Saturday, August 20, 2011

AFSCME Local 383 Membership Recruitment for the Week of August 22

Menomonie (Updated: 08/20/2011)
Monday, 22 August 2011 @ 11:30am - 2:30pm
AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Stout (Main Campus)
Millennium Hall, Room 201, Intersection of 10th Ave. & Broadway St. (STH 25), Menomonie, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Pizza will be provided. Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881 ckaiser@wseu-24.org.

Menomonie (Updated: 08/20/2011)
Tuesday, 23 August 2011 @ 11:30am - 1:00pm
AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Stout (North Campus)
LOCATION: TBA, Intersection of 1st Ave. & 3rd St. West, Menomonie, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Pizza will be provided. View the event flyer >>> | Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881
ckaiser@wseu-24.org.

Rice Lake [NOW CONFIRMED] (Updated: 08/20/2011)
Tuesday, 23 August 2011 @ 11:00am - 1:00pm
AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Barron County
Meggers Hall, Room 159, 1800 College Dr., Rice Lake, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Food will be provided. Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881 ckaiser@wseu-24.org.

Menomonie (Updated: 08/20/2011)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 @ 1:30pm - 4:00pm
AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Stout (Main Campus)
Robert S. Swanson Learning Center (East Wing), Room 206, Intersection of 10th Ave. & 3rd St. East, Menomonie, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Pizza will be provided. Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881 ckaiser@wseu-24.org.

Menomonie (Updated: 08/20/2011)
Thursday, August 25, 2011 @ 12:00pm - 2:00pm
AFSCME Local 383 Membership Drive
UW - Stout (Main Campus)
Robert S. Swanson Learning Center (East Wing), Room 206, Intersection of 10th Ave. & 3rd St. East, Menomonie, WI

There will be an informal open forum providing answers for currently represented members of WSEU. Pizza will be provided. Contact Person: Carolyn Kaiser at (715) 579-1881 ckaiser@wseu-24.org.

The name game: Who’s ready to make a Senate run?

This article addresses both the U.S. Semate run for retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl as well as possibilities doe a challenger to Scott Walker in a recall election.

The name game: Who’s ready to make a Senate run?

Friday, August 19, 2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Steve Nass accuses Madison law enforcement of picking sides in protests, MPD responds - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Steve Nass accuses Madison law enforcement of picking sides in protests, MPD responds - Isthmus The Daily Page

Fitzgerald's brother believes he's running for Senate - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

In the opinion of AFSCME C24 SEPAC this will mean one less Fitzgerald in politics. Now that is a good thing...

Fitzgerald's brother believes he's running for Senate - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Nass: Letter to Rep. Berceau re: Round 2 Capitol security costs

Apparently Rep. Steve Nass has nothing better to do than try and raise issue or shift attention away from his poor selection of words in his first statement regarding his claim that Madison Police Department and Dane County Sheriff's Department were not doing their sworn duties, but rather entered into collusion with the Protesters during the height of the State Capitol protests.

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Nass: Letter to Rep. Berceau re: Round 2 Capitol security costs

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Pocan, Sen.-elect Shilling: Legislators circulate bill to ensure speedy special elections

AFSCME Council 24 supports this legislation and hopes for bipartisan support for the same.

WisPolitics.com: Rep. Pocan, Sen.-elect Shilling: Legislators circulate bill to ensure speedy special elections

Be Proud AFSCME Members - We Are Not Done Though

If the video does not load, then click this link: http://youtu.be/_DVEK2YFP9Y

What Wisconsin Means -- In These Times

This FIGHT IS NOT OVER! Wisconsin Working Families will not rest until SCOTT WALKER IS REMOVED FROM OFFICE. We encourage all anti-Walker Wisconsinites to stay the course and organize and fight to SAVE WISCONSIN from the devastation of the WALKER AGENDA.

