From: Gregory King [mailto:GKing@afscme.org]
Sent: Saturday, April 02, 2011 10:19 AM
To: Gregory King
Subject: Column by Pres. McEntee and Cong. John Lewis in today's Memphis Commercial Appeal
American middle class is against a wall
By John Lewis and Gerald McEntee, Special to Viewpoint
Saturday, April 2, 2011
We are witnessing a frontal assault on the American way of life, and the prime target is the hard-working American family.
Seven young protesters arrested in Nashville last month recognized how much is at stake, and they did not hesitate to stand up for the rights of working people. Their civil disobedience brings to mind another fight for civil rights: the strike by the 1,300 sanitation workers of AFSCME Local 1733, whose courageous actions gained national attention and brought the intervention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Today, just as in 1968, we are living through a time of fundamental change. While Americans realize we must shift domestically to confront transformations in the world economy, we must not abandon our fundamental commitment to fairness in the process.
American workers -- like city of Memphis and school system employees, laid-off Toshiba and Bridgestone factory workers in Middle Tennessee, both union and non-union employees -- have made concessions to the troubled economy.
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton has raised the possibility of one-day-a-month furloughs, layoffs of as many as 1,400 workers, early retirements and reduced pensions to balance the city's budget. Many employees in other cities now work four-day weeks. Others have accepted higher health insurance payments, taken pennies on the dollar for their investments after corporate bankruptcies, and work today for less pay than in decades before.
In fact, the incomes of working Americans have stagnated for at least a generation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employees are making less in wages than they were in the 1970s, after adjusting for inflation.
Working Americans have already sacrificed to salvage big business and respond to the decline in state and city revenue, but to what end? Yes, there are mounting deficits and some spending must be cut, but equitable solutions are needed to balance their sacrifice.
A recent New York Times article described the skill of giant corporations in avoiding taxes, like General Electric, which recorded $14.2 billion in profit worldwide in 2010 and $5.1 billion in America. GE will not pay one cent in taxes this year, and in fact will get a nice fat refund of $3.2 billion.
In the third quarter of 2010, corporate profits overall topped $1.6 trillion, the highest figure recorded since the government began keeping track 60 years ago, and corporate executives make four to eight times more today than they made in the 20th century.
If corporate revenues are higher than ever before, why are governments suffering? Because tax cuts and loopholes have allowed corporate citizens and a few Americans to pay less than their fair share.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker began his term by freeing some businesses from any tax burden and erasing the civic obligation of others. His total tax cut package adds a projected $117 million to the state's budget deficit over two years.
Now, he and other governors are looking to cut the lifelines of the most vulnerable as a "painful sacrifice" to balance budgets. It is the sick, the elderly, the disabled, schoolchildren, veterans and orphans who will pay. Regardless of the suffering these cuts will unleash, government executives are unwilling to close loopholes and repeal some tax cuts for the wealthiest few.
If GE received only half the tax refund it is due this year, could the $1.6 billion in savings help preserve government lifelines and relieve a few of the burdens on struggling American families? No one is asking that question.
In 1968, the sanitation workers of this city were also up against a wall. They were paid so poorly that many of them qualified for and received public assistance. This, coupled with unsafe working conditions, led to the deaths of several workers and pushed them to march in Memphis streets holding signs that said "I AM A MAN."
Working people today are defending more than their rights today. They are defending their human dignity. In Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, Ohio and here in Tennessee, they are saying we are more than numbers on a worksheet, the blight of government programs or impediments to a profit margin. We are this nation's greatest resource.
In recent months, a broad constituency has emerged committed to stand up for middle-class families. As we commemorate on Monday the assassination of King, we must never forget that he died in Memphis defending the collective bargaining rights of AFSCME sanitation workers.
He fought to build a nation in which working people have an equal voice at the negotiating table, and everyone has a shared responsibility to contribute to the welfare of our society that neither wealth nor power can silence.
