Saturday, February 19, 2011

UPDATE: Shuttle Buses Available on Monday

Through the commitment of AFSCME Local 3021 (Oakhill Correctional Institution) shuttle buses will be running on Monday, 02/21 starting at 11am and running each hour until 7pm. You can get on the bus at the Sheraton Hotel on John Nolen Dr. in Madison.

Thank you AFSCME Local 3021!

Questions can be directed to Sean Heiser at (608) 852-3152.

Can We Reach 100,000?

The crowd has now been estimated at 90,000 and it appears ALL of the Yellow Cabs of Madison are driving in a column honking their horns using the flashers and waving to the protesters.

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24

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A great Walk

I just completed a complete walk around the Capitol Square with thousands and thousands of supporters. Very, very few Gov. Walker supporters.

Give the Gov. Walker supporters credit, they must be scared because Governor Walker has stated it is so dangerous. They are observing different. They are not being yelled at, not shoved, they are being met with politeness.

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

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Absolutely Unreal

The numbers of Wisconsin citizens at the State Capitol supporting the right to collectively bargain is a record breaking crowd.

The numbers are beyond what police can control, but hey, we are helping the police because everyone is peaceful and law abiding!

If you are not here, then get here!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24

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Fw: (WisPolitics) Advisory -- Scott Fitzgerald says no negotiations -- 19 February 2011

What a shameful Republican Leader, but what is new. The Governor and Republican have never wanted to negotiate. They want to lead the people by Dictatorship mode. The citizens of your legislative district won't negotiate either, they will simply RECALL!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24

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From: "WisPolitics Staff" <news@wispolitics.com>
Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 11:40:26 -0600
To: <swilliams@wseu-24.org>
ReplyTo: info@wispolitics.com
Subject: (WisPolitics) Advisory -- Scott Fitzgerald says no negotiations -- 19 February 2011

WisPolitics Advisory
19 February 2011

Exclusively for WisPolitics Platinum Subscribers

From WisPolitics.com ...

-- Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said the budget repair bill that sparked a Dem flight to Illinois is non-negotiable.

Fitzgerald said in a press conference in the Capitol this morning that he spoke with Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller, D-Monona, by phone twice over the last day. He described the conversations as "very brief" and said they were related to security concerns.

Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said there are no ongoing conversations with Senate Democrats about when they might return. But changes to the bill are off the table.

"The bill is not negotiable," he said.

Follow the Budget Blog for today's developments:
http://budget.wispolitics.com/


©2011 WisPolitics.com.
All rights reserved.  Reproduction or retransmission of this publication, in whole or in part, without the express permission of
WisPolitics.com is prohibited.  Unauthorized reproduction violates United States copyright law (17 USC 101 et seq.), as does
retransmission by facsimile or any other electronic means, including electronic mail.



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Statement of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice

Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin, Inc.
2300 South Park Street, Suite 109
Madison, WI 53713
608-255-0376

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 17, 2011

Interview Opportunity: Rabbi Renee Bauer, Director, 608-320-1144 or director@workerjustice.org

Religious Leaders Condemn Governor Walker's Budget Bill

A moment of contingency is upon Wisconsin workers and citizens. Protests and rallies have accelerated this week in Madison and across the state at remarkable rates in opposition to Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill that, for all practical purposes, would eliminate the right of all state, local, and school district employees in Wisconsin to form and maintain unions.

The Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin (ICWJ) is at the center of this historic movement to protect worker rights and assure that this bill is night signed into law. The mission of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice is to build relationships between the faith and labor communities, to educate and mobilize these communities in the struggle for just wages, benefits and working conditions for all workers and to support workers’ rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

In response to the profoundly unsettling, and morally problematic, SB11 budget repair bill, ICWJ has collected dozens of signatures from clergy and religious leaders across the state who are raising their voice to oppose this bill. The letter, which was hand delivered to the governor's office this afternoon, reads in part, "Our religious traditions insist that workers, as human beings with inherent dignity, have the right to form associations to improve their conditions at work. Statements issued [by a wide array of faith bodies] support the right of workers to organize and bargain with their employers over wages, benefits, and a voice on the job"

“Governor Walker’s bill is an affront to the human dignity of public sector workers,” said Rabbi RenĂ©e Bauer, Director of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice “As a religious leader I recognize this as a moral crisis. Now is the time for all of us to live out our faith by raising our voices to protect the rights of workers in Wisconsin and throughout the country.”

