Friday, November 4, 2011

A Muskego man filed today to begin recalling Gov. Scott Walker "to fulfill my friend's last request."

The committee, "Close Friends to Recall Walker," was registered by David Brandt.

The state Dem Party said the filing was not related to the effort it planned to begin later this month with United Wisconsin. The filing also does not impact the 60-day window the party and United Wisconsin will have to collect the more than 540,000 signatures needed to trigger a recall.

It does, however, open the window in which Walker can raise unlimited funds to defend himself from a recall attempt.

See the filing:
http://wispolitics.com/1006/GAB_Walker_recall.pdf

Source/Credit: WisPolitics.com

Grass Roots: Occupy Madison holds on, hopes for more participants

Grass Roots: Occupy Madison holds on, hopes for more participants

Voter ID law attacks democracy - JSOnline

Voter ID law attacks democracy - JSOnline

Milwaukee to defy state law on pension contributions - JSOnline

Milwaukee City tells Walker Administration, we are not doing it... regarding the deduction of higher pension contributions from its employees.

Milwaukee to defy state law on pension contributions - JSOnline

PolitiFact Wisconsin | Potential recall candidate says Walker gave companies two years of no taxes

PolitiFact Wisconsin Potential recall candidate says Walker gave companies two years of no taxes

Marty Beil: Merit pay requires dubious leap of faith

Marty Beil: Merit pay requires dubious leap of faith

Inside AFSCME, the campaign begins - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

Inside AFSCME, the campaign begins - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

Breaking News: Gerald W. McEntee Announces Retirement

Gerald W. McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for three decades, said on Thursday that he would step down next June when his two-year term expires.

Mr. McEntee, one of the nation’s most powerful union leaders, has also served as chairman of the A.F.L.-C.I.O.’s political committee for 15 years, playing a major role in revamping organized labor’s roles in presidential, Senate and House races.

Read his letter "HERE"

WisPolitics.com: Gov. Walker: Three University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents appointed

WisPolitics.com: Gov. Walker: Three University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents appointed

Working America, Hard at Work

Working America: Organizing the other 99%

When Scott Walker unleashed his budget repair bill on Wisconsin we saw something amazing happen. People from all walks of life got mad, stood up and said enough is enough. In Madison and across the state everyone who came out to the protests, called their senator or put out a “Recall Walker” yard sign became brothers and sisters with us in the fight against Walker.

In what was labor’s darkest hour in Wisconsin we saw hope in the faces of people who stood up to the right-wing talking heads and said, “This isn’t just an attack on unions, it is an assault on every man and woman in Wisconsin who wants to work for a living.”

Out of the ongoing struggles we face there is a very simple question waiting to be answered; if so much of the public is willing to come out and support us on the issues we agree with then why can’t this happen every day?

Working America is the solution to this problem.

As the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO Working America provides a way for the general public move from expressing their support for union workers to actually joining the labor movement. From the small business owner to that stay at home mom; from the unemployed veteran to the blue collar worker we organize people who share the basic belief that America is a place where everyone deserves the education to get a good job and the right to retire with dignity and health.

And it turns out there are a lot of us that share these values.

Right now we are living in a state divided. Between talk radio and Fox News politicians like Scott Walker have convinced a lot of people to vote against their own interests. Rather than finding ways to help lift up the people struggling in the current economy they say the solution is more furlough days and fewer benefits for public employees.

Walker and his cronies can only win this argument if they keep the public focused on dragging each other down rather than seeing the money for their children’s education being given away to companies that turn around and build factories in China.

That is why every night we go out into communities across Wisconsin to talk with people about the issues we share. We knock doors in areas like Sheboygan, Beloit and even Waukesha letting people know the truth behind the attacks on working families. The need for good jobs, quality education and a secure retirement go way beyond party which is why 2 out of 3 people we talk to at the door become members of Working America and over 50% take action right away.

When we talk to the general public we have found a whole lot of people who share our values and are fired up to fight for them. Our growing community action teams are getting active across the state to hold their representatives accountable for the promises they made. We make phone calls to politicians, write letters to the editor and march against the attacks on workers.

By knocking on doors and engaging our members we Working America has grown to 80,000 people across Wisconsin since 2008, but as we were shown by the protests in Madison there are a whole lot more we need to reach out to.

And that is why we need your help to keep growing. Through our Friends and Family program we work with our partner affiliates to get the people you know who need to be involved in the labor movement signed up. If you have a friend that has always wanted to join a union but never had the opportunity then Working America is for them. If you have a relative who voted for Walker cares about jobs issues then get them signed up.

