For Immediate Release
Contact: Sara Wallenfang, (414) 418-5485
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Welcomes the Improved Clean Energy Jobs Act
Latest proposal makes bill better for working families
“We are excited about the proposed modifications to the Clean Energy Jobs Act. The working families that we represent appreciate the improvements made to increase and to speed up job creation,” says Phil Neuenfeldt, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “The provisions added to allow job creating conservation and efficiency to count towards the Renewable Portfolio Standard and the clarification to the nuclear language are both positive changes.”
Wisconsin has no natural gas, no coal and no oil. We currently send $16 billion out of our state every year to meet our energy needs.
The Clean Energy Jobs Act will create clean energy that works for Wisconsin, and is made in Wisconsin. This is a huge opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign fuel and make sure that Wisconsin doesn’t lose green jobs to countries like China.
“The jobs created by this legislation are good, family-wage jobs,” says Neuenfeldt. “This is the right choice for the environment and our economy.”
[END]
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Legislative Bills on the Move
Right to Know for Corrections Officers
Senate Bill 547, which would give corrections officers the right to know if an inmate has a contagious disease, received a unanimous vote of approval from the Senate Committee on Public Health this week. The Public Health Committee’s action now makes SB 547 available to be scheduled for a full vote of the Senate. AFSCME is lobbying Senate leadership to put the bill on the calendar.
Dues Deduction Bill Receives Public Hearing
Assembly Bill 916, which would allow retirees in the Wisconsin Retirement System to choose to have their union dues voluntarily deducted from their pensions, received a public hearing in the Assembly Labor Committee this week. Identical legislation, Senate Bill 390, was recommended for passage by the Senate Labor committee last month, and awaits scheduling for the floor by the Senate Organization Committee, Chaired by Senator Majority Leader Russ Decker. AFSCME is working diligently to get these bills passed before the session ends.
All questions should be directed to the AFSCME Lobbyists at (608) 836-6666.
Senate Bill 547, which would give corrections officers the right to know if an inmate has a contagious disease, received a unanimous vote of approval from the Senate Committee on Public Health this week. The Public Health Committee’s action now makes SB 547 available to be scheduled for a full vote of the Senate. AFSCME is lobbying Senate leadership to put the bill on the calendar.
Dues Deduction Bill Receives Public Hearing
Assembly Bill 916, which would allow retirees in the Wisconsin Retirement System to choose to have their union dues voluntarily deducted from their pensions, received a public hearing in the Assembly Labor Committee this week. Identical legislation, Senate Bill 390, was recommended for passage by the Senate Labor committee last month, and awaits scheduling for the floor by the Senate Organization Committee, Chaired by Senator Majority Leader Russ Decker. AFSCME is working diligently to get these bills passed before the session ends.
All questions should be directed to the AFSCME Lobbyists at (608) 836-6666.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Beil Calls Out WPimpRI
By Scot @ One Wisconsin Now - Apr 6th, 2010 at 11:58 am EDT
Marty Beil, never one to mince words when it comes to standing up for working men and women across Wisconsin, responded to the continuing assaults by the GOP shills at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute against our dedicated public employees:
“If Scott Walker wants to communicate with me, I would think he's man enough to do it himself and not use a surrogate or a pimp like George Lightbourn.”
One Wisconsin Now has previously written about WPRI’s most-recent junk science report, but Beil broke down exactly WPRI and its allies’ goals in an interview with Sly on WTDY yesterday.
He said WPRI is "is all about kind of fomenting this anti-government, anti-public employee, anti-taxpayer kind of mentality.”
As One Wisconsin Now pointed out, the most recent assault on working men and women from WPRI has a flawed model, ignores the specialized work of public employees and makes a host of false comparisons which would laughed out of any first year survey course.
Hats off to Beil for standing up against this pap.
And when it comes to Scott Walker’s $2 billion tax giveaway to rich people and big business, WPRI’s endless stream of bile is a good indication that he would try and pay for it by slashing the public services that fuel Wisconsin’s middle class, protect our streets and make Wisconsin different from Alabama and Mississippi.
