Democrats raise $3.4 million for Walker recall - Milwaukee - The Business Journal

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has raised $3.4 million in early 2012 and in 2011, less than half of the $7.4 million raised by the Friends of Gov. Scott Walker. The Democratic funds have gone primarily to promoting the “Recall Walker” campaign and collecting recall petitions, said state Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski.

Democrats raise $3.4 million for Walker recall - Milwaukee - The Business Journal

County Board OKs cap on banked sick leave - JSOnline

The Milwaukee County Board on Thursday approved a revision of its sick leave policy aimed at phasing out the practice of banking unlimited amounts of unused sick leave and cashing them in at retirement. The change was estimated to save taxpayers more than $1 million a year by capping sick leave balances at 960 hours per worker. Under the new plan, county workers wouldn't lose sick time already earned, but would not be able to accumulate any more than the limit. …. At issue was a dispute by county correctional workers - guards at the jail and County Correctional Facility-South in Franklin - over whether seniority rules on vacation dates still apply in the wake of the new state law restricting public employee union bargaining and the decertification of District Council 48 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

County Board OKs cap on banked sick leave - JSOnline

Sen. Dave Thompson offers controversial constitutional amendment | Hometown Source

Gathered Republicans today (Feb. 2) presented a proposed constitutional amendment that if approved by voters would ban joining a union or paying union dues as a condition of employment. Sen. Dave Thompson, Republican from Lakeville, heralded the proposed amendment — often generically referred to “Right to Work” — as Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, presented a so-called "Right to Work " proposed constitutional amendment today (Feb. 2) at a Capitol press conference. …. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 Director Eliot Seide in a statement argued the proposed amendment if adopted would drive down wages, not increase them. “We must stop this attack on everyday people who deserve a decent job, health care, and a secure retirement. Until we do that, big money bullies will never get enough,” her said.

Sen. Dave Thompson offers controversial constitutional amendment Hometown Source

Anti-Union Laws in Indiana and Arizona - NYTimes.com

You have to admit that the Republican Party is organized, methodical and persistent – especially if you’re a Democrat, because your party is pretty much the opposite. Slowly but surely, across the country, Republican governors and state legislatures are making progress in their war against labor unions, especially ones that represent public employees. Just yesterday, there was bad news from two states. ….. The Republicans are not just waging an anti-union campaign, but an anti-government campaign as well. Right-wingers believe government is the cause of all things bad in the economy and in society, and are willing to sacrifice those who toil in the public interest in their effort to hobble it.

Anti-Union Laws in Indiana and Arizona - NYTimes.com

Lee A. Saunders and Kenneth S. Zapf Hanes: Editorial opposing right-to-work 'bashes' public unions | Letters to the Editor | providencejournal.com | The Providence Journal

The writers are, respectively, international secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and strategic communications specialist of the AFSCME Eastern Regional Office. Providence Journal (RI), January 30, 2012 3:37 pm

In the Jan. 26 editorial "Those right-to-work states," The Journal is on the right track when it points out that right-to-work states do not fare better economically than states with strong unions that raise the floor for the wages and benefits of members, and all workers generally. However, The Journal takes a wrong turn when it bashes public workers' unions. … The Journal either does not understand the value of public workers and their unions, or it is purposely painting an inaccurate picture. The people of Rhode Island -- particularly those who clear the roads, pick up the garbage, teach our kids and police our streets -- deserve respect and honesty from this newspaper.

Lee A. Saunders and Kenneth S. Zapf Hanes: Editorial opposing right-to-work 'bashes' public unions Letters to the Editor providencejournal.com The Providence Journal

"Walker to speak at Florida fundraiser" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

WALKER TO SPEAK AT FLORIDA FUNDRAISER ... hosted by the conservativeJames Madison Institute. … at a golf resort in Naples, Fla. Walkerhas racked up more than $12M for recall election speaking at similarevents nationwide.

"Walker to speak at Florida fundraiser" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

A year after the uproar, labor protests continue in Wisconsin | Michigan Radio

State worker Paul Wright sees things differently. “He turned around and stabbed us in the back,” said Wright, a 24-year veteran of the state’s corrections office. He said he, like most corrections officers, voted for Walker. …. Since last July, Wright estimates he has made about $900 less a month because of increased pension and health care contributions…… Wright makes $26 an hour. That’s almost twice the average hourly pay for most state, county and municipal workers, according to Wisconsin’s state employees union, AFCSME Council 24.

