Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

A Rainy Day Fund that Can’t be Used even when its Pouring?! (AJR 21)

Legislators have proposed amending the Wisconsin Constitution to include a “rainy day” or fiscal responsibility fund.  On its surface this appears to be an okay idea.  However, the bad news and trickery lies deep within the details of this proposal. 

Republicans are taking advantage of their super majority to push extreme measures onto Wisconsin.  This proposal would amend the state Constitution which is a serious and drastic step, rarely taken.  AJR 21 will create a rainy day fund that can’t be even be used when it’s pouring – and it’s real intention is to divert even MORE money away from vital public programs, education and services.

The rainy day fund would force the state to set aside millions of dollars each year into a separate fund that could only be used when strict provisions are met.  In a time when Gov. Walker is calling our state “broke” – why are we proposing an amendment that locks away significant sums of money that will be difficult to use?

The fund is so hard to use that even in our current economic climate the state would be required to put aside $61 million in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.  This number jumps to $124 million over the next two years.

Legislation like AJR 21 may sound helpful, but the devil is in the details.  If a so-called rainy day fund is almost impossible to use, it really becomes a way to drain needed revenue away from vital public programs, education and services.  This type of legislation is part of a larger right wing strategy to starve government.

Click here to e-mail your Representatives in opposition to this proposal.  The Assembly is voting on AJR 21 today and the Senate will soon take the measure up.  Let your Representatives know that this amendment is wrong for Wisconsin. 

Over 2,000 University Employees sign petition in support of WI workers

Just as Gov. Scott Walker travels to Capitol Hill to defend his overreaching budget, more than 2,000 university faculty and staff stand up for Wisconsin workers by signing a petition in support of collective bargaining.

Petition signers represent faculty at public and private universities and colleges across the U.S.  The letter shows overwhelming support for the University of Wisconsin faculty, students and workers in the academic community at large. Despite concerted attempts by conservative organizations and their corporate backers to silence academics’ criticism of Gov. Walker’s extreme agenda, the letter shows strong support for collective bargaining by university faculty and staff nationwide.
 

To view the letter click here.

“Bargaining rights for workers are an essential element of a fair economic system in a democracy,” commented Charles MacArthur, Professor of Education from the University of Delaware.

 

Raka Ray, Chair of India Studies and Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, feels a “deep sense of solidarity with this social movement that has coalesced around an unacceptable attack on the working people of Wisconsin.”

Robert McChesney, Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, states: “The lesson I have learned over the years is clear: the more academics and scholars feel pressure to be quiet, to not take chances, to go with the flow, the greater is the need for them to speak out publicly and truthfully in defense of social justice.”

The petition, signed by faculty from a broad range of disciplines over a short period of time, is just one of many acts of solidarity for UW-Madison colleagues, students and staff.

Upcoming Events around Wisconsin

To get involved with recall campaigns around the state click here.  To sign the petition to Stand with Wisconsin workers click here.

 

Thursday, April 14th

Juneau: 5:00pm-7:00pm, Listening Session hosted by Sen Fitzgerald, Dodge County Administration Building, Auditorium, 127 E Oak St.

Milwaukee: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Dept of Health Services Medicaid Town Hall, Milwaukee County Zoo, Zoofari Conference Center, 9715 W Bluemound Rd

 

Friday April 15th

Baraboo: 1:00pm-7:00pm, Dem Budget Hearing, UW Baraboo, Gymnasium, 1006 Connie Rd

Fund du Lac: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m, Jessica King Meet and Greet, Schmitty's Oar House, N7044 Winnebago Drive

Wisconsin Dells: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Rally, Bowman Park

 

Saturday April 16th

Green Bay: 10:00am – 4:00pm Budget Hearing, Brown County Central Library, Lower Level Theater, 515 Pine St

Manitowoc: 8:00am – 12:00pm, Budget Listening Session, UW Manitowoc Auditorium, 705 Viebahn St

Rhinelander: 10:00am-1:00pm, Budget Hearing, Nicolet Tech College, Learning Resources Building Auditorium, 5364 College Dr

Rice Lake: 5:00pm, Protest Gov Walker (and Rep Sean Duffy, Rep Roger Rivard, Sen Terry Moulton and Dane Deutsch) at the Lincoln Day Dinner, Rice Lake Elks Club, 30 E. Eau Claire St. 

