Friday, September 23, 2011

County pension rules change could save $60 million or more - JSOnline

AFSCME District Council 48 is prepared to challenge the rule change.

County pension rules change could save $60 million or more - JSOnline

WPR Headline Story - New state law requires local governments to have worker grievance policies in place by October 1st

WPR Headline Story - New state law requires local governments to have worker grievance policies in place by October 1st

Hopper speaks for first time since recall

If he had to do it all over again, Randy Hopper would still vote for the stripping of collective bargaining from public employees. Well that is all we needed to hear, now the voters know they did the right thing by voting him OUT OF OFFICE!

Hopper speaks for first time since recall

Unofficial Summary of What Unions Filed for certification

Recently, through our postings we have been sharing information about the certification deadline for Unions. We have repeatedly stated that the WSEU does not intend to seek certification this year.

We have learned that six groups filed as of the deadline date and they included SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin -- the largest union to file with 1,035 members -- along with the State Professional Education and Information Council, Council #1/WEAC (650 members), Wisconsin State Building Trades (570 members), the Association of State Prosecutors (358 members), the Wisconsin State Attorneys Association (265 members) and the AFT-Wisconsin affiliate Professional Employees in Research, Statistics and Analysis (58 members).

Most of the state's largest public employee unions, including all of our bargaining units and most of the units in AFT-Wisconsin, have indicated they won't seek recertification.

Bargaining units in local school districts face a Sept. 30 deadline to file recertification papers with WERC, while local government employee unions must file by Jan. 30, 2012.

Wis. doesn't have to bargain with biggest unions | Associated Press | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME

Attention state employees; the WSEU, while the certified bargaining representative submitted a demand to bargain within the provisions of Act 10. The Walker Administration failed to take the steps to meet and bargain. The ONLY item that could have been bargained would have been the wages and then that would have been capped to the present CPI. This negotiation could have been accomplished in just a few hours according to Executive Director Marty Beil. Because the Walker Administration failed to properly respond and thus failed to bargain, legal action will be forthcoming against the Walker Administration.

Wis. doesn't have to bargain with biggest unions Associated Press The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME

Thursday, September 22, 2011

"Wis. AG: Decision to stay out of probe was mutual" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Wis. AG: Decision to stay out of probe was mutual" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Stop harassing state leaders

SEPAC may not agree with the title of this opinion, but SEPAC does agree with the intent of the opinion. There is no need to assault any legislative leader even if it is with a beer being poured over their head and most certainly there is no need to be blasting a horn near and at anyone. That level of noise can cause hearing loss. That kind of action is unacceptable.

We need to continue to protest, but in a controlled and peaceful manner. The next goal is to RECALL WALKER so that we can start to move forward to return to collective bargaining and many other social benefits being taken away from Wisconsinites.

Stop harassing state leaders

Walker removes embattled aide from fraud commission

Walker removes embattled aide from fraud commission

WisPolitics.com: Reps. Hulsey, Berceau, Taylor: Walker/GOP plan cuts lower-paid state employees more

The lower-paid state employee gets hit very hard when they have to pay 12.6% of the "family" health insurance premium and 5.8% of the WRS contribution. A state employee considered to be at the high end of the wage scale pays the same amount of health insurance premium as does the state employee working for $10.00 per hour. The Walker Administration, if they were looking for a fair cost-sharing mechanism with the state employees, should have considered a higher cost sharing of the health insurance premium based on a percentage of the employees wage rather than a "flat" rate increase.

WisPolitics.com: Reps. Hulsey, Berceau, Taylor: Walker/GOP plan cuts lower-paid state employees more

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Holperin: One strike … you’re out! Holperin warns BadgerCare Plus Basic participants

The Walker Administration intended to cancel, hopefully, in their eyes, thousands of these policies. They did not want to do the alternative and that was to tell people outright, while on the campaign trail, that they wanted to reduce the number of participants in the BadgerCare Plus program. If they had, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ELECTED IN 2010. It is that simple.

Now they deliberately pass the costs of this health care "take-away" onto those of us who are fortunate enough to have health insurance.