To get involved and keep the movement spreading you can get in touch with Working America’s Member Coordinator Carrie Geenen (cgeenen@workingamerica.org, 414-257-9622) or State Director Peter Drummond (pdrummond@workingamerica.org, 414-258-3805).

Thank You, We Did It With Your Help

AFSCME Council 24 supported candidate for the prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute, Jackie Cody, wife of former WSEU President Pete Cody received the greatest number of votes and will be awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute Grassroots Activist award on Saturday, November 12th. Below, in part, is the winning confirmation from the nominating committee for Jackie Cody;

From: Kris Adams Wendt [mailto:kawendt@wvls.lib.wi.us]
Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 12:34 PM
To: Jackie Cody Nominating Committee
Subject: It's official! Jackie Cody is DPW 2011 Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute Grassroots Activist!
Importance: High

Greetings, members of the Jackie Cody nominating committee,

Received confirmation this morning that Jackie will be honored as DPW Eleanor Roosevelt Tribute Grassroots Activist! Thank you for your advocacy through letters, as well as grassroots organizing during the electronic beauty pageant phase! We did it!! Spread the word!!!

All for now, and CHEERS!

Kris

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Two Petitions Needed for Recall

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says in a formal opinion that the state Constitution requires separate petitions for the recall of a governor and the recall of a lieutenant governor.

Sent from Steven Williams BlackBerry smartphone

WisPolitics.com: Gov. Walker: Weekly radio address: Solutions for Wisconsin

In case anyone is interested in reading more propaganda and less truth.

WisPolitics.com: Gov. Walker: Weekly radio address: Solutions for Wisconsin

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Miller: Delivers Democrats’ weekly radio address

WisPolitics.com: Sen. Miller: Delivers Democrats’ weekly radio address

Republican lawmaker's office egged | Wausau Daily Herald | wausaudailyherald.com

So this is what conservatives do to another conservative when they fail to get in line with other conservatives.

Republican lawmaker's office egged Wausau Daily Herald wausaudailyherald.com

Occupy Chicago protesters interrupt Wisconsin governor's speech here - chicagotribune.com

Thank you Chicago supporters for showing Scott Walker he will not find any love in Chicago.

Occupy Chicago protesters interrupt Wisconsin governor's speech here - chicagotribune.com

Senator plans to pull plug on health care reform

Senator plans to pull plug on health care reform

National GOP leaders focus on battleground Wisconsin

National GOP leaders focus on battleground Wisconsin

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Wisconsin Budget Project: Five Things You Might Not Know About Public Employees in Wisconsin

Great points that the Wisconsin Republicans do not want the public to know.

Wisconsin Budget Project: Five Things You Might Not Know About Public Employees in Wisconsin

Scott Fitzgerald holds telephone town hall

Union members not taxpayers? That is what Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitgerald believes. He believes that organized Unions are organized against taxpayers. This man is so far out of the reality zone that the rope should be cut and let him drift away.

Scott Fitzgerald holds telephone town hall

RNC chair Priebus says Democrats wasting their money on Scott Walker recall - JSOnline

RNC chair Priebus says Democrats wasting their money on Scott Walker recall - JSOnline

‘Recall Walker’ Drive Faces Sneak Attack from Wisconsin Republicans | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

‘Recall Walker’ Drive Faces Sneak Attack from Wisconsin Republicans AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Senate elections panel delays vote on recall bill - JSOnline

Senate elections panel delays vote on recall bill - JSOnline

John Nichols: Proof that the recalls changed the political calculus in the Capitol

John Nichols: Proof that the recalls changed the political calculus in the Capitol

Editorial: Outline reasons behind state pay freeze | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

Editorial: Outline reasons behind state pay freeze Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Wisconsin state employees' double-dipping to get Assembly committee hearing | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com

Wisconsin state employees' double-dipping to get Assembly committee hearing Green Bay Press Gazette greenbaypressgazette.com

Wisconsn Democrats Shift Focus From Union Law To Governor : NPR

Wisconsn Democrats Shift Focus From Union Law To Governor : NPR

"Wisconsin's primary date to change to August" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

"Wisconsin's primary date to change to August" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

WisPolitics.com: Voces de la Frontera: VDLF and community members sue Wisconsin Government Accountability Board

WisPolitics.com: Voces de la Frontera: VDLF and community members sue Wisconsin Government Accountability Board

Wisconsin ex-cons say proposed bill could hurt job prospects | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

What is the purpose of rehabilitation if society will not recognize it. Not granting some jobs to ex-cons has merits, but have a sweeping approach to all jobs is just wrong. This measure pushes the rehabilitated ex-con back into crime. Think about it...

