AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC

Fiscal Bureau Projects WI Is Facing a $208 Million Deficit

2012-02-09T17:02:00.002-06:00

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released new revenue and spending estimates today, and the news isn’t good. Although the new figures in the LFB report (http://thewheelerreport.com/releases/February12/0209/0209lfb.pdf) could have been worse, and they don’t come as a complete surprise, it’s nonetheless very disappointing to learn that downward revisions to revenue projections are expected to create a $208 million deficit by the end of the 2011-13 biennium.

The actual amount of red ink is projected to be $143 million, but the new figures translate into a $208 million shortfall after one takes into account the statutory requirement to maintain a $65 million balance (as a small cushion against further bad news). The culprit is a $273 million drop in revenue projections for the current biennium.

State statutes require the Governor to submit a bill to take corrective fiscal action if the Department of Administration determines that the difference between General Fund revenue and spending projections amounts to more than 0.5% of the estimated revenue in the second year of the biennium. Although the LFB report indicates that the projected deficit is now about twice that threshold, the Governor said there doesn’t need to be a budget repair bill. I presume that’s because he plans to use his authority to lapse additional funding from agencies to get the budget back into balance.

A new Wisconsin Budget Project blog post takes a closer look at the new LFB numbers. We’ll follow up as we learn more about the Governor’s plans for addressing the projected shortfall.
http://wisconsinbudgetproject.blogspot.com/2012/02/legislative-fiscal-bureau-projects-wi.html

The Wisconsin Budget Project is an initiative of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.
Wisconsin Budget Project, 608-284-0580, www.wisconsinbudgetproject.org, wisconsinbudgetproject.blogspot.com.

Dee J. Hall: Work rules can't be hashed out in secret

2012-02-09T16:48:00.000-06:00

When members of the Columbia County Board committee that handles employment issues voted to go into closed session on Jan. 4, a reporter from the Daily Register newspaper in Portage and a local representative of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) objected. … The committee met in secret anyway, later releasing a series of proposed changes in a new employment manual affecting about 400 Columbia County employees, whose union contracts expired at the end of 2011.

Dee J. Hall: Work rules can't be hashed out in secret

Tea Party group goes all in to save Scott Walker - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

2012-02-09T16:46:00.000-06:00

In case you were wondering how high the stakes are for the national right in the battle over Scott Walker’s recall, consider this: The Americans for Prosperity Foundation, a branch of the conservative group founded by the Koch brothers, is sinking at least $700,000 into ads in Wisconsin defending Walker’s record. A source who tracks ad buys first noticed the expenditure, which has now been confirmed by a spokesman for the group.

Tea Party group goes all in to save Scott Walker - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Unions ask Democrats in Walker recall to make budget veto pledge - JSOnline

2012-02-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

… AFSCME officials butted heads with Barrett when he helped balance the city budget by taking advantage of a key plank in Walker's bill to help save millions on health insurance costs without having to negotiate with city unions. Marty Beil, executive director of the AFSCME Council 24 representing blue-collar state workers, said this week that vetoing a state budget would be one strategy that a Democratic governor could use to restore collective bargaining but not the only one. A spokesman for the Wisconsin State Employees Union had no comment on whether the union was requesting that promise in exchange for the union's endorsement for a Democratic candidate.

Unions ask Democrats in Walker recall to make budget veto pledge - JSOnline

Under Gov. Walker, Wisconsin seeing red

2012-02-09T15:33:00.000-06:00

“This news illustrates how Gov. Walker’s irresponsible budgeting and lack of serious focus on jobs and the economy have left Wisconsin fiscally unsound and caused us to fall farther behind on the road to economic recovery.

Under Gov. Walker, Wisconsin seeing red

OnMilwaukee.com Marketplace: Executives open pockets to help Walker fight recall

2012-02-09T15:31:00.000-06:00

"Gov. Walker's message of moving Wisconsin forward continues to resonate with voters," said Ciara Matthews, communications director of the Walker campaign. "It is this message, and the success of the governor's reforms, that have inspired people to contribute to his campaign in overwhelming numbers. These donations will allow us to fight back against this baseless recall and ensure Gov. Walker can continue to lay the foundation for a more successful Wisconsin and keep government working on the side of taxpayers."