A year after the uproar, labor protests continue in Wisconsin Michigan Radio

Local unions won't recertify - Beloit Daily News: Local News: will o'brien, beloit, afscme locals, state of wisconsin, bargaining unit

Beloit's two AFSCME locals will no longer be officially recognized by the State of Wisconsin as a bargaining unit, as neither group met Monday's deadline to file paperwork with the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, several sources said. However, that doesn't mean the unions will cease to exist, said Rick Badger, the executive director of AFSCME council 40, a council that oversees locals throughout Rock County and Dane County, including those in Beloit.

Local unions won't recertify - Beloit Daily News: Local News: will o'brien, beloit, afscme locals, state of wisconsin, bargaining unit

Indiana becomes 23rd right-to-work state | Reuters

(Reuters) - Indiana became the 23rd state to pass anti-union "right-to-work" legislation on Wednesday and the first in the nation's manufacturing heartland, dealing a blow to organized labor by allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues.

Indiana becomes 23rd right-to-work state Reuters

Governor signs 'right to work' bill, but foes vow to continue fight | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Before the ink dried on Gov. Mitch Daniels' signature making Indiana the 23rd "right to work" state in the nation, advocates on both sides were looking ahead to how the new law will affect Hoosiers. … Daniels skipped the public signing ceremony that usually accompanies a legislative triumph. He and Republican legislative leaders had made passage of the law, which bans union contracts that require fees from nonmembers, their top priority. …. Protesters who packed the hallways and Senate gallery cheered as Democrats warned that Indiana had joined a race to compete for lower-paying jobs, and shouted, “You lie!” at Republicans who challenged that. …. AFL-CIO spokesman Jeff Harris said no large organized protests are planned for Super Bowl Sunday.

Governor signs 'right to work' bill, but foes vow to continue fight The Indianapolis Star indystar.com

ALEC Education "Academy" Launches on Island Resort | Center for Media and Democracy

Today, hundreds of state legislators from across the nation will head out to an "island" resort on the coast of Florida to a unique "education academy" sponsored by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). There will be no students or teachers. Instead, legislators, representatives from right-wing think tanks and for-profit education corporations will meet behind closed doors to channel their inner Milton Friedman and promote the radical transformation of the American education system into a private, for-profit enterprise.

ALEC Education "Academy" Launches on Island Resort Center for Media and Democracy

The Privatization of Public Services, State by State | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

AFL-CIO blog, Feb 1, 2012, Donald Cohen, founder and executive director of In the Public Interest, a national resource center on privatization and responsible contracting, sends us this.

It seems there’s no public service or piece of property that private companies are not eyeing as potential revenue streams. While funding anti-government think tanks like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), companies like Corrections Corporation of America, Waste Management, Maximus, Intuit, Laidlaw, Northrup Grumman, Koch Companies, Macquarie Capital Advisers, Pinnacle West, and UnitedHealthcare are hoping to use government as their candy store. …The following is a quick scan of just some of the proposals.

The Privatization of Public Services, State by State AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

The Badger Herald: Dems circulate bill to publicly fund state officials’ campaigns

Dems [Sens. Risser, Hansen] circulate bill to publicly fund stateofficials’ campaigns.

The Badger Herald: Dems circulate bill to publicly fund state officials’ campaigns

Elected Chief Justice proposed (AUDIO)

Elected Chief Justice proposed … comments from proponent GOP Sen. Zipperer and opponent Dem Sen. Erpenbach.

Elected Chief Justice proposed (AUDIO)

Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex to challenge Sen. Jessica King in 18th District Senate race | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com

Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex to challenge Sen. Jessica King in 18th District Senate race … aiming to rally“conservatives and Republicans alike” in the November 2012 election.

Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex to challenge Sen. Jessica King in 18th District Senate race The Oshkosh Northwestern thenorthwestern.com

Green Bay businessman Jamie Wall outearns U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble in early fundraising | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com

Green Bay businessman Jamie Wall out-earns U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble in early fundraising … Democrat Wall raised more than $240,000 in the fourth quarter, while freshman Republican Reid Ribble collected$181,867.