###

Statement of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl

02/18/2011

“So many of our friends and neighbors feel that the value of their important work serving Wisconsin is being questioned. This has been a week of unprecedented mobilization for things we all believe in. My hope is that the State Senate’s adjournment offers an opportunity for cooler heads and bi-partisan solutions. The same voices that teach our young people and serve and protect our public institutions have a right to be heard at the bargaining table.”

WisPolitics.com: Budget Blog: Assembly rescinds budget action, adjourns until Tuesday

This seems to be getting old, Governor Walker putting fear into everyone and every action. The Governor called the Speaker and warned him he could not guarantee the Republican caucus safety? I have not witnessed one violent act or threat of violence since the protest began. Governor Walker's "Pants Must Be On Fire" for lying again. PolitiFact caught him lying and wrote about that lie on Friday, 02/18. (You can read this article at; http://www.wseu-sepac.org/mediacenter.htm

WisPolitics.com: Budget Blog: Assembly rescinds budget action, adjourns until Tuesday

Posted by Steven Williams
Political Legislative Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

Want to Tell Your Story of How the Budget Repair Bill Will Impact Your Life?

Many of you have spent the past week together trying to make your voices heard and convey to the politicians how passing the Budget Repair Bill will impact people's lives. "Hear Our Stories" is a forum, on Facebook, for you to share your stories. Politicians will be invited to view this Facebook page so they can put faces to the impacts that this legislation will have. Please invite your friends to join in and post your stories and pictures!

Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hear-Our-Stories/185046141533766

Senate and Assembly Status as of Friday, 02/18

The Assembly has adjourned until Tuesday, 02/22 at 10:00am. The legislative bill (SS-AB-11) in the assembly is still amendable.

The Governor's Budget Message is now presently scheduled to be delivered to the Legislature on 03/01. The original date of February 22nd has been cancelled. The Senate has passed a budget message resolution, postponing the budget address to 03/01.

The Senate adjourned Friday's session subject to the call of the chair.

Friday, February 18, 2011

A Statement from AFSCME Wisconsin Council 24 Executive Director Martin Biel

For Immediate Release
Contact: Bob Allen
February 18, 2011 608-206-9535


This week, Wisconsinites gathered across the state to stop the attacks on the rights of nurses, teachers, EMTs and other public employees ‐ the same rights that nearly every other American enjoys.

We have said all along that we are willing to sit down with the Governor to address our budget challenges. Let me be even more clear today: We are prepared to implement the financial concessions proposed to help bring our state's budget into balance, but we will not be denied our God‐given right to join a real union.

For us, public service isn't about money. No one ever said "I want to be a nurse to get rich." Or "I want to be a teacher so I can buy a huge house on the lake." Being a public employee is about sacrificing to help improve the lives of our friends, family and neighbors.

We will meet the Governor half way. But we will not ‐ I repeat we will NOT ‐ be denied our rights to collectively bargain. We will not under any circumstances give up our freedom to join a real union.

Our voice has been heard in every corner of this nation. And it will continue to be heard until the Governor sits down with us with the true interests of the state and the rights of its citizens at heart.

# # #

Senate Republican Leaders Move to Secure Senate Chambers and Galleries

Senate Republican leaders on Friday approved locking down the Senate galleries and chambers. Access will be under the following exceptions:

The vestibule area of the chamber will be limited to senators and staff. Access to areas beyond the vestibule area will be limited to senators, chief clerk, sergeant at arms and staff, the Senate President and his staff and the Majority Leader and his staff.

Access to the chamber reserved for the media will be granted as allowed under current policy.

During any time the Senate is adjourned, in recess, or under a call of the Senate, access to the galleries will be prohibited. Other times when the Senate is in session, member of the public will be allowed in the galleries, subject to the prerogative of the presiding officer to maintain order.

Vote Today on the Budget Repair Bill

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel who has covered the Budget Repair Bill battle between public employees and Governor Scott Walker, leaning to Governor Walker's favor in most of their articles is running an online poll as to whether the bill should be approved or the bill should be killed.

We encourage you to vote in this poll as soon as possible and make sure your co-workers, family and friends also vote in this online poll.

Here is the poll:

State legislators get to cast their vote on Gov. Walker's budget repair bill today. How would you vote?