OnMilwaukee.com Marketplace: Executives open pockets to help Walker fight recall

Wisconsin governor sparks protest in Naples

2012-02-09T15:29:00.000-06:00

Embattled Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was met by protesters at a speaking engagement in Naples Wednesday. Democrats in his home state are trying to force a recall election to get him out of office. Several southwest Florida labor union members are ...

Wisconsin governor sparks protest in Naples

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Legislature will need to take emergency steps to avoid budget being out of balance | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

2012-02-09T15:27:00.000-06:00

AP MADISON — Wisconsin's state budget condition has worsened to the point that Gov. Scott Walker and possibly the Legislature will need to take emergency steps to avoid being out of balance.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Legislature will need to take emergency steps to avoid budget being out of balance Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Work rules can’t be hashed out in secret | WisconsinWatch.org

2012-02-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

A reporter from the Daily Register newspaper in Portage and a local representative of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) objected.

Work rules can’t be hashed out in secret WisconsinWatch.org

Attend a Free National Convention Info Session

2012-02-09T15:19:00.002-06:00

The 2012 Democratic National Convention is quickly approaching, and we wanted to make sure you were aware of our free National Convention Info Sessions. The info sessions below are open to anyone who would like more information about how to become a Delegate to this year's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Please click on the link below to register for an info session in your area. Make sure to check our website regularly as this list will be updated when more Info Sessions are scheduled.

Please click here to register for an Info Session
http://www.wisdems.org/charlotte/infosessions/infosessionrsvp

Sat, Feb 11

Marathon County Info Session - 2:00PM
Wausau Labor Temple, Room 13
318 South 3rd Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401-4694

Sun, Feb 12

Waukesha County Training - 12:00PM
Home of Dick Pas, Waukesha County Dems Chair
662 E Juneau Ave
Oconomowoc, WI 53066-3121

Dane County Training - 3:00PM
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Headquarters
110 King St. Suite 203
Madison, WI 53703

Sat, Feb 18

Rock County Training - 11:00AM
UAW Local 95
1795 Lafayette St.
Janesville, WI 53546

Sun, Feb 19

Informational Conference Call - 4:00PM
*Conference call information will be sent upon registration

Mon, Feb 27

Milwaukee County Info Session - 7:00PM (During Milwaukee County Dems Meeting)
Pettit Ice Center
500 S. 84th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53214

Sat, Mar 03

Oneida County Info Session - 12:00PM
Regional Democratic Party Office
29 W Davenport St
Rhinelander, WI 54501

Sun, Mar 11

Eau Claire County Info Session - 12:00PM
Eau Claire County Dems Resource Center
405 S. Barstow St.
Eau Claire, WI 54701

La Crosse County Info Session - 3:00PM
La Crosse County Dems Office
116 5th Ave S.
La Crosse, WI 54601

Mon, Mar 12

Racine County Info Session - 7PM (During Racine County Dems Meeting)
Union Hall
1840 Sycamore Avenue
Racine, WI 53404

Sun, Mar 18

Sheboygan County Training - 12:00PM
Sheboygan Buildings & Trades Hall
1104 Wisconsin Ave.
Sheboygan, WI 53081

Fond du Lac County Info Session - 3:00PM
Fond du Lac County Dems Office
21 N. Portland St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Tue, Mar 20

Informational Conference Call - 6:00PM
*Conference call information will be sent upon registration

Sat, Mar 24

Jackson County Info Session - 10:00AM (at 3rd Congressional District Convention)
Lincoln High School
124 S School St
Alma Center, WI 54611

Sun, Mar 25

Brown County Info Session - 12:00PM
Brown County Dems Office
1061 W Mason St.
Green Bay, WI 54304

Sat, Mar 31

Milwaukee County Info Session - 12:00PM (at 4th Congressional District Convention)
Laborer's Hall
6310 W. Appleton Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53210

Please click here to register for an Info Session
http://www.wisdems.org/charlotte/infosessions/infosessionrsvp

We hope you will join us at a National Convention Info Session. For more information on the Democratic National Convention, or to download a "Statement of Intent and Pledge of Support" form, please visit http://www.wisdems.org/charlotte.

