June 16, 2011
Contact: Peg Lautenschlager
920-602-6194
The administration of Gov. Scott Walker will be forced to reopen all eight entrances to the state Capitol -- without metal detectors or security guards grilling citizens on the purpose of their visit -- as the result of a lawsuit brought by the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24, and six individuals.
The entrances will reopen on Monday, June 27, based on an agreement filed today by Judge Gordon Myse, who was appointed to mediate the dispute by Judge John Albert. Myse has agreed to continue to monitor DOA’s compliance with the agreement.
The union joined citizens in suing the state after the Walker administration severely limited citizen access to the Capitol following waves of large, peaceful protests against Walker’s plan to strip most bargaining rights from most public service employees.
“This is a great victory that gives the people’s house back to the people,” said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union.
“We believe locking down the capitol in the face of peaceful protest was wrong and ignored Wisconsin’s long tradition of open government. That’s why we went to court and that’s why we are pleased the court has provided an avenue to resolve the issue,” Beil said.
Under terms of the agreement, the Department of Administration will open all eight ground floor Capitol entrances on June 27. The DOA will remove all metal detectors from ground floor entrances by that date and will never again queue people entering the capitol based on the purpose of their visit.
The agreement also states that the ground and first floor rotunda will be open for public access and there will be no further attempts to prohibit the display of signs in that area of the rotunda.
Click "here" for a printer-friendly version of this press release.
Click "here" to view the final court stipulation.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Attorney Peg Lautenschlager Prepares FAQ's and Talking Points Regarding Lawsuit
To date, many legal challenges have been filed to various courts regarding Scott Walker's discriminatory attack on public employees.
The latest legal action was filed today, June 15th in U.S. District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin claiming that many parts of the anti-union bill are unconstitutional.
To help you better understand what has taken place and what this means, Attorney Peg Lautenschlager prepared a Frequently Asked Questions and Talking Points for you to use.
ALL questions or concerns regarding this latest action should be referred to AFSCME Council 24 and not Attorney Lautenschlager.
Click "here" to download, view and print the prepared document.
The latest legal action was filed today, June 15th in U.S. District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin claiming that many parts of the anti-union bill are unconstitutional.
To help you better understand what has taken place and what this means, Attorney Peg Lautenschlager prepared a Frequently Asked Questions and Talking Points for you to use.
ALL questions or concerns regarding this latest action should be referred to AFSCME Council 24 and not Attorney Lautenschlager.
Click "here" to download, view and print the prepared document.
Governor Scott Walker Coming to Ripon on Thursday, June 16th
HE WILL HELICOPTER IN TO SPEAK AT THE BADGER BOYS STATE GAMES!
Scott Walker And His Agenda To Destroy Wisconsin IS NOT Welcome Here!
Let’s give him the Un-Welcome He DESERVES!
MEET AT THE THORNE ST. PARKING LOT across from upper SADOFF FIELD
@ 5:00pm Thursday, June 16th
Officials are trying to keep it hush-hush so we don’t know exactly when he arrives, but he is slated to speak before 8:30pm.
BRING YOUR SIGNS, YOUR CHANTS and a DISH TO SHARE AS WE CAMP OUT AND AWAIT SCOTT WALKER!
For more information contact Mark Resch at 920-748-5227
We will have art supplies and a cooler for beverages! No alcohol please :)
Click "here" to download, view, print and distribute the event flyer.
Scott Walker And His Agenda To Destroy Wisconsin IS NOT Welcome Here!
Let’s give him the Un-Welcome He DESERVES!
MEET AT THE THORNE ST. PARKING LOT across from upper SADOFF FIELD
@ 5:00pm Thursday, June 16th
Officials are trying to keep it hush-hush so we don’t know exactly when he arrives, but he is slated to speak before 8:30pm.
BRING YOUR SIGNS, YOUR CHANTS and a DISH TO SHARE AS WE CAMP OUT AND AWAIT SCOTT WALKER!
For more information contact Mark Resch at 920-748-5227
We will have art supplies and a cooler for beverages! No alcohol please :)
Click "here" to download, view, print and distribute the event flyer.
Unions seek to overturn court order reinstating collective-bargaining law
Madison - As state officials took steps Wednesday to all but end collective bargaining for most public workers as of June 29, a coalition of unions filed suit in federal court seeking to block the action.
