MADISON - A new analysis suggests Wisconsin faces a budget deficit of at least $3.1 billion in the state's next two-year budget cycle - $400 million more than recently reported numbers.
This is the projection, which differs from a previous report filed by
the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau in July.
Read more...[http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/16213]
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Political Lost-Timers Needed
Anyone interested in working as a political lost timer for the fall elections should forward their name and local union number to mbeil@wseu-24.org – noting “lost time request” in the subject line.
We Need AFSCME Members to Engage in Their Future
Everyone knows that primary elections occurred on Tuesday, and so the crazy election season begins. Scott Walker won the Republican nod for governor, which means we need to now focus and get busy on making sure we elect a worker friendly governor. We need to elect someone who supports the public service and workers who provide it. Someone who believes in fair taxation and who values public programs. On a Thursday morning talk radio program, Walker re-emphasized his position on the need for state employees to bail out corporations; he expressed an uneducated position on your health care and pensions. His message is that you should pay 5-6 times more per month toward your health care, and make larger pension contributions. Also, he has learned from the extortionists at Mercury Marine and Harley Davidson, because he stated that if the unions didn’t agree to the increased contributions for benefits and other “economies” he may propose, that he will layoff or furlough workers as he has done in Milwaukee County. (Milwaukee County workers are now on furlough one day per week.) Does he sound worker friendly to you?
We truly need to engage to make sure our futures are protected as well as the citizens who regularly use the services we provide. You, your spouse, children, friends, relatives, neighbors, club members must all come together and protect the Wisconsin Idea. We strongly encourage you to visit the SEPAC website (wseu-sepac.org) for information, position papers and a calendar of activities to get involved in between now and November 2nd. Obviously, the governor’s race is highly important to us, but so are the Assembly, Senate and US Senate races. We must make sure the people in these seats understand and are committed to protecting working families.
Source: AFSCME C24 UIN 09/17/2010
We truly need to engage to make sure our futures are protected as well as the citizens who regularly use the services we provide. You, your spouse, children, friends, relatives, neighbors, club members must all come together and protect the Wisconsin Idea. We strongly encourage you to visit the SEPAC website (wseu-sepac.org) for information, position papers and a calendar of activities to get involved in between now and November 2nd. Obviously, the governor’s race is highly important to us, but so are the Assembly, Senate and US Senate races. We must make sure the people in these seats understand and are committed to protecting working families.
Source: AFSCME C24 UIN 09/17/2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wisconsin Looks toward November 2 General Election
This week’s primary election results were not unexpected, with Democrat Tom Barrett emerging from a lightweight primary as the Democratic candidate, and with Scott Walker winning a hotly contested primary race on the Republican side. The two will duke it out between now and November 2, when voters in Wisconsin cast their ballots to decide who will be the state’s next Governor, to serve a four year term commencing in January of 2011.
The most crowded primary election this year was for the post of Lieutenant Governor. Of the four Democrats vying for the seat, Tom Nelson, a Democratic legislator from Kaukana, came out on top, defeating AFSCME-endorsed State Senator Spencer Coggs, who will remain in the State Senate.. He’ll face Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc, who beat four other Republicans.
The open 7th Congressional District seat in northern Wisconsin, being vacated by the legendary Dave Obey, also will be decided by voters November 2. Democrat Julie Lassa won a decisive primary victory September 14 and faces Ashland Republican Sean Duffy. If current state Senator Julie Lassa wins that race, there will have to be a special election sometime early in 2011 for her state Senate seat.
In the state legislative world, there were numerous primary races, especially in the state Assembly, with some 20 seats open due to legislators either retiring or seeking other opportunities. Of all the contested Assembly races, the incumbents won. The only contest seat in which an incumbent lost was in Senate District 7, where incumbent Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, lost to Democratic challenger Chris Larson. Plale had served in the state Senate since 1996. Chris Larson currently serves on the Milwaukee County Board.
The General Election is now less than seven weeks away. For information about the elections and the AFSCME –endorsed candidates, go to www.wseu-sepac.org or to AFSCME Wisconsin website (www.wiafscme.org).
All the candidates for state or federal office on the November 2 ballot will be inaugurated in early January. In Wisconsin, the next legislature will be expected to get up to speed on issues quickly because by mid-February they will be knee-deep in the state budget deliberations.