John Lewis is the U.S. representative for the 5th District of Georgia. Gerald McEntee is the international president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Judge Sumi's TRO Remains in Effect
Judge Sumi's temporary restraining order against the implementation of the collective bargaining bill will remain in effect indefinitely.
Today, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, plaintiff in the case of the Open Meetings Law violation, rested his side of the case today.
Jusdge Sumi cannot continue testimony because the defendant's in the case, state legislators, have not waived their immunity from prosecution because of their status as legislators in-session.
This continues to mean that Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published and is not law.
Today, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, plaintiff in the case of the Open Meetings Law violation, rested his side of the case today.
Jusdge Sumi cannot continue testimony because the defendant's in the case, state legislators, have not waived their immunity from prosecution because of their status as legislators in-session.
This continues to mean that Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published and is not law.
Hearing on the Open Meetings law violation continues
Judge Maryann Sumi has indicated it is unlikely that the testimony in todays court hearing surrounding the open meetings law violation will finish today. The hearing was to have resumed at 1:30pm.
Analysis: Budget would balance without collective bargaining law
Bill expected to be taken up on Tuesday
Updated: Friday, 01 Apr 2011, 10:58 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 01 Apr 2011, 10:58 AM CDT
MADISON (AP) - A new analysis shows that as long as lawmakers approve a budget fix bill proposed by Gov. Scott Walker the state's budget would be balanced even if the collective bargaining law currently on hold doesn't take effect.
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis released Friday shows that the bill expected to be passed Tuesday would balance the budget currently projected to be $137 million short by July 1.
The collective bargaining law currently in limbo would save the state about $30 million through higher state worker benefit contributions.
But the Fiscal Bureau analysis shows even if that law doesn't take effect before July, the budget would balance as long as the other measure passes.
Democrats have indicated they support the other budget bill up on Tuesday.
Updated: Friday, 01 Apr 2011, 10:58 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 01 Apr 2011, 10:58 AM CDT
MADISON (AP) - A new analysis shows that as long as lawmakers approve a budget fix bill proposed by Gov. Scott Walker the state's budget would be balanced even if the collective bargaining law currently on hold doesn't take effect.
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis released Friday shows that the bill expected to be passed Tuesday would balance the budget currently projected to be $137 million short by July 1.
The collective bargaining law currently in limbo would save the state about $30 million through higher state worker benefit contributions.
But the Fiscal Bureau analysis shows even if that law doesn't take effect before July, the budget would balance as long as the other measure passes.
Democrats have indicated they support the other budget bill up on Tuesday.
Important Message from Director Beil
The Supreme Court election on Tuesday, April 5 will be the first opportunity for us to experience a meaningful victory in this ongoing fight with Scott Walker and his right wing regime. It is absolutely clear, both in statements and actions, that the current sitting Supreme Court Justice sees himself as a judicial tool of the Walker Administration. The fight that we are in isn’t necessarily a fair fight, but it becomes even worse when the State Supreme Court is tilted to support the governor’s conservative ideology. Much of our struggle has been and will continue to be in the courts. We need to depend on a fair, impartial court to make final decisions as to the rule of the law, and whether the budget repair bill, the budget itself, or any other legislation presented by the Walker Administration violate the state constitution.
It’s unfortunate that in the fall of 2010, many Wisconsin voters opted not to cast their votes. The result of not casting votes is our reality today – Scott Walker as governor and both legislative houses solidly entrenched in right-wing tea party mentalities.
The first lesson to be learned is that we can never let that happen again. We cannot allow our families, friends, coworkers, partners, neighbors and acquaintances to sit on the sidelines. We must all go the extra distance over the next few days to make absolutely sure that there is a strong vote on Tuesday, April 5.
The election of Joanne Kloppenburg on Tuesday will send an earthquake through the Republican establishment from the governor’s office to the legislature to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. There is no question that Prosser and Walker are hooked together by a right wing umbilical cord. Joanne Kloppenburg brings a fresh, new and fair balance to the Supreme Court.
We are angry; we are concerned; we are fearful. Some of us are at wits end. We need to take these emotions and turn them into action by electing Joanne Kloppenburg to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, 4/5.