Green Bay businessman Jamie Wall outearns U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble in early fundraising Green Bay Press Gazette greenbaypressgazette.com

Weatherston to run for 62nd Assembly District

[Caledonia Trustee] Weatherston to run for 62nd Assembly District: asked by GOP Rep. Vos to challenge Dem Rep. Mason.

Weatherston to run for 62nd Assembly District

The Badger Herald: Thompson: federal workers must contribute to pensions

Thompson: federal workers must contribute to pensions … Englander said Neumann, who is running against Thompson in the Republican primary race, has had the most conservative campaign and has focused on necessary measures to create more jobs.

The Badger Herald: Thompson: federal workers must contribute to pensions

"Thompson says federal workers should pay more" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

THOMPSON SAYS FEDERAL WORKERS SHOULD PAY MORE … for their healthinsurance and pension benefits, just like Wisconsin state workers wereforced to do last year. … one of the first things he’d propose ifelected to the U.S. Senate. Thompson did not say how much they shouldpay, something comparable to private sector.

"Thompson says federal workers should pay more" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

No challengers yet in possible 13th recall - Daily Jefferson County Union - Fort Atkinson, WI

NO CHALLENGERS YET IN POSSIBLE 13TH [Fitzgerald] RECALL … Since the filing of the 13th Senate District petitions, two possible candidates have been on the forefront of discussions as potential challengers:[recall leader] Compas and incumbent state Assembly District 37 Rep.Andy Jorgensen, D-Fort Atkinson. Candidate depends on whether recalls use new districts. Jorgenson’s new district is GOP Rep. Nass’ 33rd,“Fort Atkinson is home for my family. It really has comes down to that." Compass now "strongly considering" a run.

No challengers yet in possible 13th recall - Daily Jefferson County Union - Fort Atkinson, WI

The Badger Herald: Dem senator accused of political misconduct

Jana Williams, a former legislative aide to Sen. Spencer Coggs, D-Milwaukee, has filed a complaint with the Government Accountability Board against the senator’s staff, said Zak Williams, who is currently running Coggs’ campaign for Milwaukee treasurer and bears no relation to Jana Williams.

The Badger Herald: Dem senator accused of political misconduct

Cullen says no to running in Walker recall race

Cullen says no to running in Walker recall race … wants to try to bring the two parties together. But he said a recall election against Walker would be a "non-stop political war. … The person who comes outof that race is going to be in a terrible position to bring this state together. I came to Madison as a centrist and I discovered there was no center." Also cited steep fundraising disadvantage. Denied anyone asked him to get out. Intends to seek re-election in 2014. RPW’s Sparks not surprised, said Walker will beat any Dem. Falk praised Cullen’s “principled service.”

Cullen says no to running in Walker recall race

"Cullen won't run for governor" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

CULLEN WON'T RUN FOR GOVERNOR: Dem senator at Madison news conferencesaid he can’t raise the needed $1-2M for primary, “All of theDemocrats who have been mentioned as possible candidates are goodpeople with solid Wisconsin values,” will support the Dem candidate,wants to continue trying to find common ground amid stark partisanrancor.

"Cullen won't run for governor" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Democratic Weekly Radio Address: "Support our Workers by Investing in Education and Job Training"

MADISON – Today Rep. Fred Clark (D-Baraboo) offered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address. The topic for this week’s address is how Gov. Walker's cuts to Wisconsin universities and technical colleges have harmed our workers and stunted our economic growth.

Democratic Weekly Radio Address: "Support our Workers by Investing in Education and Job Training"

Wisconsin probe moves closer to Gov. Walker | StarTribune.com

Gov. Scott Walker says he doesn't think that the ongoing John Doe investigation is targeting him. But it is certainly getting closer to the governor. Last week, two staffers who worked directly for Walker when he was Milwaukee County executive were charged with illegally campaigning while taxpayers paid them to do county work. … The biggest revelation Jan. 26: Prosecutors say that Walker's top aides were running a secret e-mail network at the county courthouse that allowed them to communicate with one another about both campaign and government issues without the public knowing what was going on. Those e-mails may be a gold mine for prosecutors as the investigation continues.

