Oling, Lane - GOV

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Hi Team Indiana,
State of Indiana <indiana@subscriptions.in.gov>
Thursday, May 12, 20111:08 PM
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Gov. Daniels' Recent Accomplishments
With the end of the Indiana General Assembly, Governor Daniels has signed into law his sweeping education reform agenda, including
school choice, collective bargaining reform and a new teacher evaluation and compensation system. Indiana's recently-enacted budget
lowers the corporate tax rate and provides for an automatic tax refund if revenues exceed a specified level. The Governor's agenda
also broadens public-private partnerships for infrastructure, redraws legislative and congressional districts and consolidates duplicative
local elections. Finally, during a recent trip to Washington last week, the Governor spoke about his heritage and the longing for
freedom in the Middle East in his remarks at the Arab-American Institute's Khalil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards, where he received
the Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service. We thought you might find the following news summaries to be of interest, and we've
included the text of the speech. As always, if you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks,
Debbie and Griffin
Indiana Federal Representatives
Deborah Hohlt (Debbie@hohlt.com)
Griffin Foster (griffin@hohlt.com)
202-624-1474 (office)
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
MAY6,2011
Indiana's Great Education Leap
The Hoosier State passes vouchers and dissolves teacher
tenure.
School choice is gaining new momentum, and one of the biggest political breakthroughs came this week in Indiana. Governor Mitch
Daniels signed legislation Thursday that includes far-reaching reforms in teacher assessment and tenure, as well the most ambitious
voucher program in memory.
Under the new Jaw, the state will provide 7,500 publicly financed scholarships of up to $4,500 a year to Hoosier elementary school kids
who have been in public schools for the last two semesters and then want to attend another school, public or private. That scholarship
1
number rises to 15,000 in the second year, with no cap in the third year and beyond. High school students can also qualify for a
voucher of up to 90% of the state public school support, which varies by school district.
The thinking here is that parents have to give the public schools a try, but then their children shouldn't be trapped by inferior schools
merely because of where they live. The voucher is means-tested by family income up to a maximum of roughly $60,000 or so, with
\ower-income families getting a larger payment. Mr. Daniels says about half of all Hoosier school children will qualify.
Parents can take the money to any certified school in the state, Including religious schools. Though the unions will no doubt sue to
block the reform, the law should pass both state and federal constitutional muster because it is religiously neutral and parents choose
the school for their children.
Another common objection to vouchers is that they cost the state money by spending twice for each student, but Indiana's plan may
save money because Indianapolis public schools now spend about $9,000 per student, or twice what the vouchers will cost. The law
also changes the state's school funding formula so it will be based on current year enrollment, giving public schools an incentive to
improve to retain students or lose money.
The Indiana law also extends school choice in another way, by authorizing a $1,000 tax deduction for families that pay out of pocket for
private school expenses. This helps middle-class parents pay for books, computers and the like if their children don't attend public
schools.
There's also a major expansion of charter school opportunities. The law allows a state commission and the state's universities to
authorize new charters, which now number only 63 statewide. It also reduces one of the main disadvantages that charters have
compared to traditional schools by giving them access to unused school buildings, and it gives parents new rights to petition to turn a
persistently failing school into a charter.
The reform also makes major gains on teacher accountability, ending the last-in, first-out layoff policy that caused the firing of the
state's teacher of the year. School districts will be able to introduce pay for performance, using a new evaluation system based on
student progress, not teacher tenure. The angel will have to come in the details of these evaluations, which the union will try to game,
but this at least gives reformers a fighting chance to break up a status quo that now makes it nearly impossible to fire bad teachers.
All of this is a major achievement for Mr. Daniels and his Republican legislative majority. Answering to the uniohs, Democrats tried the
flee-to-Illinois strategy to block the reform but Mr. Daniels treaied them with gentle scorn and waited them out. The unions are sure to
try to capture and water down all of this, so reformers will have to monitor the implementation. But the future just got considerably
brighter for Indiana's children.
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Indiana
Gov. Daniels Signs Budget Bill, Legislation to Lower Corporate Tax
Rate
By Nora Macaluso
05/12/2011
LANSING, Mich.-lndiana Gov. Mitch Daniels(R) signed a series of tax-related bills
May 9 and 10, including two-year budget legislation (HEA 1001) that decouples
Indiana from some federal income-tax changes, requires certain tax preparers to file
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electronic returns, changes the distribution formula for the cigarette and sales taxes,
and exempts meals served at legislative meetings from the gross retail tax.
The budget bill provides for an automatic refund for taxpayers if revenues exceed a
specified level. It also requires, beginning in 2012, professional tax preparers who file
more than 50 returns to file them electronically, with the threshold falling to 10 returns
in 2013. The change is designed to save the state money, since processing paper
filings costs $2 to $3 per return, compared with just 8 cents for a return filed
electronically.
The decoupling affects about a dozen federal tax changes that would have resulted in
the loss of "a considerable amount of revenue" for Indiana, Budget Director Adam
Horst told BNA May 11. The sales tax formula was changed so that the entire amount
collected goes to the state's general fund, rather than diverting a portion to a mass
transportation fund, Horst said. The transportation fund will receive its money through
an appropriation, so the move is "more of an accounting change," he said.
Cigarette tax revenues, Horst said, had been used to fund a retiree health benefits
plan, but under the new formula will be used to reimburse the general fund for the
"overfunding"of the retiree plan. The switch will be in effect for the two years covered
by the budget.
Corporate Tax Rate Lowered
HEA 1004, also signed May 10, lowers the state corporate income tax rate by 20
percent over a four-year period starting in 2013. Sen. Brandt Hershman (R), sponsor of
that legislation, said Indiana's 8.5 percent tax rate is hindering job growth in the state.
The bill "closes tax loopholes"to make the change revenue neutral, Hershman said.
The "lion's share" of the savings comes from ending tax-free treatment of out-of-state
municipal bond investments, he told BNA May 11. "We were an outlier in that respect,"
the only state in the nation not to tax interest on investments in municipal bonds of
other states, he said. Residents can continue to invest in Indiana municipal bonds and
not pay taxes on income from those, he said.
Bills on Tax Study, Industrial Recovery Credit
On May 8, the governor signed S.B. 39, which requires the Commission on State Tax
and Financing Policy to study how the Indiana income tax structure, including existing
and potentially new income tax credits and deductions, may influence a senior's
decision on residency in Indiana after retirement.
The bill also requires the commission to study whether each of the local option income
taxes affects the ability of political subdivisions to provide services to nonresidents,
whether there should be additional financing options available to such subdivisions for
3
providing those services, and how local option income taxes should be distributed
within a county to local units of government.
H. B. 1005, signed May 9, broadens the criteria for qualifying for the state's industrial
recovery tax credit. It reduces the number of years a vacant industrial facility must
have been in service to 15 from 20, and reduces the minimum amount of floor space a
facility needs to qualify for the credit.
Other bills signed May 9 were S. B. 115, which stipulates circumstances under which
tax liens are void or must be released, and H. B. 1288, which allows for a late property
tax exemption for Christamore House, a nonprofit organization.
More information on the bills is available at
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011 & session=1 &
request=all. Scroll down and click on the bill number, or type it into the search field at
the top left of the page.
Remarks to the Arab American lnsitute's Kahil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards
Gala upon
receiving the Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service
May 4, 2011 1 Washington, DC, Renaissance Hotel 1 Gov. Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
Transcribed from extemporaneous remarks
Leave it to my old pals, Jim and John and George to pick absolutely the perfect person. There is
no one I would rather be brought here to this podium by than Ray LaHood. Everyone here,
including me, should be very grateful for my pathetically poor powers of persuasion. Because if I
was any good at it, I would have talked Ray LaHood into running for governor of Illinois. Our
state would have a lot tougher competitor west, but America would be deprived of a
spectacularly good secretary of transportation.
[applause]
You all are lucky that I was not able to talk you into that. You would have been as great at that
job as you have been at all the other capacities in which you've served America, and we're
immensely grateful to you.
I want to thank everyone present for affording me this wonderful night of pride and memories of
my family and those who have made my life possible. I love the story of our family, but there is
no reason any of you should be particularly interested in it. There is nothing at all remarkable
about the Daniels family heritage, except that it has happened millions of times in America and
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is very typical of the opportunities and promise and lives that this blessed land has enabled.
The young man named Elias Essa Daniels -- Daniels was actually added at Ellis Island --was
born in April 1884. At the age of 21, like millions before and after him, he was summoned to the
promised land that he had heard so much about. In 1905 he came to this country. He came here
penniless and illiterate. He never got over the second condition, to his last day he never did read
or write in English. He got over the first condition. He made a little scratch in a little steel town
of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
In this wonderful world in which we live, one of my daughters, fascinated by the story that I had
told her, was able to unearth-- through the internet-- his passport application from 1921, when,
in February of that year, having gotten a stake together, he went back to the homeland to find a
bride. On that passport application he listed his occupation as "pool room." In our family we
know that was accurate but incomplete. He omitted to mention that from that pool room he also
ran the numbers racket in that part of the state. But, I am sure as a good Syrian, he ran a very
honest facility.
So with the money he put together, he went back and found the most beautiful younger woman.
Hanna Afifi, Daniels as she became. And my daughters, in the most precious father's day present
I've ever received, snuck out during a family trip to Ellis Island and got the passenger manifest
of Elias Essa Daniels and Hanna Afifi Daniels coming to the new world -- coming to America --
and a picture of the Olympic, the ship on which they arrived. It is a treasured possession that
hangs on the wall in my den.
Hanna didn't live very long. She perished of an infection we could easily cure today. My dad and
uncle barely knew her, but while she was an American she gave birth to two young men who
made great lives in this country. My grandfather never forgot her, never remarried; he talked
about her to the end of his days. He never forgot Syria either. He and some of my great aunts
endowed and funded a hospital, which is still there in the little village of AI-Kalatieh ...
[applause]
... at the foot of the famous cross of Krak de Chevaliers near Horns. It is there to this day, and my
wife and I intend to be its benefactors for the next generation.
[applause]
These are ever-more precious memories and heritages to me and now to my kids.
Henry Kissinger once said, the best thing about becoming better known was when you bore
people they think it's their fault (laughter). I've discovered in the last few months another real
advantage to becoming a little better known. A lot of the noise and attention that has happened
nationally has led to new connections to my heritage and to my roots, as they say, because there
were stories written in the Syrian press about this Homsi, someone from the area of Horns, who
was rumored about as being a person of some potential interest in American public life. And this
led to new correspondence. I got emails from people there who had seen this story and found a
5
way to reach me. It's been a great, great matter to me. I have new pictures; I have new
information about the village and potentially some connections to distant family members that
we didn't have before.
Recently, however, these new connections have taken on a different, and somewhat ominous,
tone. Because as we know, there have been the same stirrings, the same yearning for freedom,
that has burst loose elsewhere in the Middle East has come to Syria. And I've now been sending
emails, not merely inquiring about family connections or developments in the village, but to
make sure everybody's all right and to make sure that everyone is safe.
Now, it's such an interesting night to be together with each of you and to receive this undeserved
honor, because as proud as I have always been - and more so with the passage of the years - in
this heritage that we share, I've never been able to say I am proud of the regime that's been in
power for decades in the land from which my people came. But now, I am so proud that brave
Syrians have stepped forward as their Egyptian and Tunisian and other counterparts have. And
against, apparently, brutal threats and repression have stood up for the right to dream and to live
free and to try to pursue better lives for themselves.
[applause]
So I'm just moved to say that the timing of tonight's dinner is just so fortuitous - it feels this way
to me - because it doesn't stretch a point to say that the same dreams and the same hopes and
the same determination to make a life for himself that brought Elias Essa Daniels to this country
-- of which he knew nothing, whose language he did not speak- is alive now in that part of the
world, and may have the chance to bring the same sort of wonderful opportunity that he made
possible for my father and ultimately for me.
So I just want to say tonight may Syria and all the lands near it soon become places of peace and
freedom and self-determination and may this land that has blessed every one of us so richly
continue to be an example and a welcoming home to any who seek to pursue those same dreams
for themselves.
Thank you for this honor and for this opportunity to be with each of you.
This service is provided to you at no charge by the State of Indiana ..
GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of State of Indiana 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN 46204 800-457-8283
6
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Joe Fadness <govgeneral@wisconsin.gov>
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 10:23 AM
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Information Copy from Joe Fadness for Case# 100461 (Contact 100461) (Intranet
Quorum IMA00100101)
Joe: Want you to be aware of this.
http://iq.wi.gov/ig/workflowhome.aspx?showfolder=workflow&showcontent=ID100461
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Gentlemen,
Matt Seaholm <MSeaholm@afphq.org>
Monday, Aprill8, 2011 8:15 AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Invitation to RightOnline
Walker ROL Invite.doc
Per our conversations, attached is an invitation for Gov. Walker to be a keynote speaker at AFP's annual RightOnline
Conference iin Minneapolis on June 17-18. The conference is meant to serve as a training experience for grassroots
activists, with a focus on online activism. It is AFP-Wisconsin's goal of having 300-400 of our best activists in attendance.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to having the Governor as our guest.
Thank you!
Matt
Matt Seaholm
State Director
Americans for Prosperity - Wisconsin
608.658.2312
1
A M R.I ll Y
FOUNDATION.,
W\vv.;. americans forpros pe rityfo uncia ti on. org
Governor Scott Walker
Attn: Mike Brickman
Office of Wisconsin Governor
99 Cambridge Road
Madison, WI 53704
Dear Governor Walker,
March 9, 2011
I would like to cordially invite you to be a keynote speaker at Americans for
Prosperity Foundation's 2011 RightOtt!im Co11[emtce on Friday or Saturday,June 17-18,2011
at the Downtown Minneapolis Hilton in Minneapolis, MN.
This year, 1,500 grassroots leaders and bloggers from across the countty are expected
to attend our RightO llfim Con.fercn.ce, including more than 350 grassroots leaders from
Wisconsin alone. This event is held as a counter to the liberal Netroots Nation
Convention in what the media called in the past the most concentrated gathering of high-
profile progressive bloggers to date. The RightOn.li11c Cottjemtces have received extensive media
coverage from both local and national oudets including coverage on Fox News, AP articles
across the country, The l!7a!! Street Jotmta/, and many others.
The 2011 Right011fi11c Cottjemtce will provide important leadership and grassroots
training, giving our members the tools and inspiration they need go back to their home
states and more effectively impact public policy in favor of limited government and free
enterprise. Conse1vative bloggers and new media experts will train grassroots activists on
how to use social networking and new media tools to take action, mobilize and advance free-
market policies.
Americans for Prosperity Foundation is the nation's premier grassroots organization
working for lower taxes, limited government, and policies which promote economic
freedom and prosperity, and in a very real way, defending the American Dream. We have
full-time staff in 32 state chapters and affiliates, and more than 1.7 million members across
the country.
Given your commitment and leadership to cut spending and restore fiscal
responsibility in Wisconsin, we would be honored to have you as a keynote speaker at the
2011 RightOIIIim Co!lftmzce. If you have a conflict, we would be happy to accommodate your
schedule at another time in the program. Please let me know if I can provide you with
additional information to ensure your attendance.
The details are listed below:
Event:
Date:
Time:
Location:
RightOnline Conference
Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, 2011
Friday, Awards Dinner- 6:30- 9:30pm
OR
Saturday, General Session- 9:00am -12:00pm
Downtown Minneapolis Hilton
1001 Marquette Ave South
Minneapolis, MN
Past speakers include Senator Pat Toomey, Congressman Mike Pence,
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Fox News' Judge Andrew Napolitano, best selling
author and blogger Michelle Malkin, former conservative cotntnentator Robert Novak,
creator ofBigGoverntnent.com Andrew Breitbart, Red State's Erick Erickson, llVeekg
Sta11dard columnist Mary Katherine Ham, HotAir.com's Ed Morrissey radio host and
FoxNews contributor Herman Cain, and The Wall St1ret ]ottrnal's Steve Moore and John
Fund.
I hope you will accept our invitation to address our grassroots members from across
the countty. RightOnline will bring together the foremost new media experts to train
attendees on how to be influential grassroots activists and sway public policy debates
through the use of online tools and strategies. Please let me know ifl can provide you
with any additional information to ensure your attendance.
Our Director of Programs, Katie Engdahl, will be in contact with your staff shortly
to follow up with you regarding this invitation and discuss the details of your participation.
If you have any questions, please contactAFP Foundation directly at (703) 224-3231 or visit
the website at www.RightlOnline.com. .
Thank you for your consideration, Governor. We look fo1-ward to working witl1 you.
President
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce - Chamber Connections
< members@titletown.org >
Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 20111:27 PM
To: Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Subject: June 2011 Chamber Connections
Having trouble viewing this e-mail? Click here.
lvl = ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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June 2011 Chamber Connections
';:------:1 --- ~ - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - ' 1
Power Networking Breakfast 10 =--------------
Tuesday, June 7, 7:30a.m. to 9 a.m.
Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
300 N. Broadway, Ste. 3A, Green Bay
Free to members, $16 for prospective members
Register at titletown.org or by calling 920.437.8704.
Event sponsored by:
0"
Continental breakfast host:
1
Business Recognition Luncheon
Thursday, June 9,11:55 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
11 a.m. Business Showcase Opens, 11:55 a.m. Luncheon and
Awards Program, 1:15 p.m. Dessert & Coffee Reception in Exhibit
Area
Hotel Sierra/KI Convention Center, downtown Green Bay
Starting June 2, $33 for Chamber members, $45 for prospective
members
Register at titletown.org or by calling 920.437.8704.
Designed to recognize small business achievements. growth, innovation j0 j
and exceptional business practices. Please join us and show your
support for the accomplishments of local business owners. This years
nominees are:
American-3 Fab, Inc.
Animal Foundation & Pet Pantry of WI
Bay Tek Games, Inc.
BreakthroughFuel LLC
Davis & Kuelthau, s.c.
Fox River Fiber
Innovative Cost solutions, Inc.
Insight Creative, Inc.
ITConnexx, Inc.
Jet Air Group
LaJava a roasting house
Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.
Undeman's Cleaning
Mark D. Olejniczak Realty, Inc.
PM! Entertainment Group
QPS Employment Group
Sanimax
Skyline Technologies, Inc.
Valley Trucking LLCNalley Transfer LLC
Increasing Revenues Through Strategic Use of Market Channels -
BAC Entrepreneurial hinovation Series #7
Tuesday, June 14, 7:30a.m. to 9:30a.m.
Business Assistance Center, 2701 Larsen Rd., Green Bay
$10
To register, call 920.496.9010 by June 7
In 1855, Ralph Waldo Emerson penned the words, "Build a better mousetrap and
the world will beat a path to your door."
A century and a half later, many companies are building better mousetraps and
products. But companies also need to build a better path to their doors so
customers who need better mousetraps (or whatever you offer) can find your
company and its offerings.
Bad decisions regarding market channels have doomed many a product or
service. A basic understanding of market channel principles can lead to better
marketing results and greater revenue. BAC Innovation Series Speaker Fred
Krumberger will provide a strategic framework for making better decisions about
the path between your company and its customers.
2
Krumberger is the principal and founder of Performance Sciences, LLC, a
business consultancy that has served more than 200 firms in Wisconsin and other
states. He is also a managing member of MMK, LLC, an investment company.
Krumberger also serves as a board member and strategic advisor to NetPeak
Energy Group, LLC. Previously, Krumberger served as presidenVCEO of Algoma
Group, vice president and general manager of Graham Professional Products,
executive vice president and general manager at The Manitowoc Company, and in
a variety of positions in general management, marketing, finance and engineering
roles at S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc.
0 -- ------- -----
Brown County United Way Community Impact Summit 9: Youth
Alcohol Use and Abuse
Friday, June 17, registration at 8:30a.m., program 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
UWGB Student Union Phoenix Room
Free but registration is required here.
Legislative Dialogue Breakfast with Northeast Wisconsin Chambers
Coalition (NEWCC)
Monday, June 20, 7:30 a.m.
Bridgewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center, Neenah, Wis.
$20
To register, visit here or call920.734.7101.
The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and other members of NEWCC will
address topics of top priority in Northeast Wisconsin. Focal points of the breakfast
include BadgerCare reform, unfunded mandates, prevailing wage and air quality
standards.
Current Lifelong Learning
Wednesday, .June 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Details forthcoming; contact Brian Johnson at 920.593.3408 or via
email for more information
We'll be taking a look at the many different personal and professional learning
opportunities that exist in our area from continuing education opportunities to more
social experiences such as ballroom dancing or other recreational lessons.
Chamber Golf Outing Classic
Monday, June 27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Woods Golf Club, LLC
530 Erie Rd., Green Bay
$150 per person or $500 per foursome
To register, call920.593.3419 or visit here.
Includes 18 holes of golf with cart, free putting contest, use of driving range,
contest and prize on every hole, refreshments on the course, continental
breakfast, lunch, steak fry cookout and raffle/door prizes.
3
Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1660
Green Bay, WI 54305-1660
4
Phone: 920-593-3423
Fax: 920-593-3468
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fuller, Luke - GOV
Friday, June 10, 2011 9:36 AM
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
La Crosse Reading Options
It looks like there is a county-wide youth reading program in La Crosse County. On Friday, June 24
1
" at noon there is a
"Lunch Bunch" reading event at the three below locations:
John Bosshard Memorial Library
1720 Henry Johns Blvd.
Bangor, WI 54614
608-486-4408
Holmen Area Library
103 State St.
Holmen, WI 54636
608-526-4198
Onalaska Public Library
741 Oak Ave. S.
Onalaska, WI 54650
608-781-9568
It looks like the event is for students entering 2' through 4
1
" grade in the fall and each week they read a chapter from a
chapter book. The events all run from 12pm - 1 pm.
Luke Fuller
External Relations Coordinator
Office of the Governor
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
DOAFLEETRSVP@wisconsin.gov
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 5:01 PM
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Motor Pool Reservation Approval Request for 'JONATHAN WETZEL' (#340825)
'JONATHAN WETZEL' has made a vehicle reservation request and listed you as the
approving supervisor.
By acting on this request, you certify that you have the authority to approve the use of
state motor pool vehicles for this individual.
Please click on the link below to approve or deny the reservation request for 'JONATHAN
WETZEL'.
https://fleet.wisconsin.qov/FW Reservation Approve.asp?ReservationiD=340825&RID=
274074
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Todd Battle <tbattle@kaba.org>
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 4:39 PM
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Subject: Please call me ASAP
Joe-
Please call me when you receive this message.
There is mounting concern that negative attention that visit from Governor might stir has unintended negative
consequences given environment/fervor re: collective bargaining rights and budget repair bill.
I.e. We want to celebrate major investment and welcome new business to WI that is brining sizable investment,
occupying a 144,000 SF building, and almost 90 (mostly professional) jobs.
I believe that a lot of work they do is non-union --and I have growing concern that our efforts to roll out red carpet and
welcome them to WI-- could backfire and cause them challenges/create negative PR.
Please ring me on my cell phone @
Todd Battle, President
Kenosha Area Business Alliance
600- 52nd Street, Ste. 120
Kenosha, WI 53140
p- 262.605.1100
F - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
E- tbattle@kaba.org
www.kenoshawiusa.com
From: Todd Battle
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 5:12PM
TQ: 'joseph. fadness@wisconsin.gov'
Subject: Pleasant Prairie Visit/Press Conference
Joe-
ASAP to discuss.
We are thinking that best place to have this event would be the LakeView Rec Plex in a private meeting room (LakeView
Room).
RecPiex
9900 Terwall Terrace
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
1
T: 262/947-0437
F: 262/947-0809
www.recplexonline.com
Room would comfortably hold the expected attendees/media. Also, Governor and staff could access the facility via
access drive and rather than walking through the building through the main entrance, Governor's team could pull right
up to west entrance to the Lakeview Room {I can work with you and your team to provide details on this).
I spoke with Catalyst CEO Tim Roberts today and he was receptive. I will confirm with him now.
On our end, we would want to make sure that Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser, Village President {and State Rep)
John Steinbrink are engaged/involved as well.
If you need to reach me yet this evening, e-mail or cell phone are best. Otherwise- we can solidify tomorrow.
Todd Battle, President
Kenosha Area Business Alliance
600- 52nd Street, Ste. 120
Kenosha, WI 53140
p- 262.605.1100
F- 262.605.1111
www.kenoshawiusa.com
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Kinzel, Will <Wiii.Kinzel@mail.house.gov>
Tuesday, March 22, 201110:59 AM
Adam Nordstrom (Adam.nordstrom@cch-llc.com); andrew.silvestri@gov.ok.gov;
aparis@state.pa.us; Arthur Clark (arthur.clark@guam.gov); Beth Kohler Lazare
(bklaz<lrel!j>a:z.giJv); Kloiber, Bill - DOA; Bill McBride (mcbrideb@michigan.gov);
bob.schwa_neberg@gov.state.nj.us; Brandon Steinmann
- - - Brian McManus
Brian Nutt
carol.statkus@wyo.gov; clipparelli@briansandoval.com;
CWhitfield@governor.state.ms.us; dan.wilmot@governor.state.tx.us;
david.hensley@gov.idaho.gov; Debbie Hohlt (debbie@hohlt.com); Dennis Muchmore
(muchmored@michigan.gov); Dona Deleon (Dona.Deleon@gov.state.nj.us); Doug
Hoelscher (doug.hoelscher@iowa.gov); Ed Perez (eperez@osfr.state.tx.us);
emainigi@wc.com; Eric Finkbeiner (eric.finkbeiner@governor.virginia.gov);
griffin@hohlt.com; hedgcockm@gov.state.la.us
jamieshuster@gov.sc.gov; jasen.eige@governor.virginia.gov; Jason Kreizenbeck
Qkreizenbeck@gov.idaho.gov); jboeyink@governorbranstad2010.com; Jeannemarie
Davis Oeannemarie.davis@governor.virginia.gov); Jeff Barnes (barnesj7@michigan.gov);
Jen Rae Hein Oen.hein@nebraska.gov); Jennifer Branstetter Obranstett@state.pa.us); Jim
Soyer Oim.soyer@state.sd.us); jmcallahan@state.pa.us; John Katz
(John.Katz@alaska.gov); Fadness, Joseph F- GOV; katie.altshuler@gov.ok.gov; Katy
Oder; Keith Gardner (keith.gardner@state.nm.us); Krista Carman
(kristacarman@mac.com); Kristi Craig (kristi.craig@governor.virginia.gov);
ktartaglia@state.pa.us; Lauren Kintner (lauren.kintner@nebraska.gov);
Iiiii Marie Sanderson
(msanderson@governor.state.ms.us); mark.cate@tn.gov; mary.mayhew@maine.gov;
Michael Ciamarra (michael.ciamarra@governor.alabama.gov); Michael DiSabato
(Michaei.DiSabato@governor.virginia.gov);,4
mschrimpf@rga.org; Nicole Guillemard (nguillemard@prfaa.com);
rebmyers@state.pa.us; renee.fargason@laspbs.state.fl.us;
rob.jakubik@eog.myflorida.com; Robert Spendlove (rspendlove@utah.gov); Ryan
McGinness (iyan@nevadadc.org); Ryan Serote (rserote@az.gov);
sirena.ramirez@guam.gov; Spence Geissinger (spencer.geissinger@eog.myflorida.com);
Stephen Waguespack (wags@la.gov); tammy.perkins@gov.idaho.gov; Tim Pearson
(timpearson@gov.sc.gov); Todd Smith (ts@rubicondc.com); travisrichmond@gmail.com;
Wayne Struble (wayne.struble@governor.ohio.gov); wayne.hasenbalg@gov.state.nj.us;
will.cromer@tn.gov; Zak Tomich (tomichz@michigan.gov)
Lanier Swann (Lanier_Swann@mcconnell.senate.gov); Brandi White
(Brandi_White@mcconnell.senate.gov)
President Obama's Failure to Address Debt Crisis Would Guarantee Benefit Cuts for
Seniors
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 7:48AM
To:
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Murray, Ryan M-
GOV; Schutt, Eric -
Subject: FYI: House GOP leader says no
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gA_kCDy5yodylhH3soihv_yHGQKw?docid=f220743f
9d4744d78f8b09c58e3ec02c
House GOP leader says no federal bailout of states
(AP)- 14 homs ago
WASHINGTON (AP)- A top House Republican said Monday that the federal govermnent will not bail out
fiscally ailing states and said he opposes a proposal that Congress allow states to declare bankruptcy as a way of
handling their growing piles of debt.