This is your way to send a message that Scott Walker cannot trample on your rights, your equality, your family and your way of life.
VOTE KLOPPENBURG FOR SUPREME COURT ON TUESDAY, 4/5/11
It’s unfortunate that in the fall of 2010, many Wisconsin voters opted not to cast their votes. The result of not casting votes is our reality today – Scott Walker as governor and both legislative houses solidly entrenched in right-wing tea party mentalities.
The first lesson to be learned is that we can never let that happen again. We cannot allow our families, friends, coworkers, partners, neighbors and acquaintances to sit on the sidelines. We must all go the extra distance over the next few days to make absolutely sure that there is a strong vote on Tuesday, April 5.
The election of Joanne Kloppenburg on Tuesday will send an earthquake through the Republican establishment from the governor’s office to the legislature to the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. There is no question that Prosser and Walker are hooked together by a right wing umbilical cord. Joanne Kloppenburg brings a fresh, new and fair balance to the Supreme Court.
We are angry; we are concerned; we are fearful. Some of us are at wits end. We need to take these emotions and turn them into action by electing Joanne Kloppenburg to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, 4/5.
This is your way to send a message that Scott Walker cannot trample on your rights, your equality, your family and your way of life.
VOTE KLOPPENBURG FOR SUPREME COURT ON TUESDAY, 4/5/11
GOP pressing ahead with union law
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Republican leaders appear to be taking the same confident and bullish approach to implementing their divisive collective bargaining law that they took to passing it, suggesting they may ignore a judge’s warning that there would be consequences to moving ahead while challenges to the law are pending.
Gov. Scott Walker and his allies in the Republican-controlled Legislature believe they are on solid legal ground as they push forth on a course that could deepen an already toxic crisis in the state’s government.
Read the news story in its entirety >>>
Gov. Scott Walker and his allies in the Republican-controlled Legislature believe they are on solid legal ground as they push forth on a course that could deepen an already toxic crisis in the state’s government.
Read the news story in its entirety >>>
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Oakland, CA Musicians Compile a Song for Wisconsin Workers'
Thank you "Glasshouse Music" for compiling this music video for the workers' of Wisconsin.
Watch and listen to this musice video, it is outstanding...
Watch and listen to this musice video, it is outstanding...
Sumi rules that union law not in effect; state to comply
Madison — A state law to sharply curb union bargaining by public employees is not in effect, a Dane County judge ruled Thursday, continuing the turmoil over a measure that sparked massive protests and prompted Democrats to boycott the Senate for three weeks.
Gov. Scott Walker's administration said it would comply and discontinue the implementation of the law.
"Based on the briefs of counsel, the uncontroverted testimony, and the evidence received at the March 29, 2011, evidentiary hearing, it is hereby DECLARED that 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published within the meaning of (state statutes), and is therefore not in effect," Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled in a two-paragraph order.
Read the news story in its entirety >>>
Gov. Scott Walker's administration said it would comply and discontinue the implementation of the law.
"Based on the briefs of counsel, the uncontroverted testimony, and the evidence received at the March 29, 2011, evidentiary hearing, it is hereby DECLARED that 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published within the meaning of (state statutes), and is therefore not in effect," Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled in a two-paragraph order.
Read the news story in its entirety >>>
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
State mum on implementation of union bargaining law
Madison - Gov. Scott Walker's administration wasn't saying Wednesday whether it will continue to implement legislation sharply curbing union bargaining by public employees...
Read the entire news story >>>
Read the entire news story >>>
Sen. Fitzgerald leaned on bureau staffers to publish law, testimony suggests
Clcik on "share" to read the story in its entirety.
FREE Cab Rides for Madison - Get Out to Vote
VOTE Tuesday, April 5th
Union Cab and Badger Cab Join Forces for Democracy
Last week, Union Cab of Madison Co-operative’s Board of Directors has authorized free rides to and from Madison, WI polling places on April 5, 2011. Today, Badger Cab, Madison’s oldest cab company, has decided to join with Union Cab and also provide free rides. Tom Royston, of Badger Cab, noted that “Badger has been part of the Madison community for over 65 years and is happy to support our community by helping people get to the polls.”