Saukville: 12:00 pm, Rally -Supporting Labor Over Billionaires (SLOBs), Grady Park, Hwy 33 at Park Avenue, Speakers Include: , State Senator Chris Larson of the Wisconsin 14; Retired TV journalist Gus Gnorski; WI AFL-CIO Secy.-Treas. Stephanie Bloomingdale; Emerge Wisconsin Exec. Dir. Wendy Strout; Democratic Candidate for the 60th Assembly Rick Aaron; Local Teacher and Activist Tanya Lohr

 

Sunday,April 17th

Montello: 11:00am-1:00pm, Rally, Memorial Park

Wautoma:  2:00pm-4:00pm, Rally, WW2 Memorial

 

Monday April 18th

New London: 5:00pm-6:45pm, Rally, In front of VFW

Rhinelander: 1:00 pm-7:00 pm, Budget Hearing, Nicolet Tech College, Health Sciences Building Rm 1004, 1000 W Campus Dr

Waupaca: 3:00pm-4:00pm, Rally, Corner of S Main & W Fulton

Wausau: 1:00pm-7:00pm , Dem Budget Hearing, NorthCentral Tech College, Health Sciences Building Rm 1004, 1000 W Campus Dr,

Weyauwega: 4:15pm-5:15pm, Rally, Corner of Pine and E Main Street

 

Tuesday April 19th

Green Lake: 4:15pm-5.15pm, Rally, Courthouse (Downtown)

Princeton: 3:00pm-4:00pm, Rally, between High School & Kwik Trip

Ripon: 5.40pm-6pm, Rally, Across from City Building (100 Jackson Street)

 

Wednesday, April 20th

Janesville: 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Budget Hearing, Blackhawk Tech, North Commons, 6004 S CTY RD G

 

Monday April 25th

Appleton: 1:00pm – 7:00pm, Budget Hearing, Appleton Library, Mtg Rm ABC, 225 N Oneida St

 

Thursday April 28th

Sheboygan: 6:00 pm, Gov Walker at Republican Environmental Celebration, Fundraiser and Film premiere, Tommy Thompson, Terry and Mary Kohler in attendance, Aviation Heritage Center of Wi, N6191 Resource Dr, Sheboygan Falls Wi 53085

 

To get involved with recall campaigns around the state click here. To sign up to volunteer to protect the integrity of Supreme Court race results click here.

Hundreds rally against budget in West Allis

Today the Joint Finance Committee held a public hearing on the proposed budget at State Fair Park in West Allis.  The hearing was the only opportunity for those in Southern Wisconsin to express their concerns over the extreme budget proposals. 

Unfortunately, the hearing was scheduled during regular working hours when the majority of working people could not attend.  In order to correct this wrong and ensure that as many Wisconsinites had a chance to express their opinion as possible, there was a drop-off point for testimony at the Petit Ice Center.   From 6:00 am to 6:00 pm concerned citizens could drive through and leave their input on the budget.  Those who could not wait in line for most of the day were photographed.  At around 4:00 pm their pictures were taped to chairs inside the Expo center. 

At 4:30 there was rally by several hundred opponents of Walker’s budget.  Local students stood together in cap and gowns to tell elected officials not to balance the budget at the expense of the next generation.  Walker’s budget calls for the largest cuts to public education and public services in Wisconsin history and would have devastating effects on our communities. 

Over 270 people signed up to give testimony.  With two minutes allotted for each individual not everyone who attended the rally was provided an opportunity to speak.  At around noon registration to speak was cut off.  Many are wondering why the hearing was not extended to allow for all to participate in their democracy. 

