but only 995 did. The biggest
problem, McHenry said, wasn't that flights couldn't get out of Madison but that connecting flights were stuck somewhere
else.
For the first two months of the year, there were 105,119 outbound passengers, down 6.4 percent from 2010, and 107,468
inbound passengers, down 1.4 percent.
Michael J. Goetzman
Office of Public Affairs
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 103B
P.O. Box 7910
Madison, WI 53707-7910
voice: 608/266-2520 fax: 608/266-7186
michael.goetzman@dot.wisconsin.gov
4
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
DWD MB Communications Office
Friday, March 25, 2011 9:35 AM
Barroilhet, Dan - DWD; Bartol, Fred - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Beckett, Laura L-
DWD; Berge, Sharon - DWD; Bernstein, Howard I - DWD; Black-Radloff, Rita - DWD;
Blodgett, Rebecca R- DOC; Blodgett, Steve R- DWD; Brockmiller, William - DWD;
Burgett, Carol - DWD; Charles, Amy D - DWD; Crary, Cathy- DWD; Denis, Gary J - DWD;
Dipko, John A - DWD; Domenoski, Brian K - DWD; Falk, Elizabeth C - DWD; File, Nicole L
- DWD; Fosdick, Anna - DWD; Gerrits, Karen - DWD; Gottschall, Chuck- DWD; Grant,
Ken G - DWD; Grosso, Eric - DWD; Hodek, Scott A- DWD; Holt, Deb - DWD; Irwin,
Michael A- DWD; Jones, Richard - DWD; Kikkert, Becky- DOA; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV;
Lingard, Sue- DWD; Maxwell, Georgia E- DWD; McDonald, Scott- DWD; Michels,
Thomas A - DWD; Morgan, Karen P - DWD; Myska, Amy; Natera, Ramon V- DWD;
OBrien, Christopher D - DWD; O'Brien, Pamela - DWD; O'Connor, Rene - DWD; Palzkill,
Bruce R- DWD; Pasholk, Mary L - DWD; Pelon, Brian - DWD; Perez, Manuel - DWD;
PJ"iillips, Amelia - DWD; Preysz, Linda - DWD; Reid, Andrea - DWD; Richard, JoAnna -
DWD; Rodgers-Rhyme, Anne M - DWD; Ryan, Edward - DWD (DET); Sachse, Jeff A -
DWD; Schmalle, Verlynn C - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Shutes, David L- DWD;
Solomon, Brian - DWD; Spurlin, Dennis A - DWD; Thomas, John - DWD; Thompson,
Heather- DWD; Udalova, Victoria M - DWD; Vue, Mai Zong - DCF; Weber, Sue - DWD;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Westbury, John R- DWD; Westfall, Grant - DWD; Williamson,
Linda - DWD; Winters, Dennis K- DWD; Wisnewski, Jerry - DWD; Wolfe, Brian M - DWD;
Wurl, Mark W- DWD; Younger, Thomas - DWD
DWD CustomScoops, Friday 3.25.11
CustomScoop
Source: Oshkosh Northwestern (WI) Circulation: 21,400
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 8:30AM
Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (5)
Abstract: ... Potawatomi Bing Casino stage at...- 3:49 pm Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker touts job
creation during visit to Wrightstown packaging company WRIGHTSTOWN In a trip that mirrored ...
------- ----'" - -------- -- ----
appeared:
Appleton Post Crescent Oshkosh Northwestern WTAQ, Eau Claire
WFRV, Eau Claire
Source: WITI Fox Channel 6 (WI)
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 5:15AM
Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits, Jobless
Abstract: ... paper's more surprising.claims, Kocherlakota suggested that extending unemployment
benefits - sometimes seen as adding to the jobless rate because it can discourage those
receiving ...
123
Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WI) Circulation: 52,000
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 4:20AM
Keywords; Governor Scott Walker (5), Jobless, Manny Perez (2), DWD
Abstract: ... State jobless rate unchanged You will be redirected to the page you want to view in seconds ....
Article also appeared:
Wausau Daily Herald
WXOW, La Crosse
WQOW, Eau Claire
WKOW-TV, Madison
WFRV, Green Bay
WISN, Milwaukee
Source: Portage Daily Register (WI) Circulation: 5,200
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 2:11 AM
Keywords: Jobless (3)
WAOW, Wausau
Green Bay Press Gazette
WBAY, Green Bay
Abstract: ... Joblessness stays below double digits Lyn Jerde Columbia County's unemployment rate
jumped almost a point...
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI) Circulation: 26,200
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 1:38AM
Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (9)
Abstract: ... cited in Eau Claire stop Shane Opatz Gov. Scott Walker toured Minnesota Wire's
manufacturing plantTuesday on Eau Claire's north side. The governor visited thecity to talk about
efforts he's taken this year to boostprivate-sector job grow ...
--- ----- ---- _, --- --- --
also appeared:
WQOW-TV, Eau Claie WAVY, Eau Claire
Source: Sauk Prairie Eagle (WI) Circulation:
Indexed At: 03/25/2011 1:12AM
Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (4)
Abstract: ... the Army in April. Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, evidence that
layoffs are slowing and employers may be stepping up hiring.(AP Photo/Michael...
Source: Milwaukee Community Journal (WI) Circulation: 40,000
Indexed At: 03/24/2011 8:41 PM
Keywords: apprenticeship (7), workforce development (3)
Abstract: ... awarded state construction contracts to participate in Wisconsin's apprenticeship program.
Many minority workforce advocates claimed the apprenticeship program was the only path to
employment...
Source: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire (WI)
Indexed At: 03/24/2011 5:38 PM
Keywords: workforce development
Abstract: ... following all laws. Now, the state Department of Workforce Development says !Pacesetters
has agreed to back pay those and all employees for bathroom breaks taken ....
Indexed At: 03/24/2011 5:34 PM
124
Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits
Abstract: ... U.S. Labor Department said fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week,
evidence that layoffs are slowing. The average number of unemployment applications over the ...
_,.. u ~ - - -
Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay (WI)
Indexed At: 0312412011 5:12PM
Keywords: Job Center
Abstract: ... come by today,'' says Hall. According to the Job Center of Wisconsin, new openings are
popping up across the region. In just the last 15 ...
Source: WITI Fox Channel 6 (WI)
Indexed At: 0312412011 9:11AM
Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (4), Jobless (2)
Abstract: ... Jobless claims fall, 4-week average at 2-112 year low WASHINGTON (Reuters)- New claims
for unemployment ...
125
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Index:
Quotes of the Week
Message
Week in Review
Jobs Focus
Budget Focus
Polls ofthe Week
What the Dems are Saying
Around the State
Around the Country
In Case You Missed It
From Washington
Great Read of the Week
Sen.Fitzgerald <Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov>
Friday, March 25, 20114:36 PM
*Legislative Senate Republicans
GOP Senate Weekly Update - March 25, 2011
Week of March 25. 2011
***Members and staff are strongly encouraged to contribute to the Update with press releases, talking points,
news items, suggestions, best practices, contributions or ideas for improvement. Please send these items
throughout the week by email to Andrew We/house or Hannah Huffman, or by calling 266-5660.
Quotes ofthe Week
"I think the bias is so clear it's really disappointing to me that someone who
is supposed to uphold the law is willing to bend it, break it, and reshape it to
satisfy their own personal philosophy."
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---Rep. Robin Vos on Wisconsin Radio Network in response to news that Judge Sumi's son is an organizer for
the AFL-CIO.
"Most state agencies carry out their duties without having an elected official
leading them. We don't elect a president of the DMV."
---State Treasurer Kurt Schuller during a press conference announcing his plan to eliminate the position of
state treasurer. Read the press release here.
"It has become imperative that we take action to preserve the right of every
Wisconsin citizen to make their own health care and health insurance
purchasing decisions."
---Sen. Joe Leibham in a statement this week announcing the Health Care Freedom Amendment.
"This is a Depression-era law. However, if I talked to my constituents, we're
in a Depression right now."
---Senator Carpenter, testifying against Senate Bill 30 (removing residency restrictions for Milwaukee
Police/Fire)
Message
Jobs and the economy are still the most important issues
As offices reach out to their districts and respond to constituent contacts regarding the Budget Repair
Bill, it is essential that our messaging stays focused on our key principles and goals.
We should be taking this opportunity to pivot back to the broader issues:
Balancing the budget
Cutting government spending waste, fraud and abuse
Creating jobs
Getting the economy growing again
People are still concerned primarily about jobs and the economy, as well as government spending,
taxes and their impact on jobs.
Before we do anything- we must ask the question: "How will this create jobs?"
Given time, and the realization that the world has not ended (and in fact that some local school
systems will be better-off financially), we can move to a point where constituents are willing to listen
again.
Remind your districts what Governor Doyle and Democrats did last session:
Increased government spending by $3.6 billion
Raised taxes by $4.7 billion
Left us with a $3.6 billion deficit
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Week in Review
Supreme Court to take up budget repair bill case
After last week's temporary restraining order on the publication of the budget repair bill, the Appeals
Court has asked the State Supreme Court to take over the case. Four justices of the Supreme Court will
have to agree to accept the case.
Wisconsin State Journal
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Court of Appeals: Certification to the State Supreme Court
Rep. Barca Response
Sen. Cullen: Amendment was preventative, and an olive branch
During an interview with "Up Front with Mike Gousha," Cullen indicated that the Dems are unlikely to
use the tactic again but if they do- he wouldn't go along. Cullen admitted that he fears they Senate
Democrats set a precedent which could become commonplace and could destroy the Senate. He
hopes his amendment eliminating a 3/5 requirement for fiscal-related bills will help deter any need to
escape the state in the future .
... Watch the show here
State Borrows $1.56 billion for unemployment benefits
The state has borrowed $1.56 billion from the federal government to fund unemployment benefits,
according to the Dept of Workforce Development. But the money owed has no impact on Gov. Scott
Walker's biennial budget or his efforts to balance the books, according to James Buchen, vice president
of government relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, a pro-business group .
... Read more here
Washington Post: States Weigh Reductions in Unemployment Benefits
Tobs Focus
0
New Enterprise Zones Introduced to Spur Economic Activity
Senator Randy Hopper introduced legislation this week to create three new Enterprise Zones.
"Enterprise zones are important tools the state can use to facilitate job creation in the private sector,"
said Hopper. Currently, two of the most successful Enterprise Zones in existence are in Fond du Lac
and Oshkosh- Mercury Marine and Oshkosh Corporation. These two Enterprise Zones have created
2,311 jobs and retained 5,061 jobs in the community.
Read Hopper's statement here.
February Unemployment Numbers Remain Unchanged
119
The Dept. of Workforce Development announced this week that the seasonally adjusted
unemployment rate for February continued at 7.4 percent, unchanged from January but nearly 2
percentage points better than last February.
Wisconsin's manufacturing sector has added over 8,000 so far in 2011. DWD Secretary Manny Perez
said that the numbers indicate a positive shift in Wisconsin's' employment picture.
Read the full DWD's full unemployment report here
Secretary Perez's Column: Attention Jobseekers, WI is Open for Business
Green Bay Press Gazette: Wisconsin Unemployment Rates Stays at 7.4 percent
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: State Job Market Improves
Badger State's Image Takes a Hit from Recent Political Unrest
... according to self-described marketing "geek" and Milwaukee entrepreneur Sue Marks at a Wisconsin
Innovation Network luncheon this week.
On the contrary, good marketers would find a way to take advantage of all the recent publicity, said
Marks, who is founder and CEO of Pinstripe Inc., a human resources and recruitment firm. She is also
president of Competitive Wisconsin Inc., a nonpartisan economic development consortium that
represents business, labor, agriculture and education interests.
Marks said massive protests at the Capitol in recent weeks created a great deal of "unaided brand
awareness for Wisconsin, though it may not be the brand we want. It's unfortunate, and only we can
fix it."
... Read more here
Budget Focus
Legislative Fiscal Bureau Releases Preliminary Numbers on
Governor's Budget
The memos outline the budget's impact on county and municipal aid, general transportation aid to
counties and municipalities, state aid and lew information for technical college districts, and general
aid provisions to K-12 education as well as potential savings to local governments due to employee
contributions to the WI Retirement System.
According to the LFB, the bill would reduce total funding for calendar year 2012 payments by $96
million, $59.5 million for towns, villages and cities, and $36.5 million for counties.
Joint Finance Committee Announces Agency Budget Briefings and
Public Hearings
JFC will be meeting this week to hold a series of agency budget briefings. No public testimony will be
taken. Click here for the schedule.
Four public hearing on the budget bill have been scheduled at the following dates, times and locations:
120
Thursday, April 7 {10 am- 6 pm). UW-Stevens Point (Lee Dreyfus University Center, Melvin
Laird Room, Stevens Point}
Friday, April 8 (10 am- 5 pm}. Northwood School Richard's Auditorium, Highway 53, Minong.
Monday, Aprilll {10 am- 6 pm}. State Fair Park, Expo Center Hall A, West Allis.
Wednesday, April13 {10 am- 6 pm). Arcadia High School Auditorium, Arcadia.
LAB Releases Letter on Budgetary Issues
In a letter to the audit committee chairs, the Legislative Audit Bureau identifies up to $12 million that
the legislature could transfer to the state's general fund. Agency surpluses could be used to help offset
budget deficits.
Polls of the Week
Rasmussen Reports: Fewer Americans than Ever Think U.S. Economy Will be
Stronger in Five Years
The poll finds that 46% of American Adults think the U.S. economy will be stronger in five years, the
lowest finding since regular surveying on the question began in January 2009.