Does the Wisconsin GOP have no heart?

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Holperin: One strike … you’re out! Holperin warns BadgerCare Plus Basic participants

GOP-led states change voting rules before 2012 | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

Should be NO SURPRISE to any Wisconsin Voters. The Wisconsin GOP lives by the rule, "if you can't beat them, then change the rules so we win!"

GOP-led states change voting rules before 2012 Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Van Hollen denies politics factor in DOJ absence from probe - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Van Hollen denies politics factor in DOJ absence from probe - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Lawmaker Wants Review Of Capitol Police Chief - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

Wow, what a large amount of "horse-pucky" from Rep. Steve Nass. These Wisconsin Republicans are off of their rockers. Now they are throwing blame everywhere for the large protests, but onto themselves. WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS ARE THE ENTIRE BLAME FOR THE PROTESTS! No one should ever forget that or forgive the WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS for their actions then and now...

Lawmaker Wants Review Of Capitol Police Chief - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

WisPolitics.com: Budget Blog: Darling, Grothman say Taylor should be removed from JFC

A Democratic State Senator pushes back at meetings of the Joint Committee on Finance and Senator's Darling and Grothman claim their feelings are hurt.

What hyprocrites they are considering that Sen. Grothman found it acceptable on national television to continuously described Wisconsin's school teachers, social workers, correctional officers, fire fighters, police officers and tens of thousands of other Wisconsinites, "SLOBS". No one called for Sen. Grothman's resignation as a state senator, we just simply begin to dress and act like Sen. Grothman because it seemed just the thing to do, at the time.

It is possible that if the GOP would be a little more respectful of others, demonstrate a true willingness to listen to the issues and be fair in their deliberations, then a strong and true State Senator such as Lena Taylor would not have to be so firm in her deliberations. When Senator Taylor calls the kettle black then maybe, just maybe it would be helpful if the GOP would seriously listen and work toward a mutual solution rather than call for her resignation because they feel she is disrespectful to them.

Give us Wisconsin Voters a break, did the GOP display any "respect" for the tens of thousands of public employees? Did the GOP display any "respect" for the senior citizens? Did the GOP display any "respect" for those Wisconsinites who need Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus? Did the GOP display any "respect" for Wisconsin's Farmers? If the GOP cannot respect the majority of citizens here in Wisconsin then do not publicly cry foul because a Democratic State Senator tells it like it is.

We at SEPAC are very happy and proud to have a state senator like Lena Taylor fighting for the majority of Wisconsin citizens. Most certainly the Wisconsin GOP IS NOT going to do it!

WisPolitics.com: Budget Blog: Darling, Grothman say Taylor should be removed from JFC

Deadline for Public Unions

AFSCME Local 82 President, Gilbert Johnson comments on decision to not seek recertification.

Videos - Multimedia - TODAY'S TMJ4

Read the entire news article "HERE".

Largest state unions won't seek recertification by Thursday deadline - JSOnline

Marty Beil, executive director of the 23,000-member Wisconsin State Employees Union representing largely blue-collar workers, said none of the units in his group will seek recertification.

"We looked at the law and we find the law at best an exercise in wasted resources," Beil said. "We've chosen to use our resources to organize our members and advocate for our members."

Largest state unions won't seek recertification by Thursday deadline - JSOnline

PolitiFact Wisconsin | Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin is broke and $3 billion in debt

"Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!" Continuous lies from Scott Walker. How do people justify keeping this man who is "under educated" and has a huge "integrity" issue, as Governor of Wisconsin?

PolitiFact Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin is broke and $3 billion in debt

Wisconsin's median income plummets, census figures show - JSOnline

Wisconsin's median income plummets, census figures show - JSOnline

State Representative Wants Capitol Police Chief Fired - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

Rep. Nass was apparently sleeping a few months ago when a state manager attacked a woman protester's baloon with a knife, injuring himself in the process and at that time we never read an article or press release from Rep. Nass calling for the termination of that state manager.

Could this request for the firing of Chief Tubbs be for the reason that Rep. Nass simply does not like the songs from the Noon "Capitol Sing-alongs"? Who really knows with Nass, he is often out in left field playing by himself.