What Wisconsin Means -- In These Times

Wisconsin state employees brace for lower paychecks - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Wisconsin state employees brace for lower paychecks - Isthmus The Daily Page

Milwaukee, Madison workers seek to overturn collective bargaining law - JSOnline

Milwaukee, Madison workers seek to overturn collective bargaining law - JSOnline

DNR to get more autonomy, staff - JSOnline

DNR to get more autonomy, staff - JSOnline

They Say the Governor is Looking Forward to Working Together

Werwie, the Walker spokesman, said the state should turn from the Senate recall fervor back to other issues like the state economy.

"With the uncertainty of the recalls over, the governor is looking forward to working together with the Legislature and job creators to get more Wisconsinites back to work," Werwie said.

AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC's Response; "NUTS"

Senate GOP faces new reality - JSOnline

Senate GOP faces new reality - JSOnline

Two new Senate Dems could take office Friday - JSOnline

Two new Senate Dems could take office Friday - JSOnline

Outcome in Wisconsin shows there’s no mandate for Walkerism - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Outcome in Wisconsin shows there’s no mandate for Walkerism - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Remarks by AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, USW Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada

Remarks by AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, USW Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada

AFL-CIO: Labor will stand by Obama - TheHill.com

AFL-CIO: Labor will stand by Obama - TheHill.com

Message from AFSCME President G. McEntee & Sec.-Treasurer L. Saunders

From: President McEntee &. Sec-Treas Saunders [mailto:President_SecTreasurer@afscme.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 5:35 PM
To: AFSCME Leadership
Subject: Wisconsin

Sisters and brothers –

AFSCME members achieved unprecedented success in the Wisconsin recall campaigns. On Tuesday, Aug. 9, Wisconsin voters elected two progressive women, Jessica King and Jennifer Shilling, to replace two anti-worker Republican senators.

A week later, state Senators Jim Holperin (D) and Bob Wirch (D) easily defeated their right-wing opponents. Both Holperin and Wirch are members of the “Wisconsin 14,” the courageous state senators who stood up to Gov. Scott Walker by leaving the state in a bold effort to block a vote on his anti-worker bill that revoked collective bargaining rights for thousands of public service workers.

A full report of the Wisconsin recall effort will follow. But here are the key points: Republicans have gone from a 19-14 majority to a razor-thin 17-16 advantage. And with the continued support of GOP Sen. Dale Schultz who voted against the anti-rights bill, Scott Walker no longer has a working majority in the state senate. In fact, Scott Walker’s anti-worker bill would not have passed in the new make-up of the Senate.

The AFSCME-led We Are Wisconsin coalition did an incredible job. Nearly 1,500 AFSCME members volunteered on the campaigns. AFSCME staff members worked full time. Our polling center made hundreds of thousands of calls. Donations poured in. Special thanks to all of you who sent resources to Wisconsin, and also to the leaders of our Wisconsin affiliates, who made these victories possible: Marty Beil, executive director, Council 24; Rich Abelson, executive director, Council 48; and Rick Badger, executive director, Council 40.

Throughout this campaign, Walker’s popularity with voters has tanked, both overall and among independents. His own political future is now in doubt. As our new video documents, the momentum we have achieved in Wisconsin must now be turned into victories in other states where AFSCME members are fighting back for working men and women.

Click here to see the video: http://www.afscme.org/blog/fighting-back-and-making-history

The message is clear: If you tread on our collective bargaining rights, you’ll suffer the consequences at the ballot box!

In solidarity,

GERALD W. McENTEE
President


LEE A. SAUNDERS
Secretary-Treasurer

Sly In The Morning: John Nichols: Republican Recallers CLOTHESLINED

Sly In The Morning: John Nichols: Republican Recallers CLOTHESLINED

WisPolitics.com: RNC: Statement on second round of Wis. recalls

What the RNC is not telling you is that voters are facing recall fatigue, but will vote Scott Walker out of office if he is challenged by former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. In a recent poll, a scenario of Feingold and Walker puts Feingold as the WINNER, 52% - 45%. Just a small detail the RNC failed to mention in their statement.