Gallup: Jobs Key to Residents' Satisfaction with their Communities
What the Dems are Saying:
"It is good to see the courls are taking what I believe is a deliberate
violation of the open meetings law, on the pari of Republican legislative
leadership, very seriously- as is our tradition in Wisconsin."
---"Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha} praising the Appeals Court Decision to let the
Supreme Court take over the open-meetings lawsuit.
"I have been dismayed by recent news accounts of death threats and
menacing behavior aimed at my legislative colleagues - both
Republicans and Democrats - and at Governor Walker."
---Rep, David Cullen in a statement responding to recent events at the State Capitol and across the
state.
Around the State
Maciver Institute: Union communists Join Forces for April4 Protests
Stevens Point Journal: Tax Expert Blames Medicaid for State Deficits
Beloit Daily News: Private School Vouchers May Go Statewide
Around the Count1y
121
Detroit Free Press: Michigan Governor Faces New Wave of Protests
New York Times: State Pass Budget Pain to Cities
Miami Herald: Gov. Scott Signs First Bill Reforming Teacher Pay
Wall Street Journal: Ohio's Governor Moves Against Unions
CBS News: Indiana Dems Continue month-long boycott to protest GOP bills
CNN: State Unemployment Benefits in the Crosshairs
In Case You Missed It
New York Times: On Twitter, Conservative (or liberal) by association
Reuters: WI Dems Say Down but Not Out in Union Fight
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: SEIU Seriously Weakened by Budget Repair Bill
Washington Post: A Glimpse of a Future with ObamaCare
From Washington
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson: "ObamaCare and Carey's Heart"
Rep. Sean Duffy: Discusses National issues at Nicolet
Great Read of the Week
WPRI: Why He Did It, by Christian Schneider
For more information on anything contained in the GOP Senate Update and to contribute ideas and topics
for future weeks, please contact Sen. Fitzgerald's office at 608-266-5660 or email Andrew Wei house or
Hannah Huffman.
122
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
..... 115:23PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV;
Huebsch, Mike - DOA
Collective bargaining bill published despite restraining order
e-mail
print
By Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel
Updated: March 25, 20115:16 p.m. 1(78) COMMENTS
Madison -A controversial bill limiting collective bargaining for public workers has been officially published despite a temporary restraining
order barring its publication by one state official.
The legislation was published Friday with a footnote that acknowledges the restraining order, but says state law "requires the Legislative
Reference Bureau to publish every act within 10 working days after its date of enactment."
The restraining order was issued against Democratic Secretary of State Doug La Follette, but the bill was published by the reference bureau.
The reference bureau was not included in the temporary restraining order.
Laws normally take effect a day after they are published, and Gov. Scott Walker's administration is proceeding as if it takes effect Saturday.
"Today the administration was notified that the LRB published the budget-repair bill as required by law," said a statement from Administration
Secretary Mike Huebsch. "The administration will carry out the law as required."
La Follette and the two top officials at the reference bureau - Chief Stephen Miller and Deputy Chief Cathlene Hanaman- could not be reached
Friday. The Legislature is run by Republicans, but the reference bureau is a nonpartisan agency widely respected by both political parties.
John Jagler; a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon), said he presumed the law would take effect Saturday. He said he
did not know if the speaker spoke with the reference bureau about the matter before it was published.
The publication of the law came the same day a third court action was filed challenging Walker's budget-repair law that sharply curtails union
bargaining by public employees.
Friday, city of Madison firefighters and public works employees filed suit in Dane County Circuit Court against Walker and the state seeking to
block the law from taking effect, saying it had been passed in violation of the state constitution.
The Madison workers are using somewhat different arguments than those in other lawsuits, saying that the law treats some union workers
unfairly compared to other workers. The law also violates constitutional provisions requiring that three-fifths of lawmakers be present to vote
on certain financial bills, the lawsuit said.
"These provisions treat those employees who are represented by publiC-sector labor organizations in ways that are different in significant
respects from the ways in which they treat employees who are not represented by any labor organization," the lawsuit reads.
The named plaintiff in the lawsuit is Jamie O'Brien, a public works employee who lives in Madison.
A spokesman for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen declined to comment on the lawsuit. It followed other court actions brought against the law
by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and other county officials and a separate case brought by Dane County District Attorney Ismael
Ozanne.
Last week, a Dane County judge temporarily blocked the law from taking effect while she hears the case brought by Ozanne. In that case,
Ozan'ne argues that GOP lawmakers violated the state open meeting's law when a committee passed the measure without adequate public
notice - a contention that Republicans deny.
Those cases are ongoing and the state's appeal of the judge's temporary restraining order is currently before the state Supreme Court, which
has not said whether it would take up the matter.
The budget-repair measure was meant to shore up the state's finances through June 30 but drew massive protests because of the collective
bargaining changes. It stalled when Senate Democrats left the state Feb. 17 to block action on the measure. The state constitution requires
20 of 33 senators- three-fifths of the body- to be present to vote on bills with certain fiscal elements, and Republicans hold just 19 seats.
After three weeks, Republicans quickly convened a conference committee March 9 to strip appropriations out of the bill. They said the
changes to the bill meant they no longer needed 20 senators to be present.
115
The four Republicans on the conference committee voted for the bill as they ignored shouts by the lone Democrat at the meeting, Assembly
Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha, that they were violating the open meetings law. The Senate passed it minutes later with no
Democrats present as protesters jammed the halls of the Capitol.
Other provisions with financial impacts for the state, such as requirements that state employees pay more for their health and pension
benefits, remained In the bill. Those provisions should have also required a vote by 20 senators
1
the lawsuit filed Friday argued. Republicans
have also denied that claim.
The constitution requires the three-fifths majority for "any law which impc:ises, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or
makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state."
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimp.f@wisconsin.gov
116
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 6:27 PM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV To:
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts:
Senator Lasee's office inquired about information regarding how collective bargaining is a fiscal issue.
Representative Bies' Office called letting us know about a ship building company in Door County that was given a
new contract and will be creating jobs.
Representative Larson's Office called asking for info on inmates granted early release reoffending.
Representative Nygren's Office called asking about if the Block Grant given to Catalyst Exhibits was a product of
Special Session AB 4- economic development funds and information on the elimination of the indigent civil legal
services funding in the budget.
Representative Petryk's Office emailed asking if municipalities and school districts can go to referenda to increase
public employees' wages over CPl.
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Commerce
Sub-Zero Plant Visit Planned
Bio Science Authority Proposal
o Ron Kuehn and Jordan Lamb asked the Governor to consider their Kansas-style proposal to create
25,000 bioscience jobs in the next 5 years
Transfer of Safety and Buildings to DSPS
o Nate spoke with David Seager of the Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters Association and discussed the
transfer
Oneida Seven Generations project
o Commerce has been asked to attend a presentation on Environmental Assessment of this project on April
12'"
Venture Capital
DNR
o Draft not released
o Spoke with Charlie Goff of NEW Capital in Appleton about the proposal and other ways to improve
access to capital
US Department of Interior
o Patrick spoke with DOl, which would like to discuss policy items with the Governor's office
PSC
E911
o PSC would like direction from the Governor's office on a FCC E911 response that needs to be filed.
WHEDA
Reform Initiatives
o WHEDA has shared some items with the Legislature
Human Services and Education Team
Education:
Children At Risk will not be part of the budget errata and will have to be amended by JFC
111
Education News:
Schools intending to participate in voucher program drops slightly /Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
The number of schools registered to accept students through the city's voucher program this coming school year has
dropped from the number of schools on the list at this time last year, according to information from the Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction.
Wausau docks pay for 254 teachers in sickout (Wausau Daily Herald}
The Wausau School District has released the names of 254 teachers who have admitted that they missed a day's worth of
work for illegitimate reasons on Feb. 18.
That's the day when many teachers and other public workers- from Wausau and districts across the state-
congregated in Madison to protest Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, which is meant to strip most collective
bargaining rights from public union contracts.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
We are sending out templates to WFA agency task forces and contacts to begin filling out suggestions for the
Commission to review. Also, to ensure we highlight WFA in agencies and how the new administration is fixing it.
Local Governments:
Wisconsin State Journal. Editorial: Residency rule hurts schools
It will help Wisconsin's largest and most troubled school district hire the best teachers, who are key to raising student
achievement.
It's supported by both the Republicans who run the state Capitol as well as the state's largest teachers union.
So let's move Senate Bill 34 to the governor's desk this spring so Milwaukee school principals can hire new teachers from
a larger talent pool over the summer.
Oshkosh Northwestern. New teachers optimistic about finding jobs despite cuts to public education
But Robers, a 22-year-old certified to teach middle and high school science, sees an upside: Her chances of finding a job
appear as good as ever.
Many school districts across Wisconsin are passing collective bargaining agreements that include wage and benefit
concessions that will absorb most or all of the proposed funding cuts in Gov. Scott Walker's biennial budget. That means
districts won't have to reduce staff to balance their budgets, at least for one more year.
At the same time, droves of older teachers are retiring for fear of losing benefits or because of frustration with political
changes affecting the profession.
''That means jobs might be opening. We're not aware of what level, but they will be opening and that's a positive for
teachers who will be graduating or getting their licenses in the next year or two, "said Suzanne Doe mel, a teacher
education program coordinator at UWO and UW-Sheboygan.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Green Lake negotiating school contract extension
The GLEA 's proposal asked for step and lane salary increases based on the previous year's consumer price index. It
offers to have teachers pay half of their contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System, or 5. 8 percent of their salaries,
effective Sept. 1, 2011.
The proposals from both sides would have the teachers pay 10 percent toward their health insurance premiums for the
duration of the contract extension. The board reserves the right to seek bids for insurance coverage, according to its initial
proposal.
The Chippewa Herald. School board approves modified employee contracts
112
The Chippewa Falls School Board approved modified contracts for employees represented by the district's two unions-
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Chippewa Falls Federation of
Teachers (CFFT). AFSCME represents the school support staff, including secretaries, custodial and food service workers.
Beloit Daily News. Teacher contract adopted
For most of the bargaining units including teachers, the concessions include a 5.8 percent contribution to the Wisconsin
Retirement System effective July 1, a two-year salary freeze for all units, longevity pay changes, new evaluation systems
for all employees and up to a 12. 8 percent premium share contribution to the district's health plan, officials said.
Sheboygan Press. City transit union may get new contract
The city's Transit Commission reached a tentative agreement Thursday evening with its transit employee union on a
contract extension that would freeze wages through 2013 and gain other concessions that would exceed those the city
would realize through Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Green Bay union employees' contract extended
The Green Bay City Council on Thursday approved a contract extension with union employees that city officials say will
save $600, 000 this year.
The council voted 11-0 to approve the contract, which formalizes cost-saving health insurance and pension contributions
from Gov. Scott Walker's bill, which would strip public employees of collective bargaining powers.
The contract does not include any pay increases and eliminates mandatory furlough days.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Council, city manager to discuss contract extensions for city un
The Oshkosh Common Council will meet in closed session tonight to discuss whether it wants to consider negotiating
contract extensions with at least two of the unions representing Oshkosh municipal employees.
La Crosse Tribune. Council OKs new worker contracts, by mayor has questions before he'll sign ions in special
meeting
Employees will provide half of their state pension contribution, starting in 2012. They also will pay 10 percent of monthly
medical insurance premiums in 2012 if participating in a health risk assessment, 12. 6 percent if not. That share rises in
2013 to 12.6 percent for those in health risk assessment and 16 percent for nonparticipants.
"It was a hard agreement to swallow," Smith said, "but the alternative was not that great."
The new pact includes a 1 percent salary increase in 2012, with the SEIU having the option to reopen the contract for
wages in 2013.
Stevens Point Journal. Proposed cuts to state aid stall plans in Hull, New Hope
Voters recently rejected plans to renovate the existing building and build an addition for about $195,000. Zaborowski said
the town now is looking at plans to bw7d a new building and abandon the old one, which could save about $50,000 on the
total cost. The Town Hall, it is hoped, would be preserved as a historic building.
Voter ID:
Wisconsin Reporter. Expert: Include student badges to improve voter ID bill
Speaking for himself and three University of Wisconsin colleagues, UW-Madison polibcal scientist David Canon told the
Assembly Committee on Election and Campaign Reform that he's not taking a stance on whether the Legislature should
require that voters present a valid photo identification card- just making suggestions on how to write a law that protects
the integrity of elections, limits legal challenges and keeps the costs down.
Corrections:
The Capital Times. Corrections Dept. not embracing plan to scale back meals
"Generally, there would be some concerns about the climate that might create within the institutions," says DOC
spok('lsman Tim LeMonds, "and any health risks that might be involved."
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Sen. Fitzgerald/Rep. Fitzgerald. Help protect Fox Lake water quality
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Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Updated story:
Keith - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV;
Huebsch, Mike - DOA
Re:
Collective bargaining bill published despite restraining order
By Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel
6:42p.m. I U (448) Comments
Madison- In a stunning twist, controversial legislation limiting collective bargaining for publicworkers was published on
Friday despite a judge's hold on the measure, sparking a dispute over whether it takes effect Saturday.
The legislation was published Friday to the Legislature's website with a footnote that acknowledges the restraining order
by a Dane County judge. But the posting says state law "requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to publish every act
within 10 working days after its date of enactment."