State Representative Wants Capitol Police Chief Fired - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Recall cost to government: $2.1 million; amount spent: a record $44 million - JSOnline

When you are suddenly and unexpectedly faced with a radical politician, such as we face here in Wisconsin with Scott Walker, the Fitzgerald brothers and others like Robin Vos, you need the protection of recall elections.

Those voters wanting to recall radical state senators had a tool of being able to collect the legally required number of signatures and then qualifying for a recall election. The present law worked as it was designed to do. SEPAC would caution people who may believe that this tool is costly and unnecessary.

When voters elect someone into office they do so with the belief that the person they voted for stands for the values that they personally have. That is why they voted for them. However, when that person enters into office and then begins doing things the voter does not like and disagrees with, the voter, under present law, has a tool available to not have to "live with" the continuous negative actions of the person they voted for. They can use the legal tool of "RECALL ELECTIONS".

Opponents to Wisconsin's recall election laws are now screaming it is too costly. SEPAC leaves you with this question; "Is there a price tag on Democracy?" We think not...

Recall cost to government: $2.1 million; amount spent: a record $44 million - JSOnline

Is Scott Walker John Doe? | Center for Media and Democracy

Is Scott Walker John Doe? Center for Media and Democracy

Review: Gundersen Lutheran Health Plan one of best in nation | News - Home

As open enrollement approaches this fall for state employees, those who may be live within the service area of Gundersen Lutheran Health Plan may wish to consider this health insurance plan, if you are not already a participant.

Review: Gundersen Lutheran Health Plan one of best in nation News - Home

The Badger Herald: Sen. Taylor calls for boycott of Koch brother’s products

The Badger Herald: Sen. Taylor calls for boycott of Koch brother’s products

Wearing out their welcome: Protesters still at Capitol, irking lawmakers

Wearing out their welcome: Protesters still at Capitol, irking lawmakers

FBI Raid's Target Was Point Person for Scott Walker's Anti-Labor Program | The Nation

FBI Raid's Target Was Point Person for Scott Walker's Anti-Labor Program The Nation

Unions seek certification under new collective bargaining law

At this time, AFSCME Council 24, Wisconsin State Employees Union IS NOT seeking recertification.

Under the provisions of Wisconsin Act 10 and with the WSEU being the "certified" bargaining agent of record, a demand to bargain has been delivered to the Walker Administration. Now they have the duty to bargain.

Unions seek certification under new collective bargaining law

Oshkosh Corp. (Oshkosh Truck) UAW Local 578 Informational Rally

Oshkosh Corp. (Oshkosh Truck) UAW Local 578 is in the middle of contract negotiations with the company and talks are not going well. They need our help and support. They will be holding an informational rally and march on Sunday September 25, 2011 beginning at 11:30 a.m. The rally will start at the UAW HALL 2920 Oregon St. in Oshkosh. From there they will march to a lot at the Oshkosh Truck facilities.

In today's times where the Governor and big corporations want to strip all unions and their workers of all their rights they have had for decades we need to stand strong and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and demand that our working rights be honored.

Please come out if only for a short while we need to show the Oshkosh Corp. that the community stands behind the workers and their rights.

Larry Lautenschlager, President
Winnebago County Labor Council

Moving forward on legislation to limit recalls#more-44353

In Wisconsin's history making RECALL ELECTIONS of 2011 the GOP LOST. The GOP's answer to the LOSS, CHANGE THE RULES. They wanted to change the rules during the recall elections, but that would have created a huge legal challenge for them.

If you have not been watching, they have been changing the voting laws and now also require photo ID for voting. Most, if not all of these actions is with the urgency to protect SCOTT WALKER from being RECALLED.

Changing so many voting laws in a state that has proven success in its past voting laws is just a sure sign of changing the rules of the game so that you can win. It is nothing more than that!

Moving forward on legislation to limit recalls#more-44353

Sources say Van Hollen's office declined to help with John Doe - JSOnline

The decision by the AG's Office to stay out of the "John Doe" investigation of Scott Walker and his aides is the correct one in that a political partisan office, such as the AG does have a conflict of interest in such investigations.