Review the poll by clicking "HERE".

WisPolitics.com: RNC: Statement on second round of Wis. recalls

SEIU Wisconsin State Council Statement on Final Recall Elections

SEIU Wisconsin State Council Statement on Final Recall Elections

One Wisconsin Now: Email - One Wisconsin Now Statements on Historic Middle Class Uprising, Rebuke of Walker

One Wisconsin Now: Email - One Wisconsin Now Statements on Historic Middle Class Uprising, Rebuke of Walker

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Guest column: Spending up for labor unions in response to Gov. Scott Walker budget bill | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com

Recommended reading from AFSCME Council 24 Executive Director Marty Beil:

Guest column: Spending up for labor unions in response to Gov. Scott Walker budget bill Green Bay Press Gazette greenbaypressgazette.com

WisPolitics.com: Partisan vote differences, 2010 gov to 2011 recalls

It seems apparent that independent and democratic voter apathy WAS NOT present in the recall elections as it was in the 2010 general elections. SEPAC's observation is that when union voters engage, union voters can win elections.

WisPolitics.com: Partisan vote differences, 2010 gov to 2011 recalls

What Wisconsin meant - The Fix - The Washington Post

The RECALL OF SCOTT WALKER must go forward and if the RIGHT candidate is run against him, HE CAN BE DEFEATED. But, it will take all ANTI-WALKER supporters to make this a reality.

SCOTT WALKER has a very serious INTEGRITY issue. As he attempts to reach out to the MIDDLE and acts as a nice guy, everyone should be looking behind the curtain. His "NICE" will not be genuine that is for sure.

What Wisconsin meant - The Fix - The Washington Post

Legislation Proposed to Fine Legislators $500 Per Day

The below link leads to the legislative bill being advanced in the Assembly that fines legislators $500 per day for absence without leave from a legislative session.

Another radical attempt by Republicans to CONTROL. If a legislator is absent from a legislative session and not doing their elected task, then the voters are the people who should decide the penalty and that penalty is decided at the ballot box. The senate majority leader or speaker IS NOT THE BOSS of the other elected legislators. The constituents of the elected legislator are the bosses and they will decide at the ballot box if the legislator is doing the job to their satisfaction.

If this does pass and it may possibly do just that because of the inability of the legislative majority to think rationale, then I guess that supporters will simply have to develop a legal defense fund for the legislator. In any case, $500 for each day of a legislative session missed is outrageous especially for a legislator that is paid less than $50 thousand a year.

Absurd!

History of Assembly Bill 153

Scott Walker - Worst Governor Ever - VOTE TODAY!

We know we DO NOT have to encourage you to vote, but click on the below link and confirm what the majority of Wisconsinites already know.

Thank you!

Click "Worst Governor Ever" to vote.

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape - Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Statement from the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Regarding the Recall Election Victories

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape - Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Berceau is right to call Walker out as the paranoid big spender he is

Berceau is right to call Walker out as the paranoid big spender he is

Many unions planning to skip Democratic National Convention

Many unions planning to skip Democratic National Convention

WisPolitics.com: Marathon Co. Democrats: Sean Duffy loading town halls with supporters?

WisPolitics.com: Marathon Co. Democrats: Sean Duffy loading town halls with supporters?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Democratic Senator Jim Holperin Declared WINNER in SD12

With 78% of the vote tallied, Democratic State Senator Jim Holperin fends off the Republican effort to recall him from office.

Democratic Senator Bob Wirch is Clear WINNER! Democratic Senator Holperin Very Confident as Well.

Democratic State Senator Bob Wirch retains the 22nd senate seat. Congratulations Senator Bob Wirch, a Union Man for Union People! Democratic State Senator Jim Holperin is also advising SEPAC that he feels comfortable with his recall election based on the early reporting results.

Democratic State Senator Bob Wirch in SD22 Declared WINNER!