Union Cab and Badger Cab Join Forces for Democracy
Last week, Union Cab of Madison Co-operative’s Board of Directors has authorized free rides to and from Madison, WI polling places on April 5, 2011. Today, Badger Cab, Madison’s oldest cab company, has decided to join with Union Cab and also provide free rides. Tom Royston, of Badger Cab, noted that “Badger has been part of the Madison community for over 65 years and is happy to support our community by helping people get to the polls.”
The Joint Finance Committee has announced four statewide hearings on Walker’s State Budget Bill
SEPAC urges ALL public employees, family members, friends and neighbors to try to attend one hearing that is most convenient to them. We recommend getting to the hearing early and plan on a long day. It is your one chance to testify in front of the committee, even though we expect the GOP leadership to limit the testimony so as not to create a "tough day" for themselves.
We also suspect that the GOP controlled JFC will not be receptive to testimony that is opposed to any part or the entire budget. As with the anti-collective bargaining bill, they intend to limit the testimony and will most likely continue their demonstration of "no interest" in negative testimony. Therefore, one of the most compelling ways to get people to listen to you is to tell your story, from the heart, of how the Walker budget proposal will "directly" impact your family. We also suggest that if possible, reduce your testimony to writing and bring 18 copies to distribute to the committee. 16 copies for the JFC members, 1 for the committee clerk and 1 for yourself to use in delivering your testimony. You may also wish to bring even a couple more copies to provide to any media sources that may wish to interview you at the conclusion of your testimony. Be sure to include your complete name, mailing address, phone number and an email address on your written testimony.
SEPAC also urges everyone to still continue to keep contacting your own state Representative and Senator to let them know what your priorities are in the state budget.
April 7: Stevens Point (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Lee S. Dreyfus University Center
Melvin R. Laird Room (Room 230)
1015 Reserve St.
Stevens Point,WI 54481
April 8: Minong (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Northwood School
Richard's Auditorium
N14463 Highway 63
Minong, WI 54859
April 11: Milwaukee (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Expo Center, Hall A
8200 W. Greenfield Ave.
West Allis,WI 53214
April 13: Arcadia (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Arcadia High School
Auditorium
756 Raider Dr.
Arcadia,WI 54612
Download the AFSCME Budget Reviews >>>
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 01
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 02
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 03
For more information contact AFSCME lobbyists John Grabel at 608-279-9093 or Susan McMurray at 608-279-9697.
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office | (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
We also suspect that the GOP controlled JFC will not be receptive to testimony that is opposed to any part or the entire budget. As with the anti-collective bargaining bill, they intend to limit the testimony and will most likely continue their demonstration of "no interest" in negative testimony. Therefore, one of the most compelling ways to get people to listen to you is to tell your story, from the heart, of how the Walker budget proposal will "directly" impact your family. We also suggest that if possible, reduce your testimony to writing and bring 18 copies to distribute to the committee. 16 copies for the JFC members, 1 for the committee clerk and 1 for yourself to use in delivering your testimony. You may also wish to bring even a couple more copies to provide to any media sources that may wish to interview you at the conclusion of your testimony. Be sure to include your complete name, mailing address, phone number and an email address on your written testimony.
SEPAC also urges everyone to still continue to keep contacting your own state Representative and Senator to let them know what your priorities are in the state budget.
April 7: Stevens Point (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Lee S. Dreyfus University Center
Melvin R. Laird Room (Room 230)
1015 Reserve St.
Stevens Point,WI 54481
April 8: Minong (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Northwood School
Richard's Auditorium
N14463 Highway 63
Minong, WI 54859
April 11: Milwaukee (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Expo Center, Hall A
8200 W. Greenfield Ave.
West Allis,WI 53214
April 13: Arcadia (10:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Arcadia High School
Auditorium
756 Raider Dr.
Arcadia,WI 54612
Download the AFSCME Budget Reviews >>>
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 01
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 02
AFSCME Budget Review - Part 03
For more information contact AFSCME lobbyists John Grabel at 608-279-9093 or Susan McMurray at 608-279-9697.