Thank you,

Sean Berger
Membership Director, Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Lawmakers were made to pledge secrecy over redistricting - JSOnline

2012-02-09T13:52:00.000-06:00

GOP lawmakers fought releasing these new documents and testifying about the maps in a pending court case but relented after a panel of three federal judges based in Milwaukee last month found they had filed frivolous motions in trying to shield the information from the public.

Lawmakers were made to pledge secrecy over redistricting - JSOnline

About 200 protest Naples fundraiser visit by embattled Wisconsin governor | The News-Press | news-press.com

2012-02-08T15:34:00.000-06:00

Rat, saboteur of the middle-class and leech were just some of the words used by teachers, union officials and others to describe Wisconsin’s Republican Gov. Scott Walker Wednesday morning during a protest in North Naples.

About 200 protest Naples fundraiser visit by embattled Wisconsin governor The News-Press news-press.com

Sen. Fitzgerald plans enough challenges to derail recall - JSOnline

2012-02-08T14:24:00.000-06:00

Madison - Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Tuesday he will challenge thousands of signatures this week - enough to prevent a recall election against him if state officials agree.

Sen. Fitzgerald plans enough challenges to derail recall - JSOnline

Democratic Sen. Vinehout enters governor's race | News - Home

2012-02-08T10:59:00.000-06:00

Democratic state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma says she is running for governor if a recall election is ordered against Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Democratic Sen. Vinehout enters governor's race News - Home

Report: 15-percent of Walker recall signatures are invalid - WTAQ News Talk 97.5FM and 1360AM

2012-02-08T10:25:00.000-06:00

(WSAU) The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel estimates that about 15-percent of the Walker recall petition signatures are not valid. But even if three times that many are struck down, there would still be enough valid signatures to order the first ...

Report: 15-percent of Walker recall signatures are invalid - WTAQ News Talk 97.5FM and 1360AM

Executives open pockets to help Walker fight recall - BizTimes

2012-02-08T10:23:00.000-06:00

Jaws dropped when the supporters of the recall against Gov. Scott Walker recently submitted more than 1 million signatures of Wisconsin residents. Then jaws dropped again when Walker's campaign announced a few days later it had raised ...

Executives open pockets to help Walker fight recall - BizTimes

GOP lawmakers signed redistricting secrecy deals - chicagotribune.com

2012-02-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

Nearly all of Wisconsin's Republican state lawmakers took the unusual step of signing a legal agreement in which they promised to not comment publicly about redistricting discussions while new GOP-friendly maps were being drafted, a newspaper reported.

GOP lawmakers signed redistricting secrecy deals - chicagotribune.com

WDIO.com - Ely City Works, AFSCME Set Mediation Date

2012-02-08T09:56:00.000-06:00

A strike has been approved for city workers in Ely, although it's not immediate. According to an AFSCME Council 65, Ely city workers and AFSCME Local 1490 have set a date of February 15 to work toward mediation to settle their contract.

WDIO.com - Ely City Works, AFSCME Set Mediation Date

Michigan politicians face political risk in fighting unions | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

2012-02-08T09:55:00.000-06:00

… Michigan politicians contemplating similar anti-union legislation should proceed at their own electoral peril. Michigan's working families are mobilizing right now and will certainly remember in November. We may not win battles in every state this fall. It may take years, but in the end, I'm confident we'll win the war on workers.

Michigan politicians face political risk in fighting unions The Detroit News detroitnews.com

State employee retirement system leaders call Gov. Jindal's retirement revamp proposal unfair | The Republic

2012-02-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed changes to benefits for state workers are unconstitutional, unnecessarily harsh and unfair to employees vested in the system, state employee retirement system leaders said Tuesday. Cindy Rougeou, executive director of the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System, said Jindal is targeting workers who are barred from lobbying on their own behalf, those least able to speak up in opposition.