The federal lawsuit came a day after the state Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of the collective-bargaining legislation that Republican Gov. Scott Walker signed into law in March but that a Dane County judge quickly blocked.
Two other lawsuits are pending against the limits on collective bargaining, and more are expected.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
The federal lawsuit came a day after the state Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of the collective-bargaining legislation that Republican Gov. Scott Walker signed into law in March but that a Dane County judge quickly blocked.
Two other lawsuits are pending against the limits on collective bargaining, and more are expected.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Wisconsin unions file federal lawsuit to block anti-worker bill
June 15, 2011
Contact: Bob Allen
608 206-9535
AFSCME is part of a broad coalition of Wisconsin unions that have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill. The bill would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers belonging to unions that supported Gov. Scott Walker in the last election.
"This suit is just one more way we are standing up to Gov. Walker and his allies who have shown no regard for the rule of law in their rush to scuttle decades of labor peace in Wisconsin,” said Rick Badger, executive director of AFSCME Council 40.
The lawsuit charges that the Budget Repair Bill violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union and political activity, which have been in place for the last half century. Only employees working in job classifications represented by the handful of unions who supported Governor Walker in the last elections were spared from these punitive cutbacks.
“Walker and his allies are picking winners and punishing losers in a cynical political game. They are trying to create two classes of workers – one that has rights and one that has no voice. It clearly violates the constitution to discriminate between classes of workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of AFSCME Council 24.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
“We have made clear from the beginning that our members are willing to accept economic concessions in these difficult times, but we will not give up our right to a voice in the workplace,” said Rich Abelson, Council 48 executive director.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill that enact this discriminatory treatment into law. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the significant pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. The unions have long been on record accepting these substantial economic cuts and seek only to preserve their basic rights to bargain and freely associate.
AFSCME Council 40 represents more than 33,000 public service and health care workers in 71 Wisconsin
Counties. Council 24 represents more than 22,000 state employees. Council 48 represents more than 10,000 public service employees in Milwaukee County.
Clcik "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Contact: Bob Allen
608 206-9535
AFSCME is part of a broad coalition of Wisconsin unions that have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill. The bill would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers belonging to unions that supported Gov. Scott Walker in the last election.
"This suit is just one more way we are standing up to Gov. Walker and his allies who have shown no regard for the rule of law in their rush to scuttle decades of labor peace in Wisconsin,” said Rick Badger, executive director of AFSCME Council 40.
The lawsuit charges that the Budget Repair Bill violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union and political activity, which have been in place for the last half century. Only employees working in job classifications represented by the handful of unions who supported Governor Walker in the last elections were spared from these punitive cutbacks.
“Walker and his allies are picking winners and punishing losers in a cynical political game. They are trying to create two classes of workers – one that has rights and one that has no voice. It clearly violates the constitution to discriminate between classes of workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of AFSCME Council 24.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
“We have made clear from the beginning that our members are willing to accept economic concessions in these difficult times, but we will not give up our right to a voice in the workplace,” said Rich Abelson, Council 48 executive director.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill that enact this discriminatory treatment into law. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the significant pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. The unions have long been on record accepting these substantial economic cuts and seek only to preserve their basic rights to bargain and freely associate.
AFSCME Council 40 represents more than 33,000 public service and health care workers in 71 Wisconsin
Counties. Council 24 represents more than 22,000 state employees. Council 48 represents more than 10,000 public service employees in Milwaukee County.
Clcik "here" to download, view and print the press release.
AFT-Wisconsin joins broad coalition of Wisconsin unions in filing federal lawsuit to block anti-worker bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 15, 2011
Jill Bakken
Communications Representative
Bakken.Jill@aft-wisconsin.org
(608) 770-0498 (cell)
MADISON, WIS—A broad coalition of Wisconsin unions, including AFT-Wisconsin, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Act 10, the bill that would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers belonging to unions that supported Gov. Walker in the last election.
The lawsuit charges that Act 10 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union and political activity, which have been in place for the last half century. Only employees working in job classifications represented by the handful of unions who supported Gov. Walker in the last elections were spared from these punitive cutbacks.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill that enact this discriminatory treatment into law. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the significant pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. The unions have long been on record accepting these substantial economic cuts and seek only to preserve their basic rights to bargain and freely associate.