Though there has been little discussion of Washington bailing out states, some congressional Republicans and
conservative groups are suggesting that states be allowed to seek protection in federal bankruptcy court, which
they are currently barred from doing. Public employee unions, liberal groups and some lawmakers of both
parties oppose the bankruptcy idea.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., told reporters Monday that he believes states already have the tools
they need to ease crushing budget deficits since they can cut spending, raise taxes and pressme public employee
unions to renegotiate their contracts and pension benefits. As a result, he said, he opposes letting states declare
bankruptcy because he said they don't need that power.
While some conservatives say that allowing states to declare bankruptcy would prevent a federal bailout of
states, Cantor said he disagreed.
"We don't need that to stave off a federal bailout. There will be no bailout of states," he said. "The states can
deal with this and have been able to do so on their own."
Supporters of allowing states to declare bankruptcy say it is the best way for states to dig themselves out of
debt. Opponents say the idea will drive up borrowing rates for states on the already shaky municipal bond
market and make it easier for states to cut govermnent workers' benefits and pensions, even though those
benefits are just a minor cause of states' budget problems.
Thirty-five states and Puerto Rico expect to run up budget gaps during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, according
to a December report from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Twenty-one expect spending to
outpace tax collections and other revenue by more than 10 percent, the report said.
For their upcoming fiscal year, the 50 states face combined projected deficits of about $125 billion, according to
Iris Lav, a senior adviser with the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. About one-fifth of President
Barack Obama's $814 billion economic stimulus law has gone to help states reduce their budget deficits and
help pay for costs like education and Medicaid since 2009, but that aid is winding down.
1
The idea of letting states declare bankruptcy - such a move could let states restructure their debts - has been
suggested by conservatives such as Newt Gingrich, the former GOP House speaker who is a possible 2012
presidential contender. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, another potential presidential candidate, told a
group ofNew Hampshire Republicans on Monday that the idea is worth considering as a way to avoid costly
pension liabilities.
Cities and counties are already permitted to declare bankruptcy.
"It currently looks to be one of the best options to prevent a federal bailout of the most fiscally reckless states,"
said Patrick Gleason, director of state affairs for the conservative Americans for Tax Reform, which also
champions the idea.
Govemment labor unions see the idea as one that is aimed directly at them because it would give states more
leverage in trimming workers' benefits and pensions, and because the proposal makes it appear that state
workers are a major cause of states' budget problems. Even if the proposal fails to become law- a strong
scenario given Democrats' control of the Senate and White House- it could still hurt unions, they say.
"I think the goal is to create an issue-frame in states in severe fiscal straights in which public employee unions
are mainly responsible for this. We strongly disagree with that notion," said Charles Loveless, director of
legislation for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
With many investors already fleeing the municipal bond market, even discussion of letting states declare
bankruptcy further weakens municipal bonds because it "injects more buzz, or more of what's referred to as
headline risk," said Paul S. Maco, an attomey and former top Securities and Exchange Commission official
under President Bill Clinton.
Sen. John Comyn, R-Texas, asked Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bemanke about the state bankruptcy idea at
a Senate hearing earlier this month. Bemanke was noncommittal.
"Bailing out a state is not an option," Cornyn spokesman Kevin McLaughlin said of the senator's concerns. "But
we need to explore what, if anything, should be done."
Kate Dickens, spokesman for Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., said Kirk believes Congress should give states the power
to declare bankruptcy and avoid default and is talking to other lawmakers about potential legislation. Illinois
lawmakers recently voted for a 66 percent hike in personal income tax, from 3 percent to 5 percent, to address a
$15 billion deficit that amounts to more than half of the state's general fund. The tax increase will be coupled
with strict 2 percent limits on spending growth.
"Governors should have the option of reorganizing to operate under lower costs. This allows essential functions
to continue, no federal bailout and the state preserves its credit," Dickens said.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said his panel will hold a hearing on the issue in
two weeks and expressed misgivings about the idea. In a written statement, he cited constitutional and policy
concerns, "including whether state bankruptcy will actually encourage more irresponsible spending by states."
Mike Schrimpf, spokesman for the Republican Governors Association, said GOP govemors oppose state
bankruptcies and a federal bailout of states because states should be forced to live within their means.
Ray Scheppach, executive director of the bipartisan National Governors Association, said he is aware of no
states or governors interested in the idea of being allowed to declare bankruptcy.
2
"Who would turn over a state's whole fiscal situation to a judge?" said Scheppach.
AP Business Writer Daniel Wagner in Washington and Associated Press writer Philip Elliott in Concord, NH,
contributed to this report.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconiiin.gov
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 5:53 PM
To:
Subject: Statement on Negoatiating with Governor
--Ellis says the guv originally wanted to eliminate public employee unions in Wisconsin, but
Senate GOP leaders told him it would not pass.
"We believe there is a place for unions in our economic lives, and we were successful in getting him
to back off," Ellis said in a Wisconsin Eye interview. "What the public doesn't understand is that the
options we had were a lot worse than where we are."
Ellis also said Republicans tried to get Walker to modify the bill to focus solely on obtaining
concessions from public employees without the extensive changes in collective bargaining rights, but
Walker refused.
"We didn't think it was necessary to go after those," Ellis said. "We thought that if we could get the
money, get the concessions, we could leave a lot of those collective bargaining items along. The way
it worked out, we were rebuffed on it."
Ellis said he would vote for the repair bill because the alternative would be thousands of layoffs. He
said statutes give guvs extensive powers to lay off public employees where there are insufficient
funds, and he didn't want to see that happen.
Watch the interview:
http:l/www.wiseye.org/ProgrammingNideoArchive/EventDetail.aspx?evhdid=3720
1
Oling, lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Qffice of the Governor
Press Qffice: 608-267-7303
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
~ r y 16, 20114:34 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
FYI from State Journal
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 3:41 PM
To:
Subject:
Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV
fyi
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Fyi
Follow up
Completed
'Incident' led to closing of Capitol
By Lee Bergquist of the Journal. Sentinel
Feb. 28
1
201l3:25p.m, 1(14) COM.MENTS
Madison - An unexplained incident this morning prompted Capitol police to decide to keep the building closed to
outside protesters. '
As of 3:15p.m. Monday, no new demonstrators had been allowed to come into the building.
Access to the Capitol was closed on Sunday about 4 p.m. That still left several hundred of protesters in the building
overnight on Sunday and through the day on Monday.
The State Department of Administration said Sunday no one from the public would be allowed in the building until a \I
of the protesters had left or moved to designated areas so the building could be cleaned.
Then, on Monday morning, plans were underway to re-open the building. But DOA spokeswoman Carla Vigue said a
security issue with the protesters came up that caused police to decide to keep the building closed.
Vigue said she had not been briefed on what that incident was. She said that there have been negotiations between
representatives of the protesters and the Capitol police. She said new demonstrators wouldn't be a \lowed back in,
"until police feel comfortable about letting people back in the building."
The exception to public access on Monday: A sma\ler number of people were being allowed in to meet with their
legislator, or to attend an unofficial hearing by Assembly Democrats on the budget adjustment bi\1 now pending before
the Senate.
The situation has left the Capitol more subdued than usual since the statehouse occupation began on Feb. 15 as the
Legislature's Joint Finance Committee began listening to testimony on legislation that would strip most of the
bargaining rights from public employees.
Sti\1, the rotunda erupted periodica\ly on Monday with drumming and chanting - the constant din of the nearly two-
week standoff.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 3:24PM
1
To: Vigue, Carla J - DOA; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Riseling, Sue (UW); Tubbs, Charles A- DOA;
Blackdeer, Dan - DOA; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: REVISED Draft Statement
Monday, Februru:y 28, 2011
Media Line: (608) 266-7362
Department of Administration Executive Assistant Jodi Jensen Statement on Access to the Capitol
MADISON- Wisconsin Department of Administration Executive Assistant today released the following statement
regarding continued protests in the State Capitol Building.
"Since the building opened at 8:00 a.m. today, law enforcement officers have been engaging in a dialog
with union representatives about a designated area in which the protestors can remain and about rules
they should abide by while in the building. Officers in the building are continuing to work with union
representatives and the protestors in the building to gain compliance with these requests.
"No additional protestors will be allowed into the building until these discussions have reached a resolution. At
that time, law enforcement will continue to implement the procedures that were announced this morning
regarding the admittance of protestors to the Capitol building. Specifically that protestors will be allowed into
the building, but crowd size will be adjusted to accommodate the cleaning crews, the preparation for the
Tuesday's joint legislative session and the number of protestors who remained in the building overnight When
additional protestors are adtnitted to the building, law enforcement will establish a queue and admit them
through the King Street entrance.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. this morning, members of the public were allowed to enter the building to meet
with legislators or other officials who work there. Individuals who wish to see their legislators but do
not have an appointment can request law enforcement officers at the King Street entrance to call the
legislative office. Legislative staff can escort up to eight people into the building for these meetings.
Unfortunately some of these requests were delayed this morning while officers responded to an
individual who climbed onto a balcony on the East Wing of the State Capitol Building."
From: Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 3:15PM
To: VigUe, Carla J - DOA; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Rise ling, Sue (UW); Tubbs, Charles A- DOA;
Blackdeer, Dan - DOA
Subject: Draft Statement
Importance: High
Monday, February 28, 2011
Media Line: (608) 266-7362
Department of Administration Executive Assistant Jodi Jensen
Statement on Access to the Capitol
MADISON- Wisconsin Department of Adtninistration Executive Assistant today released the following statement
regarding continued protests in the State Capitol Building.
2
"Since the building opened at 8:00a.m. today, law enforcement officers have been engaging in a
dialog with union representatives about a designated area in which the protestors can remain and
about rules they should abide by while in the building. Officers in the building are continuing to
work with union representatives and the protestors in the building to gain compliance with these
requests. No additional protestors will be allowed into the building until these discussions have
reached a resolution. At that time, law enforcement will continue to implement the procedures that
were announced this morning regarding the admittance of protestors to the Capitol building.
"Beginning at 8:00 a.m. this morning, members of the public were allowed to enter the building to
meet with legislators or other officials who work there. Individuals who wish to see their legislators
but do not have an appointment can request law enforcement officers at the King Street entrance to
call the legislative office. Legislative staff can escort up to eight people into the building for these
meetings. Unfortunately, some of these requests were delayed this morning while officers
responded to an individual who climbed onto a balcony on the East Wing of the State Capitol
Building."
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Wisconsin Counties Association <mail@wicounties.org>
Thursday, February 10, 201111:13 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: Important Budget Adjustment Update from WCA 2.10.2011
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Important State Budget Adjustment Update
2.10.2011
Breaking News:
Important State Budget Adjustment Update
WCA; Local Government Groups Receive Invitation-
Only Budget Adjustment Briefing from
Governor Walker
February 10, 2011-At a briefing earlier this evening on the Governor's budget
adjustment bill, a dozen representatives of local government groups were invited Into the
Governor's conference room to hear an advance summary of the proposal delivered
personally by Governor Walker. The briefing was by invitation only.
No documents were prOvided, but Governor Walker summarized major points of the
budget adjustment bill for the group and responded to all the group's questions. Also
present and available were senior gubernatorial staff, the state's DOA Secretary, the
budget director, and the deputy budget director. Below please find a report from the
Wisconsin Counties Association on this high-level meeting.
For additional questions, please contact WCA Legislative Director John Reinemann at
866.404.2700 or via email at jrelnemann@wicounties.org.
1
In This Issue
Details of February 10, 2011
Gubernatorial Update
Mark Your Calendars
for Upcoming WCA
Regional Legislative
Meetings for Budget
Updates
Every two years WCA holds
regional legislative meetings.
The upcoming meetings with
discuss the state budget, as
well as other legislative news.
To see a full calendar
1
complete with dates and
locations, click here.
Details of Gubernatorial Update Earlier Tonight on
the Budget Adjustment Bill
February 10, 2011-At tonight's briefing Governor Walker said that he was sharing the
broad outlines of his budget adjustment proposal with local governments because he
views us as partners.
The Governor stated his Intention to provide local governments with the tools that will
allow us to match savings with the cuts that will very likely be made in local aids in the
upcoming 2011-2013 budget.
The budget adjustment bill contains no cuts to local aids.
The budget adjustment bill will include changes to WRS and to health care
payments by employees. Neither the terms of WRS participation nor health care will be
bargainable; they will, we believe, become prohibited subjects of collective bargaining.
The budget adjustment bill includes a requirement that employee contributions to
WRS will be set at 5.8% for non-protective employees. The changes would take effect
April 1, 2011.
The bill also includes freedom for local government employers to mandate changes
in health coverage plans that w-ould generate savings; the Governor's goal is a 12.5%
savings in health care contributions.
Under the budget adjustment bill, increases in wages will be limited to increases in
CPl. Larger increases could only be achieved upon approval by referendum. We believe
this places hourly wages as a mandatory subject of bargaining, up to the threshold of
CPl.
Under the proposal, only hourly pay is bargainable. Lanes, steps, scales, and
overtime would no longer be mandatory subjects of collective bargaining. The effect of
this proposal would be to allow freezes in these areas.
While we need to analyze the bill, it is our understanding that under the proposal,
the only mandatory subject of collective bargaining would be wages, and only up to the
threshold of CPl.
However, it remains unclear if there is to be any change in the rules regarding
non-economic terms within contracts, such as sick leave, vacation, etc.
A majOr exception to these provisions are protective employees: police and fire
employees. Included in the exception (and thus unaffected by the proposal) would be
Sheriff staff. Corrections employees are apparently to be included in the proposal.
Under. the budget adjustment bill, "fair share" (required union dues payments)
would be eliminated. We also anticipate further provisions in the bill affecting
representation, including perhaps eliminations of required union memberships,
requirements for annual certification votes, and similar measures.
Current contracts will not be abrogated by the bill. However, passage of the bill
cbuld create pressure to reopen existing contracts.
It was indicated that other reforms would follow in the biennial budget bill on
February 22, 2011.
WCA staff and Andy Phillips, WCA general counsel, will review the proposal as more
information becomes available. We will share whatever information and analysis we can,
as soon as we can, with county government officials.
Foiward email
~
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Wisconsin Counties Association I 22 East Mifflin Street, Suite 900 I Madison I WI I 53703
2
Hot Links
WCA Regional
Legislative Meetings
Sign Up for "WCA
eNews" and Regular
Email Correspondence
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Wisconsin Counties Association <mail@wicounties.org>
Tuesday, March 01, 201110:17 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: Important Budget Update from WCA 3.1.2011
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
j 0 8 0 j 0 j 0 8 0 j 0 8 0 i ~
3.1.2011
www.wicounties.org
0 ~ ' " ------- ----
WCA Preliminary Analysis of Provisions in
Governor Walker's State Budget
Governor Scott Walker released his proposed state budget to a joint
session of the Legislature on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
As expected, the Governor's budget reduces state funding for local
governments over the next two years as part of his effort to balance the
state's projected $3.6 billion budget deficit.
'-------' In keeping with requests by WCA and other local government groups,
many of the funding reductions will be phased in. The Governor's budget
will reduce shared revenues to counties by $36.5 million in calendar year 2012; the
budget does not make any reductions in shared revenues this calendar year.
The budget also continues levy limits for another two years and reduces the maximum
allowable levy increase from 3 percent to 0 percent or the net increase in valuation due
to new construction. The budget also changes the allowable levy base to the current
levy, rather than allowing counties to carrY forward unused levy capacity from previous
years.
In order to balance the cuts he has proposed to local governments and schools, the
budget implements changes to collective bargaining and public employee pension and
health care benefits that he proposed in his budget repair bill. The budget repair bill has
been approved by the state Assembly but remains stalled in the state Senate until at
least one Democratic Senator returns from out-of-state to provide the 20-member
quorum needed to move the bill to final passage. It is not clear when any of the
Democratic Senators will return to vote on the bill.
The Governor's budget also provides some relief from state mandates, such as
eliminating the maintenance of effort requirement for funding libraries, ending
mandatory municipal and county recycling, and allowing municipalities to merge police
and fire departments into a single public safety department.
Despite earlier speculation, the budget does not appear to repeal two controversial
1
Hot Linl<S
Text of Governor
Walker's Budget Speech
2011-2013 State
Budget pocument from
DOA
WisPolitics
The Wheeler Report
Wisconsin Eye
mandates from the 2009-11 biennial budget: the maintenance of effort requirement for
public safety expenditures and the lower thresholds and other changes to state prevailing
wage laws.
The Governor's budget makes numerous changes in human services and public safety
policies, including recommending the closure of the Ethan Allen School for Boys and the
consolidation of juvenile corrections institution programs at a single site.
The Governor's budget also makes numerous changes in transportation funding. The
budget reduces general transportation aids by 10 percent in calendar year 2013 and
shifts a portion of sales and use taxes related to automobile sales from the general fund
to the transportation fund.
The WCA legislative team has prepared the following preliminary summary of provisions
in the Governor's budget that are likely to affect counties. WCA will continue to provide
members with additional information about the budget as it becomes available. Read
the preliminarv summarv here.
Forward email
~
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Wisconsin Counties Association I 22 East Mifflin Street, Suite 900 I Madison I WI I 53703
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good Morning Governor,
Erwin, David - GOV
Sunday, reU1uct1v
Info on upcoming events
7:35AM
This information was passed on to me by Capitol Police. I will give you a call around 8 am to discuss.
Dave
Lieutenant David M. Erwin
WSP Dignitary Protection Unit
State Capitol Room B2 North
Madison, WI 53702
(608) 264 9501 Office
Berry
From: Lustig, Steve - DOA
Sent: Sunday, February 13; 20117:14 AM
To: Erwin, David - GOV
Subject: FW: Info on upcoming events
Founded Wisconsin
About RALLY AND BUS INFORMATION
*Madison--
Sunday, Feb. 13--11 :oo a.m. - 1 :oo p.m.
PICKET THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION
99 Cambridge Rd (take Sherman Ave to Lakewood Blvd to Cambridge Rd)
NO to the Budget Repair Bill! HANDS OFF State Labor Laws! STOP THE ATTACKS on Pul
*Madison--
D . t" Sunday, Feb. 13 1 pm--9pm
escnp Jon Capitol Steps
*Horicon--
Sunday, Feb. 13, 12:00--3pm
204 West Lake Street Horicon WI
*UW-Milwaukee
1
Rally for worker and student rights, organized by the MGAA:
Monday, February 14
Spaights Plaza at UWM (the north end near the library)
1 0:45AM
*UW--Madison
I UW: Gov. Walker Don't Break My Heart, organized by the TAA
Monday, Feb. 14 12:00--1 :QOpm
State Capitol
Join with members of the UW community to deliver some Valentine's cards to G o v e r n o r ~
before he releases his budget proposal.
*Madison--
Tuesday and Wednesday, organizers are meeting at 10 a.m. in the Masonic Temple on 3
Ave. to brief participants on what is planned for the day, and to provide basic training or
legislators face-to-face. A rally at the Capitol will follow at 11 a.m. at the traditional prot
the steps facing State Street. After the rally, around 1 p.m., people will be asked to visit
legislators and staff and lobby them to oppose the budget plan and its unprecedented a1
transforming labor relations in Wisconsin in favor of the government over employees.
Also Tuesday & Wednesday, continued rallies at the capitol from 3pm--7pm
*Sheboygan--
Planning committees currently working
***'BUS INFORMATION***
Milwaukee Bus
Spot Time: 7:45a.m.
Leave Time: s:oo a.m.
Pick up Location, Bus #1: 3427 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee
Pick up Location, Bus #2: Goerkes Corners Park & Ride
Racine Bus
Spot Time: 7:00 a.m.
Leave Time: 7:15a.m.
Pick up Location: Hwy 11 Park & Ride
Eau Claire Bus
Spot Time: 6:15a.m.
Leave Time: 6:30 a.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) Eau Claire Labor Temple/2233 Birch Street
2
2A) Black River Falls: Best Western Parking Lot- Orange Moose (1-94 & Hwy 54)
2B) Tomah: Culvers (147 Wittig Rd)
LaCrosse Bus (no bus on Wednesday 2/16)
Spot Time: 6:15a.m.
Leave Time: 6:30 a.m.
Pick up Location: LaCrosse Mall
Wausau Bus
Spot Time: 6:15a.m.
Leave Time: 6:30 a.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) Wausau Labor Temple (318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau)
2) Plover: Shooters Supper Club (139 & Hwy 54) - Depart 7:15 am
3) Portage: Best Western (2701 County Rd. CX) - Depart 8:30
Green Bay Bus
Spot Time: 5:15 a.m.
Leave Time: 5:30 a.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) DePere, Park & Ride (US 41/exit 163 on Main Street) - Departs 6:00 am
2) Beaver Dam, ShopKo Parking Lot (Off Hwy 151 - 822 Park Ave) - Depart 8:00 a.m.
Appleton bus:
Spot Time: 6:15 a.m.
Leave Time: 6:30a.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) Appleton, Outagamie County/Appleton Park & Ride
2) Oshkosh, Winnebago County/Oshkosh Park & Ride (US 41 /exit 116 on S. Washburn S
-Depart 7:15am
Manitowoc Bus
Spot Time: 5:30 a.m.
Leave Time: 5:45 a.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) Manitowoc Park & Ride (1-43/exit 149, US 151)
2) Sheboygan Park & Ride (1-43/exit 123 WI 28) - Depart 6:30
3) Fond du Lac Park & Ride (WI 23 & County Hwy W in Mount Calvary) - Depart 7:35 a.
3
Madison Bus
Spot Time: 8:30 a.m.
Stop Time: 5:oo p.m.
Pick up Locations:
1) Westside AFSCME to Madison Masonic Center continuous
2) Eastside East Towne mall to Madison Masonic Center continuous
REGISTER FOR BUS RIDE HERE:
http://www .aft-
wisconsin.org/?zone=%2Funionactive%2Fprivate_view...:page.cfm&page=Preserve20Colle
(read less)
*Madison--
Sunday, Feb. 13--11 :oo a.m.- 1 :oo p.m.
PICKET THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION
99 Cambridge Rd (take Sherman Ave to Lakewood Blvd to Cambridge Rd)
NO to the Budget Repair Bill! HANDS OFF State Labor Laws! STOP THE ATTACKS on Pul
*Madison--
Sunday, Feb. 13 1pm--9pm
Capitol Steps
*Horicon--
Sunday, Feb. 13, 12:00--3pm
204 West Lake Street Horicon WI
*UW-Milwaukee
Rally for worker and student rights, organized by the MGAA:
Monday, February 14
Spaights Plaza at UWM (the north ... (read more)
. From weac.org
Your rights are under attack!!
Governor Scott Walker is proposing to wipe away decades of collective bargaining for te
staff and other public workers in Wisconsin. The right to organize, the right to bargain he
General prep time, the right to have a voice in the profession- all of those things and more are t
Information Walker's budget bill. This is a strike on public workers, unions and the dedicated p r o f e s ~
classrooms across the state. This is an attack on worker rights.
It is up to us to take a stand and say NO to shortsighted fixes that attack public workers
organize and show lawmakers that the state budget should not be balanced on the bacl
4
support staff and other professionals in our classrooms.
Here's the threat: Your rights will be taken away. Your ability to organize will be impactec
home pay will be slashed. Your entire job will change- and you will have no say in what
Here's the threat: Your rights will be taken away. Your ability to organize will be impactec
home pay will be slashed. Your entire job will change- and you will have no say in what
Take Action Now to keep your professional rights:
Visit www.weac.org/cyberlobby. Tell your state legislators to vote NO to shortsighted bu<
them the state budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of dedicated public workers.
Call your legislators at 1-800-362-9472. Tell them that the budget repair bill will divide t
Wisconsin and have a devastating effect on public education. To find contact informatio
legislator, click here.
Organize. Contact your local president or UniServ director to join actions across the stat<
budget bill. State lawmakers need to know how this will affect you and your colleagues.
Protect your rights. Protect your profession. Take Action Now!
(read less)
From weac.org
Your rights are under attack!!
Governor Scott Walker is proposing to wipe away decades of collective bargaining for te
staff and other public workers in Wisconsin. The right to organize, the right to bargain he
prep time, the right to have a voice in the profession- all of those things and more are L
Walker's budget bill. This is a strike on public workers, unions and the dedicated profess
classrooms across the state. This ... (read more)
Mission Public Union Workers MUST UNITE!
Sgt. David L. Huxtable
WI Capitol Police
B2N; State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
Office:
Cell:
Fax:
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Thursday, 10, 2011 6:21 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Initial AP Writeup
Underneath is the Journal-Sentinels first writeup. The AP's story will get longer.
APNewsBreak: Walker to strip most union rights
By SCOTT BAUER , 02.10.11, 07:02 PM EST
MADISON, Wis. --Gov. Scott Walker told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Thursday that he will propose
removing nearly all public employee collective bargaining rights to help plug a $3.6 billion budget hole.
Walker, speaking from his Capitol office, said no one should be surprised by the move he is asking the Republican-
controlled Legislature to pass next week given that he'd talked about doing it for two months.
"This is not a shock," said Walker, a Republican who took office in January. "The shock would be if we didn't go forward
with this."
The cuts are necessary to avoid up to 6,000 state employee layoffs and the removal of more than 200,000 children from
the Medicaid program, he said.
The state faces a $137 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Walker said he will call a special
session of the Legislature on Friday and ask them to pass his plan next week. Walker will unveil his two-year budget plan
to address the larger $3.6 billion shortfall on Feb. 22.
Going after collective bargaining rights in such a dramatic fashion will almost certainly set off a firestorm in the state
Capitol, not just among the workers but even Republicans who will be reluctant to go as far as Walker wants. Walker, a
Republican who took office in January, had signaled since December this was the direction he was headed, but union
leaders had urged him to negotiate with them.
Walker refused.
"This is a shocking development," said Bryan Kennedy, president of AFT-Wisconsin which represents 17,000 workers. "It
ends collective bargaining for public employees in our state, after 50 years of management and workers solving problems
together."
With no job protections, "This will lead to rampant public and private sector job loss and will take a devastating toll on local
communities throughout our state," Kennedy said.
Democrats will almost certainly unite against the proposal but they are powerless to stop it. Republicans control the
Assembly 60-38-1 and the Senate 19-14.
"To say it's a power grab would be a huge understatement," said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha. "It's
hard to believe he's even serious about this."
The budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of public employees, said state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee.
"We still need dedicated public servants to do jobs," Erpenbach said. "You're talking about prison guards, you're talking
about people changing bed pans .... They're not the problem. Rather than drag people down, why not hold people up? I
don't understand it."
Republican leaders in the Senate and Assembly issued statement supporting Walker's plan, but he might find more
trouble trying to convince enough others to get it passed.
"The status quo simply isn't working for Wisconsin -we can't afford to keep doing the same things the government has
always done and expect a different result," Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau said in a statement.
His brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, made similar comments.
"We are out of money and the options are few," Jeff Fitzgerald said in a statement. "We can either raise taxes, which is
absolutely off the table, reduce spending or lay off workers. Gov. Walker is asking nothing more from state employees
than what the rest of Wisconsin families have been doing already, tightening their belts and sharing some of the burden."
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
Walker would limit state unions to negotiating only on salaries
e-mail
1
print
By Jason Stein and Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel
Updated; Feb, 10,2011 4:25p.m. \(239) COMMENTS
Madison -Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill to be unveiled Friday would wipe away the ability of public worker
unions to negotiate over anything but their wages.