Wisconsin probe moves closer to Gov. Walker StarTribune.com

AFSCME | S.D. Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights Safe – For Now

South Dakota state Sen. Stan Adelstein (R-Rapid City), chief sponsor of a bill banning collective bargaining for public employees, had a change of heart after meeting last Saturday with public service workers, including members of AFSCME Council 59.

AFSCME S.D. Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights Safe – For Now

AFSCME statement on e-mail address release – State Workers Blog

AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen sent out a statement this afternoon commenting on the state’s release of workers’ home e-mail addresses to state Rep. Dennis Richardson. Here’s the text: Oregon AFSCME Council 75 is taking issue with the request from state Rep. Dennis Richardson regarding email addresses of state employees.

AFSCME statement on e-mail address release – State Workers Blog

Romney, citing safety net, says he’s ‘not concerned about the very poor’ - The Washington Post

In an interview with CNN Wednesday morning that should have been a Florida victory lap, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney made a fumble that could give rivals an attack ad sound bite. Asked about his economic plan, Romney said repeatedly that he was not concerned with very poor Americans, but was focused instead on helping the middle class.

Romney, citing safety net, says he’s ‘not concerned about the very poor’ - The Washington Post

Is Midwest Anti-Union Push Falling Flat?

The Midwest's rash of anti-organized labor legislation is being discussed this week as union leaders from around the state - along with visitors from other states - gather in Charleston for the West Virginia AFL-CIO's annual legislative conference. Tim Burga, president of the Ohio AFL-CIO, says the unions are winning, citing last fall's defeat of a plan to strip his state's public employees of collective-bargaining rights and noting similar moves in Indiana and Wisconsin. Ordinary people may say they don't have time for politics, but Burga says they "get it."

Is Midwest Anti-Union Push Falling Flat?

Labor super PAC raises $3.7 million - POLITICO.com Print View

AFL-CIO’s super PAC pulled in $3.7 million late last year — money the labor group will spend in state and federal races in 2012. The major labor group has said it plans to kick start its super PAC this cycle to help the AFL-CIO gain independence from the Democratic Party and counter the millions of dollars that conservative groups are expected to pour into the election. … The super PAC also got donations of $500,000 each from the labor groups American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and Unite Here Tip State and Local Fund.

Labor super PAC raises $3.7 million - POLITICO.com Print View

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy worker pay bill comes under attack | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

WASHINGTON — Leaders of federal employee unions are accusing Rep. Sean Duffy of playing election-year politics with his pay-freeze proposal.

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy worker pay bill comes under attack Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Three Dems say they'll challenge senators in recall elections

The state Assembly's assistant minority leader and two former legislators said Tuesday they'll challenge three Republican state senators should recall elections materialize this year.

Three Dems say they'll challenge senators in recall elections

Senate Dems announce recall candidates

Senate Dems today announced three current or former lawmakers that will challenge GOP senators in potential recall elections.

Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau, will challenge Sen. Pam Galloway, also of Wausau; former Rep. Kristen Dexter, D-Eau Claire, will take on Sen. Terry Moulton of Chippewa Falls; and former Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, will seek a rematch of his 2010 race against Sen. Van Wanggaard.

Senate Majority Leader Mark Miller, D-Monona, is set to announce the candidates at an event later this evening at the Monona Terrace.

"With the announcement today of Kristin Dexter, Donna Seidel and John Lehman as candidates to replace Walker's blindly loyal lieutenants, Democrats are poised to complete the job of taking back the Senate which was begun last spring," said state Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate in a statement.

State GOP spokesman Ben Sparks responded in a statement that the challengers are "nothing more than conveyor belt Democrats who boast records of fiscal catastrophe."

A definite candidate to run against Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, has yet to emerge.

Source: WisPolitics.com

Decision Made; GAB Will Post Recall Petitions Online

The Government Accountability Board has announced it is posting all pages of the recall petition targeting Gov. Scott Walker later today.

GAB Director Kevin Kennedy said in a statement that after conducting a balancing test, the board determined that posting the petitions without redactions was in the best public interest, even after some signers raised concerns over privacy.

“While individuals with an interest in vetting these petitions have every right to do so, we expect that they will continue to do so in a respectful, lawful manner," Kennedy said in a statement. "All Wisconsin residents ought to agree that we can ensure the rights of individuals to participate in the political process without endangering their safety or giving up their right to personal security.”