The measure sparked massive protests at the Capitol and lawsuits by opponents because it would eliminate the ability of
most public workers to bargain over anything but wages.
The restraining order was issued against Democratic Secretary of State Doug La Follette. But the bill was published by
the reference bureau, which was not named in the restraining order.
Laws normally take effect a day after they are published, and a top GOP lawmaker said that meant it will become law
Saturday. But the nonpartisan legislative official who published the law disagreed.
"I think this is a ministerial act that forwards it to the secretary of state," said Stephen Miller, director of the Legislative
Reference Bureau. "I don't think this act makes it become effective. My understanding is that the secretary of state has
to publish it in the (official state) newspaper for it to become effective."
Walker signed the bill March 11. Under state law, it must be published within 10 working days, which was Friday.
The law has not been printed in the Wisconsin State Journal, the official state newspaper, as other laws are. Late Friday,
State Journal publisher Bill Johnston said in an email that the notice for the law had been scheduled to ruri but had been
canceled. He did not elaborate.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) claimed it didn't matter that it hasn't appeared in the paper.
"It's published," Fitzgerald said. "It's law. That's what I contend."
Fitzgerald and Miller met Friday. Miller said Fitzgerald asked him to publish the law and, after reading the statutes,
Miller agreed that he could do soc He said he has never had something similar happen with the publication of a law
during his 12 years running the reference bureau.
107
After the restraining order was issued on March 18, La Follette sent a letter that same day to the reference bureau
rescinding earlier instructions to publish the bill on Friday. "I further instruct you to remove all reference to March 25,
2011, as the publication date and not to proceed with publication until I contact you with a new publication date," his
letter said.
Walker's top cabinet official, Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch, gave only a brief statement reacting to Friday's
news.
"Today the administration was notified that the LRB published the budget-repair bill as required by law," he said. "The
administration will carry out the law as required."
Last week, Dane County District Attorney lsmael Ozanne, a Democrat, filed a complaint to block the law, saying a
committee of lawmakers violated the open meetings law when they approved it. Republicans deny they violated the
meetings law.
In her March 18 decision, Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi then issued the restraining order to prevent La
Follette from publishing the law. But she also made a blanket statement that she was blocking the further
implementation of the law.
"I do, therefore, restrain and enjoin the further implementation of 2011 Wisconsin Act 10. The next step in
implementation of that law would be the publication of that law by the secretary of state. He is restrained and enjoined
from such publication until further order of this court," she said.
The Department of Justice appealed the restraining order, and on Thursday an appeals panel- without weighing in on
the merits of the case- said the state Supreme Court should take up the matter. The high court has not yet decided
what to do.
Bill Cosh, a spokesman for Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, said in a statement that no action of the
secretary of state is needed for the reference bureau to publish the measure. Cosh noted that La Follette is not in
violation ofthe restraining order because he did not direct the reference bureau to publish the bill.
"The Wisconsin Department of Justice will evaluate how the lawful publication of Act 10 affects pending litigation. We
have no further comment at this time," Cosh said.
Also Friday, another lawsuit was filed over the law, bringing to three the total number of cases now pending.
Madison firefighters and public works employees filed suit in Dane County Circuit Court against Walker and the state
seeking to block the law from taking effect, saying it had been passed in violation of the state constitution.
The Madison workers are using somewhat different arguments than those in other lawsuits, saying that the law treats
some union workers unfairly compared to other workers. The law also violates constitutional provisions requiring that
three-fifths of lawmakers be present to vote on certain financial bills, the lawsuit alleged.
"These provisions treat those em-ployees who are represented by public-sector labor organizations in ways that are
different in significant respects from the ways in which they treat employees who are not represented by any labor
organization," the lawsuit reads.
The named plaintiff in the lawsuit is Jamie O'Brien, a public works employee who lives in Madison.
The Department of Justice declined to comment on the lawsuit. It followed actions by Ozanne and acting Dane County
Executive Kathleen Falk and other county officials.
108
The budget-repair measure was meant to shore up the state's finances through June 30 but drew massive protests
because of the collective bargaining changes. It stalled when Senate Democrats left the state Feb. 17 to block action on
the measure. The state constitution requires 20 of 33 senators- three-fifths of the body- to be present to vote on bills
with certain fiscal elements, and Republicans hold just 19 seats.
After three weeks, Republicans quickly convened a conference committee March 9 to strip appropriations out of the bill.
They said the changes to the bill meant they no longer needed 20 senators to be present.
The four Republicans on the conference committee voted for the bill as they ignored shouts by the lone Democrat at the
meeting, Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha, that they were violating the open meetings law. The Senate
passed it minutes later with no Democrats present as protesters jammed the halls of the Capitol.
Other provisions with financial impacts for the state, such as requirements that state employees pay more for their
health and pension benefits, remained in the bill. Those provisions should have also required a vote by 20 senators, the
lawsuit filed Friday argued. Republicans have also denied that claim.
The constitution requires the three-fifths majority for "any law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a
debt or charge, or makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases, discharges or
commutes a claim or demand of the state."
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
201105:23 PM
To.._
Cc: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA
Subject:
Collective bargaining bill published despite restraining order
e-mail
print
By Jason Stein of the Journal Sentinel
Updated: March 25, 2011 5:16p.m. 1(78) COMMENTS
Madison- A controversial bill limiting collective bargaining for public workers has been officially published despite a temporary restraining
order barring its publication by one state official.
The legislation was published Friday with a footnote that acknowledges the restraining order, but says state law "requires the Legislative
Reference Bureau to publish every act within 10 working days after its date of enactment."
The restraining order was issued against Democratic Secretary of State Doug La Follette, but the bill was published by the reference bureau.
The reference bureau was not included in the temporary restraining order.
Laws normally take effect a day after they are published, and Gov. Scott Walker's administration is proceeding as if it takes effect
"Today the administration was notified that the LRB published the budget-repair bill as required by law," said a statement from Administration
Secretary Mike Huebsch. "The administration will carry out the law as required."
La Follette and the two top officials at the reference bureau -Chief Stephen Miller and Deputy Chief Cathlene Hanaman -could not be reached
Friday. The Legislature is run by Republicans, but the reference bureau is a nonpartisan agency widely respected by both political parties.
John Jagler, a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon)
1
said he presumed the law would take effect Saturday. He said he
did not know if the speaker spoke with the reference bureau about the matter before it was published.
The publication of the law came the same day a third court action was filed challenging Walker's budget-repair law that sharply curtails union
bargaining by public employees.
Friday, city of Madison firefighters and public works employees filed suit in Dane County Circuit Court against Walker and the state seeking to
block the law from taking effect, saying it had been passed in violation of the state constitution.
109
The Madison workers are using somewhat different arguments than those in other lawsuits, saying that the law treats some union workers
unfairly compared to other workers. The law also violates constitutional provisions requiring that three-fifths of lawmakers be present to vote
on certain financial bills, the lawsuit said.
"These provisions treat those employees who are represented by public-sector labor organizations in ways that are different in significant
respects from the ways in which they treat employees who are not represented by any labor organization," the lawsuit reads.
The named plaintiff in the lawsuit is Jamie O'Brien, a public works employee who lives in Madison.
A spokesman for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen declined to comment on the lawsuit. It followed other court actions brought against the law
by Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and other county officials and a separate case brought by Dane County District Attorney Ismael
Ozanne.
Last week, a Dane County judge temporarily blocked the law from taking effect while she hears the case brought by Ozanne. In that case,
Ozanne argues that GOP lawmakers violated the state o'pen meetings law when a committee passed the measure without adequate public
notice- a contention that Republicans deny.
Those cases are ongoing and the state's appeal of the judge's temporary restraining order is currently before the state Supreme Court, which
has not said whether it would take up the matter.
The budget-repair measure was meant to shore up the state's finances through June 30 but drew massive protests because of the collective
bargaining changes. It stalled when Senate Democrats left the state Feb. 17 to block action on the measure. The state constitution requires
20 of 33 senators- three-fifths of the body- to be present to vote on bills with certain fiscal elements
1
and Republicans hold just 19 seats.
After three weeks, Republicans quickly convened a conference committee March 9 to strip appropriations out of the bill. They said the
changes to the bill meant they no longer needed 20 senators to be present.
The four Republicans on the conference committee voted for the bill as they ignored shouts by the lone Democrat at the meeting, Assembly
Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha, that they were violating the open meetings law. The Senate passed it minutes later with no
Democrats present as protesters jammed the halls of the Capitol.
Other provisions with financial impacts for the state, such as requirements t h a ~ state employees pay more for their health and pension
benefits, remained in the bill. Those provisions should have also required a vote by 20 senators, the lawsuit filed Friday argued. Republicans
have also denied that claim.
The constitution requires the three-fifths majority for "any law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or
makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money
1
or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state."
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
110
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Wed March 23, 20111:54 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject:
After reading another op-ed in your paper regarding the Wisconsin budget battle, Governor Walker drafted an op-ed he
would like to submit to give your readers another perspective. The Governor's op-ed is just under 700 words. We
appreciate your consideration. Thanks, Chris
In nearly every state across America, Governors are facing major budget deficits. Many, Democrat and
Republican alike, are cutting state aid to schools and other local governments - which forces massive layoffs,
massive property tax increases or both.
In Wisconsin, we are doing something progressive in the best sense of the word. We are implementing
collective bargaining reforms to protect middle class jobs and middle class taxpayers. While our idea may be a
bold political move it is a very modest request of our employees.
We are reforming the collective bargaining system so our state and local governments can ask employees to
contribute 5.8% for pension and 12.6% for health insurance premiums. These reforms will help them balance
their budgets. In total, our collective bargaining reforms save local governments more than $700 million each
year.
Most workers outside of government would love our proposal. Over the past several months, I have visited
numerous factories and small businesses across Wisconsin. On these tours, workers tell me that they pay
anywhere from 15% to 50% of their health insurance premium costs. The average middle class worker is
paying more than 20% of his or her premium.
Even federal employees pay more than twice what we are asking state and local government workers to pay and
most of them don't have collective bargaining for wages or benefits. These facts beg the question as to why the
protesters are in Wisconsin and not in Washington, D.C. By nearly any measure, our requests are quite
reasonable.
Beyond helping to balance current and future budgets, our reforms will improve the quality of our
governments. No longer will hiring and firing be done solely based on seniority and union contracts. Instead,
schools - as well as state and local governments - will be able to make decisions based on merit and
performance.
This concept works well in Indiana. In 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels reformed collective bargaining. In turn,
the government got more efficient, more effective and more accountable to the public. Governor Daniels even
encouraged employees to come forward with ways to save taxpayer dollars and they responded. Eventually, the
state was able to reward top performing employees. This is true reform - making government work for the
people.
A recent columnist on these pages opined that "common problems deserve common solutions" suggesting that
Republicans and Democrats work together. In principle, that is a good idea.
1
Since January 3'd, we passed some of the most aggressive economic development legislation in the
country. And on nearly every measure, many Democrats joined with all of the Republicans and an Independent
to vote in favor of the various pieces of legislation. The Wisconsin legislature recognized that we are growing,
not Republican or Democratic jobs, but Wisconsin jobs. Together, we worked to show that Wisconsin is open
for business.
But sometimes, bi-partisanship is not so good. During several of the past budgets, members of both political
parties raided segregated funds, used questionable accounting principles and deferred tough decisions. This,
along with the use of billions of dollars worth of one-time federal stimulus money for the budget two years ago,
left Wisconsin with the current $3.6 billion deficit.
Our reforms allow us to take a new and better approach. Instead of avoiding the hard decisions and searching
for short-term solutions, we make a commitment to the future. The choices we are making now in Wisconsin
will make sure our children are not left picking up the pieces of the broken state budget left behind. Our
reforms create the lowest structural deficit in recent history insuring our budget is stable for decades to
come. These changes will give businesses the confidence they need to grown and invest in our state.
We live in the greatest nation on earth because for more than 200 years we've had leaders who cared more
about their children and grandchildren than themselves. Having the courage to make decisions in the best
interest of the next generation - despite external pressures - is a concept that America has always admired, but
is forgetting today. My hope is that Wisconsin will remind the nation what makes our country great.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
2
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Goetzman, Michael - DOT
Friday, February 18, 2011 7:56AM
DOT DL EXEC Reader Review
In today's Reader Review
Dane County RT A won't propose sales-tax increase
http://host. mad is on. com/wsj/news/local/govt -and-politics/article ec06dcde-3b 11-11 e0-8e95-00 1 cc4c03286. html
The Dane County transit board reluctantly dropped a proposed tax referendum for improved bus service Thursday night,
with members saying that expected state aid cuts may make it impossible to maintain even the existing system.
"I'm quite discouraged here," said board member Mark Opitz, whose motion to hold an April 5 advisory referendum failed
when none of the other seven members supported him. "What is the harm in asking the public what they think?"
Other members of Dane County Regional Transit Board said they were concerned they wouldn't be able to guarantee that
a transit sales tax would create extended bus lines and enhanced services with the looming possibility of budget cuts.
"You can't expand if you don't have the base service to begin with," said member Kristine Euclide.
Euclide and others also worried that the RTA, which has operated without a budget or staff, hasn't sufficiently aired its
draft plan in public or refined the proposal to spell out things such as the economic benefits of having more options for
commuters and others.
And with Gov. Scott Walker determined to make public employees spend more money from their paychecks on benefits,
this isn't the time to impose another tax on their families, said board member Tom Wilson.