Wisconsin ex-cons say proposed bill could hurt job prospects Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

GOP redistricting bill appears dead

GOP redistricting bill appears dead

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Sara Jerving: Right wing funds state news source Franklin Center

SEPAC has cautioned our members in the past about the writings of the "Conservative Leaning, Wisconsin Reporter". The CapTimes has revealed them even more and who is funding them. If you have "LIKED" them on Facbook, well, too bad for not heading our warning earlier. Maybe you are just using them as a source of "what the other side" is saying. That is okay then...

Sara Jerving: Right wing funds state news source Franklin Center

GOP bill to accelerate redistricting in Wisconsin falters - JSOnline

This bill is faltering because one Republican, Senator Dale Schultz says he will act with the wishes of his constituents. He will not act because he is told to do so by party leadership.

GOP bill to accelerate redistricting in Wisconsin falters - JSOnline

EDITORIAL: Reward state’s top performers - Beloit Daily News: Opinion

Another editorial off the mark. Merit Pay systems promote nothing more than holding a worker hostage. The ones to earn merit pay will be those who are part of the buddy system. People with authority to issue merit pay raises will use the tool as to make friends and destroy enemies, not reward performace. It will have little to nothing to do with performance.

EDITORIAL: Reward state’s top performers - Beloit Daily News: Opinion

Walker's plan creates uncertainty for families - JSOnline

Assembly Minority leader Peter Barca provides the correct view of what SCOTT WALKER is doing to working families.

Walker's plan creates uncertainty for families - JSOnline

Compensation package works for Wisconsin - JSOnline

This editorial is written with the belief that making a public servant into a public slave is why proponents of SCOTT WALKER thinks it works, as wriiten by this editorial.

Compensation package works for Wisconsin - JSOnline

Judge Hears Arguments in Wisconsin Union Fight

This is a fight started when Walker was County Executive.

Yes, Scott Walker was at UHWC...

Reprint from the November 2011 UWHC AFSCME Local 1942 Newsletter:

Donna Katen-Bahensky was proud to have Scott Walker in her building, showing the support our senior administration has for Mr. Walker. He was invited into UWHC to discuss a program that has been in place since the ‘90s. Project SEARCH is an amazing program for developmentally disabled students but was not created by the governor, and the grants announced were awarded by the federal government to the state.

So why was he secretly here? You would have to ask our CEO that. For those who have worked here a long time, we have not had a governor come for a public relations stop in recent years, if ever.

Here are the facts: Scott Walker was secretly escorted in the building under security October 20, 2011 via the loading dock. No formal announcement was made to employees that the governor was going to be having a press conference hosted by our CEO, until the day AFTER the press conference. Employees were warned that if they were in the area where the governor was going to be, they would be forcibly removed if “caught”.

The press conference was held next to the Mendota Market, where Donna Katen-Bahensky introduced Mr. Walker by saying, "I am honored to have you all here, but more importantly, to have our governor here with us today.” She appeared proud to have him next to her in her hospital.

We know a lot of people are very angry and upset that he was here after attacking our union by stripping it away, unlike any other union in the state. We want to say to all our members, thank you for what you do for the patients and family members who enter our organization.

A clear message has been sent that UW Health has no problem supporting Scott Walker and his policies. If you are one of those members who are disgusted, get active and stay informed.

Another Possible Candidate Eyes Recall Run For Governor - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

Another Possible Candidate Eyes Recall Run For Governor - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

State Sen. Schultz to vote against recall change

Again, Senator Dale Schultz will do what he believes his constituents of his present legislative district want done. We at SEPAC also believe he smells many little republican rats scurrying about and he does not want to join them.

State Sen. Schultz to vote against recall change

Sunday, October 30, 2011

WisPolitics.com: WPRI: State split on Walker recall; jobs/economy are primary concerns

This press release comes from a very right-leaning policy and research firm. If they are saying the state is split, then what do they really mean to say?

WisPolitics.com: WPRI: State split on Walker recall; jobs/economy are primary concerns

Politics pervasive, even at Freakfest

Very creative, much smarter than the average Governor, but then do not put SCOTT WALKER in any smart category. Great job on the part of these State Street Halloween WSC Justices.

Politics pervasive, even at Freakfest