According to AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy, “Scott Walker has not only ignored the voice of hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who oppose his extremist legislation; he has also taken a baseball bat to the Constitutional rights of one group of public employees. We are optimistic that the courts will agree, and this blatant discrimination will not stand.”
###
AFT-Wisconsin is a statewide labor federation representing over 17,000 professional public employees in state agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education. For more information, visit www.aft-wisconsin.org.
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Jill Bakken
Communications Representative
Bakken.Jill@aft-wisconsin.org
(608) 770-0498 (cell)
MADISON, WIS—A broad coalition of Wisconsin unions, including AFT-Wisconsin, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Act 10, the bill that would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers belonging to unions that supported Gov. Walker in the last election.
The lawsuit charges that Act 10 violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union and political activity, which have been in place for the last half century. Only employees working in job classifications represented by the handful of unions who supported Gov. Walker in the last elections were spared from these punitive cutbacks.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill that enact this discriminatory treatment into law. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the significant pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. The unions have long been on record accepting these substantial economic cuts and seek only to preserve their basic rights to bargain and freely associate.
According to AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy, “Scott Walker has not only ignored the voice of hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites who oppose his extremist legislation; he has also taken a baseball bat to the Constitutional rights of one group of public employees. We are optimistic that the courts will agree, and this blatant discrimination will not stand.”
###
AFT-Wisconsin is a statewide labor federation representing over 17,000 professional public employees in state agencies, K-12 schools, and higher education. For more information, visit www.aft-wisconsin.org.
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Press Release of WEAC Regarding the Filing of Lawsuit on Anti-Union Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlena Deutsch, 608‐298‐2445
A broad coalition of Wisconsin labor groups, including WEAC, filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill. The bill would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers who belong to unions that supported Governor Walker in the last election.
The lawsuit argues that the Budget Repair Bill discriminates among classes of public employees when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives. WEAC is joined in the suit by the Wisconsin State Employees Union; AFSCME District Councils 24, 40 and 48; AFT‐Wisconsin; SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin; and the Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO.
The following statement can be attributed to WEAC President Mary Bell, a Wisconsin Rapids teacher: "Governor Walker’s bill divides public‐sector workers in a way that we have never seen under decades of stable collecting bargaining, creating a system in which some workers have rights to free speech and to organize and others do not. It’s clear that Walker is using this law to punish some state employees while rewarding others. This legislation makes winners and losers out of employees previously equal in the eyes of the law, and the motives behind Walker’s attempts to separate public workers merits further review by our courts."
To read more about the lawsuit, click here. (No active link in press release)
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Contact: Marlena Deutsch, 608‐298‐2445
A broad coalition of Wisconsin labor groups, including WEAC, filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill. The bill would gut collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public workers who belong to unions that supported Governor Walker in the last election.
The lawsuit argues that the Budget Repair Bill discriminates among classes of public employees when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives. WEAC is joined in the suit by the Wisconsin State Employees Union; AFSCME District Councils 24, 40 and 48; AFT‐Wisconsin; SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin; and the Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO.
The following statement can be attributed to WEAC President Mary Bell, a Wisconsin Rapids teacher: "Governor Walker’s bill divides public‐sector workers in a way that we have never seen under decades of stable collecting bargaining, creating a system in which some workers have rights to free speech and to organize and others do not. It’s clear that Walker is using this law to punish some state employees while rewarding others. This legislation makes winners and losers out of employees previously equal in the eyes of the law, and the motives behind Walker’s attempts to separate public workers merits further review by our courts."
To read more about the lawsuit, click here. (No active link in press release)
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Wisconsin Workers file lawsuit to block Anti‐Union Bill
For Immediate Release: June 15, 2011
Contact: Karen Hickey, 414‐573‐7579
Madison, WI ‐ The Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO joins a broad coalition of worker right’s organizations today in filing a legal challenge to Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill. The organizations include the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 24, AFSCME Council 40, AFSCME Council 48, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Wisconsin State Employees Union, The Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO and the Service Employees International Union – Health Care Wisconsin (SEIU).
Together the organizations are filing a federal law suit against Scott Walker’s bill which denies hundreds of thousands of public employees their right to collectively bargain for a better life. The groups challenge the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill which would destroy collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public sector workers.