Sierra Club representative Don Ferber said he disagreed with the board's decision. With the high cost of gas and road
construction, those strapped families will actually pay more for transportation if cars are their main option, Ferber said
after the meeting.
Board members said they would continue working on their plan, even though Republicans in the state legislature were
circulating a proposal to repeal the laws that created the Dane County RTA and three others in the state.
A spokesman for Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, said lawmakers were against the sales tax, want the RTA boards
reconstituted and believe there is not enough local support for current plans.
Board chairman Dick Wagner said the likelihood that the RTAs will be dissolved is the most urgent issue, and a
referendum would be a mere gesture. The board passed a resolution asking lawmakers for a chance to discuss their
concerns.
Wagner said his heart was urging him to push forward with a public vote, but his head told him any chances for improving
transit under Walker were an illusion.
Transit tax opponent Bill Richardson of Middleton said he welcomed the board's decision, even though it wasn't based on
anti-tax, anti-train reasons.
"I was surprised," said Richardson, who works for the county Republican Party and was at the meeting representing rail
opponents. "It looks like some of the more sage members of the group felt they would look silly if they went for a
referendum and they were repealed in a few weeks."
1
Walker proposal could result in $7.1 million cut in federal aid to Madison Metro Transit
http://host. madison .com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article b3 7 4eb56-3ac9-11 e0-9045-00 1 cc4c03286. html
Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining proposal could force the city of Madison to restructure Metro Transit or lose $7.1
million in federal transit aid, about a sixth of the utility's $42.4 million budget for 2011, officials said.
"I'm very concerned," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said Thursday. "If you could imagine cutting one sixth of service, that would
be a disaster."
It's still unclear when the city might lose the money if the proposal is enacted, Cieslewicz said.
The governor's legislation would effectively strip most collective bargaining rights from most public workers in Wisconsin,
including those working for local governments.
But federal law requires continuation of collective bargaining rights on wages, pensions, working conditions and other
conditions to get federal transit money, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo.
The Walker administration did not respond to a phone call and e-mail.
The state received $73.9 million in federal transit funding in 2010, including $22.5 million for the Milwaukee area and the
$7.1 million for Madison, according to the memo.
About $27.3 million for the Milwaukee area likely would not be affected because Milwaukee County has a contract with a
private corporation to run its transit services, the memo says.
But the remaining $46.6 million, including the funds for Madison, "could potentially be withheld" due to the governor's
proposal, it says.
It's possible that Madison would have to adopt a system like Milwaukee's or lose the federal funds, Madison City Attorney
Michael May said.
If necessary, Cieslewicz said he'd explore a restructuring that would lead to a contract with a private operator, but he
added, "that's not an ideal scenario."
Cieslewicz said the city has no taste for a fare increase, meaning any reduction in federal funding would be covered by
service reductions, which would be unfortunate as Metro's approximate 14 million ridership nears record levels.
The mayor said the governor and Legislature should slow down the budget repair bill process.
"Who knows what else is in the bill," he said.
Michael J. Goetzman
Office of Public Affairs
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 1038
P.O. Box 7910
Madison, WI 53707-7910
voice: 608/266-2520 fax: 608/266-7186
michael.goetzman@dot.wisconsin.gov
2
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 7:52 AM
To:
Subject:
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
FW: Overtime work versus pay status 2_17 _ll.doc
In case you're looking for other ways to illustrate how restricting collective bargaining can save money. The Department
of Corrections conservatively estimates they could save a minimum of $4.8 million per year on overtime alone.
The attachment has a great explanation of one of the most egregious things that the union has received through collective
bargaining- overtime stacking. Essentially, the guards can call in sick for a first-shift, but then come in and work second
or third shift and get paid time-and-half. So in one day, they get paid 8 hours of sick leave, plus 8 hours of time-and-a-
half, while working only one shift. It's well known that correctional officers game this system and coordinate their sick
days with one another to take advantage of this policy.
Ryan Murray
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
Office of the Governor
Main: 608-266-1212
Email: r.murrav@wisconsin.gov
From: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 201111:11 AM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Cc: Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Hogan, Pat- GOV
Subject: FW: Overtime work versus pay status 2_17_11.doc
Waylon Hurlburt
Senior Policy Advisor
The Office of Governor Scott Walker
State of Wisconsin
(608)266-9709
From: Rolston, Stacey L - DOC
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 201111:06 AM
To: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Cc: Schuh, Dennis - DOC; Mitchell, Floyd E - DOC; Couey, Roland - DOC
Subject: Overtime work versus pay status 2_17 _11.doc
Waylon-
1
Our conservative projection is a potential cost avoidance of $4.8 million in overtime pay out for each fiscal year. Attached
is a narrative summary with a little more detail to help explain the issue and how we arrived at $4.8 million.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Stacey
Overtime work
vers<1s I!'"Y tl!tu .
StMelf ..t!. ~ ~
Acting Administrator
Division of Management Services
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
(g) phone: (608) 240-5401
(g) fax: (608) 240-3342
(Gl) e-mail: stacey.rolston@wi.gov
From the Department of Corrections: Please consider the environment before printing this message.
2
Background
Overtime Impact of"Pay Status" versus "Work Status"
Division of Adult Institutions
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime compensation for non-salaried
employees who work more than 40 hours in a week ("work status"). Employers may develop
provisions or pay mechanisms that are more generous than the FLSA requirements. While we
have several such mechanisms with State compensation, this discussion focuses on a provision
commonly referred to as the "pay status" provision in the Wisconsin State Employees Union
(WSEU) bargaining agreement.
Under current WSEU contract language an eligible position must be paid for premium ove1time
for any hours that are beyond 40 hours in a week whenever they are in "pay status." Pay status
includes all paid leave hours (sabbatical, sick leave, vacation or personal holidays) that might be
utilized during the work week.
This provision for "pay status" allows the situation in which an employee can utilize leave time
to cross the "tlneshold" of 40 hours, thereby being eligible for premium overtime hours much
earlier than required under "work status". It also allows for the circumstance referred to as
"overtime stacking" -- calling in sick or taking other leave on 1 '
1
shift then working either a 2nd
or 3'd shift resulting in having ove1time hours due to pay status language in the bargaining
agreement.
These options result in costs to the state through additional overtime being paid in the same week
an employee may have taken vacation. Ove1time payments have consistently created budgetary
shortfalls for the Department; for example, actual overtime cost in the Division of Adult
Institutions for FYlO was $26,726,500 while the budget was $23,638,800.
Within the collective bargaining changes proposed in 2011 Special Session Senate Bill 11, it is
anticipated that the expiration of the Master Union Contract may change the "pay status"
language to "work status" (default to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act), which would mean
an employee would not be eligible for premium overtime payment until they had worked 40
hours in a week. (i.e. excluding hours of paid leave time.) In addition, with the expiration of the
subordinate local agreements the mechanism for "ove1time stacking" would be lessened because
management will have ability to use a more consistent strategy in determining procedures for
sick calls as they affect overtime.
Assumptions/Criteria
The Division of Adult Institutions and the Bureau of Budget & Facilities Management worked
together to calculate the potential premium ove1time cost to be avoided by the change to "work
status." Such an analysis was based upon the following assumptions.
Continuation of the current number of: authorized staff, work hours, leave hours, and
overtime hours;
4/4/2012 1
The state payroll system does not allow research on a weekly basis so all analysis is
completed assuming an 80 hour pay period, this limitation could either over or under
state the impact;
While a similar provision may exist in the contracts for other bargaining units, this
analysis focused on the bargaining units with the greatest number of DOC employees;
Calculation methodology involved:
Conclusion
o Excluding any pay periods with furloughs;
o Looking at all employees with the premium overtime within the selected pay
periods;
o Examining all records where staff were compensated for less than 80 regular
hours (work status);
o Averaging overtime costs based upon 18 selected pay periods over 3 years
(FY09, FYlO, and FYll) including-
6 pay periods with highest amount of ovettime,
6 pay periods that experienced medium ammmts of overtime, and
6 pay periods having the lowest ovettime expenditures;
o Extrapolating the average ovettime cost per pay period out to an ammalized
fiscal year;
o Determining the cost avoidance for the annualized amount as the differential
between the hours paid at premium overtime versus if those hours were paid at
straight time instead; and
o Recognizing that some of these ovettime hours were directed by management
(this data is not available), and thus were required and mandatory, multiplying
the annualized figure by 75% to represent the potential cost avoidance amount.
Changing the contract language related to premium ovettime eligible from "pay status"
to "work status" could result in a projected annualized cost avoidance of $4.8 million.
This cost avoidance projection is premised upon continuation of operations as they
currently exist (same number of staff, number of hours of work needed, etc). It is
conceivable compensation provisions developed in the future or concerted efforts by
affected staff to create more overtime opportunity could make an impact in the total
projected amount.
Prepared jointly by the Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Institutions and Bureau of Budget & Facilities
Management
4/4/2012 2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lucas, Paul
Friday, February 18, 2011 7:46AM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
RE: ICYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial
Thanks Chris- any idea on when the Senate Dems return?
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:03PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: ICYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial
This editorial will be in tomorrow's Wall Street Journal:
"The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be truned, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government."
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recommend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swarmed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawmakers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, bnt future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance premiums.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $13 7 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the alternative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
84
None ofthis is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when 40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
ofthe same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilifY them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think about with his
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the msh to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up.
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
of the state senate to block a vote. Under state mles, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Instead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified annually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result of the growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or banned it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash-collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then supposed to
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
unions.
***
85
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
86
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Sent: 17, 2011 9:24 PM
To:
Subject:
From: Schrimpf, thris - GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 06:48 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: ICYMI: Lost: The common good
The Chicago Tribune editorial tomorrow says,
"But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years? ... Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response,
public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed
because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on
Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some
of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good."
Lost: The common good
6:05PM CST, February 17,2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces.
Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can
justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their wages
toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest
employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.
Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective
bargaining. Walkerwouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
87
No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the
employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature.
Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to
join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and
Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument
caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly
support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state govermnent from fiscal disaster. The
poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a
favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One
reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They
understand that if their company cannot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to
the U.S. auto industry.
Govermnents don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public
unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat
Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit
over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the
table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work
from those same employees and their unions.
Many states -. Illinois is not yet among them- are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against
public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government
employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve
a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor
versus the common good.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
88
.Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kloiber, Bill - DOA
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:49 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Fw: ABC News: Speaker Boehner Praises Wis. Gov's "Courageous Action," Rips
President's Failure to Lead
Jeannemarie Davis 1
andrew.silvestri@gov.ok.gov
Bill McBride
; Brian Nutt
.. uuv,.,: Jennifer Branstetter (jbranstett@state.pa.us) <jbranstett@state.pa.us>;
Jim Sayer (jim.soyer@state.sd.us) <jim.soyer@state.sd.us>; jmcal\ahan@state.pa.us <jmcal\ahan@state.pa.us>; John
Katz (John.Katz@alaska.gov) <John. F- GOV;
Katy Oder Krista Carman_.....,
; Kristi Craig <kristi.craig@governor.virginia.gov>;
.__,;
Marie Sanderson ; mark.cate@tn.gov
<mark.cate@tn.gov>; mary.mayhew@maine.gov <mary.mayhew@maine.gov>; Michael Ciamarra
(michael.ciamarra@governor.alabama.gov) <michael.clamarra@governor.alabama.gov>; Michael D. iSabalto

91
Subject: ABC News: Speaker Boehner Praises Wis. Gov's "Courageous Action," Rips President's Failure to Lead
Am not sure which is more comical: the WH claim that granting an interview with a local Milwaukee NBC affiliate was
"coincidence" or the fact that WI Senate Democrats have fled the state to avoid voting (but are available to do
interviews with CNN from "undisclosed" locations) ...
Will Kinzel
Assistant to the Speaker for Policy
of the Speaker
+++++
Speaker Boehner Praises Wis. Gov's "Courageous Action," Rips President's Failure to Lead
http:f!blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/02/speaker-boehner-praises-wis-govs-courageous-action-rips-presidents-
failure-to-lead. html
February 17, 20114:44 PM
ABC News' John R. Parkinson reports:
Speaker of the House John Boehner today credited Wisconsin's Republican Governor Scott Walker for taking
"courageous action" and "daring to speak the truth" about his state's financial difficulties and ripped President Obama
for criticizing Walker's proposed reforms and failing to show leadership on the economy.
Boehner reacted Thursday to President Obama's interview with a Milwaukee television station in which the president
criticized Walker for unleashing "an assault on unions."
"Republicans in Congress- and reform-minded GOP governors like Scott Walker ... are daring to speak the truth about
the dire fiscal challenges Americans face at all levels of government, and daring to commit themselves to solutions that
will liberate our economy and help put our citizens on a path to prosperity,"
Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement Thursday. "I'm disappointed that instead of providing similar leadership from the
White House, the president has chosen to attack leaders such as Gov. Walker, who are listening to the people and
confronting problems that have been neglected for years at the expense of jobs and economic growth."
In an interview taped Wednesday that aired Thursday, President Obama told WTMJ that Walker's effort to eliminate
collective bargaining rights for state employees was an "assault on unions."
"Some of what I've heard coming out of Wisconsin, where they're just making it harder for public employees to
collectively bargain generally, seems like more of an assault on unions," Obama said. "I think everybody's got to make
some adjustments, but I think it's also important to recognize that public employees make enormous contributions to
our states and our citizens."
Boehner said the president's comments fail to demonstrate leadership on the economy.