For more information, contact Steven Williams 608-269-0307 (swilliams@wseu-24.org) or the AFSCME area office at 608-836-6666.
The most crowded primary election this year was for the post of Lieutenant Governor. Of the four Democrats vying for the seat, Tom Nelson, a Democratic legislator from Kaukana, came out on top, defeating AFSCME-endorsed State Senator Spencer Coggs, who will remain in the State Senate.. He’ll face Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc, who beat four other Republicans.
The open 7th Congressional District seat in northern Wisconsin, being vacated by the legendary Dave Obey, also will be decided by voters November 2. Democrat Julie Lassa won a decisive primary victory September 14 and faces Ashland Republican Sean Duffy. If current state Senator Julie Lassa wins that race, there will have to be a special election sometime early in 2011 for her state Senate seat.
In the state legislative world, there were numerous primary races, especially in the state Assembly, with some 20 seats open due to legislators either retiring or seeking other opportunities. Of all the contested Assembly races, the incumbents won. The only contest seat in which an incumbent lost was in Senate District 7, where incumbent Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, lost to Democratic challenger Chris Larson. Plale had served in the state Senate since 1996. Chris Larson currently serves on the Milwaukee County Board.
The General Election is now less than seven weeks away. For information about the elections and the AFSCME –endorsed candidates, go to www.wseu-sepac.org or to AFSCME Wisconsin website (www.wiafscme.org).
All the candidates for state or federal office on the November 2 ballot will be inaugurated in early January. In Wisconsin, the next legislature will be expected to get up to speed on issues quickly because by mid-February they will be knee-deep in the state budget deliberations.
For more information, contact Steven Williams 608-269-0307 (swilliams@wseu-24.org) or the AFSCME area office at 608-836-6666.
Lawsuit Challenges Law Banning Employers Discussing Unions with Employees
The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce this week filed a lawsuit challenging recently enacted legislation that prohibits employers from discussing with employees whether to join unions.
Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 290 (SB 585), the Department of Workforce Development now requires employers to post in their workplaces a notice advising employees of their rights under the new law. Employers that violate the new law by discriminating against or retaliating against employees who refuse to attend meetings that discuss joining unions are liable for punitive and compensatory damages. Wisconsin is only the second state in the nation to pass such a law, joining Oregon.
In their lawsuit, WMC and MMAC argue that for over 60 years employers have had a federally protected right to hold mandatory meetings with employees to discuss the pros and cons of joining or supporting a union. Specifically, the business groups argue that Wisconsin's new law unlawfully interferes with free speech under the First Amendment and is preempted by federal law.The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 290 (SB 585), the Department of Workforce Development now requires employers to post in their workplaces a notice advising employees of their rights under the new law. Employers that violate the new law by discriminating against or retaliating against employees who refuse to attend meetings that discuss joining unions are liable for punitive and compensatory damages. Wisconsin is only the second state in the nation to pass such a law, joining Oregon.
In their lawsuit, WMC and MMAC argue that for over 60 years employers have had a federally protected right to hold mandatory meetings with employees to discuss the pros and cons of joining or supporting a union. Specifically, the business groups argue that Wisconsin's new law unlawfully interferes with free speech under the First Amendment and is preempted by federal law.The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
2010 Wisconsin Primary Election Results
Follow the below link for the 2010 Wisconsin primary Elections Results as of 12:15am, 09/15/2010.
http://wseu-sepac.org/documents_print/elections_2010_primaryresults_0015hrs_20100915.pdf
http://wseu-sepac.org/documents_print/elections_2010_primaryresults_0015hrs_20100915.pdf
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
These Milwaukee Area Candidates Need Your Support
Milwaukee County Members,
We have a number of important Primary elections today. Below is a list of AFSCME Endorsed Candidates:
Chris Moews, Milwaukee County Sheriff
Spencer Coggs, Lieutenant Governor
Scott Dettman, 7th District Assembly
JoCasta Zamarippa, 8th District Assembly
Stephanie Findley, 10th District Assembly
Leon Young, 16th District Assembly
Barbara Toles, 17th District Assembly
It is important for AFSCME members to support the candidates who support us. Today is our opportunity to decide who is on the other side of the bargaining table. Who you vote for is your own decision and AFSCME respects that, but we ask that you consider the AFSCME endorsed candidates.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Please Support Rep. Bob Turner
Racine County Members,
Today is the Primary Election and we need your help to re-elect AFSCME endorsed candidate Bob Turner as our representative in the 61st Assembly District.