That would mean unions would not have a say on benefits and work rules. The bill would also allow public employees
to avoid making pay(Tlents to unions if they don't join those unions. Now, workers can choose not to join unions, but
they must make "fair share" payments similar to dues- a requirement that unions say is needed because all workers
potentially benefit from their work at the bargaining table.
Walker's staff declined Thursday to discuss the union changes, saying he would announce details of the bill Friday.
The state faces a $137 million budget shortfall this fiscal year ending June 30.
"We're in a fiscal crisis and the governor is going to work with the Legislature to repair it," spokesman Cullen Werwie
said.
Democrats denounced the plan and said the Republican governor was "declaring war" on labor.
"These are dedicated public servants who work really hard at what they do," Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) said.
"You can't just take all that experience and flush it down the toilet."
Walker has said repeatedly he wants state workers to put 5% of their pay toward their pensions and pick up 12% of
the cost of their health-care premiums to bring public sector benefits more in line with the private sector.
Republican reaction to Walker's plans was mixed. Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), co-chairwoman of the budget-
writing Joint Finance Committee, Said she supports Walker's plans.
"We have to have a transformation in this state," she said. "And if we don't do it now, we're never going to get control
of labor costs."
Republicans control both houses, but the plan could still be tough to pass through the Legislature. Senate Majority
Leader Scott Fitzgerald said it was too early to say whether the plan could pass his house. He said Republican
senators had a "lot of good questions" for Walker's team.
"The concept is pretty radical," said Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon). "It affects a lot of good working people."
Olsen said he could support the changes on pensions and health care, but had reservations about taking away other
bargaining rights.
Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) said he would have like to see an even bolder plan.
"It's about time. It's not as far I'd go, but it's about time," he said.
Sen. Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) and Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) both declined to say whether they
supported the proposal. "Concepts are one thing. I like to see the (bill) language," Schultz said.
Walker and his staff met with Republicans behind closed doors Thursday to discuss the budget plan. The proposal has
not yet been formally introduced and could undergo changes as lawmakers weigh in with Walker.
One issue still being worked out is whether the bill will be introduced in a special session, which is called by the
governor, or an extraordinary session, which is called by lawmakers. That element could be significant because
legislative leaders would have to sign off on details before introducing a bill in an extraordinary session.
The state faces an even larger $3.6 billion deficit in the next 2011-'13 budget that begins on July 1. Democrats have
criticized Walker for adding to that problem in recent weeks by passing $117 million in tax cuts aimed at boosting the
economy and holding down the price of health care. The tax cuts received support from Republicans and some
Democrats.
Walker's proposal on unions would affect state workers in both the districts of both Democratic and Republican
lawmakers.
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) and brother Scott Fitzgerald, for instance, have three prisons in or near
their districts - Dodge Correctional Institution, Fox Lake Correctional Institution and Waupun Correctional Institution.
Those institutions have large numbers of union guards and other workers.
2
Unlike unions of private-sector workers, which are governed by federal law, state and local unions in Wisconsin are
largely governed by two 40-year-old state laws, said Peter Davis, general counsel for the Wisconsin Employment
Relations Commission. State unions are covered under the State Employment Labor Relations Act and school and local
government unions are covered under the Municipal Employment Relations Act.
That means Republican lawmakers and Walker can change state law so that unions could no longer negotiate over
health or pension benefits or so that arbitrators would be less likely to rule in favor of unions during contract disputes.
Current law requires public employers to bargain with unions over a range of issues including wages, benefits,
procedures for disciplining employees, and decisions on whether to subcontract work done by union members, Davis
said. Public unions can also reach arrangements where all employees in a given workplace -even those who aren't
union members- are required to pay union dues. Non-union members can still ask for the portion of their dues to be
returned to them rather than spent on the union's political activities.
Changing the law would allow the Walker administration to impose cuts in employee benefits to help balance the
budget. Asking public employees to pay just over 5% of their salary toward their pensions and 12% of their health
insurance premiums would save the state more than $30 million over three months, he said in his recent "state of the
state" speech.
Walker has repeatedly said he wants to lower public worker benefits to bring them in line with those in private
companies. A study released Thursday by a Washington, D.C., think tank confirmed that public workers in Wisconsin
have more costly benefits than private-sector workers but also found that their total compensation was less than that
of similar private workers.
The study relied on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor and was done for the
Economic Policy Institute, which focuses on the interests of poor and middle-class workers and which receives part of
its funding from unions. The study found that public-sector workers in the state are twice as likely to have a college
degree compared to private-sector workers.
After accounting for a range of factors including education, experience and the number of hours worked, the study
found public-sector workers made about 4.8% less than workers in private companies.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
3

Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Sent: Sunday, February 20, 201110:25 AM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV;
Subject: International AP wire story
Below is the AP story that went up on the international wire this AM.
http:/ /hosted2.ap.org/txdam/54828a5e8d9d48b7ba8b94ba3 8a9ef22/ Article 2011-02-20-
Wisconsin%20Budget%20Walker's%20Moment/id-43b9c7e309d648228e75bf7a9c923baa
!Wisconsin governor seizes chance to take on unions
! SCOTT BAUER, Press e
L.--------"-----
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - It took Scott Walker only a few weeks to push the Capitol into political chaos.
The newly elected Republican governor of Wisconsin has set his sights on forcing public workers to pay more for benefits as he looks
to balance the state's budget- savings he needs to help cover the cost of tax cuts he demanded the day he took office.
Democrats, who are no longer in power, have likened Walker to a dictator, and demonstrators protesting a contentious Walker-backed
labor bill have waived signs comparing him to ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. Even President Barack Obama has weighed in,
calling the bill "an assault on unions."
Just seven weeks into his term, the 43-year-old son of a preacher has shown no sign of compromising. He has a GOP majority in both
houses of the Legislature that has already helped him make good on campaign promises.
Walker insists that his push to force concessions from public employees by doubling their health insurance contributions and requiring
them to pay half their pension costs is all about balancing the budget and not busting unions. But the bill also would strip them of most
collective bargaining rights.
"I got elected to get Wisconsin working again and to improve the economy," Walker said in an interview with The Associated Press. "At
the same time it meant fixing our budget crisis."
Wisconsin faces a $137 million budget shortfall by July. The concessions Walker seeks from the state workers would save $30 million
over four months. He would balance the budget this year mainly through refinancing debt.
The increased pension and health benefit costs would save Wisconsin $300 million over the next two years, which would help buy
down a projected $3.6 billion shortfall.
1
Michael Grebe, a Milwaukee business leader who has been a close Walker adviser and friend for the past 20 years, said the governor's
proposal was consistent with his political philosophy and budgets he put forward as Milwaukee County executive that also targeted
unions for concessions.
"If people are at all surprised by this then they haven't been paying attention," Grebe said. "He really does believe in skinny budgets
and protecting the taxpayers. What he's doing now is completely consistent with that."
As county executive for eight years before elected governor, Walker never proposed a higher property tax levy than what was
approved. To pay for that, he repeatedly sought to impose wage and benefit concessions on county workers, but was blocked by the
unions and Democratic-controlled county board.
Now he has a Republican-controlled Legislature backing him all the way.
"I've always been bold," Walker said. "I've been bold at the county, which is why there's always been a lot of passion there for folks who
supported me and those who opposed me, and I'm bold here, too. But you gotta be. We have no choice. Again, we're broke. We don't
have any more options."
As proof that unions knew they would be targeted, Walker points to a flier circulated during last fall's campaign by union AFT -Wisconsin
that warned that Walker wanted to curb the unions' power to negotiate.
In December, weeks after the election, he even suggested the possibility of abolishing unions altogether.
Anyone who didn't see it coming must have been in a coma, Walker said.
Union leaders insist they were blindsided.
"There wasn't any belief he was going to go for the nuclear option," said Gary Steffen, president of the Wisconsin Science
Professionals, the union that represents state scientists, including crime lab analysts, biologists, chemists and foresters. "We expected
concessions, but we just didn't think there was a mandate for this. We didn't see him getting rid of collective bargaining."
Union anger over the proposal set off a massive protest not seen in Madison since the Vietnam War era. Walker unveiled the bill on a
Friday and four days later more than 10,000 people came to the Capitol in protest. By the end of the week, the ranks had grown to
nearly 70,000, as schools closed around the state because teachers called in sick to join efforts to defeat the bill.
Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca said Walker's goal was to "ram it through in less than a week to avoid scrutiny and
discussion."
Walker has been in hyper-drive, calling the Legislature into special session the day he took the oath of office and asking them to pass
tax cuts for businesses, make sweeping lawsuit reform and other changes. He got everything of consequence that he wanted.
The business tax cuts he pushed through added about $117 million to the projected two-year deficit, fanning anger among Democrats
and unions that Walker argues he has to target public employees to balance the budget when he's found money for the tax breaks.
2
In an effort to slow down the union bill, Democratic senators skipped town on Thursday, delaying action in the state Senate indefinitely
by leaving it one vote short of a quorum. The Assembly adjourned on Friday and didn't plan to take up the bill until at least Tuesday.
Labor leaders believe public anger at the bill will grow the longer their standoff goes and force concessions from Walker and
Republican legislators. But Walker and Republican leaders in the Legislature say they have the votes they need to pass the bill with
everything they want in it.
If anything, they say, the protests are only hardening support. Walker's office says he's getting 1,000 e-mails an hour, nearly all of
which express support.
"There's a quiet majority out there who want us to do the right thing,"Walker said. ''This is bold politically, which is why there is all this
attention, but it is still modest in terms of what we're asking in terms of our government employees."
The concessions amount to an 8 percent pay cut for the average worker.
Unions still could represent workers, but they could not force employees to pay dues and would have to hold annual votes to stay
organized. Only wages below the Consumer Price Index would be subject to collective bargaining, anything higher would have to be
approved by referendum.
In exchange for bearing more costs and losing bargaining leverage, public employees were promised no more of the layoffs or
furloughs they've had to deal with for more than two years. The next forced unpaid day off was scheduled for Monday, Presidents Day,
and state workers were sure to be out in force protesting at the Capitol.
Grebe, Walker's longtime friend, said he has been in regular contact with the governor since the protests started and he believes the
activity is only reinforcing his belief the bill is the right way to go.
"I don't think it has affected his resolve at all," Grebe said. "He is committed to this."
Cullen Werwie
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Press Office: {608) 267-7303
Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov
www. walker. wi. qov
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
joanna.turner@dot.gov
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 9:06AM
joanna.turner@dot.gov
Invitation to Budget Conference Call for States
Dear Governors' Chiefs of Staff and State Department of Transportation CEOs,
USDOT Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari invites you to a conference call to discuss the President's FY 2012 Budget
Request for transportation programs. The call will be held on Monday, February 14th, at 3:00PM EST, and will include
an overview ofthe USDOT budget request, and an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Call in number pass code. Please plan to call in
to ensure your participation.
Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Joanna
Joanna Liberman Turner
Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Intergovernmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary
irect)
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Alice '
Friday, February
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: Letter in Support of Governor Walker
Dear Governor Walker,
I'm writing this letter of support in response to your Budget Repair Bill, at a time when the voices around the capitol
have become so loud it would be easy to think that they were the majority. I voted for you in November because I want
a return to fiscally conservative policies -and this era of "economic downturn" it seems that people somehow feel
entitled to give less and get more from government. I applaud you for moving forward in carrying out your campaign
promises and want you to know that a majority of folks in Wisconsin, elected you and still proudly support you.
It might be interesting for you to know that I am a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I am also a
teacher educator and former 4'h and s'h grade teacher. I want you to know that your proposed bill WILL affect my
pocketbook- my health insurance premiums WILL go up significantly, and as Research Assistant I don't take home a big
salary to begin with! However, I agree with your proposal and would much rather pay a greater share to receive those
benefits {BENEFITS not ENTITLEMENTS) than lose my job or have other taxes increased. And, although at one time
collective bargaining may have served it's place, I see no need in this day and age for educators (or other state
employees) to be unionized. I have never seen evidence of unions helping schoolchildren and resent the fact that I am
forced to pay a "fair share" to an organization that does not represent my interests.
Thank you for your hard work to balance Wisconsin's budget and to help make the state open for business. I know you
have a lot on your plate right now, but I hope that you will strongly consider the merits of Chancellor Martin's proposed
Badger Partnership; change is needed at an institutional level at UW Madison and granting a degree of autonomy (or
"flexibility" as she calls it) would go a long ways towards preserving UW Madison as a world-class institution. I also look
forward to hearing about your statewide plan for teacher evaluation {and would love a seat at the table for that
discussion); teachers should be compensated and retained based on the quality of their work; experience alone is not a
metric for determining teacher effectiveness.
In support,
Emily Evans Fanaeian
Fitchburg, WI
_o
_'\<,_
(*)/ (*)
-+-+-+-+-+-+ -+-+-+-+- +-+-+-+-+ -+-+-+-+-
emily evans fanaeian
********************************************************************************************************
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To comply with requirements imposed by the IRS, we infonn you that any U.S. federal tax advice
contained herein (including any attachments), unless specifically stated otherwise, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be
used, for the purposes of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to
another party any transaction or matter herein.
1
This message is a PRIVATE communication. This message and all attachments are a private communication sent by a law firm and
may be confidential or protected by privilege. If you are not tbe intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure,
copying, distribution or use of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender
of the delivery error by replying to this message, and tben delete it from your system. Tbank you.
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2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 9:43PM
To:
Cc: Werwie, J - GOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Gilkes, Keith -
GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV
Subject: Media Update
I think this is going to be. the Journal Sentinels editorial tomorrow. Other stories will be on legislation passing, state
workers complaining about having to take a vacation day to not come to work, and AP is writing on the health care issue
tomorrow.
First principles
6:21p.m. I 0 (6) Comments
In his first state of the state address, Gov. Scott Walker harkened back to first principles- his own and the state's.
Quoting from the state Constitution, he said: "The blessings of a free government can only be maintained by a firm
adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to fundamental
principles."
He added: "Our new budget and government will affirm these values and fundamental principles .... that's really
what this administration is all about, frugality and jobs."
Walker is right to focus on slimming down state government. He's right to look for policy ideas that encourage job
creation. We'd urge him to pay equal attention to other virtues cited in Article 1, Section 22 of the state Constitution,
especially justice and moderation.
Justice for the state's most vulnerable, who, for better or worse, rely on state programs, such as BadgerCare and
Medicaid.
Moderation so that the focus in Walker's administration does not stray from the economy to well-worn, cultural battles
that lead to division and political gain in lieu of social gain.
Walker, quite correctly, sent a pointed message to the state's unionized employees: They should pay more for health
and pension benefits. "Most workers outside of government would love a deal like that- particularly if it means saving
jobs," he said.
Local governments received another message: "We must right size our government," Walker said. "That means
reforming public employee benefits- as well as reforming entitlement programs and reforming the state's relationship
with local governments. n
We agree, but again, moderation is required. Shoveling the state's budget deficit onto cities and towns will put them in
the same position Walker finds himself in, and risks higher property taxes.
Walker's announcement that his administration plans to move up reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange, Wisconsin's
busiest, by two years is good news. By modifying the footprint, the new design saves about $600 million, he said.
Delaying some work on 1-94, while regrettable, is a reasonable trade-off.
1
Walker promised that his upcoming two-year budget and a budget repair bill would be responsible, based on reality and
free oftrickery. As he noted, this is where "rhetoric meets reality."
And, we hope, where justice and moderation meet frugality, temperance and virtue.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Keith Gilkes -The Champion G
Thursday, February 24, 2011 5:51 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
MN Pension
In pension and benefits, Wisconsin tops Minnesota
Wisconsin governor wants state employees to pay more into pensions. Minnesota's workers already do.
By BAIRD HELGESO Star Tribune
If Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wins his quest to force state workers to contribute more to their pensions and
health care costs, he won't exactly plunge the state to the bottom on public worker benefits.
He will put it on par with Minnesota.
Wisconsin's 267,000 public workers pay next to nothing out-of-pocket toward.their pensions. State and local
governments are supposed to pay half the retirement contribution, with employees paying the rest. But in
Wisconsin, many union contracts stipulate that the employer -- which means taxpayers -- picks up the
employee's share.
ln Minnesota, it doesn't work that way because it can't. Here, public employees pay 5 to 6 percent of their
salaries into their pensions, with taxpayers kicking in roughly the same amount. The split is written into state
law and can't be tinkered with in collective bargaining agreements.
"A key difference in Minnesota is that no part of the pension is negotiable," said Mary Most Vanek, executive
director of Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), which serves 250,000 current and former public
employees from more than 2,000 local units of government across Minnesota.
Walker's proposal would raise employee pension contributions to nearly 6 percent. In making his pitch, he
noted that amount is equal to what most private-sector workers contribute to their 401(k)s.
Walker also would double state workers' health care contributions to 12 percent -- slightly less than what many
Minnesota government workers already pay for health care coverage.
According to a 2010 study by the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, a Minnesota government worker who
retires after 30 years earning $56,368 would get an annual pension payout of about $26,000.
Minnesota and Wisconsin both have robust pension systems. The Wisconsin Retirement System is the nation's
ninth-largest public pension fund and the world's 30th largest pension fund. Minnesota has 800 pension funds,
second only to Pennsylvania -- though most are small, like local volunteer fire departments.
Such large pension systems can create a big bull's-eye when the economy slips and politicians look to focus
their blame for state budget problems.
Several public employees in Minnesota and Wisconsin say they have endured unfair wrath for benefits they
negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. They said there's a misconception that taxpayers are
footing the entire bill for pensions.
Investment dollars important
For every dollar paid out in Minnesota public pension benefits, employees contribute 15 cents, taxpayers kick in
about 18 cents and the rest comes from investment earnings.
"When you are in the dog-eat-dog environment we are in now, people don't care about preserving benefits for
anybody other than themselves," said Therese Cowl, 60, a Ramsey County social worker. "And when they are
suffering, they don't want to see other people who are doing a little better."
Another key difference between the two states' pensions: If the stock market struggles for a prolonged period,
Wisconsin pension checks can automatically be reduced. In Minnesota, only the Legislature can take action on
pension checks.
1
Last year, facing a multibillion-dollar pension shortfall, Minnesota legislators reduced annual pension benefit
increases to beat down a large chunk of the system's unfunded liability.
"It's a very sound system," said David Bergstrom, executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System.
Several union members in Minnesota say it's unfair to compare contracts with their neighbors across the border.
Workers in each state made concessions based on the politics, financial outlook and values at the time.
"It's apples to oranges. We collectively bargain," said Mel Preczewski, 30, an administrative support staffer
with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Keith Gilkes, President
The Champion Group, LLC
E-mail: kgilkes@CharnpLLC.com
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Hayes, Brian - DOA
Friday, January 28, 2011 8:17 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Schmiedicke, David P - DOA
Monday's Cabinet Meeting
Dave and I are planning a powerpoint on Monday at the Cabinet meeting to describe the Budget Adjustment Bill and the
fiscal needs for FY11. Any other guidance?
We've already done budget 101 with them at the retreat. At some point, the collective bargaining proposals need to be
discussed. Is this that time?
Brian
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Archer, Cynthia - DOA
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 9:10 AM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV;
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Cc: Huebsch, Mike - DOA
Subject: More info today coming.
We will get statewide numbers today for paid union time. I suspect the numbers will be far more impressive.
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 08:16 AM
To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: RE: Draft release for tomorrow early AM: Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue Part 2
I slightly edited. I think we need to get this out soon. We need to keep up the drumbeat of collective bargaining being
fiscal. Please send any edits asap.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Qffice: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:58 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: Draft release for tomorrow early AM: Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue Part 2
February 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue Part 2
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released more specific examples to show how collective bargaining
fiscally impacts government.
Example #1 Paid-Time off for Union Activities
In Milwaukee County aione, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off, fourteen employees
receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the fourteen, three are on full-time release for union
business. Milwaukee County spent over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in
union activities such as collective bargaining.
Example #2 Surrender of Management Rights
Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts that have a direct
fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers based on operational needs and requiring
1
notice and approval by the union prior to scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to
reduce work hours based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work week
to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot explore privatization of functions
that could save taxpayers money.
Along with this release Governor Walker's spokesman, Cullen Werwie, released the following statement:
Unfortunately for the millions of taxpayers who are currently paying these Senators' salaries and benefits,
Senator Julie Lasso and her 13 colleagues decided to take a 6 day vacation to Illinois to get 'to know a lot of my
fellow caucus members.'
While Senate Democrats are getting acquainted with each other in another state, Governor Walker is in
Wisconsin working to balance the state budget. Senators should return to Wisconsin and make their voice
heard through the democratic process by casting their vote.
###
2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Ruby, Erin [Erin.Ruby@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, May 03,201110:18 AM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Subject: RE: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Thanks, Jason! This is helpful. I will run it by my boss.
Erin
From: Culotta, Jason- GOV [mailto:Jason.Culotta@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 201110:12 AM
To: Ruby, Erin
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Erin,
This is what I got back from Commerce on the motion and what I read to Manske yesterday:
--Jason
From: Volz, David J -COMMERCE
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 4:06 PM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Commerce staff feedback on this motion:
Page 1 of 1
To base the credit cap on a per facility basis without regard to organizational structure is going to further dilute the
benefit of the credit to those entities and smaller businesses that have only one facility.
For example, for the round of dairy credits that was just completed, each non-cooperative eligible applicant
received 18.27% of the maximum credit they could have received had there been unlimited resources. So, a
dairy business that had a total of $174,083 in expenditures in 2010 could have received a maximum credit of 10%
or $17,408. Instead, under the "pro-rata" formula, the business receives $3,181 or 18.27% of the maximum
credit. The mix of applicants included credits going to each of four facilities for Marathon Cheese and eight
facilities for BeiGioioso Cheese, both S-corporations. Had the credit cap been based on a "per entity" basis for S-
carps, the allocation percentage for each of the other entities would have increased. Had the credit cap been
based on a "per facility" basis for everyone, regardless of structure, the percentage would have decreased,
thereby diluting the credit for single-site businesses. A C-Corporation, such as Kraft Foods, could have claimed
more credits because it has more than one dairy manufacturing site in the state.
With respect to making both appropriations continuing, it is more of a DOR/DOA issue. I assume DOR would
prefer to keep a sum-sufficient for greater administratively flexibility. DOA may be receptive to making both
appropriations "continuing" for fiscal accountability reasons, but yet, recognizing that there needs to be some
administrative flexibility, which a continuing appropriation might provide. I do not necessarily want to speak for
those agencies.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of5
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Sent: Tuesday, April12, 2011 7:01 PM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts:
Representative Loudenbeck's Office is planning to start listening sessions about the budget
Met with Representative Richards about the Hoan Bridge
Talked with Senator Cowles and Representative Steineke about the Kaukauna disaster area.
Committee Actions today:
JCRAR had an executive session today to extend for 60 days ER 1 041- disabled Vet owned business, ER
1 042- colo rectal cancer screening and coverage, and ER 1043- insurance coverage of nervous and mental
disorders.
The Joint Audit Committee gave approval to the audit of the Food Share program.
Assembly Session
AJR 14-life of Axel Johnson was approved by the Assembly on a voice vote.
SJR 20- Donate Life Month was approved by the Assembly on a voice vote.
SJR 18- life of Carl Otte was approved by the Assembly on a voice vote.
AB 2- creation of additional enterprise zones was approved by the Assembly with wide bipartisan support
(79-12)
AB 13- development opportunity zone in Beloit was approved by the Assembly with a wide bipartisan
support (89-4)
SB 9- extension of the dairy and livestock farm investment credit was approved with wide bipartisan support
(92-1)
SB 23- preemption of local sick leave ordinances was approved (59-35)
Tomorrow's Committee Activity
A. Natural Resources 4/13/2011 9:30 412 E
AB 73- delay in pier registration
CR 11-002- fuel gas systems and affec
businesses
Economic DeveloJlment and Regulation Team
Commerce
Chinese Delegation of Shaanxi Province
o Governor Zhengyong met with Governor Walker to discuss trade and build on relationship
Venture Capital
o Jason met wit Sen. Kanavas to discuss proposal
o Rep. Tauchen, Rep. Klenke and Rep. Kuglitsch, and Sen. Hopper will be the leads in the legislature
o GE
o Met with GE representatives today
o Opposed to the throwback sales tax
3M and ProTech
8/2/2011
o Representatives from 3M came along with a representative from their newly acquired partner
Pro Tech.
Page 2 of5
o Pro Tech manufactures electronic monitoring technology.
1. They are currently speaking with DOC about providing equipment for monitoring offenders.
o 3M would like the Governor to visit one of their plants: Menomonie or Wausau or Milwaukee.
Phil Montgomery
o Gave testimony before the Senate Judiciary, Utilities, Commerce, and Government Operations
Committee
Tourism
Room Tax
o Discussed room tax issue with WI Hotel and Lodging Association
Alliance of Wisconsin Retailers
Friday Meeting
o Putting together talking points for the governor's meeting
JOBS Hotline
2 calls received
DOT
Due to flooding of the Wisconsin River, the Wisconsin Rapids DOT Office building and DMV Service
Center remained closed.
Transportation Projects Commission
Legislative Members recommended by Legislature to date:
1. Sen. Mary Lazich
2. Sen. Frank Lasee
3. Sen. Joe Leibham
4. Rep. Jerry Petrowski
5. Rep. Paul Farrow
6. Rep. Mike Endsley
Health Care and Education
NGA Medicaid Taskforce
Conference call held today. Each state is to review the list of flexibilities and prioritize them by Friday. Next staff
call will be Friday afternoon. Governors-only conference call will be April 27
1
h at 4pm.
-
DHS
-
Family Share Audit: Audit was authorized. Kerman and Vos are interested in requesting a waiver from the
federal government that would allow for a photo ID component of the FoodShare card. They already have
approached MN and Iowa, who are supposedly on board.
JCRAR Executive Meeting: Emergency Rule 1041 (Veteran owned business certification program), 1042
(colorectal cancer screening coverage), and 1043 (health insurance coverage for nervous and mental
disorders and substance use disorders) were all given a 60 day extension. Vote was unanimous.
Astra Zeneca Meeting (George Klaetsch, Kevin Johnson, and Abby Gossman):
Discussed concerns with the therapeutic drug substitution in the budget
Meeting with Policy Studies Inc (Doug Howard): Discussed cost saving measures with Secretary Smith
that could be used for call center consolidation.
Meeting with WI Primary Health Care Association (WPHCA): WPHCA reports quality and cost data to
the federal government and the state. They are pleased with Secretary Smith's effort to meet with
stakeholders/hold statewide town halls on Medicaid.
Education
Reviewed school grading proposal with Sen. Olsen and made some changes. Will review with Rep. Kestel!
tomorrow morning.
Met with Herzing University. They are hoping JFC will make a change that would allow for-profit colleges to
participate in Wisconsin's tuition grant program
Education News
Sunshine Review: Wisconsin school districts websites fail transparency tes!JWisPolitics)
Wisconsin school districts earned an overall "D" transparency grade for information available on their websites
according to an analysis conducted by Sunshine Review, a pro-transparency group. Of the 442 school districts
8/2/2011
Page 3 of5
rated by the group, 173 earned failing grades.
12 Milwaukee high schools identified as low pertormers (Milwaukee Journal Sentinell
More high school programs in Milwaukee have been identified as some of the lowest-performing schools in the
state and will be eligible for up to $6.3 million in federal granls for reform efforts, according to information released
by Milwaukee Public Schools.
Howard Fuller calls choice plans 'egregious' and 'outrageous' (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!
As we're waiting for things to play out, I should mention the testimony of Howard Fuller, the longtime school choice
advocate and Marquette University prof.
Until the excitement now, his was the biggest splash of the hearing.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Tribal Affairs:
I met with Tribal leaders and Secretary Huebsch regarding tribal issues such as the Kenosha casino
proposal.
Midwest Governor's Association:
I participated in a conference call regarding carbon capture and storage advisory documents. We have
concerns and may object to its posting on the MGA site. It would not have the Governor's name on it but it
may be a bad idea for Wisconsin. This MGA agenda may need to change for us to participate fully.