UPDATE:  The rally has moved inside the Expo center.  The hearing is suppose to end at 6:00 pm but the room as been reserved until midnight.  Will the JFC board extend the hours to listen to the people?

UPDATE:  GOP Rep. Robin Voss and Alberta Darling shut down the hearing at 6:30 pm -- silencing hundreds of their constituents who wanted to take part in their democracy.  Despite outstanding testimony these elected officials refused to listen to their constituents.  To hold your elected officals accountable, plug into recall campaigns here.

For recap of the hearing and live blogging from the Expo Center visit wispolitics budget blog.

 

For photos of today's hearing actions click here.

 

For video of the rally click here.

Fired up in New Berlin!

Hundreds rallied outside the New Berlin City Hall building in Waukesha County on Saturday.  The rally was the largest demonstration of its kind in New Berlin history.  Union members, community members, grandparents, children – all ages came out to support worker rights and to call for open and honest elections.

Many had gathered to collect recall signatures for Mary Lazich.  Her constituents are concerned that Lazich is not listening to the people and is instead aligning herself with Walker’s extreme agenda.  Citizens of New Berlin were energized to head to the streets and reclaim their democracy.

Ralliers also expressed confusion over the recent turn of events in the Supreme Court election.  The voters of Wisconsin deserve an investigation and a detailed explanation as to how these votes could suddenly appear – 30 hours after they were cast. 

“Gov. Walker has put up a wall and divided Wisconsinites.  That is not what he was elected to do.  He didn’t campaign on attacking worker rights and the middle class,”  said Sen. Tim Carpenter, one of the ‘Fabulous 14,’ who stood up for the people so that the public could process the anti-union bill. 

Sandy Jacobs, an occupational therapist at Milwaukee Mental Health Complex and member of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals has worked for 25 years as a health professional – both with and without a union. 

“I am here because having a union – having a voice on the job – is crucial to patient care.  Attacking workers rights is not what I value as a Wisconsinite.  We need our representatives to listen to the people,” said Jacobs.  “I am here to hold my elected officials accountable.”

Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO also spoke to the crowd. 

“We are fired up in Wisconsin, we are fired up in New Berlin and we are fired up in Waukesha,” exclaimed Bloomingdale.  “This is the last stand for the middle class and to reclaim what it means to be an American.  In Wisconsin, we believe in democracy and we demand to know what happened in Waukesha.  The voters were shocked when all of a sudden there were 7,500 votes for Prosser.  We believe in open and honest government and we won't rest until we get that."

The people of Wisconsin deserve an immediate, impartial investigation into what happened in Waukesha County. The story of Kathy Nickolaus -- a former employee of Prosser, hired to work for the GOP Assembly Caucus by him -- simply doesn't add up.

 

Multiple accounts suggest her "computer error" is not techincally possible with the program she was using.  She allegedly "discovered" her "error" more than 30 hours before she told the public at a press conference two days after the election.  However, somehow the right-wing media was leaked the information before the voters of Wisconsin were told.
 
Even worse, Prosser and Walker continue their attempts to divide Wisconsin in this process.  Gov. Walker pinned "two Wisconsins" -- Milwaukee and Madison  against the rest of the state.  Prosser's aides are now calling for a recount in only Waukesha County, the GOP stronghold.  Why are our elected officials pitting region against region?  We are all one Wisconsin and we demand an investigation and explanation so that we can have confidence in our election system. 

For video of the rally check on CBS 58’s coverage.

For photos from the rally click here.

To get involved in recall efforts click here. 

Community opposition grows as budget hearings are held around the state

As budget hearings move across Wisconsin, communities throughout the state are united and mobilizing in opposition to the drastic cuts proposed by Scott Walker that are out of step with our values.   The 2011-2013 budget calls for the most extreme cuts to public education and public services ever proposed in Wisconsin history. 