Just look at how Milwaukee County has suffered under his negligence.
Link to original post of Scot Ross from One Wisconsin NOW >>>
[http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/page/community/post/scotross/CHWb]
Marty Beil, never one to mince words when it comes to standing up for working men and women across Wisconsin, responded to the continuing assaults by the GOP shills at the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute against our dedicated public employees:
“If Scott Walker wants to communicate with me, I would think he's man enough to do it himself and not use a surrogate or a pimp like George Lightbourn.”
One Wisconsin Now has previously written about WPRI’s most-recent junk science report, but Beil broke down exactly WPRI and its allies’ goals in an interview with Sly on WTDY yesterday.
He said WPRI is "is all about kind of fomenting this anti-government, anti-public employee, anti-taxpayer kind of mentality.”
As One Wisconsin Now pointed out, the most recent assault on working men and women from WPRI has a flawed model, ignores the specialized work of public employees and makes a host of false comparisons which would laughed out of any first year survey course.
Hats off to Beil for standing up against this pap.
And when it comes to Scott Walker’s $2 billion tax giveaway to rich people and big business, WPRI’s endless stream of bile is a good indication that he would try and pay for it by slashing the public services that fuel Wisconsin’s middle class, protect our streets and make Wisconsin different from Alabama and Mississippi.
Just look at how Milwaukee County has suffered under his negligence.
Link to original post of Scot Ross from One Wisconsin NOW >>>
[http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/page/community/post/scotross/CHWb]
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Few Words from President McEntee
A Monumentally Important Victory
Sisters and brothers:
Last night we won a monumentally historic victory when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health care reform bill by a vote of 219-212.
1. Working together, we made it happen. In the days leading up to the vote, we executed a union-wide grassroots, grasstops and communications campaign that achieved the following:
2. Nearly 10,000 contacts to Congress. Aided by an aggressive robo and live call operation in our targeted districts, AFSCME members braved jammed phone lines and placed thousands of calls to Congress and backed them up with thousands emails.
3. Nearly 7,000 retiree calls. AFSCME sponsored a retiree patch through operation in cooperation with the Alliance for Retired Americans, with a message of closing the prescription drug donut hole.
4. More than 40 AFSCME grasstops contacts. In the days leading up to the vote, I joined more than 40 AFSCME statewide and local union leaders and staff to call and write targeted members of Congress armed with talking points on specific issues, including the excise tax and abortion.
5. Targeted advertising and branding. AFSCME executed a major television ad campaign with HCAN and Americans United, which ran in targeted districts and in DC during the run up to the vote. We also launched an aggressive online ad campaign to generate calls to Congress from the netroots.
This week, AFSCME will join HCAN to launch a major television ad campaign in key Democratic districts to assure our friends who took tough votes that we have their backs. And we will conduct grassroots work to ensure that the final, simple-majority vote in the U.S. Senate goes our way.
But though our work continues, let’s take a moment to savor this historic victory – and the lead role AFSCME played to secure it.
Sisters and brothers:
Last night we won a monumentally historic victory when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive health care reform bill by a vote of 219-212.
1. Working together, we made it happen. In the days leading up to the vote, we executed a union-wide grassroots, grasstops and communications campaign that achieved the following:
2. Nearly 10,000 contacts to Congress. Aided by an aggressive robo and live call operation in our targeted districts, AFSCME members braved jammed phone lines and placed thousands of calls to Congress and backed them up with thousands emails.
3. Nearly 7,000 retiree calls. AFSCME sponsored a retiree patch through operation in cooperation with the Alliance for Retired Americans, with a message of closing the prescription drug donut hole.
4. More than 40 AFSCME grasstops contacts. In the days leading up to the vote, I joined more than 40 AFSCME statewide and local union leaders and staff to call and write targeted members of Congress armed with talking points on specific issues, including the excise tax and abortion.
5. Targeted advertising and branding. AFSCME executed a major television ad campaign with HCAN and Americans United, which ran in targeted districts and in DC during the run up to the vote. We also launched an aggressive online ad campaign to generate calls to Congress from the netroots.