"This is not the way you begin an 'adult conversation' in America about solutions to the fiscal challenges that are
destroying jobs in our country," Boehner stated. "Rather than shouting down those in office who speak honestly about
the challenges we face, the president and his advisors should lead. Until they do, they are not focusing on jobs, and they
are not listening to the American people who put them in power."
92
Walker has proposed an emergency budget repair bill to help balance Wisconsin's state budget, but thousands of
teachers and state employees swarmed the capitol in Madison today to protest a planned state Senate vote on a
measure to cut Wisconsin public worker pensions and curb collective bargaining rights. The vote stalled, however, after
Senate Democrats apparently fled the state.
President Obama was interviewed Wednesday by local television stations in Cincinnati, Richmond and Milwaukee --the
three media markets of Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan.
Yesterday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney denied that the three interviews were anything more than a
coincidence.
"[President Obama] has meetings with Americans around the country, and this is just part of that process," Carney said.
"Those are important states, important parts of the country. And he's very eager to talk to and reach out to Americans
in all parts ofthe country to explain what he's doing on the budget, explain his vision for the future, the need to reduce
spending reasonably, promote economic growth and invest in the areas that will help us compete in a very competitive
environment in the 21st century."
93
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
GOV Press
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:35 PM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
FW: Governor Walker Statement on the Passing of Justice Bablitch
Email. chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Patrick Mciiheran [mailto:PMCILHERAN@journalsentinel.com)
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:34PM
To: GOV Press
Subject: RE: Governor Walker Statement on the Passing of Justice Bablitch
Cullen, do you have on hand or can you help me find two things: First, a summary of what civil service
protections now apply to state workers, and, two, what ways the governor proposed expanding those the other
day?
Also, is that expansion of civil service protections still on the agenda?
Thanks.
Pat.
Patrick Mcllheran
editorial columnist
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
333 W. State St.
94
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Excellent. Tweet it.
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:24 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Evenson, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet2
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 06:54 PM
To:---
Cc: ~ ; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
Subject: Suggested Tweet2
The Wall Street Journal editorializes on our modest proposal
http://on\ine. wsj.com/article/SB 1 00014240527 48704657704576150111817 428004.html?mod=goog lenews_ wsj
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recommend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swarmed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawmakers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance premiums.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $137 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the alternative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
None of this is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when 40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
of the same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
95
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think about with his
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the msh to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up.
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
ofthe state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Iristead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified annually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result of the growing tmion dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or banned it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash--collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then supposed to
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
unions.
***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
96
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
97
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good. Tweet it.
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:24 PM
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Evenson, Tom- GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet
Sent: February 17, 2011 06:40 PM
The Chicago Tribune with a strong editorial on labor vs the common good in Wi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-union-20110217,0,2260656,print.story
Lost: The common good
6:05PM CST, February 17, 2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces.
Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can
justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their wages
toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent oftheir health-care premiums. Those.modest
employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.
Walker wants goverurnent officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective
bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the
employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interr-upted the Legislature.
Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to
98
join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and
Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument
caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly
support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The
poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a
favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One
reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They
understand that if their company carmot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to
the U.S. auto industry.
Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public
unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat
Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit
over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the
table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work
from those same employees and their unions.
Many states -Illinois is not yet among them-- are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against
public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government
employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve
a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor
versus the common good.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
99
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Michelle Kussow <mkussow@wisconsingrocers.com>
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:21 PM
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
RE: ICYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial
Keep on keeping on! You're making all of us proud.
--

Michelle Kussow
One S. Pinckney St. Ste. 504
. WI 53703
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 20117:03 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: ICYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial
This editorial will be in tomorrow's Wall Street J oumal:
"The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government."
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recommend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swall11.ed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawn1akers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance preminms.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
100
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $13 7 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3 .6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the alternative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
None ofthis is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when 40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
of the same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think abou(with his
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears .that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the rush to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end ofthe democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up.
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
of the state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Instead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified armually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result of the growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or banned it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash--collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then supposed to
101
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same tmions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
umons.
***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris. schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
102
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:03 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
ICYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial
This editorial will be in tomorrow's Wall Street Journal:
"The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether govermnent union power can be tamed, and
overall govermnent reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want refmm, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government."
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recormnend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swarmed the state capital and aitwaves to intimidate lawmakers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and govermnent unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance premiums.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions.refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $137 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the alternative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
None of this is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
of the same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
103
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think about with his
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the rush to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up.
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
of the state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
_hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Instead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified annually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result of the growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or banned it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash-collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are_then supposed to
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
unions.
***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
104
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
105
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
PSC
Murray, Ryan M - GOY
Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:59 PM
Gilkes, Keith -GOY; Schutt, Eric- GOY; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA;
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Matejov, Scott - GOY; Eberle, Ed - L TGOY; Hagedorn, Brian K - GOY; Schrimpf, Chris -
GOY; Werwie, Cullen J - GOY; Lied I, Kimberly - GOY; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Hurlburt,
Waylon- GOY
Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Spoke with Village of Rothschild President on the proposal for We Energy to build biomass fueled
cogeneration facility in Rothschild
DOT
o Village President would like the new commissioner of the PSC, whenever he or she is appointed, to be
brought up-to-speed on situation
o PSC has discretion over project
Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
o Had conference call with Reggie Newson and Brian Hagedorn
o DOT received a request for information from FT A, Chicago Office
Trans 405 (Sitting Noise Barriers)
o DOT would like to promulgate rule that would bring compliance with Fed. Regulations
JOBS Hotline
Changes include:
Adding several definitions
Modify land-use category descriptions
Redefine local citizen and governmental participation requirements for determination
whether or not barrier construction is desired by public
Non-compliance may result in loss of federal funding for certain highway projects
Company in Minnesota is looking to expand in Osceola
Human Services and Education Team
Health Care Meetings
Met with John Torinus on reforming the health plans for state employees and Medicaid recipients. He
discussed his success at reducing health care costs with his company by utilizing consumer-driven plans,
HSA's, real transparency with health care costs, and free on-site primary care. He suggested people we should
include in the discussion to reform our health plans.
Met with Navitus (Mike Heifetz) to discuss improving the state's pharmacy management. Mike will be
approaching JFC members with a budget amendment that gives incentives to teachers and local municipalities
to join the ETF pool. He estimates that it would decrease pharmacy costs by 15-20%.
News
Wisconsin Commissioner oflnsurance's Hypocrisy Exposed {ABC for Health)
106
"The hypocrisy of the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance's office was exposed as the state atmounced the
acceptance of$38 million in health reform money. The Affordable Care Act includes the creation ofinsurance
exchanges, and Wisconsin's new "Early Innovator" grant will facilitate that process."
Justice and Local Governments Team
Corrections:
Budget analysts at Corrections confirmed that if last years overtime numbers held steady and we were out from
under the collective bargaining contracts, which allow for pay status/work status, sick leave overtime stacking, the
state would have saved nearly $5 million out of a $27 million overtime total (FY201 0). That is nearly a 20 percent
reduction in overtime costs. That is even assuming overtime is paid time and a half which is required under
federal fair labor standards over 40 hours.
Dennis Schuh, EA at Corrections is having his staff write a letter needed to perform certain hiring requirements at
the same time in order to both transfer staff to and hire new staff at Lincoln Hills. The letter will be sent to DOA
and signed by Cindy Archer to authorize this. It is needed if we are to get Lincoln Hills ready within 3 months of
Ethan Allen and SOGS closing.
Senator Harsdorf's staff called concerned that correctional officers were walking out of a prison near her
district. We followed up with Corrections and they confirmed it was only a rumor and there were no higher sick
days than usual today.
107
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
nursoay, February 17, 2011 6:55PM
FvPn<cm. Tom - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Suggested Tweet2
The Wall Street Journal editorializes on our modest proposal
http://online. wsj.comlarticle/SB1 00014240527 48704657704576150111817428004.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recommend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swarmed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawmakers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance premiums.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $137 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the alternative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
None of this is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when 40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
of the same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think about with his
108
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the rush to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up ..
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
of the state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Instead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified annually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result ofthe growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or banned it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash--collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then supposed to
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
unions.
***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
109
110
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Geturdone.
----- Original Message -----
Erin Roth (Wisconsin) <Rothe@api.org>
Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:51 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Re: ICYMI: Lost: The common good
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV <Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov>
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV <Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov>
Sent: Thu Feb 17 19:48:22 2011
Subject: ICYMI: Lost: The common good
The Chicago Tribune editorial tomorrow says,
"But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so many of their teachers
abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the
Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion deficit they face over the next two years? ... Walker is trying to give
Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public
schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on
Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to fmd them. Apparently some of them fled to ...
Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer workplaces. They're
not battling unscmpulous employers. They're battliug ... the common good."
Lost: The common good
6:05 PM CST, February 17, 2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces. Laws to protect children
from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can justifiably be proud of those and other
accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so many of their teachers
abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass demonstration to intimidate the members ofthe
Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent oftheir wages toward their retirement.
He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest employee contributions would be the envy of many
workers in the private sector.
Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective bargaining. Walker
wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the employees and even
from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many
neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers
disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of
them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer workplaces. They're
111
not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument caught on video. A recent
Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhehningly support layoffs and wage freezes for public
employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The poll found 62 percent ofNew Jersey voters had a favorable view of
teachers, but only 27 percent had a favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One reason: In the private
sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They understand that if their company cannot compete, it
will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to the U.S. auto industry.
Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public unions play an
inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union suppmt for Gov. Pat Quinn's election last year. In Illinois,
labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In
negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes,
contributions and campaign work from those same employees and their unions.
Many states- Illinois is not yet among them- are coming to the realization that that calculation has to undergone a wrenching
change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against public-sector unions
because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government employees." Even the late AFL-CIO
President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve a status quo that has
pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor versus the common good.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov <mailto:r.muiTay@wisconsin.gov>
112
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
$ent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:48PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
ICYMI: Lost: The common good
The Chicago Tribune editorial tomorrow says,
"But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years? ... Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response,
public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed
because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on
Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some
of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good."
Lost: The common good
6:05PM CST, February 17,2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces.
Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can
justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demons,tration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their wages
toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest
employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.
Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective
bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the
employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature.
Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to
join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and
Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.
115
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument
caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly
support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The
poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a
favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One
reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They
understand that if their company cannot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to
the U.S. auto industry.
Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public
unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat
Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit
over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the
table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work
from those same employees and their unions.
Many states - Illinois is not yet among them- are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against
public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government
employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve
a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor
versus the connnon good.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
116
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
17, 2011 6:41PM
J - GOV; Evenson, Tom - GOV
Suggested Tweet
The Chicago Tribune with a strong editorial on labor vs the common good in Wi
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-union-20110217,0,2260656,print.story
Lost: The common good
6:05PM CST, February 17,2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces.
Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can
justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many oftheir teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent oftheir wages
toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest
employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.
Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective
bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
No, he is not seeking to .eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the
employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have intetmpted the Legislature.
Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to
join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and
Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument
caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly
support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The
117
poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a
favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One
reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They
understand that if their company cannot compete, it wH\.fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to
the U.S. auto industry.
Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public
unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat
Quiun's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit
over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the
table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work
from those same employees and their unions.
Many states - Illinois is not yet among them - are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against
public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of govermnent
employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve
a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor
versus the common good.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
118
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Dipko, John A- DWD
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 5:27 PM
To: Dipko, John A- DWD; Perez, Manuel - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Maxwell,
Georgia E- DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Jones, Richard - DWD;
Spurlin, Dennis A - DWD; Kikkert, Becky- GOV; Lied!, Kimberly- GOV
Subject: DWD Media Log Thursday 02.16.11
DWD Media log
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Doug Zellmer, Oshkosh Northwestern, 920-426-6667, dzellmer@thenorthwestern.com: Called re USA
Today article on increase in temporary hires, seeking to localize story. Are we seeing an increase in
temporary hires, full and part time? Does it bode well for economy? Response: Labor economist offered
general comments about region.
Pat Schneider, Capital Times, Madison, 252-6408, pschneider@madison.com: Follow up to earlier request
on older job seeker story, seeks
what Ul data we have on unemployed over 50 receiving Ul payments for years 2006 thru 2010. Response:
pending.
Gayle Worland, Wisconsin State Journal, 252-6188, gworland@madison.com: Called seeking info on GEF 1
Percent for Art project, photos of Wisconsin workers, unveiled in 2008. Response: Provided link to 2008
release on project.
Pete Bach Appleton Post Crescent, 920-993-1000 Ext 430, pbach@postcrescent.com: Called seeking
update on skilled trades, whether some weathered recession better than others. Knows welders in
demand, but what about other skilled trades. Response: pending.
Steve Cahalan, La Crosse Tribune, 608-791-8229, steve.cahalan@lacrossetribune.com: Contacted labor
market economist, seeking economic assessment for monthly River Valley business report, whether 7
Rivers Region was in economic recovery, bright spots, challenges, etc. Response: Regional economist
provided brief interview.
Pending
Pat McCraney, Fox 6, Milwaukee, Patrick.McCraney@Fox6Now.com: Called re Ul court
action against National Football League Management Council, a Brown County case he found in a .random
search ofWis CCAP. Seeks review of records, whatever we can tell him about the case.
Lou Hillman, WKBT, La Crosse,
sometime over the next several weeks
lhillman@wkbt.com: Requested interview w/ the Secretary
n.1.on+h report on Ul fund, size of deficit and plans to resolve it.