Gov. Scott Walker's bill to strip almost all union rights for public workers advanced out of committee Wednesday just before midnight, setting up a pivotal floor vote in the Senate that is expected for Thursday amid massive demonstrations.

+ Approve it

+ Kill it


Click this link to go to the poll - Don't delay, vote today!

Authority: Jana Weaver, Assistant Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

Picketing at JFC Co-Chair Robin Vos's House

Local's 0892 & 3777 will be picketing at Rep. Robin Vos's home at 960 Rock Ridge Dr., Burlington, WI 53105 on Saturday starting at 4:00pm.

Questions can be directed to Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508

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Waupun Buses

Local Unions from Waupun have been able to secure buses. They are open for any person who supports our cause to ride.

These two buses will leave from and return to Dodge Correctional Institution (NW Section of Parking Lot) in Waupun.

Here are the details:

Bus 1

Leaves Waupun - 8:30am
Leaves Capitol - 12:00pm

Bus 2

Leaves Waupun - 8:30am
Leaves Capitol - 3:00pm

All questions can be directed to Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
Official Bus Schedules are at; http://www.wiafscme.org
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Bus Information for Waupun Area

Local Unions from Waupun have been able to secure buses. They are open for any person who supports our cause to ride.

These two buses will leave from and return to Dodge Correctional Institution (NW Section of Parking Lot) in Waupun.

Here are the details:

Bus 1

Leaves Waupun - 8:30am
Leaves Capitol - 12:00pm

Bus 2

Leaves Waupun - 8:30am
Leaves Capitol - 3:00pm

All questions can be directed to Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853


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Updated Change in Plan for Monday

Out of concern of fragmenting AFSCME members away from the State Capitol on Monday, 02/21/2011 all AFSCME members are asked to remain at the State Capitol and AFT and possibly other Unions will attend a Town Hall gathering at the Monona Terrace and will then at its conclusion march from the Monona Terrace to the State Capitol to join AFSCME and the other thousands of public employees and citizens protesting at the State Capitol.

We apologize for any confusion, but this is just a small problem in what so far has been a perfectly logistically planned protest, for many days, in such order. Governor Walker has disenfranchised tens of thousands of Wisconsin citizens and he is seeing the backlash. With any hope he will develop a conscious or he will feel the backlash, in the political sense!

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in Madison

President Richard Trumka will address the protesters at the State Capitol today at Noon! Trust us, if you do not see him, you will hear him!

The Assembly intends to move on the budget repair bill today according to Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. How are they going to do this without the Senate completing its action is unknown at this time.

The Fight Continues

This is the most critical fight four union state employees in our history. We now enter day 4, fighting for our dignity and our rights. Going into the weekend, we know THOUSANDS of state employees will join us at the Capitol in a show of solidarity and an outward expression that we won’t be walked on by Governor Walker and his cronies.

Monday, 2/21 is a furlough day for thousands of state workers. What better way to spend the day than by joining us at the Capitol to send a message to Walker. Busses continue to run (schedules are posted at www.wiafscme.org) to bring people from all corners of the state.

On Monday at 10 a.m., there is a town hall meeting for all state workers at Monona Terrace. We will march together to the Capitol. Join with thousands of your brothers and sisters throughout the state: teachers, fire fighters, city and county workers, steelworkers, plumbers, etc. to fight for your rights. Wear your AFSCME clothing or at least wear something AFSCME green – show your AFSCME pride.

We will be there one day longer than the right wing!

Can't Make It to The Capitol?, Then Call Your Legislator

CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY!

Want to make it easier and you have smart phone?

Download AFSCME’s new smart phone app by texting APP to 91289

or dial 1 (877) 753-5578 without the use of a smartphone app.

They Are Trying to Take Away Your Rights, Your Pay and Your Union

This massive change in state law could be jammed through within the next day. Please take action now and contact your legislator. Ask them to stop this radical move to take away the rights of Wisconsin workers.

To be connected with your legislator call 877-753-5578. Politely ask them to stop this radical move to take away the rights of Wisconsin workers.

When You Call Your Legislator, Here Are Some Points to Raise

• The Governor is rushing through radical changes that would take away rights from workers, without making any effort to talk to those workers, much less negotiate a fair agreement with those workers.

• Before drastically curtailing the negotiating rights of nursing aids, teachers, correctional offices and others, both sides should meet and negotiate in good faith. It is time to seek solutions that are fair to both taxpayers and to those who provide vital public services.