Source: WisPolitics.com

Hicks stepping down; Brockmiller to lead labor council

Bill Brockmiller, AFSCME Council 24, Local 2748, Chapter 10

Hicks stepping down; Brockmiller to lead labor council

It’s Scholarship Application Time!

Just a reminder that our annual application period is now open for the Jim Boyd Memorial Scholarship awards. As a reminder, these scholarship awards are open only to members and their dependents. The odds of winning have never been better than they are right now. Visit our website for information the scholarship program.

"Reclaim Wisconsin" Tour To Start in February

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and community partners are fueling up The Recall Express and hitting the road to talk with Wisconsinites across the state about the local effect of Gov. Walker’s disastrous agenda.

The “Reclaim Wisconsin Tour” will discuss the impact of Gov. Walker’s policies on working people including the loss of family-sustaining jobs, the loss of employment protections and benefits, the continual transfer of wealth to Wisconsin’s 1% and the hammering of quality public services and education. The Tour will be making stops in Milwaukee, La Crosse, Wausau, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Racine and Madison (see schedule below for dates).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The “Reclaim Wisconsin” Tour will culminate with statewide candlelight vigils on March 9 and a “Reclaim Wisconsin March” in Madison on Saturday, March 10. These events will mark the one year anniversary of when Gov. Walker and Senate Republicans rammed through the collective bargaining bill illegally in the dead of night.

“Reclaim Wisconsin Tour” Schedule

• Saturday, February 11: Milwaukee
• Wednesday, February 15: La Crosse
• Wednesday, February 22: Wausau
• Thursday, February 23: Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls
• Monday, February 27: Green Bay
• Monday, March 5: Racine
• Friday, March 9: Madison
• Saturday March 10: Reclaim Wisconsin March at the Capitol

Check this link for additional information as it becomes available: http://wisaflcio.typepad.com/

Inside at Night looks back at the 2011 Wisconsin Capitol occupation - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Inside at Night looks back at the 2011 Wisconsin Capitol occupation - Isthmus The Daily Page

Union overwhelmingly approves new contract with AxleTech | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com

Union overwhelmingly approves new contract with AxleTech, Contractincludes raises, higher insurance premiums...

Union overwhelmingly approves new contract with AxleTech The Oshkosh Northwestern thenorthwestern.com

Editorial: Out-of-state money will dominate recall | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

Editorial: Out-of-state money will dominate recall Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Looks like Dems will win control of Wisconsin Senate

Instead of serving as a rubber-stamp for the governor, as the Legislature has under the “leadership” of Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Brother of Scott, and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Brother of Jeff, Wisconsin needs a real Legislature.

Looks like Dems will win control of Wisconsin Senate

Dexter to challenge state Sen. Moulton in recall - Leader-Telegram: Leader Telegram

After being out of office for only a year, former Democratic legislator Kristen Dexter plans to announce today she will challenge GOP state Sen. Terry Moulton in an expected recall election later this year.

Dexter to challenge state Sen. Moulton in recall - Leader-Telegram: Leader Telegram

State Rep. Donna Seidel likely to enter recall fray against state Sen. Pam Galloway | Wausau Daily Herald | wausaudailyherald.com

State Rep. Donna Seidel of Wausau is expected to announce today that she will try to unseat Republican Sen. Pam Galloway in a recall election later this year.

State Rep. Donna Seidel likely to enter recall fray against state Sen. Pam Galloway Wausau Daily Herald wausaudailyherald.com

Manitowoc looks at sick leave, pay issues | Herald Times Reporter | htrnews.com

When Gov. Scott Walker signed Act 10 last summer it removed many public sector union bargaining rights statewide, including so-called "work rules." Now, local elected officials are crafting employee policy manual provisions that formerly were often negotiated between union representatives and city-retained labor attorneys. Monday night it was the City Council's Personnel Committee going over everything from clothing allowances to a new sick leave bank accrual system to automatic pay raises to whether Streets workers could continue changing the oil on their cars and trucks at the Department of Public Works shop.