119
Bryan Polcyn, WITI, Fox 6, Milwaukee, 414-586-2192, bryan.polcyn@fox6now.com:Pending open records
request for records of vehicles purchased and repairs paid for on behalf of qualifying clients of the
Vocational Rehabilitation Program from January 1, 2006 to February 7, 2011.
Steve Walters, WisEye, 316-6850 Ext 315, Steven.Walters@wiseye.org: Reiterated request for WisEYE
newsmaker interview w/ labor market economist. Response pending.
Pending Requests to interview Secretary Perez:
Victor Huyke, El Conquistador Latino Newspaper
Perfecto Rivera, host of "Valor Latino" WISN radio program
Lisa Kaiser, Milwaukee Shepherd-Express
Steve Walters, Wisconsin Eye
Victor M. Arellano, host of "En Vivo con Victor Arellano" on La Movida- AM 1480 radio
Brian Clark, WisBiz & WisPolitics
WARN Notices
None
John Dipko
Communications Director
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
608-266-6753
Wisconsin is Open for Business!
120
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Thursday, February 17, 20114:13 PM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
FW: New MMS Alert - Scott Walker
From: Results@1VEyes-Aierts.com [mailto:Results@1VEyes-Alerts.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 20114:10 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: New MMS Alert - Scott Walker
Media Alert From TVEyes Media Monitoring Suite
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Scott Walker on KHON-HON (FOXl -Honolulu, HI
02/17/201106:36:50 AM
wake up 2day with Hawaii's Morning News (News, Misc.)
... proposal has been speeding through the legislature since republican governor scott walker
introduced it a week ago. the move marks a dramatic shift for wisconsin ... which is the birthplace of
the national union ...
Scott Walker on KHON-HON (FOX) - Honolulu. HI
02/17/2011 07:35:03 AM
wake up 2day with Hawaii's Morning News (News, Misc.)
... proposal has been speeding through the legislature since republican governor scott walker
introduced it a week ago. the move marks a dramatic shift for wisconsin ... which is the birthplace of
the natrona! union ...
Scott Walker on KGMB-HON fCBSl - Honolulu, HI
02/17/201108:13:24 AM
The Early Show (News, Talk Show)
... down today. wisconsin
1
s new r:publican governor scott walker says the state Is at a point of financial
crisis. > > > on capitol hill, another budget battle ....
Governor Walker on WMTV CNBC) - Madison, WI
02/17/201111:01:27 AM
15 News at 11am (News)
.. .first today. republican leaders .... along with governor walker .... say they have the votes to pass the
bill! walker says it's needed to help ...
121
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Scott Walker on KTBS-SHV CABC) - Shreveport. LA
02/17/201111:32:39 AM
KTBS 3 News Midday (News)
.. canceled today! governor scott walker is asking lawmakers to pass his ""budget repair biiP'" to
combat a 137-million-dollar ...
Governor Walker on WITI-MILW CFOXl -Milwaukee, WI
02/17/201111:35:27 AM
Fox 6 News at 11 (News)
... > > milwaukee mayor tom barrett is among those who are not happy with governor walker's
plan.barrett lost to walker in november's election, and he says he thinks the attack on unfons is a form
of political ...
Governor Walker on WBAY (ABC) - Green Bay, WI
02/17/201112:00:09 PM
Action 2 News: At Noon (News)
... senate tries to get to the business of debating governor walker's budget repair bill .... but It has run
into a snag. we'll have the ...
Governor Walker on KBJR CNBC) - puluth, MN
02/17/201112:00:53 PM
KBJR 6 and Range 11 News at Noon (News, News)
... across wisconsin ... including those in superior ... are protesting governor scott walker's plan that
would limit the power of public employee unions. the plan would restrict the ...
Governor Walker on WSAW CCBSl -Wausau, WI
02/17/201112:01:02 PM
News 7 at Noon (News)
... they say they are getting the short end of the stick with governor walker's new budget bill. it's our
top story at noon./// good afternoon and thanks for joining us ... i'm amy ...
Governor Walker on WFRV (CBS) - Green Bav, WI
02/17/201112:01:33 PM
Channel 5 News at Noon (News)
.. .front of the senate chambers .. where lawmakers are taking up governor walker's bill to end
co\elctive bargaining- except on issues of salary ... for most public employers. right now .. no
democrats are present at the ...
122
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Scott Walker on Headline News- U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:01:45 PM
HLN News (News, News)
... headed for a vote today in the state senate. governor scott walker wants to among other things
raise state workers pension and health care costs, limit the union's power to bargain for raises ....
Scott Walker on KPNX-PHX (NBC) - Phoenix, AZ
02/17/201112:02:14 PM
12 News at Noon (News)
... yesterday. the republican governor scott walker said that the state needs to cut worker benefits and
end bargaining laws to deal with a $4 billion budget hole. > > > and pay attention to what ...
Governor Walker on MSNBC- U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:02:37 PM
MSNBC News Live (News)
... from us by this proposal. > > do you see this as an effort by governor walker just to bust unions?
>> i do. and i think it's the first of many ....
Governor Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:03:20 PM
Newsroom (News)
... city and state services on the backs of employees. and that's what governor walker's proposal does
'-"7',.,--;-:::-...,--:-=-:--,-:----,.---' as well as eliminates fair unions. >> mr. matthews the governor says he's moving along through ...
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Scott Walker on WJRT [ABC) - Flint. MI
02/17/201112:04:00 PM
ABC12 News at Noon (News)
.... two days of protests. newly elected governor scott walker says concessions by state workers are
necessary as wisconsin tries to deal with a budget shortfall. ...
Scott Walker on WEEK (NBC) - Peoria, IL
02/17/201112:04:04 PM
News 25 at Noon (News)
... employees and supporters to rally at the capitol in madison. governor scott walker is asking
lawmakers to pass his ""budget repair bill"" to combat a 137-million-dollar budget ...
I Scott Walker on WCCO-MIN [CBS) - Minneapolis, MN
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02/17/201112:04:17 PM
WCCO 4 News at Noon (News)
... public workers. >>the proposal from scott walker has drawn thousands of teachers, students and
other dem tray force to the capitol to protest. wisconsin has a projected $3.6 ...
Governor Walker on WBAY (ABCl - Green Bav, WI
02/17/201112:04:28 PM
Action 2 News: At Noon (News)
... this morning in opposition to governor walker's budget repair bill. students walked a few miles to the
howard village hall.,.
Scott Walker on Fox BUsiness Network - U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:04:58 PM
FOX Business (Business, Finance)
... major protest outside the state capital. governor scott walker wants to strip state workers of their
bargaining rights. teachers walking out on classes for the seCond day in a row . ...
Governor Walker on WISC (CBSl - Madison, WI
02/17/201112:05:05 PM
News 3 at Noon (News)
... devote time to It over the next year in order to try to recall governor walker. because i believe
ultimately he's going to destroy this state. we saw a lot of madison teachers yesteday ... they are back,
as ...
Governor Walker on WFRV CCBSl -Green Bay. WI
02/17/201112:05:14 PM
Channel 5 News at Noon (News)
... -----it's not just universities protesting governor walker's bill today ... area high schools are joining
the debate. appleton west high school students walked out of ...
Scott Walker on KEYC fCBSl - Mankato, MN
02/17/201112:06:14 PM
News 12 at Midday (News)
... teachers spend another day at the capitol in protest of governor scott walker's proposal to strip
government workers of nearly all collective bargaining rights. nearly two dozen other school ...
I Governor Walker on WISC (CBS) - Madison, WI
02/17/201112:07:06 PM
News 3 at Noon (News)
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... association of school boards Is warning its members that governor walker will announce 900-mil\ion
dollars in cuts to school aid in his budget address next week. also expected in governor ...
Scott Walker on KKCO CNBCl -Grand Junction, CO
02/17/201112:07:36 PM
... speeding through the legislature since republican gov. scott walker introduced it a week ago. it's
headed to votes in the senate and assembly after clearing a major legislative ...
Scott Walker on WETM {NBC) - Elmira, NY
02/17/201112:07:36 PM
12PM Local News (News)
... protest the proposed legislation. governor scott walker is asking lawmakers to pass his budget repair
bill to help tackle a 137- million dollar budget deficit. ...
Scott Walker on WFLP-CHI (FOXl -Chicago, IL
02/17/201112:09:11 PM
Fox Chicago News at Noon (News)
.. including teachers. the new governor there scott walker is proposing the measure which he says is
the best way to cut wisconsins big budget deficit. walker and fellow republicans in ...
Scott Walker on WTMJ-MILW {NBC} - Milwaukee, WI
02/17/201112:09:18 PM
TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 12:00PM (News, News)
.. .logical result of the elections last fall. "'
1
governor scott walker is explaining why he thinks the cuts
have to happen. the governor says he has enough votes to get the budget ...
Governor Walker on WTMJ-MILW CNBCJ - Milwaukee, WI
02/17/201112:12:01 PM
TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 12:00PM (News, News)
... thoughts on our budget .. and who he believes is being attacked in governor walker's bi'u. we continue
to follow breaking news concerning the governor's budget bi\l .. this is a live ...
Scott Walker on WBAL-AM - Baltimore, MD
02/17/201112:12:32 PM
... show and of course all national media attention actually made some Republicans nervous in the
same Wisconsin asking Gov. Scott Walker to make some minor changes to the proposal Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel reporting that Republican Senators Dale Scholz I got no relation minivan when hard
work and plan to ...
125
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Scott Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New York. NY
02/17/201112:12:46 PM
... first one self-explanatory does the_ watching armadillo to house my past equal to Scott Walker Scott
Walker trade of Wisconsin will care that horrible here is another one down with dictators I know that
Hosnl Mubarak using we are listening to return with John would ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit. MI
02/17/2011 12:13:10 PM
... will work for Rosie watching armadillo to ask her if she got Walker Scott Walker of what was okay
therefore you're so I know she is wanted all the Hosni Mubarak want you to know is what I wanted a
bar to a hot Walker are absolutely for a while ...
Scott Walker on WRTV-IN (ABC) -Indianapolis, IN
02/17/2011 12:14:29 PM
6 News at Noon (News)
... day in a row. republican governor scott walker's proposal strips teachers and government workers of
nearly all collective bargaining rights. several school systems are ...
Gov Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New York, NY
02/17/201112:14:33 PM
... Obama these of thousands are marching on medicine as we speak unions and state employees were
angry at Gov. Walker Walker starting about potentially bringing out the National Guard are worried
what will you like to bargain forced to pay more for benefits I told you so were most awesome ...
Scott Walker on KPNX-PHX (NBC) - Phoenix, AZ
02/17/2011 12:14:41 PM
12 News at Noon (News)
... protests over a budget repair bill that the governor, scott walker, has introduced. today, it's
involving the state senate which is supposed to vote up or down on this budget repair bill ....
Scott Walker on KPNX-PHX (NBC) - Phoenix, AZ
02/17/201112:16:57 PM
12 News at Noon (News)
... to be repaired right now. on tuesday, governor scott walker will propose his budget for the next two
years in which that budget faces a deficit of a I most $3.6 billion. so the news next week might be ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New York, NY
02/17/201112:17:37 PM
... their neighbors and the Motley money simply isn't clear and Adam Mrs. God 80 P. Scott Walker ran
on this premise and use implementing the am very despite protests you'll see the average citizens of
Wisconsin joining us after we die out I'll let out early In tailor news ...
126
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:18:45 PM
Newsroom (News)
... madison to have.the voice. just sit down with us, scott walker, come on. partnership! >> reporter:
'---,-,======-.-::=----' there you have it. just one of many strong voices out here . ...
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Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit. Ml
02/17/2011 12: 19:53 PM
... power of the teachers got together through government union rally in opposition to Scott Walker is a
little bit of an exchange between an unidentified reporter and several unidentified students from
Madison East high school is protesting a satisfying of the day don't even know was in features bringing
Gov Walker on WJR-AM -Detroit. Ml
02/17/201112:22:30 PM
... cock or a battle between private and public employers are trying to divide people with an public
employees by; Gov. Walker acting as a show basically for these corporations destroy the rights of
working people of the same old traditional rights of working people ...
Gov Walker on WABC-AM CABCJ -New York, NY
02/17/2011 12:22:30 PM
... between private and public employers are trying to divide people within public employees Rocco and
Gov. Walker acting as a shill basically for these corporations destroy the rights of working people of the
same old traditional argument the rights of working people being trampled honest working people are
losing ...
Scott Walker on WTMJ-MILW CNBC} - Milwaukee, WI
02/17/201112:30:09 PM
TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 12:30PM (News, News)
... thousands of protestors are packing the capitol building. scott walker is in the state capitol as
thousands of protesters descend for a third day in the hopes they can stop passage of a bill that takes
Gov Walker on WJR-AM -Detroit. MI
02/17/201112:35:20 PM
... a one of the things that you're not hearing about Letourneau was going to use that Gov. Walker is
true to make a deal if you're except the concessions which a schema that my a promising not to let
you off the Oregon will does what he wrote with ...
Governor Walker on WTMJ-MILW CNB"C) - Milwaukee. WI
02/17/201112:36:22 PM
TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 12:30PM (News, News)
... tomorrow. there's some concern this morning that governor walker's budget will include a provision
to split uw-madison from the rest of the university of wisconsin ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM -Detroit, MI
02/17/201112:39:15 PM
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... a video of the warning people with daughter is on the walk of civility stuff Scott Walker gobbler of
Wisconsin is fighting for every American know what I think it is it is so well anywhere what are you
regularly called Walker and encourage you to fire all these ..