• Public employees understand the need to do more with less. Most have gone without pay raises while taking unpaid furlough days. Staffing cuts by state and local governments across Wisconsin -- and more than 4,000 unfilled state positions -- mean employee workloads have gotten heavier.

• State employees already agreed to more than $100 million in concessions in an overdue contract settlement that the governor scuttled before even taking office.

• This "budget" proposal is crammed with major policy changes. It would take away the rights of thousands of citizens without giving any time for public input.

• Please oppose Governor Walker’s radical proposal that will undermine public employee rights.

• We are willing to make sacrifices, but please don't take away our rights.

If at all possible, PLEASE COME TO THE STATE CAPITOL and join the protest!

Capitol Rallies and Actions Continue Through the Weekend and Beyond!

A scheduled Senate vote on Thursday passed with no action because Senate Democrats refused to participate in the rush to end our union rights. Instead, they left the state, denying the Senate the quorum required for action. The Assembly may try to act on the bill on Friday, but without Senate action, the fate of the bill cannot be settled.

Massive demonstrations by union members and our allies are making a difference. But we need to keep the pressure on. AFSCME will continue running buses from around the state on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, bus service will be limited to shuttles from the east and west edges of Madison. The Friday bus schedule is here.

Union members from all work sectors and their supporters have turned out every day this week to send a loud signal that lawmakers must not strip bargaining rights from most public employees. AFSCME members have poured into the Capitol from around the state.

Some boarded buses as early as 4 a.m. to make it to Madison for a full day of lobbying and raucus rallying. But AFSCME members were hardly alone. Other public sector unions were well represented, including police and firefighters who have been exempted from the union busting proposal. Private sector unions also have come out in force, as did university and high school students.

We will not stop until the attack on our bargaining rights is over.

Consult the Friday bus schedule here. On Friday, buses will stop near the Capitol Square.

Shuttle buses will be running from Madison's east and west sides on Saturday and Sunday.

When you get off your bus in Madison on Friday, head for the Capitol and look for your legislators. There is an information desk in the Capitol Rotuda where you can find out the names and office numbers of your legislators if you don't already know them.

And make it or not to these rallies, take action now to contact your own legislator. Find out how here.

This is about protecting your fundamental rights in the workplace and the future of your family. Make sure you are heard today!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Fw: (WisPolitics) ALERT! Erpenbach: 'We had no choice'

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From: "WisPolitics Staff" <news@wispolitics.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:41:30 -0600
To: <swilliams@wseu-24.org>
ReplyTo: info@wispolitics.com
Subject: (WisPolitics) ALERT! Erpenbach: 'We had no choice'

WisPolitics ALERT!
17 February 2011

Exclusively for WisPolitics Platinum Subscribers

From WisPolitics.com ...

-- Sen. Jon Erpenbach told WisPolitics this afternoon Senate Dems left the state in an attempt to force Republicans to negotiate a compromise to proposed changes to the bargaining rights of public employees.

Erpenbach would not disclose where he was or how many of the Dem senators were with him. But he said he believed all 14 were already out of state by early this afternoon.

"We were left with no choice," Erpenbach said.

Asked how long they were prepared to remain outside Wisconsin, the Middleton Dem demurred.

"The question is when are the Republicans going to sit down seriously with the other side on this issue and try to work something out," Erpenbach said. "When are we going to be reasonable about this and slow things down?"

"We have time."

See more in the Budget Blog:
http://budget.wispolitics.com/


©2011 WisPolitics.com.
All rights reserved.  Reproduction or retransmission of this publication, in whole or in part, without the express permission of WisPolitics.com is prohibited.  Unauthorized reproduction violates United States copyright law (17 USC 101 et seq.), as does retransmission by facsimile or any other electronic means, including electronic mail.



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Congressman Kind Supports Public Employees

February 17, 2011 

Governor Scott Walker
115 East Capitol
Madison, WI 53702 

Dear Governor Walker,

I write today to ask you to withdraw your budget proposal to end collective bargaining for public employees.  Our public employees are made up of tens of thousands of Wisconsin workers, working to make sure our state and its systems are fair, accountable and responsible to the people. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of them - the hard working nurses, public safety employees, and others who do selfless jobs like guaranteeing our children receive a quality public school education.  Frankly, I'm offended at the recent suggestions that these public servants are the source of the problems facing our state.