Manitowoc looks at sick leave, pay issues Herald Times Reporter htrnews.com

Journal Times editorial -- Wisconsin needs more disclosure of campaign contributions, not less

……State Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, has been pushing legislation that would remove the requirement that people who give more than $100 to a year to political campaigns must identify their principal place of employment. A committee last week modified the legislation and bumped the limit up to $250 and removed the requirement that donors identify their occupation. …. We can understand Grothman's anger, but the fact is that those union tactics were pilloried by newspapers around the state last year and went nowhere. This newspaper editorialized against such misguided tactics right here in Union Grove, when American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees organizers went around to small businesses and threatened them with boycotts unless they put pro-union signs in their windows. We called those tactics and other such boycott measures aimed at Walker political supporters "ill-conceived, ham-handed and thuggish strategy that can only backfire and cost the unions and Democrats support." When the Union Grove episode became public, state union officials quickly backed away from it.

Journal Times editorial -- Wisconsin needs more disclosure of campaign contributions, not less

City's union employees get raises | The Marshfield News-Herald | marshfieldnewsherald.com

Wages for city employees represented by unions will increase about 2 percent while employees without union representation have no increase in salaries for 2012, based on the city of Marshfield's 2012 budget. …. The workers did not seek union representation for an increase comparable to the Consumer Price Index, said Houston Parrish, the regional American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees representative based in Stevens Point.

City's union employees get raises The Marshfield News-Herald marshfieldnewsherald.com

160 local bargaining units want to remain | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

One hundred and sixty local government bargaining units have notified the state that they want to take a vote on remaining officially recognized under Wisconsin’s new, more restrictive collective bargaining law. …. Many of the largest units, including the 50,000-member state employee union, didn't seek recertification.

SEPAC Note: The article incorrectly lists the WSEU as having 50,000 members.

160 local bargaining units want to remain Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

The Tea Party Plan to Save Scott Walker | Mother Jones

… The recall fight is also a crucial test for the tea party, the populist movement that helped elect Walker in 2010, vigorously defended him during last winter's protests over his anti-union "budget repair" bill, and has been organizing to prevent his ouster. The movement's support is flagging, its clout dwindling, its buzz mostly gone. But now, tea partiers at the state and national levels are rallying around Walker's recall defense, hoping a victory could bolster the movement in a critical election year.

The Tea Party Plan to Save Scott Walker Mother Jones

Walker recall petition release delayed - POLITICO.com Print View

Wisconsin state election officials delayed the public release of the recall petitions for Gov. Scott Walker on Monday as had been planned, citing privacy concerns - including from a stalking victim, according to a report. The state Government Accountability Board had given copies of the petitions to Walker’s campaign on Friday and said it would also put them online on Monday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. However, after hearing privacy concerns about several people who signed the recall petitions, including a stalking victim, the board decided to wait before making the documents available online.

Walker recall petition release delayed - POLITICO.com Print View

Newsroom: Governments: State and Local Governments Employ 16.6 Million Full-Time Equivalent Employees in 2010

The 90,740 state and local governments across the country had 16.6 million full-time equivalent employees in 2010, 203,321 fewer than were employed in 2009, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. The majority of these employees, 9.0 million, worked in education, followed by those working in hospitals (986,471) police protection (946,196) and corrections (731,692). …. Local governments — which include counties, cities, townships, special districts and school districts — accounted for 12.2 million full-time equivalent employees in 2010, while state governments employed 4.4 million. …. These estimates come from the Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll.

Newsroom: Governments: State and Local Governments Employ 16.6 Million Full-Time Equivalent Employees in 2010

Union Goes After Republicans with Interactive Video | ClickZ

One of the country's largest public sector unions is taking an innovative but underutilized approach to web video to steer support away from GOP presidential hopefuls. Inspired by a holiday campaign featuring cartoon hedgehogs, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees has added interactivity to YouTube video to create a political trivia game poking fun at Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum. "We wanted to do something online that highlighted the GOP candidates' positions on public services, unions, and working middle class issues," said Tracey Conaty, AFSCME's digital and rapid response assistant director. "We just started doing a lot more video in-house last year."

Union Goes After Republicans with Interactive Video ClickZ

GAB May Not Post Recall Petitions Online

The GAB is citing privacy concerns in reversing course on its plans to post recall petitions filed against Gov. Scott Walker.

The board had said it would post them at the site yesterday.

But it released a short statement last night saying “staff is evaluating the privacy concerns of individuals who have contacted us about posting the petitions online.”

The move is angering conservative groups.