Automobile Insurance:
IIAW. Applauds signing of AB-4 into law
"Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette), Senator Frank Lasse (R- DePere) and Governor Scott Walker's swift
leadership on this issue has been instrumental and consumers across the state will see improved choice and
affordabi/ity in the auto insurance market," stated Matt Banaszynski, Vice President of the //A W.
Local Government:
Spoke to Town of Wausau chairman Jim Rhehl about budget concerns.
Oshkosh Northwestern. District faces record number of retirements
Oshkosh teachers hired before Sept. 1, 2006, can retire at age 55. Teachers hired after that date can retire at age
57. Those retiring this year range in age from 55 to 7 4, though two-thirds of them are age 58 or younger.
The district would save roughly $912,000 on salaries by replacing the 32 retirees with new teachers at the starting
salary of $32, 800. However, the savings fall to about $148,000, when accounting for the retiring teachers' ongoing
benefits, according to an analysis by The Northwestern.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. LTC looks to offset $1.2 million budget gap
As a result, LTC is leaving unfilled six full-time and three part-time positions and partially relying on a 5. 5 percent
tuition increase set by the Wisconsin Technical College System.
The 117 members of the LEA will contribute 5. 8 percent of their pay to the Wisconsin Retirement System,
compared with nothing now. The union a/so approved a new health care package and voted to increase
contributions to its premiums.
The changes will save taxpayers approximately $755,000 annually and will take effect July 1, the start of the
college's fiscal year, according to the news release.
t-ppleton Post Crescent. Budget issues vex Kimberly school board members
The layoffs would save the district $370,000 annually.
0/f")/')(\11
Page 4 ofS
Also, 20 teachers remain without a contract for the next school year.
Mayfield said the district awaits word from its unions on whether they would make concessions in an effort to keep
teachers and paraprofessionals employed.
District officials said nothing is off the table in terms of cuts, though trimming one-time spending from the budget
wouldn1 solve the structural deficit.
Gary Kvasnica, the district's business manager, said salaries and benefits account for about 80 percent of the
overall budget.
fulpleton Post Crescent. Appleton school retirements reach 55
Wausau Daily Herald. Wausau School Board cuts $1.4 million from budget
The Wausau School Board voted Monday to cut nearly $1.4 million from its $97 million budget.
The bulk of the cuts -- $780, 000 -- comes from the savings administrators expect from replacing 26 retiring
teachers with less-experienced ones at a lower salary range. Another $450,000 will be cut by reducing the number
of high school teaching positions by nine to match declining enrollment and $100,000 is expected to be saved by
eliminating two elementary teaching positions. Leaders expect the decrease will be made by attrition, with no
layoffs.
Other cost-saving measures approved included reducing the staff at the Montessori charter school ($65,000),
cutting one English Language Learner position ($50, 000) and reducing assistant coaching positions ($32, 000).
The cuts also came about a month after the Wausau Education Association, the district's teachers union, agreed to
a contract extension that freezes teachers' pay for two years. The teachers also agreed to pay toward their
retirement packages.
Stevens Point Journal. Stevens Point teachers union asks board to discuss extension
The board met in closed session after the meeting to discuss negotiation strategies for bargaining groups. The
SPAEA. which is the local teachers union, wants to continue its current contract, which expires June 30.
"We feel that we have a lot to offer and could provide some concessions that could provide some stability," said
union President Gerri Lardinois before the meeting. "We certainly would be willing to work with the district."
Lardinois declined to elaborate on the concessions.
Green Bay Press Gazette. De Pere to discuss proposed budget's impact
City officials estimate Gov. Scott Walker's state budget proposal will result in a deficit of $500, 000 to nearly
$700, 000 in the 2012 city budget.
Between cuts in shared revenue, transportation aid and recycling grants, De Pere will lose out on $665,164 in state
aid under the current framework lawmakers are considering.
Communities can make up some of those dollars through the provisions laid out in Walker's collective bargaining
law. Temporarily stuck in a legal dispute, it allows municipalities to increase workers' health care contributions and
requires public employees to pay 5.8 percent toward retirement benefits.
But De Pere's savings will be minimal, estimated at just $115,932. The city reached agreements with unions in
November that extend through 2012, so they won't see much of a cut in pension obligations. Those contracts
require employees to pay 15 percent toward health care costs, 2. 4 percent more than Walker is asking of state
employees.
Sheboygan Press. Transit union head says rejected pact was different from tentative agreement
Union members voted on April1 to not ratify the agreement because it called for more concessions in health care
and dental benefits than what was agreed to earlier, Simonis said.
o/1"\/1"\f\11
Page 5 of5
The extension would have frozen workers' wages through 2013 and required them to contribute 5. 8 percent of their
pay toward their pension and 12.5 to 15 percent of their health insurance premiums. The wage freeze would have
meant forgoing a 1 percent pay raise due to occur in July.
City Finance Director Jim Amodeo, who along with Rice was a member of the city's negotiating team, said the deal
would save the city $138,000 in 2012. In 2011, eliminating the 1 percent raise would save about $15,000.
Voter ID:
Sheboygan Press. Leibham hopes voter ID bill will pass soon
"I wished that the Legislature had passed it and that it was working toward implementation," said Leibham, a
Sheboygan Republican in an inteNiew. "I hope we work through that process again in a deliberative and prudent
time period, and that we'll work to be able to get voter 10 signed into law before the 2012 election cycle, if not
sooner."
lW/?011
Page 1 of2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Sent: Tuesday, January 11,2011 8:12PM
To:
Cc: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Archer,
Cynthia- DOA; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Policy and Legislative Daily Briefing for Tuesday, January 11,2011
Legislative Liaison Update
Tort Reform, HSAs, Relocation, Econ Development Tax Credit, & Small Business tax credit legislation all received
a public hearing today in their respective joint or individual committees. It is the hope that all of these bills are
exec'd out on Thursday. The Senate will be taking up HSAs on the floor on Tuesday, 1/18, with all other bills
hoping to be taken up on 1/20. 1/25 is being held as a backup day for floor votes as well.
Wednesday, 1/12 Legislative Meetings Update:
With the recently released rules package, Senator Fitzgerald and/or his caucus is concerned about wetland
mitigation and wind siting. It is recommended that these issues be discussed with the Senator.
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Small Business Tax Credit
Was surprised at the hearing today to learn of Rep. Vas testifying on his own substitute version of the small
business tax credit before Sec. Chandler and Sec. Jadin arrived to testify. We were not aware ofVos pitching this
publicly and have not discussed details with him. Plan on doing so tomorrow.
Human Services and Education Team
Department Contacts
Met with DHS Secretary Smith
Spoke with Sec. Smith, Dep. Sec. Rhoades, EA Moore, and Brett Davis
Family Care audit will be completed in February.
Brett Davis has several ideas on budget savings dealing with Medicaid.
Exchange: Sec. Smith would like to pursue the Federal HHS grant for early innovation
Several tours will be arranged to the state mental facilities in early spring
Met with UW-Madison Dean of Nursing, Katharyn May
Spoke about the urgency of building a new UW-Madison Nursing Building (Budget Request)
Attended DPI conference developing Wl's Striving Readers Grant application
Grant will focus on professional development, accountability, instructional design & assessment. Will be modeled
after Massachusetts' program.
Legislative Contacts
Met with Rep. Don Pridemore (Staff)
Will be introducing a children & families reform package, "Wisconsin Families First" (4 legislative
bills)
.!JJ:!coming Events
Rep. Nygren to introduce Auto Insurance Repeal package tomorrow (1/12) with a 1 pm press
conference
Justice and Local Governments Team
8/2/2011
Page 2 of2
Corrections:
Margaret Carpenter of Juvenile Justice Division called to reiterate that the juvenile corrections deficit is up
from $8.8 million in FY10 to $24 million for FY 11. According to her and DOA, this deficit is on top of the
expected $42 million Adult Corrections deficit.
Margarelt for Ethan Allen. From January 2009 to March 2010, visitation was
15.22 visits p'er child over lhat period.
Margaret also expressed her concerns that Lincoln Hills may not have the right demographics (per the
Southeast WI community) to work with the Ethan juvenile population. Currently, 15% of staff at Ethan are
minority and only 5% at Lincoln. The juvenile population is overwhelmingly minority .
.SQecial Session:
Tort reform hearing went well. No unexpected issues came up. There will be an amendment to address
OW\ and expert witness concerns. It may include other items such as making sure we don't limit DHS's
ability to crack down on Medicaid fraud. This could also impact federal Medicaid program eligibility
standards. We have a meeting tomorrow to discuss this and I will also follow up with the committee chairs
about one all inclusive amendment.
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. Opposition to Special Session AB1 and SB1.
Wisconsin District Attorneys Association. Letter to Sen. Zipperer, and Rep. Ott. (Special Session Assembly
bill 1)
Wisconsin District Attorneys Association. Fiscal estimate for AB1 of the Special Session.
Wisconsin AFL-CIO. Working families oppose Senate Bi\11/Assembly Bi\11. Tort reform.
'1/VMC. Lawsuit reforms needed to help to help job creation.
Disability Rights Wisconsin. Statement on Special Session Assembly Bi\11/Senate Bill 1 ..
'""II"\ I,... A 1 1
Page 1 of 1
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Herreid, Peter E - DOA
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:57AM
To: Culotta, Jason- DOA; DOA DL All DIR Division
Subject: RE: OSER question and answer document
Jason,
First, I appreciate that you are sharing the burden of compensation cuts.
I could not find an answer in the OSER FAQ sheet to this question I posed last week:
Given the cap on wages and loss of collective bargaining rights for benefits in the budget repair bill, should state
workers expect further cuts to their compensation in the future?
Thanks for taking questions,
Peter
From: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 4:27 PM
To: DOA DL All DIR Division
Subject: OSER question and answer document
DIR Team:
Today, the Office of State Employment Relations issued a Frequently Asked Questions Bulletin regarding
implications of the 2009-2011 Budget Repair Bill.
It is available at: http://oser.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=7209
Please feel free to follow up with me with any additional questions.
Thanks,
--Jason
8/2/2011
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Turke, Jon [Jon.Turke@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:22 AM
To: Culotta, Jason- DOA
Subject: FW: Wed. in Washington, DC: WI Solidarity Rally
Jonathon Turke
Office of State Representative Michelle Litjens
56th Assembly District
Phone: 608-266-7500
Office: 221 North
Sent:
To: Turke, Jon
Subject: Fw: Wed. in Washington, DC: WI Solidarity Rally
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
From: "Kloiber, Bill - DOA'' <Bill.Kloiber@wisconsin.gov>
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:27:14-0600
To
When workers in Wisconsin were faced with an
unprecedented attack, they responded with an
unprecedented show of solidarity. Now, Wisconsinites
need our help here in Washington, D.C.
WHAT: "We Are One" rally at the Wisconsin
Governor's Office in D.C. for teachers, firefighters,
nurses, construction workers and all who are under
attack by governors and state legislatures
8/2/2011
Page 1 of2
Page 2 of2
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Wisconsin Governor's Office
444 N. Capitol St., N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Questions? Contact Chris Garlock at 202-230-1133.
Use Twitter? Please live-tweet with the hashtag #StateSOS.
In Wisconsin, workers who are under attack-and the communities that know and respect
them--<;reated such an outcry that all 14 Democratic members of the Wisconsin state Senate
left the Senate chambers in protest, indefinitely delaying a vote on Gov. Scott Walker's anti-
worker bill.
This is the kind of strength it takes to win victories for workers. We need to mal{e our
voices heard whenever and wherever attacl{S occur, in Wisconsin and in our own states.
.,r-.
All over the country, Americans are standing up to politicians who are launching political
attacks on firefighters, teachers, nurses, snowplow drivers, EMTs and other hardworking
people who keep our communities safe. Our politicians should be creating jobs-not attacking
nurses, teachers and firefighters.
When we stand in solidarity with each other, we cannot be silenced. Please join our rally.
In Solidarity,
Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilizatiop A{L-CIO
. . . . l
P.S. After giving tax cuts to businesses to create an artificial financial crisis in his state,
Wisconsin's Gov. Walker tried to ram through a sham "budget repair" bill that actually is a
huge assault on Wisconsin's workers. It would undermine good, middle-class jobs and rob
some 200,000 workers of their democratic right to collectively bargain for a better life.
Wisconsin's public-sector union members are under direct attack today-but tomorrow it will
be all of us, if we don't make our voices heard. Please join our rally and stand up for good,
middle-class jobs across America.
To find out more about the AFL-CIO, please visit our website at www.aflcio.org.
I
Click here to unsubscribe .
..... ,,.... ''""" 1 1
Page 1 of 1
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Herreid, Peter E - DOA
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 2:33PM
To: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: Questions about Budget Repair Bill
Jason,
I think writing my questions down might help clarify what I was/am asking and make it easier for you to answer.
Assuming the budget repair bill passes,
o How long will the new healthcare premium rates and employee pension contribution rates remain locked in
place?
If the public employee union is not re-certified, will individual employees (theoretically) be able to negotiate
a salary above the rise in CPI without a referendum?
o Should a public employee assume that his/her total compensation will continually decrease in the future,
because salary increases may not exceed CPI and there will be no collective bargaining protections for the
benefits? If not, how so?
Thanks for fielding questions.
Peter
Peter Herreid
Grant Administrator
~ Pl!'lnning Grant Program
Wisconsin Land ln(ormation Program
8/2/2011
Downing, Karley- GOV
From: Roetker, Patrick - DOA
Sent: Friday, May 13,2011 9:12AM
To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Culotta, Jason- GOV
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Here are the questions Gundy picked out. ..
Question Description
2. Muskellunge 40-inch minimum size limit on most waters statewide
27. Change date of general fishing opener
34. Extend each ofthe spring turkey hunting periods by two days
41. Lower the age at which anyone can use a crossbow from 65 to 55
46. Restrict deer baiting and feeding ten days before 9-day firearm season
50. Legalize Rifles for Hunting Deer Statewide
59. Wolf population goal of350 or less in the next revision of the Wolf Plan
60. Implement meaningful population controls in the next Wisconsin Wolf Plan
61. Federally delis! the gray wolf in Wisconsin
.JltW .: . '""' "rrr
62. DNR not relocate wolves that have caused problems
73. Exemption from 100 Yard Firemm Discharge Prohibition On Public Lands
75. Turkey Penni! Preference for Wisconsin State Residents
77. Manage Largemouth and Smallmouth as Separate Species
81. Free Winter Fishing Weekend
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 8:16 PM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV; Roetker, Patrick- DOA
Subject: FW: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Page 1 of4
yes no
3,221 1,485
2,958 1,569
3,024 1,974
2,806 2,198
3,066 1,928
2,742 1,973
3,989 827
4,254 581
4,402 526
3,885 951
2,206 2,076
3,891 587
2,946 1,128
3,610 667
We should look at these to see if there are any that could become legislation. Could also be Fall Agenda
legislation.
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(a) 608-266-1212 I (e) rvan.murrov@wisconsin.gov
8/2/2011
From: Gunderson, Scott L- DNR
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 3:24 PM
To: Moroney, Matts - DNR; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Page 2 of4
The questions of most interest are 2, 27,34, 41, 46, 50, 59-62, 73, 75, 77, & 81. If you need info on any of them
please let me know.
From: Moroney, Matts - DNR
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 05:59PM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Gunderson, Scott L - DNR
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Gundy is the outdoor guru at the DNR. Gundy, your thoughts??
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Thursday, April14, 2011 5:40PM
To: Moroney, MattS - DNR
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
I think these are great, Matt. Are there any, other than the ones you mention, that you think are worth
pursuing?
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(o) 608-266-1212 j (e) rvan.murrav@wisconsin.gov
From: Moroney, MattS - DNR
Sent: Thursday, April14, 2011 6:11AM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Cc: Culotta, Jason - DOA; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: FW: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Keith,
Below is the link to the Conservation Congress county vote totals. One
reason you might find these interesting/useful is that the votes can become
the basis for conservation related legislation such as the bill on fishing
tournament culling and moving opening fishing weekend up a week when it would
fall on Mother's Day.
~ M a t t Moroney
Deputy Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(l!i') phone: (608) 264-6266
(l!i') fax: (608)266-6983
(c.;;:]) e-mail: Matt .Moroney@wisconsin.gov
Q/")/'1{)11
!-Zimmermann, Karl A- DNR
nesday, Aprll13, 2011 03:05 PM
Page 3 of4
immermann, Karl A- DNR; HKTHEISEN@HOTMAIL.COM; jonvon@maqs.net; rgrabarski@hotmail.com; schmldt@mwwb.net; mdhamm55@gmall.com;
CHEQOUTFffiERS@CHARTER.NET; BOCHOFA@CENTURYTEL.NET; BPRENTICE@ASHlAND.K12.Wl.US; JKRISKA@CHIBARDUN.COM;
JJJKOENIG@CHARTER.NEf; trapperdave22@hotmail.com; dale.crisler@uwc.edu; JIM.BRAKKEN@YAHOO.COM; SHADOWl@CHEQNET.NET;
PRBNW@CHEQNET.NET; WALKERTND@CHEQNET.NET; Wieser, LeRoy; chbohn24@gmall.com; PNJVK@EARTHL!NK.NET; Hanson, Roger;
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CBYOUNGBAUER@RIVERlAND.ORG; CCONROY@CENTURYTEL.NET; MCNALLYJ@GRANTSBURGTELCOM.NET;
DFERRIS@BURNETTCOUNTY.ORG; WASHKUHN2008@CENTURYTEL.NET; RCWBDOB@TCEl.COM; pftuhr@frontler.com;
THEPROPSONS@YAHOO.COM; WEBERl@EXCEL.NET; renegadeherm@clearwlre.net; brown_stanleyrepublican@yahoo.com;
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OSEGARD@YAHOO.COM; burmji@gmall.com; SWENSONS@MERR.COM; murphysmenageriegamefarms@netzero.net;
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BRAD.WAGNER@CHARTER.NET; ALPHElAN3@YAHOO.COM; KYLElAFOND@GMAIL.COM; MSHAZMAT@TDS.NET;
DMAAS@KIRSHFOUNDRY.COM; SCSTROOK@POWERWEB.NET; ZIMM.S.V@TDS.NET; MALFORD_l@YAHOO.COM;
HDRAKE@GRAHAMFIELD.COM; RTlANG46@GMAIL.COM; RBAUDHUIN@DCWIS.COM; DTUPA@G!BRALTAR.K12.Wl.US;
KKIERSTYN@CHARTER.NET; RAGME2@GMAIL.COM; SHOTSUPPLY@AOL.COM; PRESWALSKE@CENTURYTEL.NET;
JOHNSONTOM29@GMAIL.COM; TCAVIS@HOTMAIL.COM; THOMPIE32@GMAIL.COM; AMAROTZ@LIVE.COM; RWH@WWT.NET;
HOLMSTADTP@MY.UWSTOUT.EDU; VANDENBLOOMD@UWSTOUT.EDU; DPACK482@AOL.COM; ZBUCKCHSR@AOL.COM;
NINNEMAN@CHARTER.NET; deteddie@chartermi.net; ALOKER@CHARTERMI.NET; CNMA@EXECPC.COM; OKBOWE@NCONNECT.NET;
MCFARRENCOUNTRY@SBCGLOBAL.NET; WSEIBEL47@GMAIL.COM; SIRKILLERJIM@YAHOO.COM; JOHNNIES3@CENTURYTEL.NET;
HARRISON@EZ-NET.COM; DNNYMUSKY@YAHOO.COM; KAYNDAVE@MHTC.NET; raldar56@tds.net; marcsfloorcovering@tds.net;
KNUTSONl@TDS.NET; ibohnt@tds.net; RISLEYPELLET@TDS.NET; RICHARD_AMMONl@EXCITE.COM; BRDDOG@TDS.NET;
TROYCHRISK@YAHOO.COM; COYOTEE@TDS.NET; KINGG.GREENlAKE@GMAIL.COM; DEHl@CENTURYTEL.NET;
MGRIM@MULTICOLORPAINT.COM; paulgettelman@yahoo.com; LPSCHROEDER@CHARTER.NET; FIVEOAKS@MHTC.NET;
MIKE.DREISCHMEIER@Wl.USDA.GOV; TGRABSKI@MAIL2FISHERMAN.COM; STEVE-N-BONNIE@CHARTER.NET;
lAKES@IRONCOUNTYWI.ORG; DJHAANPAA@CENTURYTEL.NET; MSEDELBAUER@HOTMAIL.COM; AJJACOBSON@CENTURYTEL.NET;
gschenck65@yahoo.com; JUDD@JEFNET.COM; LIEBMANN@INTACCESS.COM; JWINNDDS@SBCGLOBAL.NET; DAN153@MERR.COM;
BUFF@MERR.COM; GARNWWE@AOL.COM; HEDDON@MWT.NET; PUHL@MERR.COM; kthorpe2@wl.rr.com; JENNYMIKE@WI.RR.COM;
ALTWIES3@GMAIL.COM; TOM@ACCURATEMARINEANDSTORAGE.COM; DEERHUNTER3@ITOL.COM; ronaldfassbender@gmall.com;
RJHEIDEL@CHARTER.NET; SEVERSIBE@EARTHLINK.NET; KSMABY@CHARTER.NET; SCHULTZMA@CHARTER.NET; MYKINGl@AOL.COM;
THECOORSMAN@MSN.COM; DBREUNIG@MHTC.NET; R!FLREST@AIM.COM; DRASK017@HOTMAIL.COM; PAINTER@NEWNORTH.NET;
ronaldekrueger@frontier.com; BOV_72@YAHOO.COM; WILLANDBARB@NETZERO.NET; kb9qjr@yahoo.com; TDALLMAN@CO.LINCOLN.WI.US;
polntland@tm.net; LBONDE@TDS.NET; ANDREW.ADELMAN@UWRF.EDU; TRAPPERDANC@YAHOO.COM; MFWIELOCH@MTC.NET;
CRKOEN@YAHOO.COM; OBERNBERGERJOHN@YAHOO.COM; klmoll@charter.net; RWAROSH@GMAIL.COM; DAVEW@MUSKYCHASER.COM;
haroldagrandaw@centurytel.net; CNORTONSCFD@GMA!l.COM; CRAZYDARRIOL@HOTMAIL.COM; CHIEFS40@HOTMAIL.COM;
HOUSLET@MAQS.NET; GOHLKE@CENTURYTEL.NET; edwardgup@gmail.com; GRANT@MAQS.NET; WCOX@MITW.ORG;
RICKMOSESJR@YAHOO.COM; RAEWAY@EZWEBTECH.COM; WDWAY65@FRONTIERNET.NET; ADLIMMER@UWM.EDU;
kuharske@sbcglobal.net; mikek.trout@yahoo.com; ANNMARIE.KUTZKE@YAHOO.COM; MOEAMUNDSONS1@CENTURYTEL.NET;
sROWNELK@GMAIL.COM; HGREENWOODOOO@CENTURYTEL.NET; KIRSCHMON2@YAHOO.COM; 2BEARLOVERS@CENTURYTEL.NET;
ClARKSWILLOWTREE@WILDBLUE.NET; jr_h2ofwl@hotmall.com; RSFRITSCH@HOTMAIL.COM; BELLING@EZ-NET.COM;
SABOTROG@NEWNORTH.NET; BENLOMA@HOTMAIL.COM; JHEFFTEAMSUICK@MSN.COM; ELCHOW@FRONTIERNET.NET;
BASTIAN@NEWNORTHNET.COM; HONYUK@AOL.COM; TODDXUSMCl@AOL.COM; Vlrgll@lntsol.net; DOUGS@CORPHDQ.COM;
GENEWIESNER@YAHOO.COM; CAROLRAY@WI.RR.COM; DGRISAR@WI.RR.COM; hoke4me@aol.com;WAGSHUNTER@WI.RR.COM;
bill.yingst@bauerbuilt.com; jdrael@nelson-tel.net; fishnhole@nelson-tel.net; KENVSTAR1100@AOL.COM; CBOLEY@WERNERELEC.COM;
hraychucks@centurytel.net; AABRIESE@GMAIL.COM; ERICWOJCHIK@YAHOO.COM; WTrudeau@AmeryTec.com; rayflo@amerytel.net;
REDSKY@UNIONTEL.NET; JACOWSKIM2003@MY.UWSTOUT.EDU; GWYS04S@WILDBLUE.NET; TBlATTLER@PCTCNET.NET;
LETSHUNT@CENTURYTEL.NET; GGLRMABIE@CENTURYTEL.NET; RSREAS13@CENTURYTEL.NET; rtklrchmeyer@pctcnet.net;
MAR1Y.HAAS@ROMANITE.COM; MPWITK@GMAIL.COM; schneiderelec@sbcglobal.net; rkaminskis@wi.rr.com; rob.bohmann@att.net;
DBARRON@MWT.NET; pandkwerner@charter.net; RKFRUIT@YAHOO.COM; DUHRED@COUNTRYSPEED.COM; dnatter@mlgcommercial.com;
BROWNC@CENTURYTEL.NET; larrypmeyer@msn.com; RVARSHO@BRUCETEL.NET; CFORDE@CENTURYTEL.NET; RAROEHL@BRUCETEL.NET;
KKOCHEVARB@AOL.COM; JGRIGLAK@CENTURYTEL.NET; BLHTCH@WILDBLUE.NET; mjrogers@wildblue.net; raschelnS@wildblue.net;
CHLOHEMARIE@CHARTER.NET; JSCOTTCPM@MSN.COM; COBBFORESTRY@CHEQNET.NET; RICKOLSO@GMAIL.COM;
DOSMALINS@CENTURYTEL.NET; DANIELTYROLT@CENTURYTEL.NET; ANGERBER@HOTMAIL.COM; MJHOEFFS@SHAWANONET.NET;
GUNDOG_BUDDY@YAHOO.COM; TJANECEK@FRONTIERNET.NET; labl@shawanonet.net; DEMASTR@BYTEHEAD.COM;
MFISHER@DEHUMIDIFIERCORP.COM; WELLSG@CHARTER.NET; EHARVEY@EXCEL.NET; SCOTT.PLOCAR@TDS.NET; Crgolson@comcast.net;
mikesal@frontlernet.net; Grtsjt@baldwln-telecom.net; davel@co.saint-crolx.wl.us; kylek@co.saint-croix.wi.us; DUTCH@JRECOOP.COM;
MJRDVM@HOTMAIL.COM; KNOLLGC@YAHOO.COM; SUCHlA_A@MSN.COM; BUSHYSMEAT@TRIWEST.COM; PRUDLICKDJ@TRIWEST.NET;
lARRY447@CENTURYTEL.NET; TMORGAN@lACROSSEGRAPHICS.COM; MARTYGROSSE@HOTMAIL.COM; RUSSWARYE@CENTURYTEL.NET;
GLNEAGLS@NEWNORTH.NET; ART@NNEX.NET; WALTERCAMP@HUGHES.NET; RPCWALLER@YAHOO.COM; HARLEYDK@CENTURYTEL.NET;
RREARNEST@ELKNET.NET; MARTOSANDS@YAHOO.COM; cbal@balestrierigroup.com; JHOUCK3@Wl.RR.COM; JSJANDRO@GMAIL.COM;
LUNKERPLUNKER@HOTMAIL.COM; dale.compeau@compeau.net; docm1@charter.net; edelbjw@aol.com; JTROSKOPF@YAHOO,COM;
OWSKDDC@EARTHLINK.NET; BRElT@CEDARLAKESALES.COM; ashook@ci.waukesha.wl.us; AHAASES@WI.RR.COM; davld,poff@yahoo.com;
DCAMPL!Nl@WI.RR.COM; bknorrl@hotmall.com; BESTUL@TDS.NET; 8INDER434@GMAIL.COM; SATCH@FRONTIERNET.NET;
JOHNLESLIEJONES@centurytel.net; wasa@ntd.net; LARRYASTROFOX@GMAIL.COM; ASSESS4U@YAHOO.COM; clarence.koch@att.net;
RKOERNER@NEW.RR.COM; ALOBNER@TDS.NET; BAR2211@WCTC.NET; gov-trap@hotmail.com; marlinlaidlaw@hotmall.com;
WINKLERJIM@HOTMAIL.COM
lL LE Region War; DNR DLAD DLT; DNR DL WD FH CO; DNR DL WD FH Fish SUPS; DNR DL WM ALL; DNR DL DW REG DIR
RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
There were a couple last minute technical glitches we have since gotten worked out. The versions now
posted are up to date.