Collective bargaining – the chance for employees to negotiate for fair wages with management – is key to our state's success. It is a time-tested, reasonable process. And let's be clear, public employees are not the reason state budgets are in trouble. We need to address the budget, but we can't just fix it by cutting the salaries and robbing the retirement funds of our nurses, teachers, and public safety professionals.

The fact is, these very workers have shown an understanding and willingness to compromise and make sacrifices to benefit our great state. For example, late last year unions in Wisconsin sat down and negotiated a new contract that resulted in massive pay and benefit changes. This showed their readiness to be part of the solution to the budget challenges we face as a state.  But instead of working with them to find solutions to current challenges, your proposal just shuts them out of the process altogether. Now is not the time to punish those employees who are working hard to provide for their families. These are people who have already made great sacrifices in order to keep our state safe, economically competitive and a place where I want to raise my family.

In fact, my two sons attend public school in La Crosse. I'm worried that by refusing to work with the teachers, you are directly impacting the quality of our schools and the education my two sons will receive.  Now more than ever it's critical that we recruit and retain qualified teachers in our classrooms. Isolating and demonizing them will only make that harder.

We're all Wisconsinites and I know we can pull together to solve Wisconsin's problems. That's what we have always done best and that's what our leaders must recognize. The only way we can move the state forward is by listening to each other and by working together. We must respect Wisconsin's workers and their contribution to the state and instead of blaming them, find real, practical solutions to our budget woes. 

Sincerely,

Ron Kind
Member of Congress
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AFSCME Members Arrested

Five AFSCME staff and members arrested for Interrupting the Senate business (Disorderly Conduct). continue the fight on their behalf.
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Police Arriving

The police presence is ever increasing. Many Dane County Sheriff's Deputies just showed up at a staging area.
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Activity at the Capitol

It is intense here. The Senate Democrats walked out of the senate session. The senate needs 20 senators for a quorum. At some point the State Patrol may be used to find at least one Democrat and order them to the Senate.
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Join Us at the State Capitol

Today and Friday the people will continue to converge on the State Today and Friday the people will continue to converge on the State Capitol. Go th AFSCME Wisconsin website for all details. (http://www.wiafscme.org)
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

AFSCME Wisconsin Press Release

Wednesday, 16 February 2011

This week, tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have spoken with one voice in denouncing any attempt to deny the rights of this state's nurses, teachers, child care providers and other trusted public service providers.  There are signs that some politicians are starting to listen, but they still don't understand.  We stand united for the rights and freedom of all Americans to collectively bargain for their piece of the American Dream.  And while we repeat our offer to sit down the lawmakers to find a reasonable solution to our budget challenges, we stand united against any effort to deny workers this freedom -- whether it's for a day, a year or the rest of our lives.  Until this so-called budget scheme restores the guarantee of rights to collectively bargain, the protests will continue.‬‪ ‬‪

To the tens of thousands of our neighbors who have marched with us these past few days, and the many more who have spoken out for freedom in other ways, know that your sacrifice is appreciated and working.  Yesterday we were told that passing this bill was a foregone conclusion.  Today, as 30,000 Americans gathered at the capital, the bill's fate is much less certain and some senators are seeking a compromise.  Imagine what will happen if we keep up the pressure together.‬

Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
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Get On The Bus to Madison on Thursday

Yesterday was a sight to behold -- thousands of AFSCME members descended on the State Capitol in Madison to send a loud message that Governor Walker and state lawmakers must not strip bargaining rights from public employees. But AFSCME was hardly alone. The crowd swelled as other public sector unions (including police, firefighters and teachers), private sector union members -- and students -- stood alongside us in solidarity.

Tomorrow we have another rally planned. If at all possible, please join us in Madison. We have buses to bring as many people as possible again to the State Capitol. Go to; http://www.wiafscme.org to view the bus schedule and for more information about how to get involved in tomorrow's events.

Governor Walker's proposal is a disaster for thousands of Wisconsin families. It will take everything we've got to defeat it.
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Wis. AFL-CIO Press Release

February 16, 2011
Contact: Mike Uehlein
(608)318-3123 or muehlein@aflcio.org 

Crowd Doubles in Support for Wisconsin Workers

An estimated 30,000 gather at the Capitol to protect Wisconsin's middle class In a continuing show of support for public workers, huge crowds arrived in Madison today to protest Governor Walker's attack on Wisconsin families. 