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office | (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
WisPolitics.com: DCCC: Representative Sean Duffy complains about his $170,000 congressional salary: “I struggle”
You be the judge, does Congressman Duffy have a wage issue?
WisPolitics.com: DCCC: Representative Sean Duffy complains about his $170,000 congressional salary: “I struggle”
If you wish to comment to him about his "wage issue" please use the SEPAC Action Center to email, write or call;
http://wseu-sepac.capwiz.com/bio/id/11537&lvl=&chamber=H
WisPolitics.com: DCCC: Representative Sean Duffy complains about his $170,000 congressional salary: “I struggle”
If you wish to comment to him about his "wage issue" please use the SEPAC Action Center to email, write or call;
http://wseu-sepac.capwiz.com/bio/id/11537&lvl=&chamber=H
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Scott Walker & His Allies Continue to Make Mockery of Rule of Law in Defying Court
For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Hickey, 414-573-7579
Order Walker & Republicans will do or say anything in pursuit of their extreme power overreach On Monday, Gov. Scott Walker’s administration began enforcing a bill that is not yet law, with complete disregard for Wisconsin’s judicial and democratic processes, and in direct defiance of multiple orders not to do so. Today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi said the actions of Walker and his cronies put them “in peril of sanctions” and served to “jeopardize stability of [the] state.”
Sumi ruled that the temporary restraining order is still in effect and barred any and all implementation of the bill harming Wisconsin workers. Testimony will resume Friday when the hearing is scheduled to conclude.
“Gov. Walker seems to think he’s a dictator who can ignore the laws of Wisconsin or trample of the rights of our workers in pursuit of his extreme overreach for absolute power,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “By attempting to unilaterally publish a bill and implement it as law in the face of a court order to the contrary shows Walker and his cronies completely unfit to govern the state of Wisconsin.”
“Wisconsin working families hope that Scott Walker and his Republican allies in the legislature will finally begin to respect our state’s judicial process and reverse any damage they’ve done to the working families of our state. Wisconsinites expect their Governor and his administration to follow the law, and the fact that’s even up for debate shows their actions to be completely reprehensible,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
###
Contact: Karen Hickey, 414-573-7579
Order Walker & Republicans will do or say anything in pursuit of their extreme power overreach On Monday, Gov. Scott Walker’s administration began enforcing a bill that is not yet law, with complete disregard for Wisconsin’s judicial and democratic processes, and in direct defiance of multiple orders not to do so. Today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi said the actions of Walker and his cronies put them “in peril of sanctions” and served to “jeopardize stability of [the] state.”
Sumi ruled that the temporary restraining order is still in effect and barred any and all implementation of the bill harming Wisconsin workers. Testimony will resume Friday when the hearing is scheduled to conclude.
“Gov. Walker seems to think he’s a dictator who can ignore the laws of Wisconsin or trample of the rights of our workers in pursuit of his extreme overreach for absolute power,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “By attempting to unilaterally publish a bill and implement it as law in the face of a court order to the contrary shows Walker and his cronies completely unfit to govern the state of Wisconsin.”
“Wisconsin working families hope that Scott Walker and his Republican allies in the legislature will finally begin to respect our state’s judicial process and reverse any damage they’ve done to the working families of our state. Wisconsinites expect their Governor and his administration to follow the law, and the fact that’s even up for debate shows their actions to be completely reprehensible,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
###
Judge Sumi Blocks Further Implementation of Wisconsin Act 10
It has just been learned that Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi has issed an order to STOP further implementation of Wisconsin Act 10.
The specifics of the order are not yet published, but as SEPAC learns what they are that information will be shared.