8/2/2011
1-Zimmermann, KariA- DNR
Spring Hearing Results Posted
wee Delegates and Department Staff:
Page 4 of4
For those who are interested in the outcome of Monday night's spring hearings, the results are now
posted. I apologize for the delay.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/congress/sprin9._1NariQgs/index.html
~ a u L e e - ~
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Liaison
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 5. Webster Street/ PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
phone: (608) 266-0580
fax: (608) 266-6983
e-mail: Kari.LeeZimmermann@Wisconsin.gov
0/'"l/'"l{\11
Page 1 of3
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 8:16PM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV; Roetker, Patrick- DOA
Subject: FW: Spring Hearing Results Posted
We should look at these to see if there. are any that could become legislation. Could also be Fall Agenda
legislation.
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(o) 608-266-1212 I (e) rvan.murrajl@y.tisconsin.gov
From: Gunderson, Scott L - DNR
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 3:24PM
To: Moroney, MattS - DNR; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
The questions of most interest are 2, 27,34, 41, 46, 50, 59-62, 73, 75, 77, & 81. If you need info on any of them
please let me know.
From: Moroney, Matts - DNR
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 05:59 PM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Gunderson, Scott L- DNR
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
Gundy is the outdoor guru at the DNR. Gundy, your thoughts??
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Thursday, April14, 2011 5:40PM
To: Moroney, MattS - DNR
Subject: RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
I think these are great, Matt. Are there any, other than the ones you mention, that you think are worth
pursuing?
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(o} 608-266-1212 1 (e) ryan.murrav@wisconsin.gov
From: Moroney, MattS - DNR
Sent: Thursday, Apri114, 2011 6:11AM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Cc: Culotta, Jason - DOA; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: FW: Spring Hearing Results Posted
0/'")f"lf\11
Page 2 of3
Keith,
Below is the link to the Conservation Congress county vote totals. One
reason you might find these interesting/useful is that the votes can become
the basis for conservation related legislation such as the bill on fishing
tournament culling and moving opening fishing weekend up a week when it would
fall on Mother's Day.
Matt Moroney
Deputy Secretory
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(608) 264-6266
(608)266-6983
(Q) e-mail: Matt.Moroney@wisconsin.gov
!-Zimmermann, Karl A- DNR
nesday, Apr!l13, 2011 03:05PM
Jmmermann, KariA- DNR; HKTHEISEN@HOTMAIL.COM; jonvon@maqs.net; rgrabarski@hotmail.com; schmidt@mwwb.net; mdhamm55@gmall.com;
CHEQOUTFffiERS@CHARTER.NET; BOCHOFA@CENTURYTEL.NET; BPRENTICE@ASHLAND.K12.W!.US; JKRISKA@CH!BARDUN.COM;
JJJKOENIG@CHARTER.NEf; trapperdave22@hotmail.com; dale.cris!er@uwc.edu; JIM.BRAKKEN@YAHOO.COM; SHADOWl@CHEQNET.NET;
PRBNW@CHEQNET.NET; WALKERTND@CHEQNET.NET; Wieser, LeRoy; chbohn24@gmall.com; PNJVK@EARTHLINK.NET; Hanson, Roger;
RMLOOP@AOL.COM; NOLLFARM@TDS.NET; wdomine@centurytel.net; BRUNKOW@NELSON-TEL.NET; MMKREIBICH@FRONTIERNET.NET;
CBYOUNGBAUER@RIVERLAND.ORG; CCONROY@CENTURYTEL.NET; MCNALLYJ@GRANTSBURGTELCOM.NET;
DFERRIS@BURNffiCOUN1Y.ORG; WASHKUHN200B@CENTURYTELNET; RCWBDOB@TCEI.COM; pfluhr@frontier.com;
THEPROPSONS@YAHOO.COM; WEBERl@EXCELNET; renegadeherm@clearwire.net; brown_stanleyrepublican@yahoo.com;
outdoormike@charter.net; PSHAURffiE@CENTURYTEL.NET; BOGFAM@TZNET.COM; DIMIKEPURPLE@TDS.NET; TOMSLANDS@GMAIL.COM;
OSEGARD@YAHOO.COM; burmjl@gmail.com; SWENSONS@MERR.COM; murphysmenagertegamefarms@netzero.net;
DSCHREIBER@C21AFFILIATEDPORTAGE.COM; r.zlel@mchsi.com; JGILB@INBOX.COM; JEPSON@MWT.NET; JFSHURTS@MAILBAG.COM;
BRAD.WAGNER@CHARTER.NET; ALPHELAN3@YAH00.COM; KYLELAFOND@GMAIL.COM; MSHAZMAT@TDS.NET;
DMAAS@KIRSHFOUNDRY.COM; SCSTROOK@POWERWEB.NET; ZIMM.S.V@TDS.NET; MALFORD_l@YAHOO.COM;
HDRAKE@GRAHAMFIELD.COM; RTLANG46@GMAIL.COM; RBAUDHUIN@DCWIS.COM; DTUPA@GIBRALTAR.Kl2.WI.US;
KKIERS1YN@CHARTER.NET; RAGME2@GMAIL.COM; SHOTSUPPLY@AOL.COM; PRESWALSKE@CENTURYTEL.NET;
JOHNSONTOM29@GMAIL.COM; TCAVIS@HOTMAIL.COM; THOMPIE32@GMAIL.COM; AMAROTZ@LIVE.COM; RWH@WWT.NET;
HOLMSTADTP@MY.UWSTOUT.EDU; VANDENBLOOMD@UWSTOUT.EDU; DPACK482@AOL.COM; ZBUCKCHSR@AOL.COM;
NINNEMAN@CHARTER.NET; deteddle@chartermi.net; ALOKER@CHARTERMI.NET; CNMA@EXECPC.COM; OKBOWE@NCONNECT.NET;
MCFARRENCOUNTRY@SBCGLOBAL.NET; WSEIBEL47@GMAIL.COM; SIRKILLERJIM@YAHOO.COM; JOHNNIES3@CENTURYTEL.NET;
HARRISON@EZ-NET.COM; DNNYMUSKY@YAHOO.COM; KAYNDAVE@MHTC.NET; raldar56@tds.net; marcsfloorcovering@tds.net;
KNUTSONl@TDS.NET; ibohnt@tds.net; RISLEYPELLET@TDS.NET; RICHARD_AMMONl@EXCITE.COM; BRDDOG@TDS.NET;
TROYCHRISK@YAHOO.COM; COYOTEE@TDS.NET; KINGG.GREENLAKE@GMAIL.COM; DEHl@CENTURYTEL.NET;
MGR!M@MULTICOLORPAINT.COM; paulgettelman@yahoo.com; LPSCHROEDER@CHARTER.NET; FIVEOAKS@MHTC.NET;
MIKE.DREISCHMEIER@Wl.USDA.GOV; TGRABSK!@MAIL2FISHERMAN.COM; STEVEN-BONNIE@CHARTER.NET;
LAKES@!RONCOUNTYWI.ORG; DlHAANPAA@CENTURYTEL.NET; MSEDELBAUER@HOTMAIL.COM; AJJACOBSON@CENTURYTEL.NET;
gschenck6S@yahoo.com; JUDD@lEFNET.COM; LIEBMANN@INTACCESS.COM; JWINNDDS@SBCGLOBAL.NET; DAN153@MERR.COM;
BUFF@MERR.COM; GARNWWE@AOL.COM; HEDDON@MWT.NET; PUHL@MERR.COM; kthorpe2@wi.rr.com; JENNYMIKE@Wl.RR.COM;
ALTWIES3@GMAIL.COM; TOM@ACCURATEMARINEANDSTORAGE.COM; DEERHUNTER3@ITOL.COM; ronaldfassbender@gmail.com;
RJHEIDEL@CHARTER.NET; SEVERSIBE@EARTHLINK.NET; KSMABY@CHARTER.NET; SCHULTZMA@CHARTER.NET; MYKINGl@AOL.COM;
THECOORSMAN@MSN.COM; DBREUNIG@MHTC.NET; RIFLREST@AIM.COM; DRASK017@HOTMAIL.COM; PAINTER@NEWNORTH.NET;
ronaldekrueger@frontler.com; BOV_72@YAHOO.COM; WILLANDBARB@NETZERO.NET; kb9qjr@yahoo.com; TDALLMAN@CO.LINCOLN.WI.US;
pointland@tm.net LBONDE@TDS.NET; ANDREW.ADELMAN@UWRF.EDU; TRAPPERDANC@YAHOO.COM; MFWIELOCH@MTC.NET;
CRKOEN@YAHOO.COM; OBERNBERGERJOHN@YAHOO.COM; kimoll@charter.net; RWAROSH@GMAIL.COM; DAVEW@MUSKYCHASER.COM;
haroldagrandaw@centurytel.net; CNORTONSCFD@GMAIL.COM; CRAZYDARRIOL@HOTMAIL.COM; CHIEF540@HOTMAIL.COM;
HOUSLET@MAQS.NET; GOHLKE@CENTURYTEL.NET; edwardgup@gmail.com; GRANT@MAQS.NET; WCOX@MTIW.ORG;
RICKMOSESJR@YAHOO.COM; RAEWAY@EZWEBTECH.COM; WDWAY65@FRONTIERNET.NET; ADLIMMER@UWM.EDU;
kuharske@sbcglobal.net; mtkek.trout@yahoo.com; ANNMARIE.KUTZKE@YAHOO.COM; MOEAMUNDSON51@CENTURYTEL.NET;
BROWNELK@GMAIL.COM; HGREENWOODOOO@CENTURYTEL.NET; KIRSCHMON2@YAHOO.COM; 2BEARLOVERS@CENTURYTEL.NET;
ClARKSWILLOWTREE@WlLDBLUE.NET; jr_h2ofwl@hotmall.com; RSFRITSCH@HOTMAIL.COM; BELLING@EZNET.COM;
SABOTROG@NEWNORTH.NET; BENLOMA@HOTMAIL.COM; JHEFFTEAMSUICK@MSN.COM; ELCHOW@FRONTIERNET.NET;
BASTIAN@NEWNORTHNET.COM; HONYUK@AOL.COM; TODDXUSMCl@AOL.COM; Virgll@intsol.net; DOUGS@CORPHDQ.COM;
GENEWIESNER@YAHOO.COM; CAROLRAY@Wl.RR.COM; DGRISAR@WI.RR.COM; hoke4me@aol.com; WAGSHUNTER@Wl.RR.COM;
blll.yingst@bauerbullt.com; jdrael@nelson-tel.net; fishnhole@nelson-tel.net; KENVSTAR1100@AOL.COM; CBOLEY@WERNERELECCOM;
hraychucks@centurytel.net; MBRIESE@GMAIL.COM; ERICWOJCHIK@YAHOO.COM; WTrudeau@AmeryTec.com; rayflo@amerytel.net;
REDSKY@UNIONTEL.NET; JACOWSKIM2003@MY.UWSTOUT.EDU; GWYS045@WILDBLUE.NET; TBLATTLER@PCTCNET.NET;
LETSHUNT@CENTURYTEL.NET; GGLRMABIE@CENTURYTEL.NET; RSREAS13@CENTURYTEL.NET; rtkirchmeyer@pctcnet.net;
MARTY.HMS@ROMANITE.COM; MPWITK@GMAIL.COM; schneiderelec@sbcglobal.net; rkamlnskis@wi.rr.com; rob.bohmann@att.net;
DBARRON@MWT.NET; pandkwerner@charter.net; RKFRUIT@YAHOO.COM; DUHRED@COUNTRYSPEED.COM; dnatter@mlgcommerclal.com;
BROWNC@CENTURYTEL.NET; larrypmeyer@msn.com; RVARSHO@BRUCETEL.NET; CFORDE@CENTURYTEL.NET; RAROEHL@BRUCETEL.NET;
KKOCHEVARB@AOL.COM; JGRIGlAK@CENTURYTEL.NET; BLHTCH@WILDBLUE.NET; mjrogers@wildblue.net; raschelnS@wlldblue.net;
CHLOHEMARIE@CHARTER.NET; JSCOTTCPM@MSN.COM; COBBFORESTRY@CHEQNET.NET; RICKOLSO@GMAIL.COM;
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
@CENTURYTEL.NET; DANIELlYROLT@CENTURYTEL.NET; ANGERBER@HOTMAIL.COM; MJHOEFFS@SHAWANONET.NET;
GUNDOG_BUDDY@YAHOO.COM; TJANECEK@FRONTIERNET.NET; labl@shawanonet.net; DEMASTR@BYTEHEAD.COM;
MFISHER@DEHUMIDIFIERCORP.COM; WELLSG@CHARTER.NET; EHARVEY@EXCEL.NET; SCOTT.PLOCAR@TDS.NET; Crgolson@comcast.net;
mikesal@frontlernet.net; Grtsjt@baldwin-telecom.net; davel@co.saint-croix.wi.us; kylek@co.saint-croix.wi.us; DUTCH@JRECOOP.COM;
MJRDVM@HOTMAIL.COM; KNOLLGC@YAHOO.COM; SUCHLA_A@MSN.COM; BUSHYSMEAT@TRIWEST.COM; PRUDLICKDJ@TRIWEST.NET;
LARRY447@CENTURYTEL.NET; TMORGAN@LACROSSEGRAPHICS.COM; MARlYGROSSE@HOTMAIL.COM; RUSSWARYE@CENTURYTEL.NET;
GLNEAGLS@NEWNORTH.NET; ART@NNEX.NET; WALTERCAMP@HUGHES.NET; RPCWALLER@YAHOO.COM; HARLEYDK@CENTURYTEL.NET;
RREARNEST@ELKNET.NET; MARTOSANDS@YAHOO.COM; cbal@balestrlerlgroup.com; JHOUCK3@W!.RR.COM; JSJANDRO@GMAIL.COM;
LUNKERPLUNKER@HOTMAIL.COM; dale.compeau@compeau.net; docm1@charter.net; edelbjw@aol.com; JTROSKOPF@YAHOO.COM;
OWSKIJDC@EARTHLINK.NET; BRETT@CEDARLAKESALES.COM; ashook@cl.waukesha.wi.us; AHAASES@WI.RR.COM; david.poff@yahoo.com;
DCAMPL!Nl@WI.RR.COM; bknorrl@hotmall.com; BESTUL@TDS.NET; BINDER434@GMAIL.COM; SATCH@FRONTIERNET.NET;
JOHNLESLIEJONES@centurytel.net; wasa@ntd.net; LARRYASTROFOX@GMAILCOM; ASSESS4U@YAHOO.COM; clarence.koch@att.net;
RKOERNER@NEW.RR.COM; ALOBNER@TDS.NET; BAR2211@WCTC.NET; gov-trap@hotmail.com; marlinlaidlaw@hotmail.com;
W!NKLERJIM@HOTMAIL.COM
JL LE Region War; DNR DLAD DLT; DNR DL WD FH CO; DNR DL WD FH Fish SUPS; DNR DL WM ALL; DNR DL DW REG D!R
RE: Spring Hearing Results Posted
There were a couple last minute technical glitches we have since gotten worked out. The versions now
posted are up to date.
!-Zimmermann, Karl A- DNR
Spring Hearing Results Posted
wee Delegates and Department Staff:
For those who are interested in the outcome of Monday night's spring hearings, the results are now
posted. I apologize for the delay.
http://d n r. wi.gov/org/nrboard/cong ress/spring hearings/index. html
~ M i L e e - ~
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Liaison
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street/ PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
phone: (608) 266-0580
fax: (608) 266-6983
e-mail: Kari.LeeZimmermann@Wisconsin.gov
8/2/2011
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Himebauch, Casey- GOV
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 10:24 AM
Culotta, Jason - GOV
FW: State Highway Flexibility Act
Page I of2
Attachments: State Transportation Flexibility Act Endorsements.doc; State Transportation Flexibility Act
One-Pager. doc; Summary of Opt-Out Bill. doc; 2011-05-04-Congress Dear Colleague on H R
1585.pdf; 2011-05-09-0DOT Endorsement of H R 1585.pdf
FYI-
Casey Himebauch I Office of the Governor
/(e) casev.himebauch@wisconsin.gov
From: Berky, Bryan (Coburn) [mailto:Bryan_Berky@coburn.senate.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:47AM
To: Himebauch, Casey - GOV
Cc: Van Der Vaart, Hendrik (Coburn)
Subject: State Highway Flexibility Act
Casey,
Just checking in to see if you've had a chance to look over this legislation. I've attached a list of updated
endorsements, along with a one-pager, a summary of HR 1585, a Dear Colleague letter, and an endorsement
letter from the Oklahoma Department ofTransportation.
We would love to have Governor Walker endorse this bill, as we believe Wisconsin would benefit from having
the option to keep all its highway dollars and manage them without burdensome federal mandates. We,
unfortunately, have a fairly limited time window and believe your boss' support would be very helpful in
ensuring H.R. 1585 becomes part of the surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Please let us know what we can do to ensure your boss can make an informed decision on this bill. Thanks for
your help.
Bryan
From: Berky, Bryan (Coburn)
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 2:23 PM
To: 'casey.himebauch@wisconsin.gov'
Cc: Van Der Vaart, Hendrik (Coburn)
Subject: State Highway Flexibility Act
Casey,
As I said on the phone, Senator Coburn is looking to introduce the "State Highway Flexibility Act" which would
give states the option to opt-out of the Highway Trust Fund and manage their own gas tax dollars without
8/2/2011
Page2 of2
federal interference. This legislation will allow states to make transportation decisions without dealing with
federal mandates( bike trails, enhancements, etc.) or burdensome federallaws(NEPA, Davis-Bacon, etc.) that
come attached with the Highway Trust Fund monies.
I've attached a summary of the bill, a one-pager, a House Dear Colleague, and our state transportation
department endorsement letter. We would love to get this bill considered as part of the bigger reauthorization
bill. A house version has been introduced as H.R. 1585(httpJL!inyurl.com/3r.i!Y!sJl). We have received
endorsements from Citizens Against Government Waste, American Legislative Exchange Council, Americans for
Prosperity, and the National Taxpayers Union along with Governor Mary Fallin of Oklahoma. Any further
endorsement or support we can get from the states on this legislation would be great.
If Governor Walker would like to endorse the bill or you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks for
your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
Bryan Berky
OP"!/"''f\11
Opt-Out Bill Summary
This bill would grant states the ability to manage their Highway Tax Revenues dedicated for Federal
Highway funding or Mass Transit accounts as they would like
Section 2:
Allows state transportation departments to opt out of the Federal-aid Highway program and
instead collect all excise tax revenue collected within that state for the Highway Trust Fund
{HTF) for the next year under the following conditions:
Section 3:
1. The governor of the state must notify the Secretary of Transportation at least 90 days
before the start of the upcoming fiscal year that he intends to opt out;
2. The governor must agree to maintain the interstate system in accordance with its
current interstate program;
3. The governor must submit a plan to the Secretary describing:
the purposes, projects, and uses of the highway funding; and
which programmatic requirements ofTitle 23 the State elects to continue;
4. The governor must agree to obligate or expend amounts received under the program
exclusively for transportation projects {defined as projects listed in 23 USC 133{b)). No
other federal limitations apply to these funds;
5. The amount transferred would be equal to the dollar amount that is attributable to
highway users in the state. Additionally, states opting out would receive a similar
percentage of any General Fund transfers to the Trust Fund;
6. The governor must agree to report annually to the Secretary on the use of amounts
received under the program and to make the report available to the public; and
7. The governor must certify within 30 days of enactment that funding returned to the
state is being used for transportation projects and list the amount.
Allows state transportation departments to opt out of Mass Transit Account {MTA) and instead
collect all excise tax revenue collected within that state for this account for the next year under
the following conditions:
1. The governor of the state must notify the Secretary of Transportation at least 90 days
before the start of the upcoming fiscal year;
2. The governor must submit a plan to the Secretary describing:
the purposes, projects, and uses of the mass transit funding; and
which programmatic requirements of Title 49 title the State elects to continue;
3. The governor must agree to obligate or expend amounts received under the program
exclusively for transportation projects covered under the MTA. No other federal
limitations apply to these funds;
4. The governor must agree to report annually to the Secretary on the use of amounts
received under the program and to make the report available to the public;
5. States must fulfill their existing commitments made under the federal transit assistance
program;
6. The amount transferred would be equal to the estimated amounts state highway users
made to the MTA. Additionally, states opting out would receive a similar percentage of
any General Fund transfers to the Transit Account; and
7. The governor must certify not within 30 days of enactment that funding returned to the
state is being used for transportation projects and list the amount
The State Transportation Flexibility Act (H.R. 1585)
Congress Has Been a Poor Steward of Highway Gasoline Tax Revenue
Despite record-spending, GAO recently concluded that "Large increases in federal expenditures
for transportation in recent years have not commensurately improved system performance."
Since the last transportation authorization bill (SAFETEA-LU), outlays have exceeded revenues
eve1y year. While the trust fund had an excess of almost $11 billion in FY2005 ($20 billion in
FY 2000), it ran out by the end ofFY 08.
As a result, Congress has bailed out the HTF three times since FY08 for a total of $3 5 billion.
1
The Highway Trust Fund (HTF) has been on GAO's "High-Risk" list since 2007.
Bike Trails, Earmarks, and Other Wasteful Spending
While it used to be that only highway projects were funded with gas taxes, Congress has
continued to expand the type of projects eligible for HTF revenues.
GAO found from 2004 to 2008, $28 billion provided for projects that were not related the
maintenance and construction of highways and bridges, including:
o $2 billion for 5,500 bike and pedestrian projects;
o $850 million for "scenic beautification" and landscaping projects;
o $224 million on Projects to rehabilitate and operate historic hansportation buildings,
structures, and facilities;
o $28 million to establish 55 transportation museums;
o $121 million for Ferryboats and Ferry Terminal Facilities; and
o $18 million for motorcyclist safety grants; which helped fund a "cmisin' without bruisin"
brochme reminding bikers to "Obey traffic lights, signs ... and lane markings. "
2
Members of Congress have unfairly mandated that 10% of all Surface Transportation funds are
spent on "enhancements" which include bike paths, landscaping, and transpm1ation museums. In
FY09, more than $1 billion was spent on Transportation Enhancement Grants.'
Congress also spends $1.72 billion each year on one program for air quality improvement.
4
Until this year, Congress has continued to increase spending for transpm1ation earmarks. The
1982 highway bill included 10 demonstration projects totaling $386 million. The 2005 highway
bill included over 5,634 earmarked projects totaling $21.6 billion.
The DOT Inspector General found that in total, 15.49% of all FHWA funds were earmarked in
FY06 ($36.65 billion). This amount alone would have covered the three HTF bailouts. The
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) also had 28 percent of its FTA funds earmarked (for a total
of $8.59 billion).
5
Congress Burdens States With Political Mandates
In addition to costly transportation mandates and federal administrative costs, other federal laws
hamper state transpm1ation projects. These laws have led to billions in additional costs and
delays. In fact, GAO found in 2008, that 39 of 51 states (including D.C.) avoided using federal
funds for certain projects because of such mandates tied to federal funding.
Davis-Bacon mandates require prevailing wages for any projects funded with federal dollars that
is greater than $2,000. According to CRS, the threshold of $2,000 has not been adjusted for
inflation since it was first established in 1935.
1
In 2008, Congress passed the first HTF bailout of$8.017 billion from the Treasury to the HTF (P.L. 110-318). In 2009,
Congress passed another for $7 billion (H.R. 3357) and then a third one in 2010 (H.R 2847) of$20 billion.
2

3
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment!te/appor res 2009.htm
4
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air quality/cmaq/
5
httr:!/www.oig.dot.gov/sites/dot/files/pdfdocs/Congressial A V -2007-66----508 Compliant.pdf
CBO did a study in 1983 that estimated Davis-Bacon increased costs by 3.7 percent,
6
and GAO
found an increase of 3.4 percent in 1979 and recommended, "Congress should repeal the Davis-
Bacon Act and rescind the weekly payroll repmting requirement of the Copeland Anti-Kickback
Act because of: (1) significant increased costs to the federal government; (2) the impact of
excessive wage determination rates on inflating construction costs and disturbing local wage
scales; and (3) the fact that contractors tend to pay prevailing rates, which is the intent of the act,
when detetminations are too low."
7
According to the Heritage Foundation, the Davis -Bacon Act increases the cost of federally
funded construction projects by 9.9 percent. Repealing Davis-Bacon restrictions would allow the
government to build more infrastructure and create 100,000 more construction-related jobs at the
same cost to taxpayers (or save the federal government $9 billion on annual constmction costs).'
Federal law also requires significant environmental compliance activities. According to a study
done for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO),
the environmental compliance costs average between 10 and 20%, without including staff time,
hearings, or escalation costs resulting from project delays.'
An overview of such studies by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pegged increased
costs between 8 and 10 percent. FHW A also found because of environmental requirements, of all
sampled projects "13% took 10 or more years to complete NEPA; 19% were completed in 7- 10
years; 16% were completed in 3 years or less. The majority of the projects (51%) took 4- 6 years
to complete. For the total of37 projects [surveyed], the average amount of time elapsed ... was
found to be 67 months, or 5-112 years, while the median value was found to be 5 years."
Even for projects that have a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSis) or a Categorical
Exclusion (CE), "FHWA has estimated that the typical time frame for completing a FONSI is
about 18 months while the typical time frame for completing aCE is 6 months."
10
These and other mandates unnecessarily drive up costs and delay construction while our nation's
infrastructure is deteriorating and transportation funding is scarce.
Congress Should Grant States the Opportunity to Manage Their Gas Tax Revenue
This bill would grant states the freedom to manage their Highway Tax Revenues for highway and
mass transit projects without federal interference.
Revenues returned to the states would not be treated as federal funds and would not trigger
numerous federal mandates that currently hamper state transpmtation projects.
States would only be required to maintain the interstate system in accordance with the current
standards and to submit an annual report to the Secretmy of Transportation on the use of mnounts
received under the program.
This bill respects states' rights and is endorsed by the Republican Study Committee, the 10'"
Amendment Task Force, Council for Citizens Against Govemment Waste, Americans For
Prosperity, National Taxpayers Union, American Legislative Exchange Council, and tlte
Oklahoma Department of Transpmtation. It does not increase any federal funding.
To co-sponsor or for more information, please contact Hendrik van der Vaart with Senator Coburn's
office at Hendrik vanderVaart@coburn.senate.gov or Brittnee Preston in Representative Lankford's
office at Brittnee.Preston@mail.house.gov.
6
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/50xx/doc5030/doc12-entire.pdf
7
http://www.gao.gov/products/HRD-79-18
8
htto :/ /www .heritage. org/Rcsearch/Rcports/2 0 1 0/0 1/Davis-Bacon-Act-Extensions-The-I-1 eri tage-Foundation-20 1 0-Labor-Boot-
Camp
9
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/archive/NotesDocs/20-24%2854%29 B %20FR.pdf
1 0
http://www, environment. fh wa. dot. go v /stnn 1 ng/baseli ne/ section 2 .asp
Dear Colleague:
<l.tungr.eln uf u,.e litnit.ell
lltilnnl1ht9hllt, IDQt: 2l1515
Increase State Flexibility
Opt out of the Highway Trust Fund
Since200S, Congress has tra11sfeited nearly thirty five biHion dollars fron\ the General Fund to
the Highway Tnlst Fund to ensure states have enough money to meet their transp01iation
conuuitments and to comply with federal mandates. Despite the record level of spending, GAO
recently concluded that "Large increas(ls in federal expenditures for transportation ill recent years
have not colllllieliS\lrately hnproved system performance." We believe it is time for Congress to
enable states to manage their gas tax dollars without federal mismanagement.