"Not only have Scott Walker and his deep‐pocketed corporate allies sought to silence the voices of Wisconsin workers, they have also violated those workers constitutional rights,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO. “Scott Walker has created two classes of public sector workers and that is unconstitutional. When a legislature discriminates among classes of workers, especially when doing so has more to do with political payback than with any legitimate reasoning, the law has been violated.”
The lawsuit charges that the Budget Repair Bill violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union activity, which have been in place for the last half century.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. Public sector unions have made it clear from day one that Wisconsin workers would do their part to share in the sacrifice and keep our state moving forward. The lawsuit only seeks to preserve the basic right to bargain and freely associate.
# # #
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Contact: Karen Hickey, 414‐573‐7579
Madison, WI ‐ The Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO joins a broad coalition of worker right’s organizations today in filing a legal challenge to Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill. The organizations include the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 24, AFSCME Council 40, AFSCME Council 48, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Wisconsin State Employees Union, The Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO and the Service Employees International Union – Health Care Wisconsin (SEIU).
Together the organizations are filing a federal law suit against Scott Walker’s bill which denies hundreds of thousands of public employees their right to collectively bargain for a better life. The groups challenge the constitutionality of the state’s Budget Repair Bill which would destroy collective bargaining rights for all but a select group of public sector workers.
"Not only have Scott Walker and his deep‐pocketed corporate allies sought to silence the voices of Wisconsin workers, they have also violated those workers constitutional rights,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin State AFL‐CIO. “Scott Walker has created two classes of public sector workers and that is unconstitutional. When a legislature discriminates among classes of workers, especially when doing so has more to do with political payback than with any legitimate reasoning, the law has been violated.”
The lawsuit charges that the Budget Repair Bill violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution by stripping away basic rights to bargain, organize and associate for the purpose of engaging in union activity, which have been in place for the last half century.
The suit contends that it is a violation of the U.S. Constitution for a legislature to discriminate among classes of public employees, particularly when doing so does not advance legitimate policy objectives but instead simply rewards political allies and punishes political opponents.
The lawsuit seeks to enjoin some, but not all, of the provisions of the Budget Repair Bill. Significantly, the unions do not seek to enjoin the pension and health insurance contribution requirements imposed by the Budget Repair Bill. Public sector unions have made it clear from day one that Wisconsin workers would do their part to share in the sacrifice and keep our state moving forward. The lawsuit only seeks to preserve the basic right to bargain and freely associate.
# # #
Click "here" to download, view and print the press release.
Statement of DOA Sec. Huebsch on Implementation of Wisconsin Act 10
“The Department is moving forward with plans to implement Act 10. In the coming days, I will be working with my staff to set a timeline and develop a plan for increasing state employee pension and health insurance premium contributions. Based on initial discussions, the soonest that the change could appear on state employee paychecks is late August.
“With regard to local government employees, I will also be setting a timeline for pension contributions. However, the timing of changes to the health insurance premium contributions of local government employees will depend on when existing contracts expire and the status of any current contract negotiations.
“We will not be applying the provisions of Act 10 retroactively.”
Click "here" to download, view and print DOA Sec. Huebsch's statement.
“With regard to local government employees, I will also be setting a timeline for pension contributions. However, the timing of changes to the health insurance premium contributions of local government employees will depend on when existing contracts expire and the status of any current contract negotiations.
“We will not be applying the provisions of Act 10 retroactively.”
Click "here" to download, view and print DOA Sec. Huebsch's statement.
Statement of Executive Director Martin Beil
Regarding the 6/14/11 Supreme Court Ruling
Make no mistake - yesterday’s ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court inflicts a body blow on organized labor in our state. However, I am here to tell you that the lights are still on, and we are still here fighting.
If you find yourself feeling angry over this latest episode of “fast and loose” with the laws, standards, protocol and procedure that has served our state well for many years, I urge you to focus that anger and concern on the recall elections. The battleground must now shift to these elections. We need to turn our frustration to ACTION. Clearly, unseating these incumbents is the best way to make our voices heard.
Stand tall, be proud of what you do for the citizens of this state and get involved TODAY. These campaigns can use help in many different ways – there is absolutely a job that everyone can do. Start by visiting the SEPAC website (www.wseu-sepac.org) for contact information in your area. This is it. The time is now – the implications could not be more serious.