Therefore, the AG's office should also stay out of the decision making process of determining whether a recall of Scott Walker also includes the automatic removal of the Lieutenant Governor if the recall of Walker were to happen.

The Attorneys General office should become a "non-partisan" office as should ALL law enforcement related elections such as county sheriff's.

Until the AG's office becomes a non-partisan office, the kinds of investigations that involve political candidates and decisions on recall and other elections should be handled by out-of-state attorney general's.

Sources say Van Hollen's office declined to help with John Doe - JSOnline

Wisconsin voters mixed on collective bargaining

With great participation from Union members these numbers can increase to the benefit of WINNING a RECALL OF SCOTT WALKER. Have you REJOINED THE FIGHT? Do not support Scott Walker by sitting back and NOT rejoing the fight. DO NOT let Scott Walker feeds his ego with thinking he has won. This WAR IS FAR FROM OVER!

Wisconsin voters mixed on collective bargaining

Poll: Wisconsin divided over Walker

The Wisconsin Reporter seems to lean to the "right" in its writings, but we want to share this article with you because this article displays both sides of the thought process with regards to what Scott Walker has done to the state of Wisconsin in his first 8 1/2 months in office.

Peter Nowicki, past president of AFSCME Local 145 and current union activist talks about the affects on unions and the employees represented by the Unions.

Poll: Wisconsin divided over Walker

Sunday, September 18, 2011

John Nichols: After FBI raid, why is Walker stonewalling?

John Nichols: After FBI raid, why is Walker stonewalling?

Fighting Bob Fest attendees say it's up to the people to recall Scott Walker

Fighting Bob Fest attendees say it's up to the people to recall Scott Walker

Paul Abrams: No Joke, No Hyperbole: 2012 May Be America's Final Election

This is a must read opinion. Are you going to stay at home and not vote and allow 2012 to ultimately go to the radical right-wing? Most of you if not all of you reading this post already have been victims of the radical right-wing and you will continue to be the victim of the radical right-wing unless you say, "Hell No", I am am going to whatever I can to stop this attack on Working Families. If you have not rejoined the fight, then do not sit there and support Scott Walker by not joining, REJOIN and push back against Scott Walker. Only together can we begin to win back what has been stolen from us so far.

Paul Abrams: No Joke, No Hyperbole: 2012 May Be America's Final Election

Wisconsin Gov. Walker on FBI Probe: ‘We Don’t Know’ - ABC News

Wisconsin Gov. Walker on FBI Probe: ‘We Don’t Know’ - ABC News

A United Wisconsin | Pledge to Recall Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch

NO DECISIONS have been made as to when and who will coordinate the RECALL OF SCOTT WALKER. Many organizations are leaning toward the professional and well structured "United Wisconsin". If you would like to see the RECALL OF SCOTT WALKER please visit United Wisconsin and sign the "PLEDGE' to recall Walker. This IS NOT a RECALL PETITION it is just a tool to identify those Wisconsin eligible voters who would be willing to sign a recall petition when one can be legally circulated.

A United Wisconsin Pledge to Recall Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch

Painting removed from governor's mansion to be unveiled - JSOnline

While most Wisconsin Workers can be very quick to believe that Scott and Tonnette Walker removed the painting that illustrated "the people that the Governor represents" for negative reasons, I for one have to support their decision because they replaced the painting with "Old Abe", the civil war mascot for Wisconsin soldiers. Wisconsin is paying tribute this year to the 150th anniversary of the civil war. Many other artifacts in the mansion have been replaced by civil war artifacts, a fitting tribute to the thousands of Wisconsin soldiers who marched into the civil war only to never return home to Wisconsin.

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

Painting removed from governor's mansion to be unveiled - JSOnline

FBI Corruption Probe Targets Gov. Scott Walker - Auburn Journal

We all know that Scott Walker lacks integrity and often dos not tell the truth, lets just hope that law enforcement is able to find the facts in order to bring this worst Governor in Wisconsin history to trial.

FBI Corruption Probe Targets Gov. Scott Walker - Auburn Journal