While the Highway Transportation Fund <;ontinues to experience funding shortfalls, states !llso
must navigate nmnemus bureaucratic obstacles, further impacting their ability to meet their
trailsportation needs. In an effort to empower states, we have introduced H.R. 1585, the "State
Transportation Flexibility Act." This bill would give states the option to keep the funds they
would otherwise be forced to contribute to the Federal-aid Highway Progmill aiid the Mass
Trmisit AcCO\lllt (MT A) .. If a state chooses to opt-out of these programs, they would be able to
collect, remit and manage their own gas tax dollars.
By allowing states to they would also have the opportunity to be removed from the
system that historically many states across the country, In previous years, these
"donor states" received a lower percentage of formula funds that their states pay through the
federal gas tax. Additionally, opting out wotdd enable states to avoid numerous costly federal
mandates and ensure more gas tax revenue is spent on maintaining mtd constructing
transportation infrastmcture. When it comes to transportation infrastnJCture priorities, states
need the flexibility to use their money in the way they best see fit.
We urge you to cosponsot H.R. 1585, the State Transportation Flexibility Act, to give states
flexibility and the power to spend transportation dollars on their highest priorities. If you have
any questions or would like to cosponsor this legislation, please contact Brittnee Preston ih Rep.
Lankford's office at Bdttnee.Preston@mail.house.gov or 5-2132 or Sarah Towles in Rep.
Flake's office at Sarah.Towles@mail.house.gov or 5-2635.
Sincerely,
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
GAR\' M. RIDLEV
Secretary of Transportation
May 9, 2011
The Honorable Tom Coburn, MD
United States Senate
172 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Attention: Hendrlk Van Der Vaart
Dear Dr. Coburn:
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
MARY FALLIN
Governor
The Department Is corresponding with reference to the State Highway Flexibility Act as described in
House Resolution 1585 authored by Congressman Lankford and Is currently being considered in the
House of Representatives Committee onTransportation and Infrastructure. We are extremely grateful
for your attention and support for the expeditious. and effective Investment of transportation dollars and
for your efforts to bring sound reasoning to the financial crisis facing our nation.
We anticipate and agree that it will be very difficult for the congress to increase federal funding for
transportation infrastructure in the foreseeable future. With consideration for flat or even reduced
federal transportation funding levels, the congress. should seek opportunities to empower states to
quickly commit our available resources in order to efficiently deliver transportation projects and
improvements. The Department believes the provisions of the State Highway Flexibility Act afford
states with the opportunity to minimize the layered federal bureaucracy that can slow project delivery
ancl more cost effectively further our commitmE)nt to the national transportation system. Even more
importantly, states would possess the sole authority to responsibly execute and expedite the
implementation of the transportation program.
The Department expects that most states woUld favorably receive such an opportunity and support the
existence of these provisions In federal law. A.s always, your insight and efforts are greatly appreciated
along with your steadfast commitment to improving the transportation system. Please feel free to call
on us should you have questions, comments or if we can provide additional Information.
Sincerely,
xc: Congressman James Lankford
:200 N. E. 21st STREgT OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73105 (405) 521-2638
State Transportation Flexibility Act Endorsements
Senate
Sen Coburn, Tom [R-OK)
Sen DeMint, Jim [R-SC]
Sen Lee, Mike [R-UT)
Sen McCain, John [R-AZ]
Sen Paul, Rand [R-TN)
House
Rep Lankford, James [R-OK-5]
Rep Bishop, Rob [R-UT-1)
Rep Boren, Dan [D-OK-2)
Rep Broun, Paul C. [R-GA-10)
Rep Chaffetz, Jason [R-UT-3)
Rep Flake, Jeff [R-AZ-6)
Rep Flores, Bill [R-TX-17)
Rep Gohmert, Louie [R-TX-1)
Rep Guinta, Frank [R-NH-1)
Rep Lamborn, Doug [R-C0-5)
Rep Mack, Connie [R-FL-14)
Rep Neugebauer, Randy [R-TX-19)
Rep Paul, Ron [R-TX-14)
Rep Schweikert, David [R-AZ-5)
Rep Westmoreland, Lynn (R-GA-3)
States
Gov Mary Fallin [R-OK)
Gov Gary Herbert [R-UT)
National Groups
Americans For Prosperity
American Legislative Exchange Council
Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
National Taxpayers Union
Transportation Groups
Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Page 1 of2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Newson, Reggie - DOT
Sent: Tuesday, April 05,2011 8:17AM
To: Kloiber, Bill- DOA; Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: Re: Public Employees
Is she only interested in WisDOT? I can send you the number of WisDOT employees impacted by Act 10.
Best,
Reggie
From: Kloiber, Bill - DOA
Sent: Tuesday, April OS, 2011 08:11AM
To: Newson, Reggie - DOT; Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: FW: Public Employees
Debbie is Congressman Petri's cos
Bill Kloiber
Deputy Director
State of Wisconsin
Office of State- Federal Relations
(202) 624- 5870
Ha II of States
444 N. Capitol St., NW
Suite 613
Washington, DC 20001-1581
From: Gebhardt, Debbie [mailto:Debbie.Gebhardt@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, April OS, 2011 9:08AM
To: Kloiber, Bill - DOA
Subject: RE: Public Employees
Not that I have seen./
- - - - - - - ~ ~ - ~ ~ - - - - - ~ - - - - - ~ - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - ~ --
From: Kloiber, Bill- DOA [mailto:Biii.Kioiber@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, April OS, 2011 8:07AM
To: Gebhardt, Debbie
Subject: RE: Public Employees
8/2/2011
Mornin
Did you receive a response?
Bill Kloiber
Deputy Director
State of Wisconsin
Office of State - Federal Relations
(202) 624- 5870
Ha II of States
444 N. Capitol St., NW
Suite 613
Washington, DC 20001-1581
From: Gebhardt, Debbie [mai\to:Debbie.Gebhardt@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 2:13PM
To: Kloiber, Bill - DOA
Subject: Public Employees
Hi Bill::
Page 2 of2
Great seeing and chatting with you last week-- hey, for some reason Transportation Committee
chairman Mica was looking for the number of public employees who me impacted by the collective
bmgaining bill in Wise. -- do you guys have that number right off? I guess police and fire would be
separate fiom that?
thanks.
Debbie
Page 1 of3
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, January 18,2011 8:54PM
To: Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia- DOA; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Schutt,
Eric - GOV; Matejov, Scott - GOV
Cc: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV;
Culotta, Jason- DOA; Lied\, Kimberly- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Policy and Legislative Daily Briefing for Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Legislative Liaison Update
Committee Update
Joint Finance passed three special session bills (HSAs, relocation credit, & econ. dev. tax credit) today on
party line votes. Joint Finance will hold exec on Thursday for the small business tax credit bill.
JFC passed an amendment from Sen. Jauch on the relocation credit, requiring passive review from JFC
before releasing the extra $25 million.
Both the Senate at-large and Assembly Judiciary passed the tort bill today (both party line). Discrepancies
between the bills are being addressed.
1. Bills have been amended to reflect the punitive damage cap, with an exemption for OWl. They were
also amended with technical changes to better protect paint companies from frivolous suits and to
simply federalize the expert witness changes. Our office agreed to all changes.
Legislator Meetings- Assembly
Met with Representative Tiffany today to discuss the federalizing of forestry rules, the possible closing of
a juvenile detention facility in his district, and the special session rules reform bill. Was given language
of the rules bill that not only deletes wetlands and wind-siting provisions, but increases power of the Joint
Committee for Review of Administrative Rules to influence rules (LRB 1060/1).
Met with Representative Wynn about a variety of issues including capping interest rates for payday
loans, prevailing wage repeal, and the WEDC bill.
Legislative Meetings for Wednesday
Majority Leader Fitzgerald & Speaker Fitzgerald
Rep. Spanbauer
Rep. Petersen
Confirmation Hearings
Sec. Brancel had his confirmation hearing today in Senate Ag, Exec on Thursday.
Sees. Huebsch and Jadin confirmation hearing will be Wednesday in Senate Judiciary at11a
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Economic Development and Regulatorv Reform
-
Quad/Graphics Meeting (w/ Eric Schutt, Nate Yahn)
1. Met with Andy Schiesl (VP/Chief Legal Counsel) and Patrick Henderson (Director of Gov't Affairs)
2. Concerned about harmful regulatory laws that are being administered by the PSG and by the DNR
1. Provided proposals that would reform the mentioned regulatory laws, which would help
Quad/Graphics grow jobs, and in general, make Wisconsin look much more "business-
friendly"
Legislative Committees
15 meetings scheduled with committee chairpersons (for the rest-of-the-week and next week)
R/?I?.Oll
Page 2 of3
DOT
Jason met with the DOT Sec., Dep. Sec., and EA today. They have the following issues to share:
Some outstanding obligations on the passenger rail bonds will preclude the use of the $73 million in
leftover bonding authority from being used for freight rail. DOT is working on telling how much will still be
needed to close out the proposed Madison-Milwaukee line, but it will exceed $13 million. In addition, DOT
received a $14 million stimulus grant for the Hiawatha to upgrade a crossing near the state line in Pleasant
Prairie and extend the size of the Mitchell Airport Station; some funds will be left over from these projects
to apply toward the dead trainline's obligations.
Local Aids Administration -- by requiring local governments to pay the share of administering aid programs
out of their grant money rather than from DOT's operations money, some additional savings can be
realized to the Transportation Fund.
Fox Cities and Green Bay Transit- reminded us that both systems will lose federal funding because their
metropolitan populations are too large to continue receiving FED operating assistance.
***ACTION ITEM- RTA language in statute- DOT is wondering what direction the Governor will go
pertaining to the existing statutes and rental car fee.
Mirror Lake Bridge on 1-94 -following yesterday's semi accident, DOT today signed a $170,000 emergency
contract for repairs. One lane will stay open, the second will be closed until the completion of the repairs in
a few weeks.
***ACTION ITEM - FED earmarks- Sen. Kohl's office asks DOT for a list of earmark requests annually. Is
this something WisDOT should submit this year? They would like direction from the Governor
Transportation Projects Commission -convened in October to recommend enumeration of four projects:
Hwy 441/41/10 interchange (Menasha), Hwy 38 (Racine- Vos' district), Hwy 39-90 (Rock County), and
Hwy 15 (Greenville to New London). All four projects must be enumerated in the budget so that further
work on the projects can continue. DOT would like these included for enumeration in the 2011-13 budget.
Human Services and Education Team
Education Meetings
Met with Kathleen Cullen from WTCS on a $200,000 Bill and Melinda Gates grant due in early Feb with
potential for a $1.6 million grantlyr for the next 3 years. Grant targeted at Adult Basic Education.
Met with UW-System on their Authority proposal. We will brief you on it tomorrow. They tried to sell the
proposal as a $500 million GPR savings over 4 years. In reality, it is not a cut to base, but a reduced
increase of the bigger increase they were going to ask of the state.
Met with Jeff Spitzer-Resnick from Diabilities Rights WI on special education. He stressed the importance
of the Governor addressing the importance of special education when discussing education issues. It
means a lot to families with special needs children.
Health Care Meetings
Met with Leah Robbins from Daycare Provider Jewish Beginnings Milwaukee. Discussed her ideas on how
WI Shares could be retooled to eliminate fraud and provide higher quality child care.
Met with Liz Buchen from Lutheran Social Services. She would like to repeal the 2009 budget item that
child welfare rates are decided by DCF. Prior to the 2009 Act 28, providers set rates based on costs, and
the rates were published annually to show that all purchasers are charged the same rate (Market Rate).
o With the Doyle change, all provider rates for 2010 have been frozen at 2009 payment levels
o With in 2009 Act 28, the Governor set up a "Rate Regulation Committee" This is not needed to
establish the rate if the language is repealed
Education News
Tomorrow, MPS will receive a $20 million grant over 5 years from GE to improve math and science scores. The Lt
Governor is helping to present the award.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission:
Working with DOA to update the Governor's website to include a Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission
webpage to post agenda's, meeting minutes, and to solicit recommendations and/or comments from the
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
public.
The DOA IT folks have been told this must be done by Thursday to fulfill a promise and to send out a press
statement about the webpage launch on that day.
AFLCIO. Opposition to Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Grocers Association. Vote in support of Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Civil Justice Council. Employers unite behind Wisconsin lawsuit reforms.
WMG.,. Urges Senate passage of lawsuit reforms.
Wisconsin Economic DeveloRment Association. Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Support for Special Session SB 1.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Wisconsin Legislature set to take action on Gov. Scott Walker bills.
R/?/?011
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 10:43 AM
To: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: FW: Empire Builder High Speed Rail Coalition
FYI -from the La Crosse Area Development Corporation.
From: LADCO -James Hill/ Jennifer Kuderer [mailto:ladco@centurytel.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2011 2:50 PM
To: LADCO - James Hill/ Jennifer Kuderer
Subject: Empire Builder High Speed Rail Coalition
Hello,
Page 1 of 1
Inasmuch as the higher speed rail quest has suffered a tremendous setback we are delaying the Coalition
meeting, previously slated for January 14
1
h, a few weeks until we can get a foot hold on our follow-on goal i.e.
getting a second train per day on the Empire Builder Route at conventional speeds. The fundamental argument
we face is this: how to persuade the state to pick up 100% of the operating cost subsidy for a second,
conventional train instead of the 10% share already rejected by the Governor for high speed service. As you
know, federal law allows the 80% federal-20% state operating split for high speed only (and since Minnesota
would have split the 20% our remaining share was 10% if the river route was used). Wisconsin and Minnesota
would be on our own as it relates to operating costs in sponsoring a second train.
Unless someone can think of a Solomon like way to persuade the State to pick up a far greater share of operating
costs for conventional rail than what was implied in high speed rail than we believe trading exclusively on this
hope will prove self-defeating.
Instead, we believe our only real hope lies in changing federal law to authorize an 80-20% federal-state split for
"corridor" service which is what the second train serving Chicago-St Paul would be called. Changing federal law
might seem even more daunting than simply getting Wisconsin officials to see the huge advantage of high speed
service. Perhaps it is not in light of the shocking reversal of fortune that just happened to us in Western
Wisconsin. First, other states, even California for instance, are so financially strapped that the feds may be
getting even more states spitting back their "high speed' dollars. Whether that is true or not the other fact is that
the Congress is divided with a Republican House and Democratic Senate. This creates the very real possibility
for an accommodation to be reached in the drafting of the Transportation Act Reauthorization, where both sides of
the aisle are looking for something that appeals.
So we would like to research a few of these items so there is something substantive for us to tackle when we
meet again.
Thank you.
James P. Hill, Executive Director
Jennifer A. Kuderer, Associate Director
La Crosse Area Development Corporation
712 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
P: 608-784-5488 F: 608-784-5408
ladco@centurytel. net
www.ladcoweb.org
Q/')/"1()11
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Yahn, Nate - GOV
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:50AM
To: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: FW: Act now to save transit funds - call Gov and Legislators
Email chain on transit funding from Fed.
Nate Yahn
Policy Assistant for Economic Development
the
From: Newson, Reggie - DOT
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:42AM
To: Yahn, Nate - GOV
Cc: Gottlieb, Mark - DOT; Berg, Michael - DOT; Schmitt, Peg - DOT
Subject: FW: Act now to save transit funds - call Gov and Legislators
FYI.
Best,
Reggie
From: Donlin, James - DOT
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:24AM
To: Newman, Kenneth - DOT; Newson, Reggie - DOT
Cc: Nachreiner, Beth - DOT; Walbrun, Kassandra - DOT
Subject: FW: Act now to save transit funds - call Gov and Legislators
More on federal transit funding and the budget repair bill:
From: Alley, John - DOT
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 7:50AM
To: Donlin, James - DOT; Currie, Monique - DOT; Wolfjil,rarn, Mark - DOT
Subject: FW: Act now to save transit funds - call Gov and Legislators
Sent: Vi!Pi:rn;:;<
To: Robbie Webber
Page 1 of3
Cc: Michael H. McCoy; Liz Wessel; Kyle Bailey; Scott Becher; Kevin Brubaker; Sheridan Chaney; Ali Clark;
eblume; Dave Mumma; elizabeth.ward@sierraclub.org; LADCO Empire Builder; Kevin Erb; Jack Ferry; Robert
Fisher; Gary Goyke; Dennis Grzezinski; Rick Harnish; Nona Hill; Frank Ingram; Anne Johnson; Robert Kraig;
Rodney Kreunen; Nick Musson; Shannon Nelson; Hans Noeldner; John Parkyn; Roxan Perez; Louise Petering;
Keith Plasterer; Kenosha Rail; Pro Rail; Pro Rail Action; West Central WI Rail Coalition; David Rasmussen;
Kathleen Riley; Scott Rogers; Judy Siegfried; Bruce Speight; Terrell, Caryl; Kerry Thomas; Barb Thomas; Fred
8/2/2011
Wolden
Subject: Re: Act now to save transit funds - call Gov and Legislators
Good evening:
Thank you Robbie!!
We have been working on this matter all afternoon.
More in the hours ahead.
Page 2 of3
I hope we will have a Legislative Fiscal Bureau document tommTow for all legislative members which
will explain the impmiance of the federal rules. You can look up Chapter 49 US Code Section 13 C 2 in
both the US Department of Labor and in the US DOT web sites and find a good deal of background
infmmation. The federal government is a financial partner in providing public transit services. The
pminership ensures citizen accessibility, safety and service stability. It appears this long time successful
and efficient partnership would be greatly jeopardized or eliminated with the enactment of the budget
repair bill under consideration as I write this note. I mn the source for the discussion with the MSJ.
I also met with Sen. Jon Erpenbach earlier this evening on the issue and he intends to bring the matter up
in the State Senate Democratic caucus tomonow morning.
Please help pass the message on to others who are fighting to save our valuable services and progrmns.
This long standing state-federal-local relationship should not be threatened by lack oflabor policy
research or dangerous hasty legislative action.
Many thanks.
Gary
On Tue, Feb 15,2011 at 10:32 PM, Robbie Webber <robbie@robbiewebber.org> wrote:
FYI-
This little tidbit should be passed around. If you haven't yet called your state Legislators and the
Governor about the budget bill, here is a bit more incentive.
Call to tell the Senate and Assembly to vote NO on the Budget Bill.
Walker bill could put millions in transit aid at risk
http://wWw.jsonline.com/blogs/news/116284394.html
"Wisconsin communities could lose $70 million or more in federal aid for transit systems under a bill quickly
moving through the state Legislature, opponents of the bill are warning.
The measure by Gov. Scott Walker would strip most union rights away from most public employees. That
could put in danger federal aid for buses because U.S. law requires that collective bargaining rights remain in
place to get federal funds, according to the U.S. Department of Labor."
Robbie Webber
Bike Walle Madison Steering Committee
8/2/2011
www.bikewalkmadison.org
Join our group on Face book!
Gaty R. Goyke
Q/')/')()11
Page 3 of3
Downing, Karley- GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Jason:
Henry, Madeline - GOV
Thursday, March 17, 2011 3:08 PM
Culotta, Jason - DOA
Constituent: Michele Mitchell
This is the email I was referring to when we spoke earlier. Ms. Mitchell sent an email to
GOV inbox on February 22. As you know, we have been overwhelmed with the volume, which is
why we didn't read her email until 3/14/2011.
If you would ask someone from your team to contact her and then let me know what
transpired, I can update my case file for this constituent.
If this is not within your jurisdiction, please send it back to me with a better
suggestion as to where to send it.
Thank you,
Madeline Henry
Constituent Services
Assistant Director
Office of the Governor
State of Wisconsin
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707
( 608) 266-1212
~ e s s a g e - - - - -
From: Michele Mitchell [mailto:mmitchel@kusd.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 7:40 PM
To: Henry, Madeline - GOV
Subject: RE: I want to understand
Perhaps a little too late .... but for what it is worth it is
Michele Mitchell
-----Original Message-----
From: Henry, Madeline - GOV [mailto:Madeline.Henry@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Mon 3/14/2011 4:59 PM
To: Michele Mitchell
Subject: RE: I want to understand
Dear Ms. Mitchell:
or
If you would please send me your phone number and best time to call, one of the Governor's
policy team members will be happy to call you.
Sincerely,
Madeline Henry
Constituent Services
Assistant Director
Office of the Governor
State of Wisconsin
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-1212
1
From: Governor Scott Walker
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 4:20PM
To: Henry, Madeline - GOV
Subject: FW: I want to understand
Alan Colvin
Constituent Services Director
Office of the Governor
608-266-1212
alan.colvin@wisconsin.gov<mailto:alan.colvin@wisconsin.gov>
From: Michele Mitchell [mailto:mmitchel@kusd.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 4:41 PM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: I want to understand
Dear Governor Walker,
I am optimistically hopeful that someone is able to answer the following question for me -
How does collective bargaining affect the budget? I know you appear to have the same
answer no matter how the question is posed, but it doesn't answer it for me. I am really
trying to see your reasoning and point of view. I happen to believe strongly in
compromise and collaboration. I am a practicing School Social Worker and prior to this
position, I was a social worker for Health and Human Services. I consider one of my
professional responsibilities to be bringing people together to work things out.
Obviously, what is going on is so far from that ideal.
So, I ask that you answer my question above. I want to understand what I am obviously
missing the point of. I am not uneducated, unwilling to compromise, or unwilling to
listen, but myself and many of my friends, co-workers, and colleagues have been portrayed
as such. We did not have a "sick out." We taught our students- We role modeled the
behavior we wish for them to have- We answered their questions neutrally and honestly.
This is what I understand. Please know that I am not a politician, historian,
mathematician, etc. All I know is that if this bill requires us to pay a certain
percentage of our pension & our insurance premiums, why is collective bargaining so
harmful? I get that we can "bargain" for our wage, but that is basically capped as well.
SO, where would we be able to so drastically affect the budget with what is left? I don't
get it and I am being so honest with you. I am surrounded by democrats and people who are
going to be directly affected by this bill and it would be so easy for me to just go with
what I think I know - but I want to understand this so much more.
I ask of you to answer my question and MAKE me understand. I don't get it. I don't want
some canned answer - I have heard it too much. If I don't get a reply, I guess my
misunderstanding is not important enough to address.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Michele Mitchell, MSW
2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Sent:
To:
Thursday, May 05, 2011 1:20 PM
Roetker, Patrick - DOA
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Attachments: Dairy Mfg. lTC Budget Motion.doc
From: Volz, David J - COMMERCE
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 4:06 PM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Commerce staff feedback on this motion:
To base the credit cap on a per facility basis without regard to organizational structure is going to further dilute the benefit
of the credit to those entities and smaller businesses that have only one facility.
For example, for the round of dairy credits that was just completed, each non-cooperative eligible applicant received
18.27% of the maximum credit they could have received had there been unlimited resources. So, a dairy business that
had a total of $174,083 in expenditures in 2010 could have received a maximum credit of 10% or $17,408. Instead, under
the "pro-rata" formula, the business receives $3,181 or 18.27% of the maximum credit. The mix of applicants included
credits going to each of four facilities for Marathon Cheese and eight facilities for BeiGioioso Cheese, both S-corporations.
Had the credit cap been based on a "per entity" basis for S-carps, the allocation percentage for each of the other entities
would have increased. Had the credit cap been based on a "per facility" basis for everyone, regardless of structure, the
percentage would have decreased, thereby diluting the credit for single-site businesses. A C-Corporation, such as Kraft
Foods, could have claimed more credits because it has more than one dairy manufacturing site in the state.
With respect to making both appropriations continuing, it is more of a DOR/DOA issue. I assume DOR would prefer to
keep a sum-sufficient for greater administratively flexibility. DOA may be receptive to making both appropriations
"continuing" for fiscal accountability reasons, but yet, recognizing that there needs to be some administrative flexibility,
which a continuing appropriation might provide. I do not necessarily want to speak for those agencies.
Dairy Mfg. ITC
Budget Motion.d ...
19
Fill this form out in its entirety prior to submitting to your JFC designee.
Joint Committee on Finance
2011-2012 Budget Motion Request
Date: April28, 2011
Legislator: A. Ott, Nerison, Ripp Staff Contact: Erin Ruby
Legislator's JFC Designee: Rep. LeMahieu & Rep. Nygren
Statement of Motion Intent: Provide a short description summarizing the inten{ofyour motion.
Amend proposed budget language to clarifY that all eligible businesses- regardless of
organizational structure- can claim the Dairy Manufacturing Facility Investment Tax Credit up to
a maximum credit of$200,000 per facility. [LRB Budget Amendment draft attached.]
Also, convett the appropriation from which the credit is paid to cooperative processors from a sum
sufficient appropriation, to a continuing appropriation [s. 20.835 (2)(bp)]. This would mitmrthe
change proposed by the Governor for non-cooperative processor credit appropriation [s. 20.835
(2)(bn)].
Agency: Depmtment of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)/General Fund
Taxes- htcome & Franchise Taxes (Fiscal Bureau Summmy- pg. 189)
Summary: Provide a thorough description. Please attach all supporting documentation and talking points.
The Dairy Manufacturing Facility htvestment Tax Credit was created in the 2007-09 biennial
budget. As originally crafted, the 10-percent credit was available to businesses that made eligible
expenditures to modernize or expand their dairy processing facilities, but was limited to a
maximum credit of$200,000 per business entity, regardless of the number of processing facilities
owned and modernized or expanded by that e n t i ~ .
In follow-up legislation, Assembly Republicans attempted to clarifY that cooperative dairy
manufacturing facilities would also be eligible for the credit (2007 AB 763 & 2009 AB 34).
Cooperatives are responsible for the vast majority of dairy processing in Wisconsin. Credits would
be passed through to members based on the amount of milk each member delivered to the
cooperative. -
As negotiations on this change progressed, there was agreement between the cooperative and
proprietary dairy processors that the credit would be available on a "per facility" basis to all
eligible claimants. In other words, the credit was converted from at1 aggregate maximum of
$200,000 per claimant/processor to a maximum credit of $200,000 per modernized or expanded
facility. A level playing field was of primaty impottance to both the cooperative and proprietary
daily processors. {Note -despite a change to a ''per facility" credit, the total amount of credits
that can be allocated statewide remains capped in statute. For FY 2011-12 that amount is
$700,000 for cooperatives and $700,000 for non-cooperative facilities.}
The credit was ultimately extended to cooperatives and other daity processors on a per facility
basis via 2009 Act 2. Act 2 was the budget repair bill introduced, passed, and signed into law by
the Democrats in 48 hours in February 2009.
Fill this form out in its entirety prior to submitting to your JFC designee.
The Governor's budget proposes a change to the structure of the credit by specifying that only
cooperatives would be eligible to claim the credit on a per facility basis ($200,000 maximum credit
per facility), while all other entities would be limited to an aggregate maximum of $200,000 per
entity regardless of the number of facilities. This change eliminates the level playing field agreed
to by all parties at the outset.
Fmther, the changes proposed would be effective with the start of the 20 II tax year, which would
be nearly half over by the time the budget is signed into law. This changes the rules of the game in
the middle of the tax year for those non-cooperative daity processors that may have taken on
modernization and expansion efforts with the anticipation of receiving the investment tax credit on
a per facility basis.
This change was proposed by the Depmtment of Commerce. The Department states that when the
cooperative language was added, the credit was extended on a per facility basis to all pass-though
business entities (co-ops, S-carps, LLCs, and partnerships), but C-corps were overlooked a11d
thereby not provided the opportunity to access the credit on a per facility basis.
Rather than skewing access to the credit to the significant advantage of cooperatives (as proposed
by Commerce and the Governor), the better alternative is to clarifY that all business entities,
regardless of organization structure, are eligible for the credit on a per facility basis.
Also, conve1t the appropriation from which the credit is paid to cooperative processors from a sum
sufficient appropriation, to a continuing appropriation [s. 20.835 (2)(bp)]. This would mirror the
change proposed by the Govemor for non-cooperative processor credit appropriation [s. 20.835
(2)(bn)]. Again, this is an issue of ensure equity between the two different types of processors.