Lastly, a word to those who have not yet signed up to voluntarily pay dues. If you were waiting for the “bomb” to drop – that day is here. Go to our websites and click on “Join the Fight” TODAY. We need your support so that we can continue the fight to support all of you.
On day longer – one day stronger.
Make no mistake - yesterday’s ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court inflicts a body blow on organized labor in our state. However, I am here to tell you that the lights are still on, and we are still here fighting.
If you find yourself feeling angry over this latest episode of “fast and loose” with the laws, standards, protocol and procedure that has served our state well for many years, I urge you to focus that anger and concern on the recall elections. The battleground must now shift to these elections. We need to turn our frustration to ACTION. Clearly, unseating these incumbents is the best way to make our voices heard.
Stand tall, be proud of what you do for the citizens of this state and get involved TODAY. These campaigns can use help in many different ways – there is absolutely a job that everyone can do. Start by visiting the SEPAC website (www.wseu-sepac.org) for contact information in your area. This is it. The time is now – the implications could not be more serious.
Lastly, a word to those who have not yet signed up to voluntarily pay dues. If you were waiting for the “bomb” to drop – that day is here. Go to our websites and click on “Join the Fight” TODAY. We need your support so that we can continue the fight to support all of you.
On day longer – one day stronger.
Supreme Court reinstates collective bargaining law
Madison - Acting with unusual speed, the state Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the reinstatement of Gov. Scott Walker's controversial plan to end most collective bargaining for tens of thousands of public workers.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
This news story contains a poll that asks;
"Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision to reinstate the collective bargaining law?" (Please rovide your answer to the poll question. Currently, 68% of respondents have voted YES)
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
This news story contains a poll that asks;
"Do you agree with the Supreme Court's decision to reinstate the collective bargaining law?" (Please rovide your answer to the poll question. Currently, 68% of respondents have voted YES)
Protesters say the fight's not over despite Supreme Court ruling on union bill
Click on "share" to read the entire news story.
Wisconsin top court rules for Walker against Unions
Wisconsin’s supreme court ordered a law ending collective bargaining for most of its public employees reinstated Tuesday, granting a significant victory to Republican Gov. Scott Walker and a crushing defeat for infuriated labor unions.
The ruling came hours before the state assembly was to begin debating Wisconsin’s annual budget, though GOP lawmakers ultimately delayed deliberations until Wednesday because they were unable to finish writing it, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
The ruling came hours before the state assembly was to begin debating Wisconsin’s annual budget, though GOP lawmakers ultimately delayed deliberations until Wednesday because they were unable to finish writing it, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Wisconsin Union Law to Take Effect
The Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way Tuesday for the state's contentious collective-bargaining law to take effect, ruling 4-3 that a lower-court judge who put the measure on hold improperly interfered with the legislature.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
This article also contains a poll asking the following question:
"Should state employees have collective bargaining rights?" (Please provide your answer to this poll)
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
This article also contains a poll asking the following question:
"Should state employees have collective bargaining rights?" (Please provide your answer to this poll)
Supreme Court ruling puts union law in effect
MADISON -- The Wisconsin Supreme Court handed Republican Gov. Scott Walker a victory Tuesday, ruling that a union law could take effect, stripping most public employees' collective bargaining powers.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
More Follow-up on the WSC Ruling
As we reported earlier on Tuesday, June 14th, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld the validity of WISCONSIN Act 10. This means that Scott Walker and the GOP Majority have won their battel to strip collective bargaining from public employees, with some exceptions. However, as of this writing legislation is pending to force NEW police and fire fighters to lose collective bargaining as well.
In its 68 page ruling the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the following:
1. Certification and motions for temporary relief were denied.
2. Petition for original jurisdiction granted.
3. All motions to dismiss and for supplemental briefings denied.
4. All orders and judgments of the Dane County Circuit Court in Case 2011CV1244 vacated and declared to be void ab initio.
5. The Dane County circuit court erred in enjoining publication and further implementation of Act 10.
6. The Legislature did not employ a process that violated Article IV, Section 10 regarding keeping the legislative doors open.
7. The Legislature did not violate the open meetings law.
8. Declined to review the validity of the procedure used to give notice of the joint committee on conference.
Click "here" to download, view and print the entire 68 page ruling.