A diverse collection of working men and women, students, community members and religious groups marched around the Capitol Building. 

A public citizen testimony was offered for people denied the ability to speak at the Joint Committee on Finance yesterday. 

Despite the practice of hearing testimony from any Wisconsinite who wishes to speak, the Joint Committee on Finance cut off public debate late last night. "It is up to us to fight for the right of workers to have a collective voice on the job," said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  "We will not stand by and watch those rights be taken away.  For every person here today, there are 100 more who could not make it and we stand with them. 

This proposal is too extreme.  No one should be taking away our rights as workers and our rights as Americans." "We have to stop this now," said Steve Heimsness, the Treasurer of the Madison Professional Police Officers Association.  "Politicians are trying to take away workers' union rights in Wisconsin. We need representatives to listen to the thousands of workers here today and stop this bill." 

Today's continuing protests signal strong disapproval of the provisions in the budget measure. As the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said on Monday, this "bill is about rights, not benefits." The protests on the Capitol ground reflected this, with many carrying signs saying "Stop The Attack On Working Families." 

"This bill is too extreme to push through in four days," said James Macon, a Milwaukee bus driver and union member. "We have worked with both Democratic and Republican governors before and we can do that again."

###
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Gov. Walker Listen Up

I am stationed outside of 1:03:22 PM. Gov's office and the crowd estimated at 30,000 continue to push there way into the Capitol. What a site!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24
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Thousands pouring into the Capitol

The Fire Fighters just entered the Capitol with the American Flag, drums and bagpipes
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Super Bowl Champion Packers Support Wisconsin Workers

Protesters in the Rotunda chanted for the Packers who on Tuesday publicly denounced Governor Walker's attack on Wisconsin Workers.
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Recall Walker

That is the loudest chant in the State Capitol.
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This is Outstanding!

Hundreds of Madison High School students just marched into the Capitol, instant cheering from over a thousand protesters in the Rotunda area.
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The rotunda is filling Up

Imagine what we will see after the Rally at Noon. Remember, the Rally is on the King St. Steps to the State Capitol.

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Come on Down!

Day-two of fighting for the rights of hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin workers continues.

The Republican majority seems to be closing their eyes and ears to the 10,000+ Wisconsin citizens telling them to "Kill The Bill!"

Wisconsin educators have closed Madison schools to come to the State Capitol. On the "Sly in the Morning" morning radio show the radio host called for all state workers to close the state down and come to the State Capitol.

Hang on, its going to get exciting!

Hope to see as many people as possible.

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Rally To Continue on Thursday

The rally will continue on Thursday, 02/17.

Buses will be provided from many points all across Wisconsin.

Watch the AFSCME Wisconsin website (http://www.wiafscme.org) for bus schedules.

JFC is expected to reconvene at 12:00pm today.

The Senate GOP is expected to caucus at 9:00am today.

PLEASE SHARE this posting wide and far!

Authority: Martin Beil, Executive Director
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Republicans Adjourned JFC Hearing, Dems Continued

The Republicans actually adjourned JFC Hearing testimony at about 3:00am over the objection of the Democrats on the committee. The Democrats continued the testimony for those who have waited for almost one-day, even though the Republicans walked out of the hearing with speakers still waiting for their chance to speak.

Its 4:15am and the JFC Hearing Testimony Continues

Is JFC getting the message? Citizens opposed to SB 11 continue their testimony against this outrageous bill.

President McLinn Gets to Finally Testify at 1:00am

President McLinn is expressing his disgust for SB 11 and more importantly his anger of the lack of respect for state employees, namely in corrections, who were thought to create trouble that would require the dispatching of the National Guard.

President McLinn warned the JFC that passage of SB 11 will escalate trouble in state government. He did all of this in two-minutes, the allotted time for every speaker to defend their future's.

Thank you President McLinn for your leadership!

12 Year Old Testify's at 1:00am

I just watched a 12 year old girl testify at the JFC Hearing at 1:00am. Wow, she thinks this bill is so bad that she stayed at the State Capitol until she could speak in support of her school teachers. No written script, just straight from the heart!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

JFC Testimony Continues at 12:30am, 02/16/2011

It has been a very long day for thousands of public employees, friends and families. For many this day will repeat itself starting at 8:00am today.