As of 9:28pm CST and with 78% of the votes tallied, the recall election in the 22nd Senate District has been called. Democratic Senator Bob Wirch has retained his senate seat.

RECALL ELECTION UPDATE: 9:22pm CST

As of 9:22pm CST both democratic senators in the 12th and 22nd senate districts are leading in their races. Checkout the SEPAC website for more information on the present vote totals.

AFSCME Council 24 · SEPAC

Reporting of Voting Problems at the Polls

If anyone has or witnesses any election related or voting problems at the polls today in the Jim Holperin or Bob Wirch elections in Wisconsin call 1 (866) OUR-VOTE or Jim at (608) 333-4589 Please share info. Thanks!

Sent from Steven Williams BlackBerry smartphone

Voter Public Access

We just received reports of members not knowing where to go to vote in senate districts 12 and 22. Please go to the below link to find your polling place.

https://vpa.wi.gov/
Sent from Steven Williams BlackBerry smartphone

Recall Election Results to Be Posted at the AFSCME Council 24 · SEPAC Website

Check the SEPAC website later this evening (After 8:00pm CST) for the Recall Election results in the 12th and 22nd Senate Districts.

If you live in either of these senate districts, please GET OUT & VOTE!

AFSCME Council 24 · SEPAC

Special prosecutor named in Supreme Court investigation

Special prosecutor named in Supreme Court investigation

In Wisconsin recalls, GOP looking to win one back - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

Attention ALL Members, their family members and friends, DO NOT LET THEM WIN ONE BACK!

In Wisconsin recalls, GOP looking to win one back - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

Final recall races today

Latest polls have Senator's Holperin (D-12) and Wirch (D-22) polling ahead of their republican challengers we still need all members who live in these two senate districts to ensure they get out and vote today.

Final recall races today

WisPolitics.com: Wirch Campaign Election Night watch party

Only 8 hours until the polls close. If you live in the 22nd Senate District and have already voted, thank you! If you have not voted yet, please get out and vote. Later this evening you can join Senator Bob Wirch at the Kenosha Labor Hall for his election watch and celebration party.

WisPolitics.com: Wirch Campaign Election Night watch party

WisPolitics.com: Holperin Campaign Election Night watch party

8 Hours until the polls close. If you live in the 12th Senate District and have not yet voted, please get out and vote. Later this evening you can join Senator Jim Holperin at his re-election celebration.

WisPolitics.com: Holperin Campaign Election Night watch party

Monday, August 15, 2011

Plain Talk: There’s a false ring to Walker’s attempt to make nice

You Think? He has not obtained the title in the past; "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" based on telling the truth.

Plain Talk: There’s a false ring to Walker’s attempt to make nice

Liberal billionaire helping fund media groups in Wisconsin - JSOnline

Liberal billionaire helping fund media groups in Wisconsin - JSOnline

PolitiFact Wisconsin | GOP recall candidate Jonathan Steitz "failed to pay his taxes," liberal Greater Wisconsin Committee says

Wow, first we learn that the best Wisconsin Republicans could do for a Governor Candidate was an alleged collegiate cheater named Scott Walker and now the two Republican challengers of incumbent state senators in senate district's 12 and 22 are both confirmed tax evaders...

PolitiFact Wisconsin GOP recall candidate Jonathan Steitz "failed to pay his taxes," liberal Greater Wisconsin Committee says

Special prosecutor named in Prosser/Bradley altercation - JSOnline

Justice "Strangler" aka David Prosser will now face the investigation of the allegations against him by means of a special prosecutor.