In its 68 page ruling the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled the following:
1. Certification and motions for temporary relief were denied.
2. Petition for original jurisdiction granted.
3. All motions to dismiss and for supplemental briefings denied.
4. All orders and judgments of the Dane County Circuit Court in Case 2011CV1244 vacated and declared to be void ab initio.
5. The Dane County circuit court erred in enjoining publication and further implementation of Act 10.
6. The Legislature did not employ a process that violated Article IV, Section 10 regarding keeping the legislative doors open.
7. The Legislature did not violate the open meetings law.
8. Declined to review the validity of the procedure used to give notice of the joint committee on conference.
Click "here" to download, view and print the entire 68 page ruling.
Personal Message from Scot Ross, executive director of One Wisconsin NOW
I remain here at the Capitol with thousands of other activists protesting Governor Walker and the Republican's continued assault on Wisconsin's way of life, and we have just received news that the four conservative member of our Supreme Court have aided and abetted Gov. Scott Walker's crime against 175,000 working Wisconsinites by overturning the lower court and allowing his disastrous attack on the rights of workers to stand as law.
But we remain unbowed. United. Standing for workers and Wisconsin's middle class.
But we remain unbowed. United. Standing for workers and Wisconsin's middle class.
Doctored WQOW News 18 video taken down from YouTube - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports
This is alarming even though Congressman Sean Duffy's office would like for you to believe it was done in good taste and not to distort content. Can any Republican be trusted at all? What about this Congressman Duffy? He must have mislead the voters all the way through his campaign trail as well. How many of his news video's that were posted were actually altered by his campaign staff at the time? One has grounds to seriously wonder.
Do not forget, this is the same U.S. Congressman who told a room full of constituents that he is having a hard time making it on his $174,000.00 a year salary, implying he feels the pain of his constituents trying to make it in $40,000.00 per year.
Doctored WQOW News 18 video taken down from YouTube - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports
Do not forget, this is the same U.S. Congressman who told a room full of constituents that he is having a hard time making it on his $174,000.00 a year salary, implying he feels the pain of his constituents trying to make it in $40,000.00 per year.
Doctored WQOW News 18 video taken down from YouTube - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports
Walkerville & Rally Update
Today, while not as large as the outpouring of protesters in February and March, hundreds of opponents to the GOP's attack on Wisconsin values and the middle and lower income citizens circled the state capitol in protest to one of the worst budget proposals in Wisconsin history.
As of this hour several thousands are now gathered for the 5:00pm rally at the State St. entrance.
As of this hour several thousands are now gathered for the 5:00pm rally at the State St. entrance.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Throws Out the Dane County Circuit Court Ruling That Invalidated the Collective Bargining Bill
More information will follow once our legal team and leadership has a chance to review, digest and discuss the courts ruling. For now you can view the actual ruling at;
http://www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=66078
http://www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=66078
Monday, June 13, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: GOP Will Call Extraordinary Session on State Budget
URGENT ALERT: We have just learned that Republican Assembly leaders have called for an “extraordinary session” on Tuesday. This move will limit debate, amendments and democracy, and allow them to ram Governor Walker’s devastating budget through the legislature.
Join us on Tuesday as we continue to stand strong against a budget that guts public schools, attacks health care, raises taxes on workers and seniors, and jeopardizes public services like police and fire, all while handing over $300 million a year in tax breaks to the rich.
Rally at the Capitol: The People vs. Scott Walker
Tuesday, June 14th
11:00am – Marches begin at Walkerville on Capitol Square
5:30pm – Rally at the Capitol Square and State St.
Marches begin at Walkerville on the Capitol square at 11:00am, when the Assembly session starts, and will continue throughout the day. The rally will start at 5:30pm at the Square and State St., where Scott Walker’s budget will be put on trial. We will judge the morality of Scott Walker’s budget, and hold each and every legislator who votes for Scott Walker’s budget accountable for their actions.
We’ll see you on Tuesday!
Authority: Marty Beil, executive director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
mbeil@wseu-24.org
Join us on Tuesday as we continue to stand strong against a budget that guts public schools, attacks health care, raises taxes on workers and seniors, and jeopardizes public services like police and fire, all while handing over $300 million a year in tax breaks to the rich.
Rally at the Capitol: The People vs. Scott Walker
Tuesday, June 14th
11:00am – Marches begin at Walkerville on Capitol Square
5:30pm – Rally at the Capitol Square and State St.