State employee retirement system leaders call Gov. Jindal's retirement revamp proposal unfair The Republic

Illinois lawmakers still skeptical of Quinn facilities-closure plan | FOX 55/27 Illinois | Illinois

2012-02-08T09:50:00.000-06:00

Many Illinois lawmakers say they are still not convinced that Gov. Pat Quinn's proposal to close centers for people with mental health and developmental disabilities is a good plan. …. Jacksonville Developmental Center employs about 400 people, most of them members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which has been lobbying against closure.

Illinois lawmakers still skeptical of Quinn facilities-closure plan FOX 55/27 Illinois Illinois

State pension fund shortfall grows - SouthwestIowaNews.com: Local News

2012-02-08T09:49:00.000-06:00

The gap between the promises Iowa has made for public employees’ retirement benefits and the money set aside to pay for them has grown to $5.7 billion – a 1,643 percent increase over 11 years, State Auditor David Vaudt said Monday. ….. Danny Homan, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Iowa Council 61, which represents 40,000 public employees, said the “fixes” done in the Legislature in 2010 will take care of any problem with the state employees’ retirement system.

State pension fund shortfall grows - SouthwestIowaNews.com: Local News

AFSCME | Building Worker Strength in Lean Times

2012-02-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

Building a union in ordinary times is tough enough. But the remarkable growth of Miami-Dade County Florida Employees Local 199 (AFSCME Council 79) is proof that you can build a union even in the face of adversity. In fact, workers sought to join the union – representing 9,000 workers in Miami-Dade – because of the adversity.

AFSCME Building Worker Strength in Lean Times

AFSCME | Arizona Workers Brace for Battle

2012-02-08T09:45:00.000-06:00

Forget The French Connection, Bullitt, or The Italian Job. The best chase scene in modern cinema—bring it on, boo boys—appears in Joel and Ethan Coen's bizarre, pitch-perfect 1987 classic, "Raising Arizona." …. Why the clip? One of the nation's largest labor unions has drawn on the Coen brothers oeuvre as it wages the latest battle over workers' rights in America. … To fight back, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees launched "Razing Arizona." The new campaign rips Brewer and calls Arizona's anti-union legislation "the latest orchestrated attack from extreme right-wing lawmakers, think tanks, and their corporate cronies who are hell-bent on wiping out what’s left of the middle class."

AFSCME Arizona Workers Brace for Battle

John Nichols: Walker, ALEC take war on workers national

2012-02-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

Two days after Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected Gov. John Kasich’s anti-labor agenda by 61 percent to 39 percent in a referendum, the nation’s primary proponent of the war on worker rights opened a new front. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker jetted to Arizona, where he huddled with policymakers at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale. After a series of closed-door sessions, he briefed a thousand Arizona conservatives on how they could attack “the big-government union bosses.”

John Nichols: Walker, ALEC take war on workers national

National Action Network | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

2012-02-08T09:39:00.000-06:00

The AFL-CIO is joining with civil rights, community and labor partners in the re-enactment of the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery, Ala., civil rights march that will focus attention on new attacks on voting rights, immigrants, workers’ rights and education.

National Action Network AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

We Are Wisconsin » This Valentine’s Day, break up with Scott Walker

2012-02-07T14:34:00.000-06:00

One year ago today, Scott Walker made clear his intention to declare war on the rights of hundreds of thousands of workers, 50 years of labor peace, and any modicum of civility or compromise that had previously characterized politics in the state of Wisconsin.

But he didn't stop there. From the ongoing corruption probe to draconian cuts in public education, Scott Walker has given Wisconsinites a million reasons to recall him.

Send an e-card by clicking on the below link to tell Gov. Walker why you're breaking up with him this Valentine's Day.

We Are Wisconsin » This Valentine’s Day, break up with Scott Walker

Republicans take vow to hide truth from public

2012-02-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

"With today’s explosive revelations we see why Republicans fought so hard to keep their redistricting documents from coming to light. Forced by the federal court to turn over secret documents, the public now learns that the Republican lawmakers signed an oath to keep the truth about redistricting and maps from the public and their constituents.

--State Representative Peter Barca (D)

Republicans take vow to hide truth from public

Crime and Courts: Anti-Walker sentiment leads to circuit court primary

2012-02-07T14:25:00.000-06:00

… Berz's list of supporters includes gubernatorial candidate and former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and former County Executives Dick Wagner and Rick Phelps. She's also backed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, and state Reps. Terese Berceau and Kelda Helen Roys.