Special prosecutor named in Prosser/Bradley altercation - JSOnline

AFSCME C24 UIN

UIN – August 15, 2011‬‪

Recalls – The last two state senate recall elections occur tomorrow – in the 12th District, where Jim Holperin is defending his seat; and in the 22nd District where Bob Wirch is also hoping to protect his senate seat.‬‪

Though it seems unlikely that we would need to – we want to remind you that if you live in the northern Wisconsin 12th District or the southeast Wisconsin 22nd District – tomorrow is the day to GET OUT AND VOTE.  These two senators have stood with us for months, and now it is our turn to stand up for them.  It is as simple as stopping by your polling place on your way to or from work or other errands, and casting a ballot for Holperin or Wirch.  They need our help to fend off the right wing attackers who have come after them as a result of what they did for us.‬‪

Last week we picked up two crucial seats in the state senate.  It is equally as critical that we keep Holperin and Wirch.  By doing so, we will have dramatically changed the landscape in the senate, from a virtual rubber stamp for Scott Walker to one that may require discussion and - dare we say it – compromised's finish tomorrow what Scott Walker started back February.  We promised our friends we would not forget them – now is our chance to prove it.  Go and vote tomorrow.  And while you're at it, take some people along with you.  Make sure your elderly family and their friends get to exercise their right to vote, too.  If you have a dependent that just turned 18, remember they can vote too.  Bring them along when you head to the polls.  It's one of the most important things to teach our kids, and there is no better time to learn.‬‪

Vote – August 16th – Holperin and Wirch.‬
Sent from Steven Williams BlackBerry smartphone

Special Message from We Are Wisconsin

WeAreWI: Tomorrow is Election Day - it's your chance to take back WI! Remind friends and family to vote! Help them find their polling place https://vpa.wi.gov/

Sent from Steven Williams BlackBerry smartphone

WisPolitics.com: 17th annual Fitzgerald Open

Friendly reminder of the Fitzgerald's Golf Outing starting at 10:00am TODAY. You do need $1000 to golf with them or you can get by cheap and have dinner for $250.

WisPolitics.com: 17th annual Fitzgerald Open

Romney makes organized labor a favorite whipping boy - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

"Republicans" continue their assault on organized labor. With what Republicans have done in Wisconsin and what is happening on the national level, is causing organized labor to promote "NO MORE REPUBLICANS". Even if a Republican candidate were to say they are "union-friendly" there will be a huge trust factor to overcome unless they have done something publicly that demonstrates their respect of orgainzed labor.

Romney makes organized labor a favorite whipping boy - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

WisPolitics Election Blog: 12 SD Race

Voters still enagegd in 12 Senate District Race to Re-Elect Senator Jim Holperin (D)

WisPolitics Election Blog

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Recalls let clerks test new Wisconsin voting rules | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com

Recalls let clerks test new Wisconsin voting rules Green Bay Press Gazette greenbaypressgazette.com

Handbooks replace union contracts in Wisconsin schools - JSOnline

Handbooks replace union contracts in Wisconsin schools - JSOnline

Prosser's recount got ample funding - JSOnline

Prosser's recount got ample funding - JSOnline

Wisconsin is a 50/50 state once more - JSOnline

This needs to change... Working families can see how devastating Republicans are.

Wisconsin is a 50/50 state once more - JSOnline

2nd Democratic Candidate Anticipated to Announce Run for the 95th Assembly Seat

Christine Clair, President of the La Crosse School Board of Education and a local Democrat, will announce her plans regarding the 95th State Assembly District race. Chris will make her announcement on Wednesday, August 17th at noon in front of the Hogan Administrative Center, 807 E. Ave. S., La Crosse.

Christime Clair has served on the La Crosse Board of Education for 11 years and as its president for the last 8 years. She has worked as a Montessori preschool teacher, an artist, a caseworker for those who have experienced abuse, 25 years as a public defender attorney and now an instructor of law classes at Viterbo University.

Christine Clair will join La Crosse County Board Supervisor Jill Billings who is expected to announce her intentions on Monday, August 15th.

The 95th Assembly Seat will become vacant when Jennifer Shilling assumes he NEW roll as the recall elected State Senator of the 32nd Senate District. State Representative Shilling defeated State Senator Dan Kapanke in the recall election held on August 9th.