DOJ Attorney Steve Means, outside the courtroom, stated to the media that he believes Wisconsin Act 10 is law because enough steps in the legislative process have been completed to make that so.
SEPAC views that statement to mean, "the bank robbery has been committed, the robbers have left the seen so they can now legally keep the money." SEPAC believes the court will see the actions of the Governor, the Legislative Majority and Secretary Huebsch in a different light.
The specifics of the order are not yet published, but as SEPAC learns what they are that information will be shared.
DOJ Attorney Steve Means, outside the courtroom, stated to the media that he believes Wisconsin Act 10 is law because enough steps in the legislative process have been completed to make that so.
SEPAC views that statement to mean, "the bank robbery has been committed, the robbers have left the seen so they can now legally keep the money." SEPAC believes the court will see the actions of the Governor, the Legislative Majority and Secretary Huebsch in a different light.
DOA moving ahead with changes to collective bargaining
State officials are moving ahead with changes to collective bargaining for public employees. Governor Scott Walker’s Administration Secretary, Mike Huebsch, said it doesn’t matter that Secretary of State Doug LaFollette has been enjoined from setting a date for the law to go into effect. “Under the statute he has indicated the date that’s required,” said Huebsch. “As you take a look at the analysis in statute, the LRB is required to publish the bill after ten days. That has been met and we’ve fulfilled that requirement.” Huebsch said DOA believes the law went into effect following Friday’s on-line publication by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Read the full article and listen to the audio file >>>
Read the full article and listen to the audio file >>>
Senator Scott Fitzgerald is Scared and is Begging for Money
While SEPAC has no thought that any union member or any citizen who loves and believes in Wisconsin has any support for Scott Fitzgerald, the letter that Scott Fitzgerald is sending to his "supporters" shows just exactly why Scott Fitzgerald is NO GOOD for Wisconsin and must be recalled in 2012. This letter also shows clearly, the agenda of Wisconsin Republicans. From State Senator Scott Fitzgerald; Dear Supporter; Government employee unions have ruined California and Illinois, but they're not going to ruin Wisconsin. That is because Republicans faced down Big Labor's bully tactics and a Democrat walk-out in the State Senate to break the power of unions like WEAC and AFSCME once and for all. Read the letter of Senator Scott Fitzgerald in its entirety >>>;
Monday, March 28, 2011
Pack the Dane County Courthouse
Pack the Dane County Courthouse
Starts: 8:00am, Tuesday, March 29th
Ends: 11:00am, Tuesday, March 29th
Location: Dane County Courthouse, 215 South Hamilton Street
Event Description: Wisconsin Resists: Stop "Dictator" Walker: Pack the Courthouse & Kill the Bill!
Wisconsin Resists, a new coalition formed to stop Scott Walker's agenda, is calling for a rally at Dane County Courthouse at 8:30AM on Tuesday, March 29th.
Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi was right to issue a restraining order on the publication of the Budget Repair Bill. Scott Walker broke the law in ramming through this bill.
As Judge Sumi has written: "The failure to provide timely notice before a meeting... It's not a minor detail." Now we need a strong show of public support to show opposition to Scott Walker's contempt for democracy. Let's keep up the pressure to Kill the Bill!
Starts: 8:00am, Tuesday, March 29th
Ends: 11:00am, Tuesday, March 29th
Location: Dane County Courthouse, 215 South Hamilton Street
Event Description: Wisconsin Resists: Stop "Dictator" Walker: Pack the Courthouse & Kill the Bill!
Wisconsin Resists, a new coalition formed to stop Scott Walker's agenda, is calling for a rally at Dane County Courthouse at 8:30AM on Tuesday, March 29th.
Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi was right to issue a restraining order on the publication of the Budget Repair Bill. Scott Walker broke the law in ramming through this bill.
As Judge Sumi has written: "The failure to provide timely notice before a meeting... It's not a minor detail." Now we need a strong show of public support to show opposition to Scott Walker's contempt for democracy. Let's keep up the pressure to Kill the Bill!