Crime and Courts: Anti-Walker sentiment leads to circuit court primary

Walker: Right to Work off the table in WI

2012-02-07T14:24:00.000-06:00

While some see a wave of legislation aimed at weakening organized labor following Indiana’s new right-to-work law, Wisconsin is not expected to join it anytime soon. “No,” Cullen Werwie, spokesman for Gov. Scott Walker, told Wisconsin Reporter on Monday when asked if Walker thought the Republican-controlled Legislature would pursue legislation prohibiting labor organizations from requiring workers to join unions.

Walker: Right to Work off the table in WI

Unions `frustrated’ with Senate Dems and White House - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

2012-02-07T12:58:00.000-06:00

Are Senate Dems and the White House about to create another minor headache for themselves on the left? I’m told that unions are “frustrated” with both over the big compromise Senate Dems reached with House Republicans on the Federal Aviation Authorization reauthorization bill — which unions believe will make organizing harder for hundreds of thousands of railway and airline workers.

Unions `frustrated’ with Senate Dems and White House - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Recalls could shape 2013 Legislature - JSOnline

2012-02-07T12:22:00.000-06:00

Madison - Recalling Republican senators in the coming months would give Democrats their best hope of controlling the Senate next year - a task that would be all but impossible if Democrats focused only on the regular November elections.

Recalls could shape 2013 Legislature - JSOnline

Meet Gov. Scott Walker’s New Political Hit Women | | AlterNet

2012-02-07T12:19:00.000-06:00

As Wisconsin’s recall elections approach, Republican Governor Scott Walker has enlisted an eyebrow-raising pair of well-connected, out-of-state political operators to sell his administration's policies and promote his reelection. Of the two young women, one cut her teeth with Karl Rove and the other promoting anti-abortion causes and working with Tea Party favorite Sharon Angle.

Meet Gov. Scott Walker’s New Political Hit Women AlterNet

Meet Kathleen Falk

2012-02-07T11:28:00.002-06:00

While Scott Walker is scurrying around the country Hoovering up campaign cash from billionaires, his leading opponent is launching a listening tour of Wisconsin.

Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, the first to announce she is running against Walker in the recall, will crisscross our state this week for a “Your Voice, Your Wisconsin” tour.

She is a strong friend of AFSCME, and she would like to hear from you. Here’s how she describes her goal:

“I want to hear more from you about how we bring Wisconsin back together and move forward as one state. Big corporations and the wealthy have the current governor’s ear. In this campaign – and, more important, in my governor’s office – you will have mine.

"Gov. Walker wasn’t honest with us about what he would do as governor, and he refuses to hear the voices of those who question his misguided agenda. He shut us out from our own Capitol. He divided our state. He lost our trust. And he still won’t sit down and talk to us.

"This will be a campaign of, by, and for the people of Wisconsin – not out-of-state billionaires or powerful corporate interests seeking to advance their hidden agenda.

Here is a list of the times and locations.

Tuesday February 7, 2012
Wausau
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Wausau Labor Temple, 318 South 3rd Avenue, Room 13

Wednesday February 8, 2012
Eau Claire
Time: 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Location: Chippewa Valley Technical College - Clairemont Campus, 620 West Clairemont Avenue Business and Education Center, Room 284B

La Crosse
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main Street, Trustees Room

Kathleen Falk has a strong record of standing up for working families and building strong relationships with front-line workers. This tour is one more example of how she works to bring people together.

She says the “Your Voice, Your Wisconsin” tour will bring together members of the community, recall petition leaders, local supporters and other citizens concerned about our future – and dedicated to doing something to change it.

“While Gov. Walker is crisscrossing the country gathering out-of-state money, we’ll be building a grassroots organization that corporate money cannot stop,” she writes.

If you’d like a chance to meet Kathleen and see for yourself the kind of leader she is, please attend one of her events this week.