Scott Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New York, NY
02/17/201112:39:43 PM
... warn you that people who died In Arizona to the rock mall this civility stuff Scott Walker Lindh
gobbler off Wisconsin is fighting for every American know of what I think the ridges on oh regular
grade what are you regularly called Walker and encourage them to fire all ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit, MI
02/17/201112:42:28 PM
... the union was along a bit of a point on this program by the waste of Scott Walker's home in his car
and no taxes well in this new year on civility orchard in my Obama after the shooting spree in Arizona
as I say the disconnect between liberals ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM CABC) -New York, NY
02/17/201112:42:55 PM
... new wood along a bit of a point on this program by the way Scott Walker's home in his car In fact
that's what all you just knew your raw civility are sure to follow after the shorting story in a result of a
Wisconsin Governor on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/201112:48:26 PM
Newsroom (News)
... schools are closed and teachers are walking off the job insisting the wisconsin governor is trying to
L--,-7."C""""--,---,-,--,--,---' balance the budget on their backs. today's talk back, is the union fight about politics or our ...
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Scott Walker on National Public Radio - u.s. Cable
02/17/201112:51:19 PM
... go to building all the most rest of anti-proposal in the country state's Republican governor Scott
Walker says his bill is aimed at helping stat.e and local governments save money and balance their
budgets go with/collective bargaining rights for public workers it would require state employees to pay
half ...
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 01:01:20 PM
Newsroom (News)
'--('"c""lic-;k-t"h,-u'"'m"b-n'"'a"il"'t-,.o -p""la...,y
7
) --'
... >>people there are screaming kill the bill and they are fighting what scott walker is calling his
budget repair bill. It would help close to $137 million deficit by stripping most public workers, including
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Scott Walker on Headline News - U.S. Cable
02/17/201101:03:07 PM
HLN News (News, News)
... to have the voice. just sit down with us, scott walker. come on, partnership, partnership! >>we told
you they were fired up ....
I Scott Walker on Fox News- U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 01:04:18 PM
128
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... bribed. they will show solidarity. governor scott walker is saying, the public workers are the haves
and the taxpayers are the have nots. > > I spoke bold by will what i ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - petroit, MI
02/17/2011 01:11 :43 PM
... most aggressive antiunion proposal has been speeding rule the legislatures of the Republican donor
Scott Walker Introduced a week ago after clearing a major legislative hurdle on Wednesday night it
was heaven evokes the latest Senate and assembly of Scott Walker so I'm just trying to balance my
budget ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM IABC) - New York, NY
02/17/2011 01:12:11 PM
... go to the nation's most aggressive anti-UN proposal has been meeting ruled the legislature shall
recording or Scott Walker introduced a week ago that we were a major legislative hurdle on what was
it like it was oxalate senate and assembly Scott Walker so I'm just hard abOut what ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - petroit, MI
02/17/201101:13:42 PM
... efforts to eliminate collective bargaining rights of states in 40 years Republican governor Scott
Walker pushing the measure which will also Increase In which public workers pay for their pensions and
healthcare thousands are protesting at the capital in Madison Wisconsin soul bomb and some most
desperate voters were ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM IABC) - New York, NY
02/17/201101:14:13 PM
... efforts to liberate collective bargaining rights or state in or use Republican governor Scott Walker
pushing a measure whfch would also increase somewhat public were a foreigner pensions and
healthcare thousands.are protesting at the capital young Madison Wisconsin Obama's most desperate
motors were tight spot and originally wanted ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - petroit, MI
02/17/201101:23:56 PM
... you this is a repeal or so I was welter crossed her on the face at ahead to where Scott Walker Mbaye
row a writer you thought that's as tight as likely to focus on the info cross your yeah so what protest
without officer did not get to ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM IABCl - New York. NY
02/17/2011 01:24:21 PM
... this is a repeal or so I was there older crosshair on the face and head of the Scott Walker and they
are roamed the right there between his office that's as tight as I can get the focus on the folks
crosshairs to the service bunch protesting Wisconsin ...
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 01:24:50 PM
Newsroom (News)
... bargaining rights. the republican governor scott walker says the legislation Is needed to help tackle
'--;-""'-:-:-"7"""7.--,..--;--c---' the budget crisis. critics call it an attack on unions ....
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Gov Walker on WABC-AM CABC)- New York, NY
02/17/201101:36:02 PM
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... the two stories here said Democrats were leaving Madison today to avoid participating in the vote on
Gov. Walker's controversial budget repair bill which has sparked four days of protests in the capital
was according on ABA spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to ...
Wisconsin Governor on Fox News ~ u.s. Cable
02/17/2011 01:38:53 PM
America Live (News, News)
... an equal response to what they perceive iS the strong-arming by the wisconsin governor. >>yes,
'--;-,..,-.,.,.--,-----,-.,----,-----c------' megyn. I was joking that I should leave the room so you would shoot an empty chair as the ...
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Scott Walker on CNN - u.s. Cable
02/17/201102:00:12 PM
Newsroom (News)
... >> kill the bill. they're fighting what scott walker, a republican barely six weeks in office is calling
L - - , - ~ - : - : - - , - - - , - , - - - , - - c - - ' his budget repair bill. it would help close to -- close I should say $137 million ...
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Scott Walker on Headline News- U.S. Cable
02/17/201102:01:33 PM
HLN News (News, News)
... republican governor's plan to battle budget. governor scott walker wants to raise state workers
pension and health care costs and want to limit union power to bargain for raises . ...
Governor Walker on Fox News- u.s. Cable
02/17/2011 02:07:56 PM
America Live (News, News)
... employees that they are afraid to say anything. you have a governor walker of wisconsin, christy in
'---;-:=,-;:;--,-====--' new jersey, cuomo starting to step up in new york. hopefully the governor in ...
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Scott Walker on CNN -u.s. Cable
02/17/2011 02:12:21 PM
Newsroom (News)
... rights. according to governor scott walker, the changes are pretty much mandatory to deal with
L-,.,========--' wisconsin's giant budget deficit. > > > department of transportation ...
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Scott Walker on MSNBC- U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 02:15:26 PM
News Nation (Politics, News)
... their outrage over the governor's plan. republican governor scott walker says the drastic measure is
necessary to help fill a $3.6 billion budget shortfall. democrats refuse to show up for ...
I Scott Walker on CNN - u.s. Cable
02/17/201102:19:35 PM
Newsroom (News)
130
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... this. you know what? governor scott walker isn't the only target of the public worker outrage. the
fitzgerald brothers are taking a lot of heat, too ....
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 02:25:55 PM
Newsroom (News)
... protests in madison, wisconsin, for three days now upset about scott walker's proposal toe change in
'--;-:========--'some ways their benefits and to try to, as they say, they believe that he is union busting ....
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02/17/2011 02:29:25 PM
Street Signs (Business, Finance)
... guard in case prison employees failed to show up for work. scott walker says the measure is
'--;-:========--'desperately needed to help wisconsin with its budget deficit. this has been closely watched by ...
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Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/201102:30:50 PM
Newsroom (News)
... the measure would also increase what they pay for benefits. republican governor scott walker says
'--;-:========--'the legislation is needed to help tackle the state's budget crisis. opponents say it is an attack on ...
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Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 02:43:15 PM
Newsroom (News)
... that they won't have to vote on then proposed bill by the governor, scott walker. and that they
'---,-.,.-,--.,.,---,--.....,-,--,-"'7'--'would prolonging this in some way. joining me now on the phone is mike brown ....
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Wisconsin Governor on Fox Business Network U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 02:50:16 PM
FOX Business (Business, Finance)
... not. they don't like this new law that the wisconsin governor, scott walker has pUt forward. we
continue to watch, very loud situation. democracy on display ....
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 02:53:48 PM
Newsroom (News)
... protesting. they're upset with their new governor, scott walker, barely In office for six weeks. he's
'--;-:======...-:=--' calling on some drastic reforms they believe, a bill to try to close a budget gap there ....
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t.::.J 02/17/201102:59:04 PM
Newsroom (News)
... collective bargaining for public employees was never discuss theed by scott walker or the
'--;-:=c-7;,.,.,-==c::-.....,:-:;:--' republicans when they were m for office m november. >>graham, graham, graham, that's po\lttcs ....
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TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 3:00 (News, News)
... hiding this afternoon. theire trying to prevent a vote on governor walker's budget rep8ir bill. and
we just heard ... there are now 25 thousand protestors in madison ... the third day In a ...
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 03:00:52 PM
Newsroom (News)
.. > > what are they saying to you? > > look, this bill that are scott walker is proposinging is so
'-..,-,=====-:-:-==-'damaging to the state of wfsconsin, itts so damaging to the future of the state of wisconsin ....
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02/17/201103:01:39 PM
HLN News (News, News)
... supposed to face a vote today in the state senate. governor scott walker wants to, among other
things, raise state. worker's pension and health care costs, meaning workers have to put more into It
themselves ....
Governor Walker on Fox News- U.S. Cable
02/17/201103:03:07 PM
Studio B With Shepard Smith (News, Talk Show)
... at home to a comprehensive bargaining law since 1959. if thelegislation from governor walker is
passed teachers and correction officers and other ste workers would hve to pay half the cost of their
L--,:========--' pentagons ...
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Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 03:06:04 PM
Newsroom (News)
... all of this because the new republican governor who's name is governor scott walker, he is facing a
L..-,--.,..,---.,-...,--o-,--,-,---' major shortfall. $137 million shortfall this year. so that's the scene outside ....
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Governor Walker on WTMl-MILW (NBC) - Milwaukee, WI
02/17/2011 03:08:26 PM
TODAY'S TMl4 News Live at 3:00 (News, News)
... this leads us to today's sound off question ... should governor walker's budget repair bill be passed?
we'll hear what some of you had to say coming up after the break. weather now.this is a live ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit, MI
02/17/2011 03:12:09 PM
... so created are in some background here to Wisconsin State Journal with a note even the governor
saying Scott Walker saying that those who didn't see this coming must've been in a couple more and
he unveil legislation that would severely curtail public employees in terms that it's not ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New york, NY
02/17/2011 03:12:19 PM
132
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... created are you that earlier on the Wisconsin State Journal for the note even the governor saying
Scott Walker saying that those that didn't see this coming must've been in a coma and he unveil
legislation that would severely curtail public employees in terms to its there are even ...
Scott Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/201103:17:02 PM
Newsroom (News)
... who knows who could be watching right now, including governor scott walker. live here on cnn, what
'--;-:========-' demands would you have on perhaps of you and your 13 other democratic colleagues? ...
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Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit, MI
02/17/201103:20:20 PM
... teachers union is trying to hold the state hostage in a bid to face a showdown with Gov. Scott Walker
Y. because he proposed rating In some of the unions power the same thing happened in New Jersey
last year where he faced a Jot resistance are Gov. Christie ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM (ABC) - New York, NY
02/17/201103:20:27 PM
... teachers union Is trying to hold the state hostage in a bid to face a showdown with Gov. Scott Walker
Y. because he proposed rating in some of the unions power the same thing happened in New Jersey
last year whei-e he faced a Jot resistance they are Gov . ...
Governor Walker on CNN -U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 03:24:41 PM
Newsroom (News)
... tell me, why are you guys out here today?>> to protest the governor's budget plan. governor
'--;-:========""""walker's budget plan doesn't just try to solve the deficit in the state ....
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Scott Walker on MSNBC -u.s. Cable
02/17/2011 03:25:29 PM
MSNBC News Live (News)
... they are reportedly trying to force negotiations. scott walker says the bill is needed to help balance
the budget. critics call it an assault on middle class workers . ...
Governor Walker on CNN - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 03:26:24 PM
Newsroom (News)
.. . police union. > > that's correct. originally apparently governor walker slashed and carved all the
'--..,-""""'77--,-.....,..,--;--;--.Jfirefighters.cops and the state patrol from the original budget ....
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Scott Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit, MI
02{17/2011 03:27:51 PM
... and uglier to Chris Christie Gov. John state of Ohio Have a Reached out to the Scott Walker and
Wisconsin Offer Their Support Weekly Standard Reporting beyond the Thousands of Protesters in
Madison Several Hundred Protesters Even Showed up in Walker's Personal Home to Register Their
Displeasure with His ...
Gov Walker on WABC-AM CABC) -New York, NY
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02/17/2011 03:28:55 PM
... the sudden Senate Democrats in Wisconsin that laughed it out of boss it a lot participate In a bulb on
Gov. Walker's a Belgian repairer the budget which is out of balance you spoke on the condition of
anonymity because you would not authorized a big but what they're saying ...
Scott Walker on WABC-AM CABCl - New York, NY
02/17/2011 03:38:49 PM
... your budget the tone bares commented on this and said Republicans in Congress reform minded
GOP governors like Scott Walker case to Chris Christie are daring to speak the truth about the dire
fiscal challenges that Americans face all levels of government they daring to commit themselves to
solutions ...
Governor Walker on WTMJ-MILW (NBC} - Milwaukee, WI
02/17/2011 03:39:07 PM
TODAY'S TMJ4 News Live at 3:00 (News, News)
... democratic senators are misSing. that means there can't be a vote on governor walker's budget bill.
brian getter's back with your complete forecast .. plus more of ""what's hot"'' after the ...