Both Cooperative Network and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association are fully suppmtive of
this modification.
Attachment- LRB budget amendment language to clmizy all business entities are eligible for the
credit on a per facility basis. Note: language does not address the change from a sum sufficient to
a continuing appropriation.
Fiscal Impact:
None. All statutory maximum credit allocations remain iu place. If claims are made that exceed
the statutory maximum allocation, claims must be pro-rated.
Funding Source (i(applicable):
N/A
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 10:12 AM
Ruby, Erin- LEGIS
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Erin,
This is what I got back from Commerce on the motion and what I read to Manske yesterday:
--Jason
From: Volz, David J- COMMERCE
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 4:06 PM
To: Culotta, Jason - GOV
Subject: FW: A. Ott, Nerison & Ripp Budget Motion Request
Commerce staff feedback on this motion:
To base the credit cap on a per facility basis without regard to organizational structure is going to further dilute the benefit
of the credit to those entities and smaller businesses that have only one facility.
For example, for the round of dairy credits that was just completed, each non-cooperative eligible applicant received
18.27% of the maximum credit they could have received had there been unlimited resources. So, a dairy business that
had a total of $174,083 in expenditures in 2010 could have received a maximum credit of 10% or $17,408. Instead, under
the "pro-rata" formula, the business receives $3,181 or 18.27% of the maximum credit. The mix of applicants included
credits going to each of four facilities for Marathon Cheese and eight facilities for BeiGioioso Cheese, both S-corporations.
Had the credit cap been based on a "per entity" basis for S-corps, the allocation percentage for each of the other entities
would have increased. Had the credit cap been based on a "per facility" basis for everyone, regardless of structure, the
percentage would have decreased, thereby diluting the credit for single-site businesses. A C-Corporation, such as Kraft
Foods, could have claimed more credits because it has more than one dairy manufacturing site in the state.
With respect to making both appropriations continuing, it is more of a DOR/DOA issue. I assume DOR would prefer to
keep a sum-sufficient for greater administratively flexibility. DOA may be receptive to making both appropriations
"continuing" for fiscal accountability reasons, but yet, recognizing that there needs to be some administrative flexibility,
which a continuing appropriation might provide. I do not necessarily want to speak for those agencies.
20
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, April 06, 2011 1:24 PM
Culotta, Rebekah - LEGIS
Subject: FW: In Madison This Weekend
From: Daniels, Donna R- DOT
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 8:25AM
To: Culotta, Jason - DOA
Subject: In Madison This Weekend
Hi Jason,
I hope all is well with you and Rebecca. Have things calmed down in the Capitol? I noticed that we are not
getting as much attention from the National media. Thank goodness for Lybia and Japan.
I am in Madison this weekend at the Crown Plaza Hotel for a conference. Saturday, I facilitate two sessions in
drug prevention. Sunday, I unveil a new drug prevention initiative at the commander's call. If you and Rebecca
would like to come to the Sunday event, we start at 8:00AM. I am the fifth or sixth speaker.
I just got back from a conference in Springfield, IL and received a lot of interesting feedback about Governor
Walker's budget and collective bargaining policies. Every union represented state employee that is a member
of the Civil Air Patrol in IL said that Governor Walker should not weaken his stand. They pointed out that the
union represented teachers in IL do not get tenure because they Dept of Education hire two younger teachers
in place of the ones who reach tenure. The lOOT employees state that union representation does not help
them when recruiting quality employees and that the unions drive up the costs of infrastructure. Everyone
agrees that Governor Walker's plan is better than their alternative plan, which is raising property taxes.
Everyone is disgusted with the way private unions are spinning everything as if they were losing their collective
bargaining rights. I don't remember seeing anything that affects private unions. It was nice to have that
conversation, because you cannot find a Wisconsin union employee, except for my husband, who sees the
wisdom in Governor Walker's plan.
The job search is going as well as can be expected. I was turned down for the last two positions I interviewed
because of my education. But, I met with Rick Sense yesterday who led me to Julie Leschke. She asked for
my curriculum vitae, and by suppertime she asked for job references. There are two positions with the Dept of
Justice that I am applying for as well. The first is a Program and Management position with the Office of
Attorney General, and the other is a Budget and Policy Analyst position with the Division of Criminal
Investigation and Division of Management Services. Both require a higher level of education. Right now, I will
take anything to avoid getting unemployment.
Say hi to Rebecca for me. Please let me know if you would like to attend the commander's call session to see
the new drug prevention initiative. It is exciting, simple to implement, and it costs next to nothing to run. My
motto is Cheap is good, free is better.
Thanks,
/)oq.a 0Miet'J'
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22
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Kitzman, Nick- GOV [Nick.Kitzman@wisconsin.gov]
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:28PM
Culotta, Jason- DOA; Yahn, Nate- GOV; Hogan, Pat- GOV; Hurlburt, Way\on - GOV;
Kikkert, Becky - GOV; Brickman, Michael - GOV; Lied\, Kimberly - GOV
FW: Co-Sponsorship: LRB 1647/1 Repealing Three-Fifths Quorum for Fiscal Bills
SJRConstAmendment03.15.11.pdf
From: Mundell, Dana[SMTP:DANA.MUNDELL@LEGIS.WISCONSIN.GOV]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:27:54 PM
To: Kitzman, Nick- GOV
Subject: FW: Co-Sponsorship: LRB 1647/1 Repe51ling Three-Fifths Quorum for Fiscal Bills
Auto forwarded by a Rule
From: Sen.Cullen
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 3:27 PM
To: *Legislative Senate Democrats; *Legislative Senate Republicans; *Legislative Assembly Democrats; *Legislative
Assembly Republicans
Subject: Co-Sponsorship: LRB 1647/1 Repealing Three-Fifths Quorum for Fiscal Bills
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
Deadline:
Legislative Colleagues
Senator Tim Cullen
March 15, 2011
Memorandum
Co-sponsorship, LRB -1647/1- Repealing the Three-Fifths Quorum Requirement for
Fiscal Bills
5 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2011
This legislation repeals the constitutional provision requiring three-fifths of the members of a house to be
present to vote on fiscal bills. Instead, a simple majority will be required.
On F ebtuary 17, Senate Democrats took an extraordinary measure in order to shine a light on a budget repair bill
that we oppose. Although our action in leaving the state exposed all that is bad about the bill, I believe this
extraordinaty measure set a bad precedent. I do not want to see future LegislatUres use the three-fifths
requirement in order to avoid a vote on fiscal bills. To co-sponsor, please call my office, 266-2253, by 5 p.m.
on Friday, March 25,2011. The text of the bill is pasted below and also attached.
To amend section 8 of article VIII of the constitution; relating to: deleting the three-fifths quorum requirement
for certain bills (first consideration).
Analysis by tile Legislative Reference Bureau
EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL
The constitution requires that for passage of any bill that 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
1
or demand of the state, each house of the legislature must have a quorum of
three-fifths of all the members elected to the house.
This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 20 !!legislature on first
consideration, deletes the three-fifths quorum requirement for such bills.
A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive
legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:
SECTION 1. Section 8 of article VIII of the constitution is amended to read:
[Article VIII] Section 8. On the passage in either house ofthe legislature of 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, the question shall be taken by yeas and nays, which shall be duly entered on the j oumal;-
aml three fifths of all the members eleeteEI to sash hoase shall in all sash eases be required to eonstimte a
quomm therein.
Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the
legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three
months previous to the time of holding such election.
.. -::t ..<
- - ~
SJRConstAmendme
nto3.15.11.pdf ...
(END)
2
~ t a t ~ nf ~ i s r n n s i n
2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE
LRB-1647/1
SRM:cjs:rs
2011 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
1 To amend section 8 of article VIII of the constitution; relating to: deleting the
2 three-fifths quorum requirement for certain bills (first consideration).
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL
The constitution requires that for passage of any bill that 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, each house of the legislature must have a quorum of
three-fifths of all the members elected to the house.
This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2011 legislature on first
consideration, deletes the three-fifths quorum requirement for such bills.
A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive
legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.
3 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:
4 SECTION 1. Section 8 of article VIII of the constitution Is amended to read:
5 [Article VIII] Section 8. On the passage in either house of the legislature of any
6 law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes,
7 continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases,
2011 - 2012 Legislature -2-
LRB-1647/1
SRM:cjs:rs
SECTION 1
1 discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state, the question shall be taken
2 by yeas and nays, which shall be duly entered on the journal; and three fifths ef all
3 the members elected te such heuse shall in all such cases be required te constitute
4 a querum therein.
5 Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the
6 legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three
7 months previous to the time of holding such election.
8 {END)
Page 1 of3
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Kitzman, Nick- GOV
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 5:42 PM
To: Archer, Cynthia- DOA; Brickman, Michael- DOA; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Eberle, Ed - L TGOV;
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Himebauch, Casey- GOV; Hogan, Pat- DOA;
Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Kikkert, Becky-
~ G O V ; Lied\, Kimberly- GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Polzin, Cindy
._Roetker, Patrick- DOA; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Yahn, Nate- DOA
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Legislative Affairs Team
Joint Committee on Finance
The Joint Committee on Finance held a public hearing in Superior today.
The Joint Committee on Finance will be holding a public hearing in West Allis on Monday.
Legislative Contacts:
Completed prep work for the Governor's legislative budget luncheon on Monday.
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Tourism
RoomTax
WHEDA
o Met with WI Hotel and Lodging Assoc. and WI Association of Conventions and Visitor
Bureaus
o Discussed proposal with Secretary Klett and Deputy Secretary Fantle
Modemization Bill
o Sent two proposals over to LRB
JOBS Hotline
2 calls received
DOT
Contact from business group regarding the weight limit on state highways.
Inquiry from Rep. Richards regarding Roan Bridge
Sec. Gottlieb will tour the Stillwater Bridge on April IS
DNR
Waterfowl Stamp
DATCP
o WI Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited met with us to discuss their proposal to
increase the amount paid for waterfowl stamps.
o They have a number oflegislators they will be approaching to introduce an amendment to
the budget.
PACE
o Representative Shilling sent a letter to the PACE Council supporting the program.
Health Care Team
8/2/2011
Page 2 of3
Health Care
Health Care Policy Team is in Salt Lake City attending the NGA Health Care Regional Meeting
Justice and Local Governments Team
Local Government:
Wisconsin State Joumal. Report: Cities will lose money under Walker budget
"The governor's methodology simply overestimates the amount of savings, especially in the area of
insurance premiums, "said Dan Thompson, the League's executive director.
But Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said Thursday the League did not take into account that cities
could offiet cuts with additional increases in health care contributions, switching to a lower-costplan,
and limiting overtime. The study also failed to account for Walker's elimination of storm water mandates.
Leag]!e of Wisconsin Municipalities. Proposed local savings only cover 61% of state funding cuts
Appleton Post Crescent. Kimberly schools OK 23 layoff notices
KIMBERLY- The Kimberly Area School District sent layoff notices to 23 fidl- and part-time
paraproftssionals Monday to help close an estimated $1.7 million budget shortfall.
Manitowoc Herald Times Repmier. Gov. Walker says benefit changes could go beyond proposal
Walker has stated those measures would more than offset reductions in state shared revenue to
municipalities and school districts. But Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels' budget analysis shows cuts in
state funding equal $1,149,462 while savings to the city in pension and health insurance payments come
to $395,039- a net deficit of$754,423.
The vast majority of city workers already pay 10 percent of their health insurance premiums.
Walker told reporters prior to taking a tour of the jound1y that cities could have employees pay "13,14, 15
or 20 percent of their health insurance and still be well below most people in the private sector."
Sheboygan Press. Sheboygan transit workers reject contract proposal
That means city transit workers will continue to work under their current contract, which nms through
Dec. 31 this year.
The proposed extensions would have fiozen workers' wages through 2013 and required that they
contribute 5. 8 percent of their pay toward their pension and 12.5 to 15 percent of their health insurance
premiums. The wage fieeze would have meant their forgoing a 1 percent pay raise they are due to receive
in July.
Ryan at the time hailed the agreement as being "in the best interests of the city and the union" and that it
"serves as a template for jitture negotiations with the city's unions."
The contract extension also would have staved off the possibility of the city losing more than $1.4 million
in federal transitfimding because Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill ends most collective bargaining
privileges for most public employees. Federal rules require that transit employees work under a
collective bargaining agreement whenever federal funds are used to operate a transit system.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
Oshkosh Northwestern. City, county moving on union worker contract extensions
Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris said the contracts aim to preserve the union's right to bargain
with the county through 2012 in exchange for taxpayer savings.
The proposed 2010-2012 contract for the AFSCME Local1903, which represents Highway Department
workers, includes no raises except a 1.5 percent increase this y e m ~ a change in how overtime hours are
calculated, a requirement that employees contribute 5.8 percent of pay toward their pensions as soon as
the new law takes effect and an agreement to adopt the county's health insurance program.
Fitzpatrick also said the contract extension discussion grew out of concern the city could lose $1.5
million in federal transit aid for the Oshkosh Transit System should transit workers lose their collective
bargaining rights. Fitzpatrick said transit staff belong to Local796, but the other two chapters--796-B
represents clerical staff and 796-C represents professional staff-have been included because cuts to
transit fimding would likely have a ripple effect on other city opetations.
Justice:
Sheboygan Press. Editorial: Keep record-sharing funds in budget
The Office of Justice Assistance first put the system in operation in 2006. Some of the startup money came
fiom the Department of Homeland Security and other federal justice grants. The $2 million he Office of
Justice Assistance is seeking to maintain the system is not a lot of money under normal circumstances, -
and eve1y dollar saved is important when flying to close a $3.6 million gap.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of2
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 17,2011 6:59PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia- DOA; Jensen,
1\ ,., , ' ";,,.;; Jo?i - DOA
" Cc: Matejov, Scott- GOV; Eberle, Ed- L TGOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
>.
0
Subj.ect: 6$iiyPolicy and Legislative Update
'
Economic DeveloRment and Regulatory Reform Team

\' Spoke with Village of Rothschild President on the proposal for We Energy to build biomass fueled
' " cogeneratiqp,facility in Rothschild
would like the new commissioner of the PSG, whenever he or she is appointed, to
J.';, brought up-to-speed on situation
,.., .. o PSG has .discretion over project
DOT
Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
o Had conference call with Reggie Newson and Brian Hagedorn
o DOT received a request for information from FTA, Chicago Office
o 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 Joss 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 primmy 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)
"The hypocrisy of the Wisconsin Commissioner oflnsurance's office was exposed as the state
R/7/?.011
Page 2 of2
announced the acceptance of $38 million in health reform money. The Affordable Care Act includes the
creation of insurance 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 Harsdorfs 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.
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Importance:
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Mr. Nenno and Mr. Hitt,
Ross Executive Order Information:
Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI <joy.a.staab@us.army.mil>
Thursday, March 31, 2011 3:40 PM
Hitt, Andrew A- GOV; Nenno, Bob - GOV
Moore, Dorothy J - GOV
FW: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
EO 326 - Lower Flag- Pvt. Adam Novak_DRAFT.doc; DOD.pdf
High
Corporal Justin David Ross will not be laid to rest for a few more weeks, because his will be buried at Arlington National
Cemetery.
However, he will be having a memorial service here in Wisconsin on Monday,
April 4th. I have attached an example of an executive order for another
soldier who was not laid to rest on the same day as his memorial service.
The important thing to note about Cpl. Ross is that his DOD News Release was slightly incorrect.
Correction:
#1- Ross is a Corporal, not a Specialist (he was posthumously promoted)
#2- He was assigned to the 428th Engineer Company, attached to the 863rd Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wis.
With regards to the number of Executive Orders to bring to the Church for the family meeting: One mounted copy for
his parents and two un-mounted copies (one for each of his brothers).
Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
Joy Staab, Captain
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin National Guard Department of Military Affairs

Tel: 608-242-3053-
Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at:
http:/ /dma. wi.gov I
1
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http://dma.wi.gov/dma/rss/NGrss.xml
-----Original Message-----
From: Moore, Dorothy J- GOV [mailto:Dorothy.Moore@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 20113:03 PM
To: Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI
Subject: RE: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Both because one needs the flags and the other is the proclamation. Thanks.
Dorothy J. Moore
Executive Assistant to Governor Scott Walker
115 East State Capitol
Madison,
dorothy.moore@wisconsin.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI [mailto:joy.a.staab@us.army.mil]
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 3:01 PM
To: Moore, Dorothy J- GOV
Subject: RE: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Perfect. I just got off the phone with the CAO and he expressed to me that the family would prefer to meet prior to the
visitation on Monday, so that should work just fine.
Who would you like me to coordinate with for the proclamation, Bob Nenno or Andrew Hitt?
FYI, still awaiting confirmation on flight arrival time on Sunday.
Does the governor know how he would like to travel to Green Bay? Just wondering in case I need to put in a request for
a Blackhawk.
Joy Staab, Captain
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin National Guard Department of Military Affairs
Email:
Tel: 608-242-3053 _..,...
Fax:
Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at:
http:/ /dma.wi.gov/
2
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http:/ I dma.wi.gov /dma/rss/NGrss.xml
-----Original Message-----
From: Moore, Dorothy J- GOV [mailto:Dorothy.Moore@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 2:57 PM
To: Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI
Subject: RE: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Hi Joy:
The Governor would like to go on Monday from 8:30-9:00am at the church.
Dorothy J. Moore
Executive Assistant to Governor Scott Walker
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
dorothy.moore@wisconsin.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI [mailto:joy.a.staab@us.army.mil]
Sent; Wednesday, March 30, 201110:59 AM
To: Guthrie, Jacqueline A- DMA; Dunbar, Donald P Brig Gen NGWI; Anderson, Mark E- DMA; McCoy, John E- DMA;
Stopper, George E CSM NGWI; Legwold, Scott
- DMA; m.bair@charter.net; Bair, Margaret BrigGen USAF ANG WIHO/ZSEC1; Cariello, Dominic A BG NGWI;
DominicCariello@RacineFed.com; Ladue, Jon M TSgt NGWI; Krenz, Craig- DMA; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Moore,
Dorothy J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Rasmussen, Lynn- DMA (1st); NGWI JOC- DMA; Lt.
Governor; Chisholm, James CMSgt USAF ANG JFHQ-WI/CCC; Hedman, Douglas V MAJ NGWI; Bruns, Mark- DMA; Gross,
Tammy- DMA; Hitt, Andrew A- GOV; Koon, Kenneth- DMA; Erwin, David- GOV; Hutter, Shelly- GOV; McMahon, Jack-
GOV; Fitzgerald, Richard - GOV (Rick); Barron, Julio- DMA; Walters, Jason- DMA; Mills, Jamie- DMA; Olson, Larry- DMA
(1st); Sweet, Russell- DMA; Watkins, Steve- DMA; Zarm, Tara M Mrs CTR NGWI; Williams, Kori R CTR NGWI; NGWI TAG
PAO; Fuller, Patrick- LEGIS; Laura.Jones@legis.wisconsin.gov; lnabnet, Kay- LEGIS; robert.marchant@legis.state.wi.us;
Jeff.Renk@legis.state.wi.us; Mathews, Ric F- DVA; Senator Kohl (Luoma)- DMA; Ryan_Knocke@kohl.senate.gov;
rbrooks383@yahoo.com; Lundquist, Jessica- LEGIS
Subject: RE: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Ladies and gentlemen,
At this time, CPL Ross (posthumously promoted) is still at Dover, AFB.
Funeral plans are pending until he returns to Wisconsin. The Casualty Assistance Officer informed me they don't expect
to have a funeral service before the middle of next week. Funeral services will take place at First Assembly of God
Church in Green Bay.
3
I'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Joy Staab, Captain
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin National Guard Department of Military Affairs
Email: joy.a.staab@us.army.mil
Tel: 6011-ZLIZ-2105:31
Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at:
http:/ /dma.wi.gov/
Connect with us:
http://www. flickr.com/wiguard pies
http://www. facebook.com/WisconsinGuard
http:/ /www.youtube.com/WisconsinGuard
http:/ /www.Twitter.com/Wi_ Guard
http:/ /dma.wi.gov/dma/rss/NGrss.xml
-----Original Message-----
From: Guthrie, Jacqueline A LTC NGWI
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 9:03 AM
To: Dunbar, Donald P Brig Gen NGWI; Anderson, Mark E BG NGWI; McCoy, John BrigGen USAF ANG WIHQ/ZSEC1;
Stopper, George E CSM NGWI; legwold, Scott D BG NGWI; 'm.bair@charter.net'; Bair, Margaret BrigGen USAF ANG
WIHQ/ZSEC1; Cariello, Dominic A BG NGWI; 'DominicCariello@RacineFed.com'; Guthrie, Jacqueline A LTC NGWI; ladue,
Jon M TSgt NGWI; Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI; Krenz, Craig T CW4 NGWI; 'Brian.Hagedorn@wisconsin.gov';
'dorothy.moore@wisconsin.gov'; 'Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov'; 'Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov'; Rasmussen, lynn R.
Mrs NGWI; NGWI JOC; 'ltgov@ltgov.state.wi.us'; Chisholm, James CMSgt USAF ANG JFHQ-WI/CCC; Hedman, Douglas V
MAJ NGWI; Bruns, Mark W COL NGWI; Gross, Tammy ll TC NGWI; 'andrew.hitt@wisconsin.gov'; Koon, Kenneth A COL
NGWI; 'david.erwin@dot.state.wi.us'; 'Shelly.hutter@wisconsin.gov'; 'jack.mcmahon@wisconsin.gov';
'Richard.Fitzgerald@wisconsin.gov'; Barron, Julio R Col NGWI; Walters, Jason R SSG NGWI; Mills, Jamie M TSgt USAF
ANG WIHQ/ZSEC1; Olson, larry l. Mr NGWI; Sweet, Russell J LTC NGWI; Watkins, Stephen E LTC NGWI; Zarm, Tara M
Mrs CTR NGWI; Williams, Kori R CTR NGWI; NGWI TAG PAO; 'patrick.fuller@legis.wisconsin.gov';
'laura.Jones@legis.wisconsin.gov'; 'kay.lnabnet@legis.wisconsin.gov';
'robert.marchant@legis.state.wi.us'; 'Jeff.Renk@legis.state.wi.us'; 'Ric.Mathews@dva.state.wi.us';
'darcy_luoma@kohl.senate.gov'; 'Ryan_Knocke@kohl.senate.gov'; 'rbrooks383@yahoo.com'; 'lundquist, Jessica'
Subject: FW: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
I regret to inform you that Spc. Justin D. Ross, 22, of Green Bay, Wis., died March 26 in Helmand province, Afghanistan,
of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. He was assigned to the 863rd Engineer
Battalion, Wausau, Wis. He is currently en route to return to the U.S.-
funeral arrangements are pending. We will keep you updated as information becomes available.
4
Jackie Guthrie <mailto:jacqueline.guthrie@us.army.mil>
LTC, Wisconsin National Guard
Director of Public Affairs
Fax: 608.242.3051
*******
Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at:
http:/ /dma.wi.gov/ <http:/ /dma.wi.gov/>
Connect with us:
http://www. flickr.com/wiguardpics <http://www .flickr.com/wiguardpics>
http://www. facebook.com/WisconsinGuard
<http:/ /www.facebook.com/WisconsinGuard>
http:/ /www.youtube.com/WisconsinGuard <http://www. youtube.com/WisconsinG uard>
http:/ /www.Twitter.com/Wi_ Guard <http:/ /www.Twitter.com/Wi_ Guard>
http://dma.wi.gov/dma/rss/NGrss.xml <http://dma.wi.gov/dma/rss/NGrss.xml>
From: DoD News [mailto:dodnews@subscriptions.dod.mil]
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2011 7:51PM
To: Guthrie, Jacqueline A LTC NGWI
Subject: DOD Identifies Army Casualty
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
<http:/ /www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14365>
Sun, 27 Mar 201120:31:00-0500
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Mond<lv. Feb 21, 2011 5:04 AM
To: I Gilkes. Keith - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: AP for compromise 3 senators are needed
FYI - Fitzgerald says his caucus remains rock-solid, but something to keep an eye on.
MADISON, Wis.-- To end a high-stakes stalemate over union rights that has captured the nation's attention, a handful of
Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin might have to stand up to their new governor.
Gov. Scott Walker made clear Sunday he won't back off his proposal to effectively eliminate collective bargaining rights
for most public employees. Senate Democrats who fled the state last week to delay the plan vowed not to come back to
allow it to pass- even if they have to miss votes on other bills Tuesday. And union leaders said they would not let up on
protests that have consumed Wisconsin's capital city for a week and made the state the center of a national debate over
the role of public employees' unions.
That dynamic means it might take Republicans in the Legislature who believe Walker is going too far to try to break the
impasse. One idea that has been floated by GOP Sen. Dale Schultz would temporarily take away bargaining rights to get
through the state's next two-year budget, then immediately restore them.
While it's unclear whether that would be acceptable to his colleagues, Democratic Sen. Jon Erpenbach said in a phone
interview from the hotel room in Chicago where he's hiding out that Schultz was brave for making the proposal. He said
Schultz, of Richland Center, and five or six other Republican senators who have ties to organized labor are in the best
position to get both sides to negotiate a deal.
So far, there's little evidence of a move to compromise. "Won't happen, won't happen, won't happen," said Senate
Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. The Juneau Republican said he spoke with every member of his caucus over the
weekend and they remained "rock solid" in their support for Walker's plan, even if they had some internal
disagreements earlier.
Fitzgerald said Republicans could not back down now because the governor's two-year budget blueprint, to be released
in coming days, slashes spending for public schools and municipal services by $1 billion or more. Local government
leaders will need to make cuts without bargaining with employees, he said.
Walker's plan would allow unions representing most public employees to negotiate only for wage increases, not benefits
or working conditions. Any wage increase above the consumer price index would have to be approved in a referendum.
Unions would face a vote of membership every year to stay formed, and workers could opt out of paying dues.
The plan would also require many public employees to cut their take home pay by about 8 percent by contributing more
of their salaries toward their health insurance and retirement benefits. Union leader_s said their members are willing to
accept those concessions, but they will not give up their right to collectively bargain.
Mariah Clark, an emergency medical technician at the University of Wisconsin hospital and a volunteer firefighter, said
she stands to lose $250 per month with the benefits concessions. Standing on a bench holding a sign reading "EMT.
Firefighter. Not the public enemy," she said the pay cut would hurt, but that's not why she was protesting.
1
"I really believe this is about workers everywhere, not just public employees," said Clark, 29. "It's pathetic that in
Wisconsin, one of the places where the labor movement started, that this would happen."
Wisconsin was the first state to enact a comprehensive collective bargaining law in 1959. It's also the birthplace of the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the national union representing all non-federal public
employees, which was founded in 1936 in Madison.
Walker said the concessions would help close a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit through June 30, 2013, and the
changes to weaken unions would pave the way for local and state governments to operate more efficiently for years to
come.
The Republican-controlled Assembly is expected to meet Tuesday to consider the plan. With Senate Democrats in
Illinois, Fitzgerald said the Senate would meet without them to pass non-spending bills and confirm some of Walker's
appointees. While Republicans are one vote short ofthe quorum needed to take up the budget-repair bill, they need
only a simple majority of the Senate's 33 members to take up other measures.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller, speaking from "an undisclosed location in northern Illinois," said it's up to
Republicans who privately have concerns with Walker's plan to force the governor to compromise.
"I think it's important those talks begin because there's a lot of Republicans that are uncomfortable with stripping away
the rights of workers," the Monona Democrat said. "They recognize public workers are their constituents and neighbors
and want them respected. We need to find a way for those Republicans to be able to be part of a solutio
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, February 2011 10:12 AM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV;
Schutt, Eric - GOV
Subject: AP says the budget repair bill has the votes to pass the Senate.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) --The president of the Wisconsin state Senate says there are enough votes among Republicans
to pass Gov. Scott Walker's plan to end collective bargaining rights for nearly all public employees.