DOA Secretary Huebsch; Provisions of Wisconsin Act 10 Are Being Implemented
Even though Governor Walker and his Republican leaders disobeyed a TRO of the Circuit Court of Dane County, they believe that their action is legal and as such have begun implementing provisions of Wisconsin Act 10.
DOA Secretary Huebsch says that the April 21st paychecks for state employees will see deductions for health care and retirement being withheld. The paychecks are reported to cover the pay period of March 27th through April 9th.
“If a judge or court says otherwise, we will make every effort to comply with that,” Huebsch said. This is an interesting statement in that they have already blatantly ignored a court order. This statement further does not say that they would comply with a "NEW" court order, but rather that they would "MAKE EVERY EFFORT" to comply.
DOA Secretary Huebsch says that the April 21st paychecks for state employees will see deductions for health care and retirement being withheld. The paychecks are reported to cover the pay period of March 27th through April 9th.
“If a judge or court says otherwise, we will make every effort to comply with that,” Huebsch said. This is an interesting statement in that they have already blatantly ignored a court order. This statement further does not say that they would comply with a "NEW" court order, but rather that they would "MAKE EVERY EFFORT" to comply.
The Joint Finance Committee has announced four statewide hearings on Walker’s State Budget Bill
SEPAC urges ALL public employees, family members, friends and neighbors to try to attend one hearing that is most convenient to them. We recommend getting to the hearing early and plan on a long day. It is your one chance to testify in front of the committee, even though we expect the GOP leadership to limit the testimony so as not to create a "tough day" for themselves. SEPAC also urges everyone to still continue to keep contacting your own state Representative and Senator to let them know what your priorities are in the state budget. April 7: Stevens Point (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point Lee S. Dreyfus University Center Melvin R. Laird Room (Room 230) 1015 Reserve St. Stevens Point,WI 54481 April 8: Minong (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) Northwood School Richard's Auditorium N14463 Highway 63 Minong, WI 54859 April 11: Milwaukee (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center, Hall A 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. West Allis,WI 53214 April 13: Arcadia (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) Arcadia High School Auditorium 756 Raider Dr. Arcadia,WI 54612 Download the AFSCME Talking Points >>> For more information contact AFSCME lobbyists John Grabel at 279-9093 or Susan McMurray at 279-9697.
Will latest GOP maneuver hurt Prosser?
SEPAC certainly hopes so. Remember to vote on Tuesday, April 5th. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm all across Wisconsin. This is an election that SEPAC believes will start the wave to bringing all eligible voters to voting "responsibly". "We have taken our voting rights for granted in the past", said Executive Director Marty Beil. Director Beil went on to say, "our members clearly recognize that supporting candidates who support working family issues is of the utmost importance."
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Walker budget denies funding for cop file-sharing
SEPAC will start posting news article related to the "radical" and "dangerous" cuts being proposed by Scott Walker in his 2011-2013 biennial state budget. In a world of sophisticated electronic communication, Walker's budget cuts funding for Wisconsin police agencies to share criminal activity information and tracking of criminals by electronic means.
Walker's administration responds with, “His budget proposal makes the tough decisions necessary to reduce overall government spending.”
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Walker's administration responds with, “His budget proposal makes the tough decisions necessary to reduce overall government spending.”
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DANE County DA's Complaint Against the Wisconsin GOP Leadership is Scheduled for Tuesday, 03/29/2011
The complaint over the collective bargaining changes is expected to be back in court on Tuesday, 03/29/2011 even though questions over whether Wisconsin Act 10 was legally published last Friday, 03/25/2011.
Wisconsin GOP legislative leaders continued to state over the weekend that the act became law Saturday, 03/26/2011 because the Legislative Reference Bureau published it. The Legislative Reference Bureau has written that the Act is not published until done so by the Secretary of State.
Wisconsin GOP legislative leaders continued to state over the weekend that the act became law Saturday, 03/26/2011 because the Legislative Reference Bureau published it. The Legislative Reference Bureau has written that the Act is not published until done so by the Secretary of State.
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