After 26 years of public service in the state assembly Bob Turner has a 100% labor voting record! Every single time that a piece of legislation has crossed his desk Bob has stood with working families and voted with us. Today we have to opportunity to return the favor and re-elect a champion for working families.
How you vote is your decision, but we ask that you consider voting for Bob Turner in today’s primary.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Today is the Primary Election and we need your help to re-elect AFSCME endorsed candidate Bob Turner as our representative in the 61st Assembly District.
After 26 years of public service in the state assembly Bob Turner has a 100% labor voting record! Every single time that a piece of legislation has crossed his desk Bob has stood with working families and voted with us. Today we have to opportunity to return the favor and re-elect a champion for working families.
How you vote is your decision, but we ask that you consider voting for Bob Turner in today’s primary.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Social Security Up for Election?
MORE THAN 53 MILLION AMERICANS DEPEND ON SOCIAL SECURITY TODAY
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1934, millions of American workers have earned benefits by paying into the system, creating a safety net that keeps retirees, survivors of workers who die young and people with disabilities and their families out of poverty.
This November, voters will decide the future of Social Security by the representatives they select. We need to get direct, truthful answers from the candidates on exactly where they stand on this important issue. SEPAC has in some cases and is currently reviewing the positions of and endorsed those candidates who support our issues.
Now it's up to you. In no other state is there as much at stake this year: Senator Feingold's Senate seat; two, possibly three Congressional races, the Governor's race and both houses of the WI legislature. Now, more than ever, we need to be one train, on one track going in one direction.
Please click on this link for the list of Member-to-Member Walks statewide for the rest of September. Phone Banks are also up and running and a list of those locations around the state is attached as well.
We need your help. Even if you are not an active or retiree union member, please join us in these election activities. Your help can make a vital difference.
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1934, millions of American workers have earned benefits by paying into the system, creating a safety net that keeps retirees, survivors of workers who die young and people with disabilities and their families out of poverty.
This November, voters will decide the future of Social Security by the representatives they select. We need to get direct, truthful answers from the candidates on exactly where they stand on this important issue. SEPAC has in some cases and is currently reviewing the positions of and endorsed those candidates who support our issues.
Now it's up to you. In no other state is there as much at stake this year: Senator Feingold's Senate seat; two, possibly three Congressional races, the Governor's race and both houses of the WI legislature. Now, more than ever, we need to be one train, on one track going in one direction.
Please click on this link for the list of Member-to-Member Walks statewide for the rest of September. Phone Banks are also up and running and a list of those locations around the state is attached as well.
We need your help. Even if you are not an active or retiree union member, please join us in these election activities. Your help can make a vital difference.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Labor 2010 Walk in the Wausau Area
Do you live in or near the Wausau area? If so, please know that Labor is having a Labor 2010 member-to-member walk this Saturday – and we ask that you and other union activists or family members join us for this important walk! Congressman Obey and our Labor's endorsed candidate for the 7th CD State Senator Julie Lassa will be stopping by, so we would very much like to have a large show of support for our Labor 2010 Member-to-Member program.
WHAT: Labor 2010 Member-to-Member Walk
[Limited phone lines will be available for member-to-member calls for those unable to walk.]
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 a.m. – approx. 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wausau Labor Temple, 318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau
Sloppy Joes, Burgers, Brats and other refreshments will be served when walkers return from their walk.
PLEASE RSVP to: Scott Wright, (715) 298-0033; swright@wisaflcio.org so he can be sure there are enough walk packets and food for all.
Thanks for all that you do!
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
WHAT: Labor 2010 Member-to-Member Walk
[Limited phone lines will be available for member-to-member calls for those unable to walk.]
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 a.m. – approx. 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wausau Labor Temple, 318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau
Sloppy Joes, Burgers, Brats and other refreshments will be served when walkers return from their walk.
PLEASE RSVP to: Scott Wright, (715) 298-0033; swright@wisaflcio.org so he can be sure there are enough walk packets and food for all.
Thanks for all that you do!