Scott Walker's extreme agenda represents a fundamental threat to the quality of life valued by the people of Wisconsin and is the opposite of shared sacrifice -- balancing the budget by increasing taxes on low-income families while expanding tax giveaways to Walker's wealthy corporate backers. 

The more we learn about this budget, the worse it will be for Walker's rapidly-sinking ship and Republicans that have blindly followed him instead of listening to their constituents. 

Here is a wrap-up of some of the media coverage:

Wausau Daily Herald, Quotes from the Budget Hearing

 

 Wausau Daily Herald, Concerns over cuts dominate first hearing on Gov Scott Walker's plan

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Citizens ask legislators not to reduce budget

 

The Northwestern, Wisconsin residents continue to raise concerns over Gov Scott Walker's budget proposal

 

Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee will consider budget ideas, but plan to listen to 'silent majority'

 

Wausau Daily Herald, Joint Finance committee hearing participants have their say but wonder if committee members listened

 

Wispolitics Blog, All negative, all the time for budget proposal

Pictures from Wausau Daily Herald

Rally to Protect Wisconsin Elections

JoAnne Kloppenburg will make a public appearance with Jesse Jackson today at 1:15 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd St. in Milwaukee.  If you would like to show your support please attend.  They will be discussing Tuesday's "dynamics" and what's next.

When:  1:30 PM, today, Friday April 8th

Where: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd St. in Milwaukee

There will also be a rallies today in Waukesha and Madison for open and honest elections.  The recent turn of events in the Supreme Court race has not been transparent or properly explained to the voters of Wisconsin.  The people of Wisconsin deserve a thorough investigation into what happened and a detailed explanation as to how these “errors” could occur.

Waukesha

When:  4:00 PM today, Friday April 8^th

Where: Waukesha County Clerk’s Office, 515 W. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha

Madison

When:  4:30 PM, today, Friday April 8th

Where:  State St. Side of the Capitol, Madison

To volunteer to help monitor recount efforts click here.  Follow up information will be sent to you in the coming days.

Take Action!

To get involved with recall campaigns around the state click here.  To sign up to volunteer to protect the integrity of Supreme Court race results click here.

 

Thursday April 7th
 

Lake Mills: 4:30pm -7:30pm, Scott Fitzgerald information forum, Lake Mills City Hall, Council Chambers, 200 Water St
 

Steven’s Point: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearing, Quandt Field House, 2050 Fourth Street
 

 

Friday April 8th
 

Superior: 8:10am – 5:00pm, Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearing, 2701 Catlin Avenue
 

 

Saturday April 9th
 

Eau Claire: Saturday, April 9:10am - 4pm, Budget Hearing, Chippewa Valley Tech, Business Education Center, Rm E1018, 620 Clairemont Ave
 

Milwaukee: 11:00 am, Rally for Workers Rights, New Berlin City Hall, 3805 Casper Dr, Speakers Sen. Tim Carpenter, Stephanie Bloomingdale,Secretary-Treasurer Wisconsin  AFL- CIO, former workers who worked for Walker
 

Oshkosh: 10:30am - 4:30pm, Budget Hearing, UW-Oshkosh, Reeve Memorial Union Rm 202, 748 Algoma Blvd
 

Plymouth: 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Budget Listening Session, Plymouth High Auditorium, 125 Highland Ave
 

Sheboygan: 1:00 pm, Budget Listening Session, Blue Harbor Resort Conference Center - Salon A, 725 Blue Harbor Dr Sheboygan

 

Sunday April 10th

Green Bay: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Save Dave Rally, 1061 W. Mason Street

 

Monday April 11th

Milwaukee:  10:00am-6:00pm, JFC Budget Public Hearing, Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis

Milwaukee: 4:30 pm, Rally against Walker’s Budget, outside State Fair Park Expo Center

 

Friday April 15th

Baraboo: 1:00pm-7:00pm, Dem Budget Hearing, UW Baraboo, Gymnasium, 1006 Connie Rd

 