Gov Walker on WJR-AM - Detroit. MI
02/17/201103:39:44 PM
... and disappointed that Instead of providing similar leadership in the White House the president
chosen to attack leaders like Gov. Walker or listening to the people confronting problems that have
long been neglected at the expense of jobs and economic growth and according to news reports the
White House ...
Scott Walker on WTMJ-MILW CNBC} - Milwaukee. WI
02/17/2011 04:00:02 PM
Today's TMJ4 News Live at 4:00 (News)
... chaos at the capitol. the protests grew as governor scott walker's budget repair bill moved forward.
now some democratic lawmakers are missing .. some believe they've fled the state to boycott a ...
Scott Walker on WBAY (ABCl - Green Bay, WI
02/17/2011 04:00:10 PM
Action 2 News: At 4:00 (News)
... good afternoon. governor scott walker's plan to strip most public employees of their collective
bargaining rights ...
Scott Walker on CNBC- U.S. Cable
02/17/201104:09:01 PM
Closing Bell With Maria Bartiromo (Business, Finance)
... case prison employees failed to show up for work. but scott walker says the desperate is needed to
'--------;--;,--;-:--c----;------;,-;-------;------,----' grapple the $3.6 billion budget deficit. this fight has been closely watched by muni bond analysts ...
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j Governor Walker on Fox News - u.s. Cable
02/17/201104:09:26 PM
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Your World With Neil Cavuto (Business, Finance)
... we cannot go on any further. the only choice I have as governor is to remove the collective
bargaining agreement clause and to force you to pay more into pensions and health care ....
Governor Walker on Fox News - U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 04:33:23 PM
Your World With Neil Cavuto (Business, Finance)
... rightfully so it has served us well because we have a surplus. >>governor walker In wisconsin is
under a Jot of pressure. how much union pressure is being placed on you and how much involvement
L--,:========--' is with ur ...
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Scott Walker on Fox Business Network- u.s. Cable
02/17/2011 04:36:07 PM
FOX Business Bulls & Bears (Business, Finance)
... david: controversy erupting in wisconsin as governor scott walker attempts to end collective
bargaining for public employees. the it is sparking massive protests shoals shut down ...
Governor Walker on Fox Business Network- u.s. Cable
02/17/201104:38:40 PM
FOX Business Bulls & Bears (Business, Finance)
... man. stop the assault. recall governor walker. the most of them are thoughtful as opposed to those
strident messages which some of the protesters ...
Scott Walker on WJR-AM -Detroit, MI
02/17/2011 04:39:03 PM
... in the Wisconsin bar over the governor's proposal to rein in public employee unions Robert Scott
Walker at four schools to close at four students into the streets to know why the mayor local Lucite.
Gen. Lot 1300.com it's at the second consecutive day the Madison Metropolitan school to ...
Governor W81ker On Fox Business Network- u.s. Cable
02/17/201104:40:53 PM
FOX Business Bulls & Bears (Business, Finance)
... these gigantic budget gaps? > > first to my knowledge, Pm not relation to governor walker even
though we have the same last name. what you have to do Is let the people understand the ...
Governor Walker on Fox News- U.S. Cable
02/17/2011 04:51:34 PM
Your World With Neil Cavuto (Business, Finance)
... protesters today in madison, wisconsin, in the capitol, as the governor walker and the republicans in
the senate await the return of the democrats who essentially skipped town to avoid having to vote on
this ...
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I Governor Walker on Fox News - U.S. Cable
02/17/201104:56:45 PM
135
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Your World With Neil Cavuto (Business, Finance)
... this is just a small portion of the 25,000 protesters that showed up there, the governor walker still
wafting, still iting, as we have been for the year for the democrats to come back and vote, on this bill.
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Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
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Ken Harwood Editor <editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com>
Thursday, February 17, 201112:26 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: WDN- Week of 2.10.11 to 2.17.11
Wisconsin Development News
112/17/2011
Volume 4 -Issue 7- Circulation 5,000- Week of 02.10.11 to 2.17.11
Online at WisconsinDevelopment.com - Mabie App - Searchable at Search WDN -
Edited and compiled by Ken Harwood
"New" WON Tool Box - Links you can use everyday to help you and Wisconsin
grow!
Controversial budget bill passes committee, moves to Senate
1 iwisconsin- 2/17/2011 With a key committee vote out of the way, Republican
leaders plan to soon pass a bill that would effectively strip collective bargaining
rights from most public workers in Wisconsin, suggesting only modest changes to
the proposal introduced by Gov. Scott Walker. ..
Ken Notes: I have limited the articles on budget because there are so
many. There are a few opinion pieces further down. Also my comments
will not take a position other than - I would hope that we, as a State, can
work together to promote Wisconsin as a great place to work and do
business. Right now the national attention we are getting is not
accomplishing this. I will address this in my column next month. I will
also try to address how all this impacts development as we move forward.
Let me know what you think ...
EPIC In-ground stadium comes with big challenges
1 lverona - 2/16/2011 The sheer enormity of Epics explosive growth can be
enough to make the average Plan Commission members head spin, but the
commission kept itself together long enough Monday to pose some tough
questions about the companys plan to build a 13,000-seat underground
amphitheater ...
Mifflin Street construction
137
~ a d i s o n - 2/16/2011 The citys Planning Division is recommending approval for
demolition of the one-story commercial building that formerly housed Planned
Parenthood at 416 W. Mifflin St. and the single family home at 424 w. Mifflin St.,
in addition to rezoning property to construct a four-story building with 46
residential units. The Planning Division wants the Plan Commission to forward the
request...In a nutsheii ... The case for it ... The case against it ... To get involved ...
Ken Notes: I like this approach by the State Journal Staff ... In an perfect
world there would be two actual projects on the table. There are not but
the ideas are well presented ...
Schreiber Anderson Associates
Energy Efficiency Event- Thursday, February 24, 2011
~ a d i s o n Area - Please join us for this free event to learn about the short-term
and long-term fiscal benefits of efficiency and sustainability improvements. This
event is targeted for existing commercial/industrial businesses of all sizes, and
those involved in the commercial and industrial development processes for new
construction (real estate brokers, economic development professionals,
developers, construction contractors, etc) ...
It's official; worst housing bust ever
[]wisconsin - 2/16/2011 At this point, it's almost piling on to continue writing
about the housing slump. But given that sprawl development has played such a
key role in driving the nation's growth since World War II, it's important to note
that U.S. housing prices have now fallen further during this economic downturn
(26 percent), than during the Great Depression (25.9 percent)...
Ken Notes: Too bad we can not focus on fixing this ...
KELLER,INC.PLANNERS,ARCHITECTS,BUILDERS
jG f1/27/2010
Walker proposes to increase number of appointed employees in state
government
138
jEJ fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Little-discussed provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's
controversial budget repair bill would greatly Increase the number of employees
that Walker appointees could hire and fire, deepening his administration's
influence within state agencies ...
School boards association changes tune, fears harm from Walker bill
[]wisconsin- 2/16/2011 Wisconsin Association of School Boards executive
director John Ashley is asking legislators to modify Gov. Scott Walker's budget
repair bill in a letter sent to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance ...
Coldwell Banker Success
Borders University Avenue store to close as company files for
bankruptcy
~
L:':JfMadison - 2/16/2011 Borders Books West will be one of 200 of the companys
stores closing in the next few weeks after the company filed for bankruptcy
protection on Wednesday, and the announcement came as a surprise to many
who shop at or live near the busy location ...
Ken Notes: This is too bad. The area has great potential. Apple should buy
Borders, create a $99 ereader, and a new outlet for Tech, books and
music "Apple Style" the ultimate app store. Tell Steve he has the capital ...
Wireless advances could mean no more cell towers
1lNational- 2/16/2011 As cell phones have spread, so have large cell towers_
those unsightly stalks of steel topped by transmitters and other electronics that
sprouted across the country over the last decade ...
Ken Notes: Very interesting article. The best part is that the require a
fiber backbone that could dramatically improve all communication, not
just cell phones. The UW and State could get ahead of the curve on this
one and lead the way into the next gen of communication.
Coakley Brothers
139
Highest standard in the moving industry - Milwaukee - Madison -
Nationwide
UW-Madison could become semi-private
lEI fuw Madison - 2/16/2011 UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has known for
more than a month that Wisconsin's flagship university might be splitting from the
UW System and gaining some key flexibilities and freedoms thanks to the Walker
administration according to a memo obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ...
Ken Notes: The memo is HERE.
Biddy urges lawmakers to slow down
~ W Madison - 2/16/2011 Biddy Martin is urging state leaders to hold off on
passing Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill. ...
Ken Notes: I linked directly to her statement. I remain a fan ...
UW' s Synchrotron Center targeted to lose federal funding
jEI fuw Madison - 2/16/2011 The future of a major UW-Madison science center--
the Synchrotron Radiation Center -- is in jeopardy after it was targeted to lose its
annual federal funding under President Barack Obama's proposed budget ...
Common Area Services
State returning $23 million grant for broadband
lEI fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Due to federal regulatory hurdles, Wisconsin is
declining a $23 million federal grant designed to expand broadband fiber to
schools and libraries across the state. "If DOA accepted the grant without meeting
all of the precise federal regulatory requirements, Wisconsin taxpayers would be
required to repay the $23 million back to the federal government," Mike
Huebsch ...
Ken Notes: I get the regulation part being a major hurdle, when a mayor
many programs looked too good to be true and in the end they were. But,
broadband in Lafayette County would mean jobs ...
140
Highlights of Obama's $3.73 trillion budget
I G JNational - 2/16/2011 A look at what President Barack Obama has requested in
his $3.73 trillion budget for the 2012 fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.. ..
Ken Notes: Very interesting - every 10th grader should have to read this ...
Federal Budget Deficit
I G JNational - 2/16/2011 Not since World War II has the federal budget deficit
made up such a big chunk of the U.S. economy. And within two or three years,
economists fear the result could be sharply higher interest rates that would slow
economic growth ....
Eco-Fusion Design (New Info For Professionals)
Please click for special message for Developers Builders Architects ...
Progressive competition edges out once-favored McDonell for county
exec
~
t...:=Jbane County- 2/16/2011 For years, many saw Dane County Board Chairman
Scott McDonell as the natural successor to County Executive Kathleen Falk,
waiting in the wings through multiple Falk terms to get an opportunity to lead
county government ...
Ken Notes: It does appear that my dream of middle ground cooperation,
moderation, and planning may not be in the cards at any level. I am an
editor I blogger I columnist without a country.
Parisi, Bruskewitz advance to general election in county executive
race
~ a n e County- 2/16/2011 State Rep. Joe Parisi and Dane County Board
Supervisor Eileen Bruskewitz will face off against each other in April to be the next
Dane County executive. Parisi won Tuesday's primary with 26 percent of the vote,
while Bruskewitz finished second with 22 percent...
MSA Professional Services
141
Walker could use $37.7 million award for online consumer
marketplace
1 fwisconsin- 2/16/2011 Gov. Scott Walker is accepting a $37.7 million federal
grant to help create an information technology network for a system of health
exchanges required under national health care reform ...
Wetland regulations take a soaking
j
0
fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Late Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, without the typical
fanfare, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill that allows a single developer to build in
an environmentally sensitive area near Lambeau Field in Green Bay ...
Ken Notes: Again I need to point out both the developer and the tenant
want to expand publicly available wetlands in an area far more beneficial
to wildlife and the environment.
Madison Gas and Electric
Former Gov. and Mrs. Doyle move to Madison's Far West Side
- 2/16/2011 Former Gov. and first lady Jim and Jessica Doyle bought
a house at the end of December in the Hawks Ridge Estates neighborhood on
Madison's Far West Side ...
Ken Notes: Welcome! Can we show you something in a condo downtown
as well ...
China auto imports nearly double in 2010
- 2/16/2011 China's imports of foreign cars nearly doubled last year,
with Japanese and German models most in favor among buyers looking to
upgrade their vehicles, an industry association said Tuesday ...
Ken Notes: Germany gets it, do we?
GM head vows to focus on China
142
1 fNational - 2/16/2011 China will play a much bigger role in General Motors
Co.'s plans including clean energy vehicles as it moves to capitalize further on
rapid growth in the world's largest auto market, the company's CEO said
Tuesday ...
Ken Notes: Let's hope so.
Findorff - Character Community Craftsmanship
~
Findorff, builders of Madison's finest projects ... and Milwaukee read
below!
OPINION - Dane County's efforts to protect employees likely to
backfire
[lane County- 2/16/2011 Jonathan Barry is a former Dane County executive
and state representative - Gov. Walker is that rare political leader who actually
means what he says and then does it. It is remarkable how many people are again
and again surprised each time he follows through on another of his clearly stated
goals ... Hows this going to work out? ...
OPINION - Engage public workers in dialogue and creative solutions
1 fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Gov. Walker needs to take some basic organizational
leadership courses to help him understand how to engage employees in coming up
with creative and innovative ways to deal with budget deficits. The move to ignore
the unions is not a budget issue, but rather a political one ...
Ken Notes: I like the insight in these two opinions. I am not sure we could
get to nirvana but the unions I have worked with were often able to read
the tea leaves and reach some compromise.
OPINION - Walker gins up crisis to reward cronies
1 fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Wisconsin needs to be fiscally responsible. There is no
question that these are tough times, and they may require tough choices. But
Gov. Scott Walker is not making tough choices. He is making political choices, and
they are designed not to balance budgets but to improve his political position and
that of his party ....
Ken Notes: and to be fair, one from the other side ...
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