Senate President Mike Ellis of Neenah told The Associated Press on Tuesday that there are the 17 votes needed in the
19-member Republican caucus to pass Walker's proposal.
Ellis says senators are worried that not passing the plan would lead to thousands of layoffs.
His proposal has deeply divided the state, with thousands of union members expected to converge on the Capitol
Tuesday for the public hearing on the measure.
Ellis says he would have preferred to vote on a different version of the bill, but as it stands now Walker has the votes
to get what he wants.
http:/ /www.wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=14032888
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Wednesday, February 09, 2011 2:28 PM
Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV
AP
While Republicans control both the Senate and Assembly, changing the state's collective bargaining
law to turn health care and pensions into items the union can no longer negotiate could be political
dynamite.
Darling said whether the Legislature would be willing to undo collective bargaining rights "is the big
question."
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said last month that he hoped Walker would first
reach out to the unions before seeking law changes.
"We're not going to walk through hell and go through that if the governor doesn't offer that up," he
said.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303.
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Wednesday, February 23, 201110:55 AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
assembly caucus
High
Suder would like somebody to come up to assembly gop caucus re: the prank call.
Cindy Polzin
Legislative Liaison
Office of Governor Scott Walker
P h o n e : ~ .
Email: cindy.polzin@wisconsin.gov
www.walker.wi.gov
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tom Sugar <tsugar@completecollege.org>
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 6:04AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
CCA Launches Completion Innovation Challenge
10
J
To view this email ar web page, go here.
Completion Innovation
Challenge
Complete College America
Launches $to Million
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Starting today, Governors from all so states are invited to take up the
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1
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Complete College America is grateful for the generous support of its foundation partners: the
Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Lumina Foundation for Education.
This email was sent to: keith.gilkes@wisconsin.gov
This email was sent by: Complete College America
25 E. Pine Street Zionsville, IN 46077 UNITED STATES
We respect your right to privacy - view our policy
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Oling, Lane GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Importance:
Archer, Cynthia - DOA
Monday, February 21, 201112:07 PM
Schutt, Eric - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Gracz, Greg L- OSER; O'Donnell, Jessica L- OSER; Jensen, Jodi- DOA; O'Donnell, Jessica
L-OSER
Collective Bargaining-- fiscal impacts
High
Do NOT use the issue of calling an employee at home and getting automatic OT. This is a FLSA issue.
Paid-Time off for Union Business
In Milwaukee County alone, 14 staff gets paid time off for union business and get benefits only pay for certain union
business. Of the 14, three are on full-time release for union business. Their entire salary is paid by the taxpayers for
nothing but union business. I will have for you shortly the cost to Milwaukee County related to paid time off for union
business and the total hours lost due to this provision. We will have this for the state tomorrow when we can access
payroll. You need to know that "union business" in Milwaukee County includes any training the union feels is appropriate,
attendance at all county board standing committee meetings, board meetings and hours and hours of budget hearings.
Overtime
Attached is a spreadsheet that shows the top OT earners in the state for 2009. OT is granted based on seniority meaning
we pay overtime to the most expensive employees. Plus, the seniority based system allows employees to drive up their 3
years of highest salary (in some cases doubling their salary) and therefore significantly inflating their pension
payments. See attached. Also, if OT was allocated on a rotating basis, our OT costs would substantially decline since
OTis based on an individual's salary. Granting OTto less senior and less paid employees would generate savings.
Management rights given up over time
The right to schedule based on operational needs. Changing schedules requires notice and approval by the union.
The right for some union employees to dictate if their OT or camp time is paid out or used as camp time making it difficult
to control budgets and maintain operational needs.
Ability to reduce hours based on budget pressures or workload requirements. As seen by the difficulty in negotiating
furlough days, 35 hour work week, etc.
Restrictions to explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers.
In ability to fill positions with most qualified person. Unions positions must be posted for union transfer before open
recruitment. Filling positions is based on seniority, not on qualifications. Departments cannot transfer the most qualified
person into a vacancy.
Bumping has resulted in best employees getting laid off when down sizing- Milwaukee teacher of the year.
Inability to create, classify, set pay ranges for rep employees due to requirement that union must agree.
Inability to change schedules based on operational needs due to requirement that notice be given
Use of state resources for union business- phones, email, faxes, computers, etc.
Frivolous grievances for things such as employee discipline, misuse of state property, excessive tardiness, theft, sleeping
on the job. Wisconsin currently has a backlog of 1294 grievances not counting the ones that have not reached the
arbitration stage.
1
Administrative costs related to collective bargaining ( 15 months), administering the 1, OOOs and 1 ,OOOs of labor contract
provisions, administering all steps of grievance process.
Bargaining stacked against employer
Concept of "past practice" makes it impossible to change operations for things that are not even covered in bargaining
agreements.
Quid pro Quo - can never "zero-base" back to a plan that is even close to that for non reps because of this. Every take
requires a give.
I will get you the cost of union business on taxpayer dime for Milwaukee County later today. For the
state tomorrow. I will also get total hours.
Cynthia Archer, Deputy Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Administration
101 East Wilson Street, 1oth Floor
PO Box 7864
Madison, Wl53707
Phone: 608-266-1741
Fax: 608-267-3842
cynthia.archer@wisconsin.gov
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Keith & Dorothy,
Hitt, Andrew A - GOV
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 7:37AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Moore, Dorothy J - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K - GOV
Combat Death: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
I ve talked with Col Guthrie to determine what protocol is: on the day of the funeral, we will lower flags to half staff. The
Governor or his representative should attend the funeral.
Thanks
Andrew A. Hitt
Deputy Legal Counsel
Office of Governor Scott Walker
From: Staab, Joy A CPT NGWI [mailto:joy.a.staab@us.army.mill
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:02 PM
To: Dunbar, Donald P Brig Gen NGWI; Anderson, Peter K LTC NGWI; Stopper, George E CSM NGWI; Legwold, Scott-
DMA; Gross, Tammy - DMA; Barron, Julio - DMA; Krenz, Craig - DMA; Bair, Margaret BrigGen USAF ANG WIHQ/ZSEC1;
McCoy, John E - DMA; Wagner, Kari - DMA; Greenwood, Kevin - DMA; Cariello, Dominic A BG NGWI;
DominicCariello@RacineFed.com; Walters, Jason- DMA; Mills, Jamie- DMA; Olson, Larry- DMA (1st); Paulson, Jeffrey-
DMA; Sweet, Russell- DMA; Watkins, Steve- DMA; Anderson, Peter K LTC NGWI; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Moore,
Dorothy J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; NGWI JOC- DMA; Lt. Governor; Chisholm, James
CMSgt USAF ANG JFHQ-WI/CCC; John.Hiller@wisconsin.gov; Hitt, Andrew A- GOV; Erwin, David - GOV; Hutter, Shelly -
GOV; McMahon, Jack- GOV; Fitzgerald, Richard - GOV (Rick); Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
Subject: DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I regret to inform you that as released by DoD (below) Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo, 24, of Waukesha, Wis.,
died Feb. 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using
an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck,
Germany.
Funeral arrangements are pending, but expected to take place in Waukesha. I will send out additional updates
as more details become available.
Joy Staab, Captain
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin National Guard Department of Military Affairs
Email: joy.a.staab@us.army.mil
Tel: 608-242-3053 (DSN 724-3053)
Fax:
Cell:
Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov/
1
Connect with us:
http://www.flickr.com/wiquardpics
http://www.facebook.com/WisconsinGuard
http://www.youtube.com/WisconsinGuard
http://www.Twitter.com/Wi Guard
http://dma.wi.gov/dmalrss/NGrss.xml
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
Tue, 22 Feb 201116:42:00-0600
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
No.147-11
February 22, 2011
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo, 24, of Waukesha, Wis., died Feb. 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when
insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment,
Vilseck, Germany.
For more information media may contact U.S. Army Europe public affairs at 011-49 6221-57-5816 or email,
ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil.
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/
Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/guestions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You
will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail
support@govdelivery.com.
GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense 408 St. Peter Street Suite 600 St. Paul, MN 55102 1-800-439-1420
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: FOUO
2
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Ryan,
Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Wednesday, February 16, 201110:55 AM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Hogan, Pat- GOV
Corrections Overtime Information
I am getting the exact numbers em ailed shortly, but Corrections just called me and if last
years overtime numbers held steady and we were out from under the collective bargaining
contracts, which allow for sick leave/overtime stacking, the state would have saved $5 to $6
million out of a $28 million overtime total.
That is 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.
I'll forward you more when I get it. Just thought it would be good information for those
wavering on collective bargaining and why it must change.
Waylon Hurlburt
Senior Policy Advisor
The Office of Governor Scott Walker
State of iisconsin
(608)266-9709
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sunday, February 20, 201112:01 PM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Cost of collective bargaining
Ryan- can you send over the facts you have on how collective bargaining costs the state?
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Everyone-
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Thursday, March 03, 201111:03 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Capitol Access Tomorrow
Starting tomorrow, there will be a new policy on public access to the Capitol Building. You should continue to access the
building through the staff entrance at the MLK Street entrance.
The public will be accessing the North and South Hamilton Entrances (North and South Wings of the Capitol).
I ask that you maintain a respectful demeanor as we have protestors in the building and respect the cleaning crew who
will be working over the next several days in the building.
Also - I want to alert everyone that we should be touching any signs that are hanging anywhere. The people that manage
the building are concerned about properly removing the tape that is attached to walls. Let the professionals do it as well
as not inflaming issues with demonstrators.
Thanks.
KG
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kloiber, Bill - DOA
Friday, February 25, 201110:59 AM
Henry, Madeline- GOV
Constiuent Services Report (3)
P.O. Box 7863
MADISON, WI 53707
EXECUTIVE OFFICE-INTERNAL REPORT

--- ,
L:Slll!::\!g> () __ l\'li\gi<!'_'J'(().R, __ . .. .... __ .... ..
Calls from across the country in support of the Governor
I
I .
______ ... ------==--- -J'
I 2/28 Voicemail requesting "emergency Legal Representation" from a Milwaukee
i constituent. Forwarded constituent contact information to Madeline Henry in the Captl. Ofc.
!
'
I
i .

I OPINION MAIL
No opinion mail
1
No proclamations


2/22 Attended wkly RGA and NGA mtgs.
2/23 Met with Sen. Johnson's LD
2/23 Attended informative lunch hosted by RGA and DGA Exec, Dir., "No Child Should
Grow Up Hungry" sent info. folder to Kimber Lied!
2/24 Carol McCoshen, EA-WHEDA inquired about a pending announcement ofNew Market
Tax Credit, contacted Sen. Johnson's LD and he provided email ofthe WI grantees. Shared
the info. with Ms. McCoshen. Three Milwaukee programs received grants .
2/24 Contacted by Gov. Kasich's ofc. regarding Collective Bargaining Methodology. Put
them in touch with appropriate contact at DOA.
2/24 Congressman Petri's cos contacted the ofc. and requested on his behalf adjustments in
Budget Bill mentioned by the Gov. in the "Fireside Chat" Provided her with the appropriate
information.
'
2/25 Kim Johnson, Homeland Security-Midwest Director for IGA m a ~ e an office visit.


2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Governor Scott Walker
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, March 09, 201111:21 AM
Henry, Madeline - GOV
Subject: FW: "Party of Christian Values?"
c/'ta.deli.n.e cfien.W.
Constituent Services
Assistant -Director
Office of the Governor
State of Wisconsin
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707
(6o8) z66-mz
(6o8) z66-791>
From: Nick Schumacher
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 4:08 PM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: "Party of Christian Values?"
Archbishop Lisiecki and other church leaders don't seem to agree with you on your desire to eliminate collective
bargaining rights and bust unions.
Are you really the "Party of Christian Values?" Sounds like you are leading your party down an "immoral" path.
http://www. json line. com/news/milwaukee/116450358. html
1
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rJladeli.n.e rften.'W
Constituent Services
Assistant Director
Office of the Governor
State of Wisconsin
II5 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702.
(6o8) z66-I>.I>.
( 6o8) z66-7912.
Governor Scott Walker
Friday, April 29, 2011 3:53 PM
Colvin, Alan R - GOV
FW:
From: Bill and Andrea Spears i
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 9:00 PM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject:
What I saw at out State Capitol today made me weep-it reminded me of the Hitler's Gestapo-police beating up
state Reps ; denying Dave Obey into Capitol-A servant for you aren't worth one of his public hairs-
You are the swill of the earth-you will be lucky to make your term alive-people are very angry-
Don't you realize the other governors Oh Mi NJ put you out as fodder - now they are running from you like the
plague and your political career is over NJ Christey said he support collective bargaining -your buddy Koch got
away fiom you like stink off dog shit-you buddies are jumping ship like rates
What you did in Milwaukee is indescribable-bringing in goons to replace state security personnel you are jewel-
stupid
See you ass hole you are done
Bill Spears
1
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Henry, Madeline - GOV
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 3:03 PM
'earl.reiner@housing.wisc.edu'
Subject: FW: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
Dear Mr. Reiner:
This should help you in many ways.
d'lade[l.n.e cften.t:g.
Constituent Services
Assistant Director
Office of the Governor
State of Wisconsin
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 5370:1.
( 6o8) :1.66-11.11.
( 6o8) :1.66-791:1.
From: Colvin, Alan R- GOV
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 2:59 PM
To: Henry, Madeline - GOV
Subject: FW: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
Alan Colvin
Constituent Services Director
Office of the Governor
608-266-1212
a/an.colvin@wisconsin.gov
From: Governor Scott Walker
Sent: Friday, February 11, 201110:41 AM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
GOVERNORSCOTTVVALKER
STATE OF VVISCONSIN
Thank you for your service to your state and your fellow citizens. I know that you have worked hard during this
economic downtum to ensure that our citizens continue to receive great service, despite our state having fewer
and fewer resources. I, like all Wisconsinites, am grateful for your professionalism and commitment to public
service.
Like almost every state across the nation, our state faces some very serious and undeniable financial
challenges. Over the last three months, I have worked diligently to review the status of our state finances and to
put forward a plan that balances our budget now and will create stability in future budgets.
1
Many of you are aware of the innnediate challenges facing our state. In the current fiscal year which ends on
June 30,2011, we face a budget deficit of$136.7 million. We also owe more than $200 million to the Injured
Patients and Families Compensation Fund. Failure to innnediately address this shortfall could result in the state
being unable to pay for health services to thousands of children and families in Wisconsin's BadgerCare
program.
Looking to the future, our challenges are even greater. Over the next two years, the State of Wisconsin faces a
biennial budget deficit of$3.6 billion.
While some of these financial challenges may be attributed to the slowing of our economy, the reality is that
these problems were exacerbated by poor budgeting decisions approved and promoted by past elected leaders,
Republicans and Democrats alike. By relying on the use of one-time money, segregated fund raids, and
increases in taxes and fees, past leaders have focused on short term solutions without looking toward the future.
While these decisions may have appeared to be the easiest solution, or the path ofleast resistance, the bills for
these decisions have come due and the path to long term financial solvency for our state requires shared
sacrifices from everyone.
Today, I am introducing a Budget Repair Bill to address our current fiscal year deficit of $136.7 million: Later
this month, I will introduce my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal to address the pending $3.6 billion deficit.
The Budget Repair Bill will include a number of reform measures focused on bringing government employee
benefits closer to the private sector, including:
Pension Contributions- Currently, state, school district and municipal employees who are members of the
Wisconsin Retirement System contribute very little toward their pensions. The bill requires that WRS
employees, including myself and my cabinet officers, as well as employees of the City and County of
Milwaukee, contribute 50 percent of their monthly pension contributions. This amount is estimated to be
5.8 percent of salary for 2011, which is about the national average for private sector employees.
Health Insurance Contributions- Currently, state employees pay approximately 6 percent of annual health
insurance premiums. This bill requires that state employees, again including myself and my cabinet officers,
pay at least 12 percent of monthly premiums, which is still less than half of what the private sector pays. In
addition, the bill directs the Group Insurance Board to implement changes to health insurance plan designs
to further reduce premiums by 5 percent and will implement health risk assessments for all state employees
beginning on January 1, 2012. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health
insurance program operated by the state will be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest
cost plan.
Collective Bargaining - Given the above changes, the bill also makes various changes to limit collective
bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases carmot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless
approved by a referendum. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new
contract is settled. Collective bargaining units will have to take armual votes to maintain certification as a
union. Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units
will not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. Local
police and fire employees and State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are exempted from these changes.
2
Collectively, these changes will result in savings of approximately $30 million in the remaining few months of
the current fiscal year.
In the days ahead, some may attempt to misrepresent these reform measures, spreading inaccurate or misleading
information. To ensure that you know the facts, I would like to proactively address these issues.
Furloughs - Over the last several years, state employees have been required to take furloughs resulting in an
across the board pay cut of approximately 3 percent. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial
Budget proposal will not include additional furlough days for state employees.
Layoffs- Without the pension and health care reforms described above, saving $30 million over the last three
months of the current fiscal year would require laying-off more than 1,500 state government employees. By
implementing these reforms, the provisions contained in both my Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial
Budget proposal are focused on avoiding layoffs for state employees.
Wisconsin's Civil Service System-The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal will
not include any provisions to alter or modify the main tenets of Wisconsin's Civil Service System, one of the
strongest in the nation. The grievance and dispute resolution systems currently in place, as well as all employee
protections, will remain.
Vacation and Sick Leave Policy- Recent news stories have suggested that I am considering altering the state's
vacation or sick leave policy. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial Budget proposal will not
include any provisions to alter or modify state employees' vacation or sick leave policy. In addition, benefits
currently accrued by any state employees will not be altered in any way.
Last week in my State of the State Address, I shared my belief that government employees are among some of
the most honest, hard working, dedicated, professional workers in this state. I sincerely believe that.
We all recognize that these are historic times that require us to rethink how government operates. I ask that we
continue to work together to do what is necessary to bring the state's spending in line with our taxpayers' ability
to pay.
Wisconsin's state employees are second to none in our nation. Our citizens expect great service, and you have
delivered. I know you will continue to deliver top-notch programs for Wisconsin's taxpayers. Thank you again
for your service to our state.
Sincerely,
Governor Scott Walker
3
Cling, Lane - GOV
From: Henry, Madeline - GOV
Sent:
To:
enr11arv 11, 201111:09 AM
....
Subject: FW: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
Here is the email that outlines all the changes. I have not had time to read it, but generally know what it's all about.
Lid ian is sick so they can't join us tonight. We can stay home if we want. .. no problem.
I'll call over lunch.
xom
From: Governor Scott Walker
Sent: Friday, February 11, 201110:41 AM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
GOVERNORSCOTTVVALKER
STATE OF VVISCONSIN
Thank you for your service to your state and your fellow citizens. I know that you have worked hard during this
economic downturn to ensure that our citizens continue to receive great service, despite our state having fewer
and fewer resources. I, like all Wisconsinites, am grateful for your professionalism and commitment to public
service.
Like almost every state across the nation, our state faces some very serious and undeniable financial
challenges. Over the last three months, I have worked diligently to review the status of our state finances and to
put forward a plan that balances our budget now and will create stability in future budgets.
Many of you are aware of the immediate challenges facing our state. In the current fiscal year which ends on
June 30,2011, we face a budget deficit of$136.7 million. We also owe more than $200 million to the Injured
Patients and Families Compensation Fund. Failure to immediately address this shortfall could result in the state
being unable to pay for health services to thousands of children and families in Wisconsin's BadgerCare
program.
Looking to the future, our challenges are even greater. Over the next two years, the State of Wisconsin faces a
biennial budget deficit of $3.6 billion.
While some of these financial challenges may be attributed to the slowing of our economy, the reality is that
these problems were exacerbated by poor budgeting decisions approved and promoted by past elected leaders,
Republicans and Democrats alike. By relying on the use of one-time money, segregated fund raids, and
increases in taxes and fees, past leaders have focused on short term solutions without looking toward the future.
While these decisions may have appeared to be the easiest solution, or the path of least resistance, the bills for
these decisions have come due and the path to long term financial solvency for our state requires shared
sacrifices from everyone.
1
Today, I am introducing a Budget Repair Bill to address our current fiscal year deficit of$136.7 million. Later
this month, I will introduce my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal to address the pending $3.6 billion deficit.
The Budget Repair Bill will include a number of reform measures focused on bringing govermnent employee
benefits closer to the private sector, including:
Pension Contributions- Currently, state, school district and municipal employees who are members ofthe
Wisconsin Retirement System contribute very little toward their pensions. The bill requires that WRS
employees, including myself and my cabinet officers, as well as employees of the City and County of
Milwaukee, contribute 50 percent of their monthly pension contributions. This amount is estimated to be
5.8 percent of salary for 2011, which is about the national average for private sector employees.
Health Insurance Contributions- Currently, state employees pay approximately 6 percent of annual health
insurance premiums. This bill requires that state employees, again including myself and my cabinet officers,
pay at least 12 percent of monthly premiums, which is still less than half of what the private sector pays. In
addition, the bill directs the Group Insurance Board to implement changes to health insurance plan designs
to further reduce premiums by 5 percent and will implement health risk assessments for all state employees
beginning on January 1, 2012. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health
insurance program operated by the state will be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest
cost plan.
Collective Bargaining- Given the above changes, the bill also makes various changes to limit collective
bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless
approved by a referendum. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new
contract is settled. Collective bargaining units will have to take annual votes to maintain certification as a
union. Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units
will not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. Local
police and fire employees and State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are exempted from these changes.
Collectively, these changes will result in savings of approximately $30 million in the remaining few months of
the current fiscal year.
In the days ahead, some may attempt to misrepresent these reform measures, spreading inaccurate or misleading
information. To ensure that you know the facts, I would like to proactively address these issues.
Furloughs - Over the last several years, state employees have been required to take furloughs resulting in an
across the board pay cut of approximately 3 percent. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial
Budget proposal will not include additional furlough days for state employees.
Layoffs- Without the pension and health care reforms described above, saving $30 million over the last three
months of the current fiscal year would require laying-off more than 1,500 state govermnent employees. By
implementing these reforms, the provisions contained in both my Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial
Budget proposal are focused on avoiding layoffs for state employees.
Wisconsin's Civil Service System-The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal will
not include any provisions to alter or modify the main tenets of Wisconsin's Civil Service System, one of the
strongest in the nation. The grievance and dispute resolution systems currently in place, as well as all employee
protections, will remain.
2
Vacation and Sick Leave Policy - Recent news stories have suggested that I am considering altering the state's
vacation or sick leave policy. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial Budget proposal will not
include any provisions to alter or modify state employees' vacation or sick leave policy. In addition, benefits
currently accrued by any state employees will not be altered in any way.
Last week in my State of the State Address, I shared my belief that government employees are among some of
the most honest, hard working, dedicated, professional workers in this state. I sincerely believe that.
We all recognize that these are historic times that require us to rethink how government operates. I ask that we
continue to work together to do what is necessary to bring the state's spending in line with our taxpayers' ability
to pay.
Wisconsin's state employees are second to none in our nation. Our citizens expect great service, and you have
delivered. I know you will continue to deliver top-notch programs for Wisconsin's taxpayers. Thank you again
for your service to our state.
Sincerely,
Governor Scott Walker
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Alan Colvin
Constituent Services Director
Office of the Governor
608-266-1212
alan.colvin@wisconsin.gov
From: Governor Scott Walker
Colvin, Alan R - GOV
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 2:59 PM
Henry, Madeline- GOV
FW: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 10:41 AM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
GOVERNORSCOTTVVALKER
STATE OF VVISCONSIN
Thank you for your service to your state and your fellow citizens. I know that you have worked hard during this
economic downturn to ensure that our citizens continue to receive great service, despite our state having fewer
and fewer resources. I, like all Wisconsinites, am grateful for your professionalism and commitment to public
service.
Like almost every state across the nation, our state faces some very serious and undeniable financial
challenges. Over the last three months, I have worked diligently to review the status of our state finances and to
put forward a plan that balances our budget now and will create stability in future budgets.
Many of you are aware of the immediate challenges facing our state. In the current fiscal year which ends on
June 30,2011, we face a budget deficit of$136.7 million. We also owe more than $200 million to the Injured
Patients and Families Compensation Fund. Failure to immediately address this shortfall could result in the state
being unable to pay for health services to thousands of children and families in Wisconsin's BadgerCare
program.
Looking to the future, our challenges are even greater. Over the next two years, the State of Wisconsin faces a
biennial budget deficit of$3.6 billion.
While some of these financial challenges may be attributed to the slowing of our economy, the reality is that
these problems were exacerbated by poor budgeting decisions approved and promoted by past elected leaders,
Republicans and Democrats alike. By relying on the use of one-time money, segregated fund raids, and
increases in taxes and fees, past leaders have focused on short term solutions without looking toward the future.
While these decisions may have appeared to be the easiest solution, or the path of least resistance, the bills for
these decisions have come due and the path to long term financial solvency for our state requires shared
sacrifices from everyone.
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Today, I am introducing a Budget Repair Bill to address our current fiscal year deficit of$136.7 million. Later
this month, I will introduce my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal to address the pending $3.6 billion deficit.
The Budget Repair Bill will include a number of reform measures focused on bringing government employee
benefits closer to the private sector, including:
Pension Contributions- Currently, state, school district and municipal employees who are members of the
Wisconsin Retirement System contribute very little toward their pensions. The bill requires that WRS
employees, including myself and my cabinet officers, as well as employees of the City and County of
Milwaukee, contribute 50 percent of their monthly pension contributions. This amount is estimated to be
5.8 percent of salary for 2011, which is about the national average for private sector employees.
Health Insurance Contributions- Currently, state employees pay approximately 6 percent of annual health
insurance premiums. This bill requires that state employees, again including myself and my cabinet officers,
pay at least 12 percent of monthly premiums, which is still less than half of what the private sector pays. In
addition, the bill directs the Group Insurance Board to implement changes to health insurance plan designs
to further reduce premiums by 5 percent and will implement health risk assessments for all state employees
beginning on January 1, 2012. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health
insurance program operated by the state will be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest
cost plan.
Collective Bargaining- Given the above changes, the bill also makes various changes to limit collective
bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless
approved by a referendum. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new
contract is settled. Collective bargaining units will have to take annual votes to maintain certification as a
union. Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units
will not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. Local
police and fire employees and State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are exempted from these changes.
Collectively, these changes will result in savings of approximately $30 million in the remaining few months of
the current fiscal year.
In the days ahead, some may attempt to misrepresent these reform measures, spreading inaccurate or misleading
information. To ensure that you know the facts, I would like to proactively address these issues.
Furloughs - Over the last several years, state employees have been required to take furloughs resulting in an
across the board pay cut of approximately 3 percent. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial
Budget proposal will not include additional furlough days for state employees.
Layoffs- Without the pension and health care reforms described above, saving $30 million over the last three
months ofthe current fiscal year would require laying-off more than 1,500 state government employees. By
implementing these reforms, the provisions contained in both my Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial
Budget proposal are focused on avoiding layoffs for state employees.
Wisconsin's Civil Service System-The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal will
not include any provisions to alter or modify the main tenets of Wisconsin's Civil Service System, one of the
strongest in the nation. The grievance and dispute resolution systems currently in place, as well as all employee
protections, will remain.
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Vacation and Sick Leave Policy- Recent news stories have suggested that I am considering altering the state's
vacation or sick leave policy. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial Budget proposal will not
include any provisions to alter or modify state employees' vacation or sick leave policy. In addition, benefits
currently accrued by any state employees will not be altered in any way.
Last week in my State of the State Address, I shared my belief that government employees are among some of
the most honest, hard working, dedicated, professional workers in this state. I sincerely believe that.
We all recognize that these are historic times that require us to rethink how government operates. I ask that we
continue to work together to do what is necessary to bring the state's spending in line with our taxpayers' ability
to pay.
Wisconsin's state employees are second to none in our nation. Our citizens expect great service, and you have
delivered. I know you will continue to deliver top-notch programs for Wisconsin's taxpayers. Thank you again
for your service to our state.
Sincerely,
Governor Scott Walker
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