League of Women Voters to host discussion of privatization of public services | Herald Times Reporter | htrnews.com

2012-02-06T10:12:00.000-06:00

The Manitowoc County League of Women Voters will host a public meeting on privatization of public services at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Manitowoc City Hall. Local panelists will discuss issues relating to an increasing trend toward transfer of government services to the private sector at all levels of government, according to a news release. … The national league study will consider the positive and negative effect of the transfer of services, functions, assets and power. It will question the impact on communities when previous public services such as education, military, parks, police and fire protection, prisons, health and social services public transit, water, waste water treatment, road maintenance, and others are privatized, the release stated.

League of Women Voters to host discussion of privatization of public services Herald Times Reporter htrnews.com

Proposal offers new options for retiring UW system employees | Fond du Lac Reporter | fdlreporter.com

2012-02-06T10:11:00.000-06:00

This proposal is the beginning of the dismantling of the WRS. AFSCME strongly opposes this proposal.

Newly hired employees within the University of Wisconsin system could opt out of the state retirement system — and select a state-run defined-contribution plan — under a proposal being discussed in the state Assembly.

Proposal offers new options for retiring UW system employees Fond du Lac Reporter fdlreporter.com

State's public workers cope with reduced buying power following Walker legislation

2012-02-06T10:08:00.000-06:00

State of Wisconsin clerical worker Gina Bertolini started paying about 6 percent of her $15.48 hourly wage toward her pension in August plus $84 a month for her health coverage. …. "I've never been rich, but I always made a nice Christmas dinner for my family," said Bertolini, 59, who has two grown sons and two small grandchildren. "This year I couldn't afford to do the dinner. I did buy everyone a gift, but it was really modest. I didn't decorate. I thought, 'I'm just not going to think about this.'" Bertolini is just one of tens of thousands of public workers in Wisconsin without union contracts who have faced reduced buying power in the wake of Gov. Scott Walker's landmark legislation — unveiled one year ago this week — to balance the budget by curtailing union collective bargaining and extracting financial concessions from workers.

State's public workers cope with reduced buying power following Walker legislation

A year after dividing the state, Walker in fight of his political life

2012-02-06T09:41:00.000-06:00

Saturday marks one year since Walker introduced legislation so controversial it divided the state, spurred the largest protests in Wisconsin history and triggered a series of recall elections — likely including his own.

A year after dividing the state, Walker in fight of his political life

Have You Benefited from Health Care Reform?

2012-02-05T16:59:00.000-06:00

Legislation is looking for AFSCME members that have benefitted from health care reform – please circulate this request. Questions? Contact Karl Start kstark@afscme.org

Brothers and Sisters,

TELL US YOUR STORY! Are you one of the millions who are already benefitting from the enactment of health reform? Do you have better access to preventive services and prescription drugs? Have you been able to put one or more of your adult children on your health plan?

These vital health care reforms are being threatened by right-wing politicians who are trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act in Congress and in the courts. We are fighting back with the stories of those who have already been helped. Below are examples of how the Affordable Care Act is helping working families and retirees:

· Adult children can remain on their parents’ health plans until they reach age 26;
· Plan can no longer drop people from coverage when they get sick.
· Plans can no longer put a dollar limit on health benefits people receive over their lifetimes and annual limits are also restricted;
· Plans may not impose co-pays or deductibles for preventive services;
· Prescription drug prices dropped by 50% for many seniors using Medicare Part D;
· For the first time, Medicare will pay for preventive services.

If you are one of the millions already benefitting from the Affordable Care Act, please write down your story, along with your name, address, and telephone number and send it to Karl Stark at kstark@afscme.org. AFSCME fought hard to pass these landmark health reforms, and with your help, we’ll fight to make sure they’re here to stay.

GAB should focus on recall issues raised by Wisconsinites, not outsiders

2012-02-05T15:26:00.000-06:00

Gov. Scott Walker's campaign, when it is not hiring criminal defense specialists to represent the governor in the current John Doe inquiry, continues to try to upset the electoral process in Wisconsin.

Walker, his campaign and the Republican Party of Wisconsin have for weeks attempted to create confusion with regard to the review of the recall petitions that were filed Jan. 17. They even got a judge in Waukesha County to assist in the process. But now the state appeals court has clarified things.