Marches begin at Walkerville on the Capitol square at 11:00am, when the Assembly session starts, and will continue throughout the day. The rally will start at 5:30pm at the Square and State St., where Scott Walker’s budget will be put on trial. We will judge the morality of Scott Walker’s budget, and hold each and every legislator who votes for Scott Walker’s budget accountable for their actions.
We’ll see you on Tuesday!
Authority: Marty Beil, executive director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
mbeil@wseu-24.org
"Walkerville" is created for a reason
If you have not been to "Walkerville" yet, whether it be for a visit or to reside overnight or for longer, this week is a very critical week and support for Walkerville is never ending. Walkerville was created in order to have people present, ready at a moments notice to respond to the GOP majority attack on the Wisconsin middle and lower class people. Read the below story to know what is potentially looming this week in Madison and Walkerville.
Here is a small part of a news story written by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
GOP leaders agree on basics of budget bill
Madison - Republicans' plan to balance the state's budget by slicing aid for schools and local governments is largely written and set to come before the Assembly Tuesday, but compelling questions about it remain.
Top GOP lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker agree on the broad outlines of the bill to close a $3 billion deficit in the state's main account over the next two years by holding the line on spending and cutting some taxes for corporations and investors to spur economic growth.
The wild card remains Walker's legislation to eliminate most collective bargaining for most public employees, which was passed in March but struck down by a Dane County judge. Republicans expect the state Supreme Court to weigh in any day on the judge's decision. But if the high court doesn't restore the law, GOP lawmakers would likely be forced to pass the measure again as part of the budget.
The 2011-'13 budget passed by the Joint Finance Committee would spend $66.1 billion in state and federal money over two years - a 1.8% increase - and eliminate an estimated 1,033 jobs. Its overall shape shows no sign of changing.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Here is a small part of a news story written by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
GOP leaders agree on basics of budget bill
Madison - Republicans' plan to balance the state's budget by slicing aid for schools and local governments is largely written and set to come before the Assembly Tuesday, but compelling questions about it remain.
Top GOP lawmakers and Gov. Scott Walker agree on the broad outlines of the bill to close a $3 billion deficit in the state's main account over the next two years by holding the line on spending and cutting some taxes for corporations and investors to spur economic growth.
The wild card remains Walker's legislation to eliminate most collective bargaining for most public employees, which was passed in March but struck down by a Dane County judge. Republicans expect the state Supreme Court to weigh in any day on the judge's decision. But if the high court doesn't restore the law, GOP lawmakers would likely be forced to pass the measure again as part of the budget.
The 2011-'13 budget passed by the Joint Finance Committee would spend $66.1 billion in state and federal money over two years - a 1.8% increase - and eliminate an estimated 1,033 jobs. Its overall shape shows no sign of changing.
Click "here" to read the entire news story.
Walker, GOP put conservative stamp on Wisconsin
Click on "share" to read the entire news story.
Even if Democrats seize control of the State Senate through recall elections, the GOP Majority and Scott Walker have already done tremendous damage to to Wisconsin, its values and its citizens.
Even if Democrats seize control of the State Senate through recall elections, the GOP Majority and Scott Walker have already done tremendous damage to to Wisconsin, its values and its citizens.
Recall Election Information
SEPAC has been fielding questions as to the legality of the "fake" candidates in recalls. It IS NOT illegal for a person to run for a partisan office claiming to be a candidate of one party and actually being a person of another political persuasion. The action simply confuses "some" voters, but does in fact costs counties and cities ten's of thousands of extra dollars to run the additional elections.
If their are no legal challenges to Wisconsin's recall elections the recall elections are presently scheduled for July 12 for the Republicans and July 19 for the Democrats. If their are primary elections, and it does appear that their will be a few, then the general recall elections are set for August 9 for Republicans and August 16 for Democrats.
If their are no legal challenges to Wisconsin's recall elections the recall elections are presently scheduled for July 12 for the Republicans and July 19 for the Democrats. If their are primary elections, and it does appear that their will be a few, then the general recall elections are set for August 9 for Republicans and August 16 for Democrats.
WisPolitics.com: 2011 Wisconsin Senate recalls
Follow the below link for a summary to the recall elections as of 06/13/2011.
WisPolitics.com: 2011 Wisconsin Senate recalls
WisPolitics.com: 2011 Wisconsin Senate recalls
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