Saturday April 16th

Green Bay: 10:00am – 4:00pm Budget Hearing, Brown County Central Library, Lower Level Theater, 515 Pine St

Manitowoc: 8:00am – 12:00pm, Budget Listening Session, UW Manitowoc Auditorium, 705 Viebahn St

Rhinelander: 10:00am-1:00pm, Budget Hearing, Nicolet Tech College, Learning Resources Building Auditorium, 5364 College Dr

 

Monday April 18th

Rhinelander: 1:00 pm-7:00 pm, Budget Hearing, Nicolet Tech College, Health Sciences Building Rm 1004, 1000 W Campus Dr

 

Wednesday, April 20

Janesville: 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Budget Hearing, Blackhawk Tech, North Commons, 6004 S CTY RD G

 

Monday April 25

Appleton: 1:00pm – 7:00pm, Budget Hearing, Appleton Library, Mtg Rm ABC, 225 N Oneida St

Thursday April 28

Sheboygan: 6:00 pm, Gov Walker at Republican Environmental Celebration , Fundraiser and Film premiere, Tommy Thompson, Terry and Mary Kohler in attendance, Aviation Heritage Center of Wi, N6191 Resource Dr, Sheboygan Falls Wi 53085


To get involved with recall campaigns around the state click here.  To sign up to volunteer to protect the integrity of Supreme Court race results click here.

Wisconsin United!

JoAnne Kloppenburg wins the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat today, defeating incumbent judge and Scott Walker ally, David Prosser, in a race that will go down in history.  The results show that the backlash against Gov. Walker’s attacks on Wisconsin workers is uniting the people of Wisconsin. 

This is an absolutely huge victory for the hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who have stood up to have their voices heard and take back their state since Scott Walker began his extreme power grab in February.  Just weeks ago, this result was almost unimaginable, with Prosser leading 55% to 25% and declaring to the New York Times he should “win this race going away.”

Then Scott Walker decided to attack the hard-working men and women of Wisconsin and strip them of their collective bargaining rights.  Hundreds of thousands teachers, nurses, students, steelworkers, machinists, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, snow plow drivers and community members spent weeks in the streets so that the attacks on Wisconsin families did not go unnoticed.

Yesterday Wisconsin made their voices heard at the ballot box, sending a clear message to politicians that attacking worker rights  will not be tolerated by the people.

JoAnne Kloppenburg will bring independent judgment to Wisconsin’s highest court of law.  Her level-headed judgement will bring balance to our courts. 

In a statement she explains:

“Wisconsin voters have spoken and I am grateful for, and humbled by, their confidence and trust. I will be independent and impartial and I will decide cases based on the facts and the law. As I have traveled the State, people tell me they believe partisan politics do not belong in our Courts. I look forward to bringing new blood to the Supreme Court and focusing my energy on the important work Wisconsin residents elect Supreme Court justices to do.”

It’s clear that ordinary citizens throughout Wisconsin have unleashed an effort to take back their government.  Today’s win shows that momentum is just beginning.  Yesterday, at polling places around the state yesterday more than 10,000 signatures were gathered in recall efforts. 

 

With the elections behind us concerned citizens can now focus their attention to recalling politicians who refuse to listen to their constituents.  To plug into recall campaigns click here.  

 

For a complete list of statewide election results click here. 

 

Credit for this victory belongs to the people;  to the thousands of Wisconsinites who made calls, knocked on doors, marched at rallies and encouraged their friends and families to vote.  Today Wisconsin proved that no amount of corporate special interests spending can be matched by people power.

April 4th Video from Madison

Rev. Jesse Jackson explains 'King Democracy' to the crowd of thousands in Madison.

Rev. Jesse Jackson is joined on stage with Wisconsin workers and AFSCME sanitation workers who fought for their rights in the 1968 strike in Memphis to sing "We Shall Overcome."

                                                                                                    

City of Madison Fire Fighters Local 311 bagpipe brigade plays "Amazing Grace" to honor Dr. King and his legacy, 43 years after his death.