GAB should focus on recall issues raised by Wisconsinites, not outsiders

Political tightrope awaits Walker as potential recall election looms | Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune | wisconsinrapidstribune.com

2012-02-05T15:24:00.000-06:00

The governor traveled to the growing manufacturer's plant Wednesday as a part of his "Turning Around Wisconsin" tour, a post-State of the State trek meant to remind people why they elected him in the first place. Saturday will mark one year since ...

Political tightrope awaits Walker as potential recall election looms Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune wisconsinrapidstribune.com

On the Capitol: Allegations, complaints and the Wisconsin political environment

2012-02-05T15:23:00.000-06:00

Some of the recent allegations swirling around Wisconsin lawmakers and their staff members have left us wondering just how much the state's political crowd learned from the not-that-long-ago caucus scandal.

In criminal complaints filed last week, Milwaukee County prosecutors told of a secret email and Internet system surreptitiously used by some top aides to Gov. Scott Walker for doing campaign work on county taxpayer time while he was serving as Milwaukee County executive.

On the Capitol: Allegations, complaints and the Wisconsin political environment

Wisconsin Gov. Walker says he’s meeting with prosecutor leading secret investigation - The Washington Post

2012-02-05T15:21:00.000-06:00

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Friday he will meet with a district attorney leading a secret investigation that has already led to charges being filed against five former close aides and associates.

Wisconsin Gov. Walker says he’s meeting with prosecutor leading secret investigation - The Washington Post

Q&A: Sen. Tim Cullen says the recall is going to be expensive and nasty

2012-02-05T13:21:00.000-06:00

For months now, there has been no shortage of Democratic names floating around as potential contenders to take on Gov. Scott Walker in the expected recall election. Two people had said they were definitely going to run: state Sen. Tim Cullen of Janesville and former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
But last week Cullen took himself out of the race, citing a fundraising hurdle and the mudslinging that is sure to occur between the candidates as reasons.

Q&A: Sen. Tim Cullen says the recall is going to be expensive and nasty

Boland picks up GOP endorsement, possible challenger; Kind has cash

2012-02-05T13:20:00.000-06:00

Republican congressional candidate Ray Boland picked up one endorsement and one potential challenger for his party’s nomination this week.

Boland picks up GOP endorsement, possible challenger; Kind has cash

GOP scours Galloway recall petitions | Stevens Point Journal | stevenspointjournal.com

2012-02-05T13:17:00.000-06:00

WAUSAU -- Supporters of Wausau state Sen. Pam Galloway say they found common problems in petitions seeking a recall election against the freshman lawmaker.

GOP scours Galloway recall petitions Stevens Point Journal stevenspointjournal.com

Additional poll workers needed for upcoming elections | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com

2012-02-05T13:15:00.000-06:00

New voting districts, the new voter ID law and the rise in votes cast by absentee ballot have led municipal clerks to put out a call for additional workers to staff polling places during upcoming elections.

Additional poll workers needed for upcoming elections The Oshkosh Northwestern thenorthwestern.com

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

2012-02-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-03T11:09:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-03T11:06:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-03T10:52:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-03T10:23:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:54:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:52:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:48:00.000-06:00

(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

2012-02-02T12:47:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:44:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:39:00.000-06:00

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)

2012-02-02T12:38:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:36:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:33:00.000-06:00

[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

2012-02-02T12:29:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:28:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:27:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:26:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:23:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-02T12:21:00.000-06:00

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"

2012-02-02T12:19:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:31:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:25:00.000-06:00

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?

2012-02-01T09:24:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:17:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:15:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-01T09:14:00.002-06:00

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

2012-01-31T21:58:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-31T21:42:00.000-06:00

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

Hicks stepping down; Brockmiller to lead labor council

It’s Scholarship Application Time!

2012-01-31T15:47:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-31T13:39:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-31T10:38:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T10:37:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T10:36:00.000-06:00

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

Looks like Dems will win control of Wisconsin Senate

2012-01-31T10:33:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T10:29:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:39:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:38:00.000-06:00

……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

2012-01-31T09:36:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:30:00.000-06:00

… 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

2012-01-31T09:29:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:26:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T09:24:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-31T08:41:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

….. 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