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
Wisconsin AFL-CIO Launching Mail Effort This Week
Statewide Mail Targeting Ron Johnson on his record of anti-worker, anti-union policies.
Milwaukee, WI - The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is beginning its direct mail effort to its membership this week with a massive statewide mailing targeting Senate candidate Ron Johnson. The mailing points out that Johnson is wrong for working families. It highlights Johnson’s history of anti-union policies in his own business, his desire to gut worker pensions and his refusal to extend unemployment benefits. Click here to download the piece.
Thousand of union volunteers across the state are mobilizing through the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor 2010 Program, to educate tens of thousands of workers each week about their choice in the mid-term elections. The Labor 2010 Program - launched by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO and participating unions in July - is the largest voter mobilization efforts in the state, reaching union households daily through telephone, home visits, direct mail and worksite leafleting.
The Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents 250,000 workers across Wisconsin to fight for working families, economic justice in the workplace, and to achieve social justice for all Wisconsin workers.
Click here to download the mail piece.
Milwaukee, WI - The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is beginning its direct mail effort to its membership this week with a massive statewide mailing targeting Senate candidate Ron Johnson. The mailing points out that Johnson is wrong for working families. It highlights Johnson’s history of anti-union policies in his own business, his desire to gut worker pensions and his refusal to extend unemployment benefits. Click here to download the piece.
Thousand of union volunteers across the state are mobilizing through the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor 2010 Program, to educate tens of thousands of workers each week about their choice in the mid-term elections. The Labor 2010 Program - launched by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO and participating unions in July - is the largest voter mobilization efforts in the state, reaching union households daily through telephone, home visits, direct mail and worksite leafleting.
The Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents 250,000 workers across Wisconsin to fight for working families, economic justice in the workplace, and to achieve social justice for all Wisconsin workers.
Click here to download the mail piece.
From Your AFSCME Wisconsin "Next Wavers"
Get Out and Vote Tomorrow Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
WI Next Wave wants to remind all of the AFSCME Next Wavers across Wisconsin that tomorrow is a primary election day. Electing labor friendly candidates impacts every aspect of our jobs and lives so please go to the polls and remember when you pull the lever or mark the box your salary and benefits are on the line.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Endorsement Recommendations Deadline
Due by Friday, 17 September 2010
SEPAC needs to have any recommendations for political endorsements into Council 24 by Friday, 17 September 2010, ATTENTION: Betty Dorow. These recommendations can be FAXED to (608) 836-0222 or sent via email to; bdorow@wseu-24.org.
SEPAC will act on these recommendations on Monday, 20 September 2010 and the Executive Board on Friday, 24 September 2010.
If you have any questions regarding the endorsement criteria, endorsement process or need candidate questionnaire's, please contact Marty Beil at (608) 836-0024 or Steven Williams at (608) 269-0307.
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
SEPAC needs to have any recommendations for political endorsements into Council 24 by Friday, 17 September 2010, ATTENTION: Betty Dorow. These recommendations can be FAXED to (608) 836-0222 or sent via email to; bdorow@wseu-24.org.
SEPAC will act on these recommendations on Monday, 20 September 2010 and the Executive Board on Friday, 24 September 2010.
If you have any questions regarding the endorsement criteria, endorsement process or need candidate questionnaire's, please contact Marty Beil at (608) 836-0024 or Steven Williams at (608) 269-0307.
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
Friday, September 3, 2010
Legislative Audit -Department of Commerce Health and Safety Enforcement for Public Sector workers
Last week AFSCME Council 24 received confirmation on our request to have the Legislative Audit Committee look at how the Department of Commerce enforces Safety Standards and whether there are political implications in their process.
This audit is possible because of the men and women at UW Stout who have had exposures and have been met with denial on the part of the U.W.Systems. In fact we even have copies of letters inferring the Chancellor’s intrusion into the enforcement process. We had a discussion with Senator Kathleen Vinehout about the issue and she was instrumental in carrying the day for us.
I have cut and pasted the information about this that appeared in last week’s summary. It makes good material for letter writing and other communications.This audit and participation in it is critical. This is our OSHA. We have no other health and safety protections aside from those enforced by Commerce. We need each of our locals to take a look at any experiences that they have had with Commerce and the enforcement of these standards or lack of enforcement. This is a rare opportunity to make things right. Please contact your Field Representative with any information. If you happen to encounter either Senator Vinehout or Representative Barca please thank them for being there for us.
Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24
----------
Auditors to Investigate State’s Record of Ensuring Health and Safety Standards for Public Sector Workers
State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and State Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced last week that they have directed the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau to review the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s record of ensuring (more) the safety of public sector employees while they are on the job. Vinehout and Barca serve as co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and have powers to order audits of state agency practices and law enforcement efforts.
The legislators asked the Legislative Audit Bureau to:
+ assess the scope of the Department’s responsibility for ensuring public sector employee safety in the workplace;
+ review staffing and expenditures;
+ analyze the number of inspections conducted and consultative services provided annually; and
+ determine the volume and disposition of any formal complaints received by the Department of Commerce.
The audit review was prompted by a situation in which union officers complained about shoddy conditions involving asbestos removal projects on the UW-Stout campus. The complaint resulted in a Department of Commerce report citing the university for 51 occupational safety and health violations. The university pushed the Department to rescind the report, which the agency did on Nov. 5, 2009.
AFSCME Council 24 strongly protested the Department’s decision, and contacted Sen. Vinehout and Rep. Barca to have the Legislative Audit Bureau investigate and report on the Department of Commerce’s record of enforcing public sector worker health and safety. This is a big victory for all public sector workers. AFSCME appreciates the leadership shown by Sen. Vinehout and Rep. Barca and looks forward to reviewing the findings of the Audit Bureau.
This audit is possible because of the men and women at UW Stout who have had exposures and have been met with denial on the part of the U.W.Systems. In fact we even have copies of letters inferring the Chancellor’s intrusion into the enforcement process. We had a discussion with Senator Kathleen Vinehout about the issue and she was instrumental in carrying the day for us.
I have cut and pasted the information about this that appeared in last week’s summary. It makes good material for letter writing and other communications.This audit and participation in it is critical. This is our OSHA. We have no other health and safety protections aside from those enforced by Commerce. We need each of our locals to take a look at any experiences that they have had with Commerce and the enforcement of these standards or lack of enforcement. This is a rare opportunity to make things right. Please contact your Field Representative with any information. If you happen to encounter either Senator Vinehout or Representative Barca please thank them for being there for us.
Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24
----------
Auditors to Investigate State’s Record of Ensuring Health and Safety Standards for Public Sector Workers
State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and State Rep. Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced last week that they have directed the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau to review the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s record of ensuring (more) the safety of public sector employees while they are on the job. Vinehout and Barca serve as co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and have powers to order audits of state agency practices and law enforcement efforts.
The legislators asked the Legislative Audit Bureau to:
+ assess the scope of the Department’s responsibility for ensuring public sector employee safety in the workplace;
+ review staffing and expenditures;
+ analyze the number of inspections conducted and consultative services provided annually; and
+ determine the volume and disposition of any formal complaints received by the Department of Commerce.
The audit review was prompted by a situation in which union officers complained about shoddy conditions involving asbestos removal projects on the UW-Stout campus. The complaint resulted in a Department of Commerce report citing the university for 51 occupational safety and health violations. The university pushed the Department to rescind the report, which the agency did on Nov. 5, 2009.
AFSCME Council 24 strongly protested the Department’s decision, and contacted Sen. Vinehout and Rep. Barca to have the Legislative Audit Bureau investigate and report on the Department of Commerce’s record of enforcing public sector worker health and safety. This is a big victory for all public sector workers. AFSCME appreciates the leadership shown by Sen. Vinehout and Rep. Barca and looks forward to reviewing the findings of the Audit Bureau.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
UW-Madison’s Institute for Discovery
Please Support Union Jobs
AFSCME Local 171, which represents blue collar, technical and security workers at the UW Madison, is fighting efforts to privatize jobs at the new Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), which is slated to open in December of this year.
We are asking you to contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to intervene and use their influence to persuade the WID not to contract out jobs that are normally performed by union workers. ...
AFSCME Local 171, which represents blue collar, technical and security workers at the UW Madison, is fighting efforts to privatize jobs at the new Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), which is slated to open in December of this year.
We are asking you to contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to intervene and use their influence to persuade the WID not to contract out jobs that are normally performed by union workers. ...
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