So as it is at this hour, there has been no vote by JFC and the testimony continues. For some, we are going to take a break, get a few hours of sleep and we will be back it first thing in the morning.

Tuesday's rally was estimated at 13,000 - 15,000 people. We all hope that Wednesday's rally will be even bigger as we anticipate that JFC will pass SB 11 and send it to the Senate floor for debate. The Wisconsin State Senate needs a clear and loud message on Wednesday, DO NOT support SB 11!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Testimony Continues at JFC Hearing

The testimony continues at the JFC Hearing. The testimony has not included one person since 1:15pm calling for a Yes vote on SB 11.
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JFC Update

We know the backlog for the speakers is huge, but the majority leadership of JFC is counting on speaker's leaving. They plan to vote immediately after speakers are done, so let's keep the speakers going and show the JFC majority that we are more resilient and that their decision will have a huge impact on us.

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24
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JFC Hearing

A Legislative Page has just shouted that there is a 10 backlog for speakers. Grab the no-doze and stay strong to do everything we can to kill this attack on Wisconsin workers.
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This is Rumor, But Might Turn Factual

Talk around the Capitol is that JFC will pass the budget repair bill in order to send to Senate floor on Wed.

If you are at the Capitol please go to the JFC hearing and register "to speak against" the budget repair bill.

This will be time consuming, but the Wisconsin Majority want to take away the rights of hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin citizens and workers.

This is just outrageous!

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

Wow, its Rally Time

Outside the State Capitol and inside as well thousands of supporters for public workers are denouncing Governor Walker's budget repair bill.

Those inside have filled the Rotunda, on several levels and have filled the hearing room and over-flow rooms of the JFC hearing.

Posted by Steven Williams
PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Poll Supports Public Workers

An online POLL was conducted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asking those who participated to choose one of three possible choices. Here was the result of that POLL:

POLL

Gov. Scott Walker wants to help fix state finances by cutting benefits for union workers and wiping away their ability to negotiate over anything but their wages, setting up a potentially explosive battle in the Capitol.

How do you feel about Gov. Walker's plan for the public workers' unions?

I like it. The unions need to be reined in: 23%

Something needs to be done with the unions, but this is a little harsh: 12%

Hate it. These are dedicated public servants: 64%

Total Responses: 20649

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Source Link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/115911379.html

Rep. Gordon Hintz to Hold Listening Session

Rep. Gordon Hintz to Hold a Town Hall Meeting

Listening Session on Governor Walker’s Proposal

Oshkosh – Tomorrow Rep. Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) will hold a public town hall to listen to concerns and discuss Governor Walker’s proposal to eliminate bargaining rights in Wisconsin. This meeting is open to the public. There will be time allotted for Q&A.

Rep. Gordon Hintz – Town Hall Meeting
Open to the Public
Tuesday, February 15th
6:00 - 7:00 pm
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Reeve Union – Room 307 (Reeve Theater)
Public Parking in Lot #15

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"Click Here" for a printer-friendly version of this notice >>>

Gov. Walker promised jobs, but his plan would destroy 10,000 jobs


People in Wisconsin may disagree about many things—but everyone wants more jobs.

Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to slash take-home pay for public workers would destroy about 10,000 jobs in Wisconsin’s private sector. At a time when the state needs good jobs more than anything, it is the wrong economic strategy.

For more details, "click here" for a two-page release from the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future.

Or call IWF Research Director Jack Norman at (414) 967-1682 [office] or (414) 405-6210 [cell].

Alert: From the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

From: Phil Neuenfeldt, President & Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer

Date: February 14, 2011

Re: ALERT: Hearing to be held on Budget Repair Bill

Today, the Joint Finance Committee announced the only public hearing that will be held on Special Session SB 11 Budget Repair Bill, which strips away collective bargaining rights for at least 200,000 state and local government employees, including school districts. This radical proposal strikes at the heart of the labor movement and threatens the interests of all working people and their unions, whether in the public or private sector.

Date: Tuesday, February 15
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: State Capitol (Room 412 East)


This hearing is a chance to register or testify against Special Session SB 11 Budget Repair Bill on behalf of all of Wisconsin’s working families.

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Darling, Rep. Vos: Statement on public hearing

I guess one can reasonably assume that there may very well be hundreds if not into the thousand's of potential citizens wishing to speak on the controversial budget repair bill, but it also seems unreasonable to allow a person ONLY two minutes to defend themselves or make their points.