Source: WisPolitics.com

Indiana joins GOP union-bashing with right-to-work law | Michael Paarlberg | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

….. If right-to-work boosters were honest about what the laws were designed to do – which is simply to punish unions – they would still find supporters. There are, after all, plenty of politicians who hate unions for purely ideological reasons. But they are never sold that way, and Indiana is no exception. Instead, a right-to-work law will show that Indiana is "open for business", says Indiana House speaker Brian Bosma, and make the state a "magnet for job creation", promises GOP activist Grover Norquist. Actual evidence in this regard is highly doubtful. ….. It's not that unions have moved much to the left. Rather, it's Republicans who have tacked so sharply to the right, precisely on those mundane workplace issues on which there was once a consensus: the right to organize, the right to bargain, the idea that free riders should pay their fair share. It can be seen in the assaults on union rights in neighboring Ohio and Wisconsin, and the GOP's quixotic (and self-defeating) crusade against the National Labor Relations Board – not even a union, but a nonpartisan mediating agency.

Indiana joins GOP union-bashing with right-to-work law Michael Paarlberg Comment is free guardian.co.uk

Government Cuts Kept U.S. Union Rate at Record Low in 2011 - Bloomberg

The rate of union membership in the U.S. fell to a record low in 2011 for a second-straight year, as a loss of government jobs partially offset a rise in private- sector employees, the Labor Department said. Labor unions represented 6.9 percent of employees in private companies, unchanged from 2010 and down from 7.2 percent in 2009, according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate in the public sector was 37 percent. …. Workers in education, training and library occupations had the highest unionization rate, the Labor Department said. Among states, New York again had the highest union membership rate at 24 percent, while North Carolina had the lowest, at 2.9 percent.

Government Cuts Kept U.S. Union Rate at Record Low in 2011 - Bloomberg

Labor law needs an overhaul to protect workers | Washington Examiner

When Congress approved the National Labor Relations Act (aka the Wagner Act) in 1935, it reformed and updated federal labor law to reflect the harsh realities of the American workplace at the mid-point of the Great Depression. Thanks to the Wagner Act, the labor movement was so strengthened that when union membership in the private sector of the economy reached its apogee in 1953, great industries like steel, railroads, autos and mining were dominated by Big Labor. But even then, barely more than a third of all private sector workers were union members. By the time the 21st century dawned, fewer than 10 percent of private sector workers belonged to unions.

Labor law needs an overhaul to protect workers Washington Examiner

Mary Bottari: Secret Email System Revealed in "John Doe" Probe of Walker Staff

The morning after his "State of the State" address where Governor Scott Walker reassured Wisconsin, "We are turning things around. We are heading in the right direction," the Milwaukee County District Attorney charged two more Walker staffers with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of misconduct in public office.

Mary Bottari: Secret Email System Revealed in "John Doe" Probe of Walker Staff

Sen. Vinehout considers run for Wisconsin governor - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather

ALMA - Wisconsin Republican Governor Walker may have soon have a new Democratic opponent to think about in a possible recall election.

Sen. Vinehout considers run for Wisconsin governor - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and Weather

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker treads lightly before likely recall election - latimes.com

The Wisconsin governor disavows interest in right-to-work legislation for private unions, which would potentially split organized labor and avoid creating more enemies.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker treads lightly before likely recall election - latimes.com

Senate Republican leader collects top per diems | Sheboygan Press | sheboyganpress.com

MADISON, Wis. (WTW) — The Wisconsin Senate's top Republican leader collected more travel reimbursements last year than any other legislator.

Senate Republican leader collects top per diems Sheboygan Press sheboyganpress.com

Walker denies knowledge of alleged illegal campaigning; Dems accuse governor of lying

MILWAUKEE — A day after investigators accused his former top aides of using a secret computer system to do political work on the taxpayers’ dime, Gov. Scott Walker denied knowledge of illegal activity taking place during his time as Milwaukee County executive.

Walker denies knowledge of alleged illegal campaigning; Dems accuse governor of lying

Third Democrat Might Formally Enter Race Against Walker - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- As Gov. Scott Walker gears up for a possible recall election, a Democratic state senator from the western portion of the state said she is considering throwing her hat in the race.

Third Democrat Might Formally Enter Race Against Walker - Politics News Story - WISC Madison