Thank the good lord that we do not provide this scenario to defend ourselves in a court of law.

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Darling, Rep. Vos: Statement on public hearing

Collective Bargaining Rights Goes Before the Joint Committee on Finance Starting Tuesday, 02/15/2011

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance begins its deliberations through a public hearing on Governor Walker’s 2010-11 budget deficit reduction bill (SS-SB11) Tuesday, 02/15/2011 at 10:00am. The public hearing will be in Room 412-East of the State Capitol. The committee will allow ONLY two minutes to each speaker in order to plead their case for or against the bill.

The committee has also noticed an executive session on the bill, beginning at the conclusion of the public hearing. However, if the committee goes late with the public hearing, it will recess until Wednesday morning to take executive action on the bill. The committee is to take action on both the Senate and Assembly versions of the bill.

We anticipate that the bill will go to the Senate for floor action on Thursday, 02/17/2011. We do not expect the Assembly to take up the bill before Friday, 02/18.2011, but proponents of this bill are doing everything in their powers to advance this bill to Governor Walker at a record pace and with very minimal opportunity for public scrutiny.

Below are links to various documents related to the Budget Repair Bill:

Legislative Bill SS-SB11:
http://wseu-sepac.org/political_walker_scott/legaction_peunions_legbill_ss_sb11_20110214.pdf

Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary of the bill:
http://wseu-sepac.org/political_walker_scott/legaction_peunions_legbill_ss_sb11_20110214_lfb_fiscalsummary.pdf

Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary of policy items in the bill:
http://wseu-sepac.org/political_walker_scott/legaction_peunions_legbill_ss_sb11_20110214_lfb_nonfiscalpolicysummary.pdf

Executive Session Joint Committee on Finance Hearing Notice:
http://wseu-sepac.org/political_walker_scott/legaction_peunions_legbill_ss_sb11_20110214_jfc_meetingnotice_20110215.pdf

WisPolitics.com: Joint Committee on Finance executive session

WisPolitics.com: Joint Committee on Finance executive session

Stoughton High School Students Support Their Teachers

Stoughton students walk out of class to protest Walker’s moves

About 100 Stoughton High School students walked out of class Monday morning in protest of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to limit the collective bargaining of public employees, including teachers.

The students walked across the street to the parking lot of Stoughton United Methodist Church, where they signed a petition. Several students gave speeches while standing in the bed of a pickup truck.

“Let’s show Gov. Walker that we care about learning and the teachers are worth every cent that we pay to them,” said Theron Luhn, a junior who helped organize the protest, which lasted about an hour.

The students then returned to the building.

Stoughton police observed the protest.

Click To Call Your State Senator NOW!


Bus ADDED as of 11am on Monday, 02/14/2011 for DODGE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

A bus specifically for Dodge Correctional Institution has been ADDED to the bus schedule.

Visit the SEPAC website for more information.

Emergency Lobby and Rally Info for Tuesday & Wednesday

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Madison

- 10 a.m. Legislative Briefings at Masonic Temple, 301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison
- 11 a.m. Lobby Visits, State Capitol
- Noon Rally on Capitol Square / State Street Capitol Steps
- 1 p.m. Resume Lobby Visits, State Capitol

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Madison

- 10 a.m. Legislative Briefings at Masonic Temple, 301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison
- 11 a.m. Lobby Visits, State Capitol
- Noon Rally on Capitol Square / King St. Capitol Entrance
- 1 p.m. Resume Lobby Visits, State Capitol

JFC Has Noticed Its Meeting for Tuesday, 02/15/2011

Joint Committee on Finance public hearing
02/15/2011 @ 10:00am

State Capitol, Room 412 East

January 2011 Special Session Senate Bill 11

Relating to: state finances, collective bargaining for public employees, compensation and fringe benefits of public employees, the state civil service system, the Medical Assistance program, sale of certain facilities, granting bonding authority, and making an appropriation.

By Committee on Senate Organization, by request of Governor Scott Walker.

Visit the website of the Joint Committee on Finance at;
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/jfc.html

Bus Schedule Updated as of 10pm on Sunday, 02/13/2011

Visit the SEPAC website [http://www.wseu-sepac.org] for complete information or point your browser to the AFSCME Wisconsin website at http://www.wiafscme.org