This week, AFSCME will join HCAN to launch a major television ad campaign in key Democratic districts to assure our friends who took tough votes that we have their backs. And we will conduct grassroots work to ensure that the final, simple-majority vote in the U.S. Senate goes our way.
But though our work continues, let’s take a moment to savor this historic victory – and the lead role AFSCME played to secure it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
AFSCME's Members Can Make It Happen!
AFSCME's Make America Happen campaign for health care reform has been the largest issue mobilization campaign in the union's history, generating more than 400,000 phone calls and letters to Congress. In addition, the 1.6 million member union has invested in an aggressive $10 million television, online and print advertising campaign, along with an unprecedented use of texting and new media.Read more >>>
AFSCME to Begin Polling of Members
Beginning this week, AFSCME International will be conducting a national member survey.
The survey will help AFSCME determine member priorities in terms of national and state issues and also help AFSCME prepare for the upcoming election season by testing different messages, from health care to state budgets. AFSCME will also test some key statewide electoral match-ups and other items, like how our members get their political information. This information will be critical in helping your Union put together campaign plans for this fall.
In addition to the national survey, AFSCME will oversample in some of their priority states, including: New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada. When the survey is complete AFSCME will schedule a poll briefing with key leaders in these states to share the results.
If you receive such a call please take the time to provide the information that you are asked for by representatives of your Union. Thank you!
The survey will help AFSCME determine member priorities in terms of national and state issues and also help AFSCME prepare for the upcoming election season by testing different messages, from health care to state budgets. AFSCME will also test some key statewide electoral match-ups and other items, like how our members get their political information. This information will be critical in helping your Union put together campaign plans for this fall.
In addition to the national survey, AFSCME will oversample in some of their priority states, including: New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada. When the survey is complete AFSCME will schedule a poll briefing with key leaders in these states to share the results.
If you receive such a call please take the time to provide the information that you are asked for by representatives of your Union. Thank you!
End Insurance Companies Abuses
TODAY IS THE DAY!
Today, we can extend coverage to millions. We can end insurance-company abuses forever. We can finally give the American worker control over their own health care and in many cases, give them health care.
But we can't take anything for granted. The vote in the House will happen today and could still go either way. It's up to every member of AFSCME, their family members and friends who believe in reform to call our representatives and speak up -- right now.
So, if you haven't yet, please pick up the phone and call. Afterward, or if you've called already, make it your mission today to get 5 friends or neighbors to call, too.
Forward this email widely. Save the Congressional switchboard number -- (202) 224-3121 -- in your cell phone, and then hand your phone to a friend, a co-worker, a family member. Capitol Hill offices are open and accepting calls.
Today, we can extend coverage to millions. We can end insurance-company abuses forever. We can finally give the American worker control over their own health care and in many cases, give them health care.
But we can't take anything for granted. The vote in the House will happen today and could still go either way. It's up to every member of AFSCME, their family members and friends who believe in reform to call our representatives and speak up -- right now.
So, if you haven't yet, please pick up the phone and call. Afterward, or if you've called already, make it your mission today to get 5 friends or neighbors to call, too.
Forward this email widely. Save the Congressional switchboard number -- (202) 224-3121 -- in your cell phone, and then hand your phone to a friend, a co-worker, a family member. Capitol Hill offices are open and accepting calls.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Benefits of Health Care Reform, District by District Impact
Thursday, 18 March 2010 09:20
Take a look for yourself. AFSCME supports passage of Health Care Reform and we think it is very important for each of our members to see what the benefits of health care reform will mean to their congressional district.
The Committee has prepared, for all 435 congressional districts, a district-level analysis of the impact of health care reform legislation. This analysis includes information on the impact of the legislation on families, small businesses, seniors in Medicare, health care providers, and the uninsured.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1924:benefits-of-health-care-reform-district-by-district-impact&catid=169:legislation&Itemid=55#toc49
Take a look for yourself. AFSCME supports passage of Health Care Reform and we think it is very important for each of our members to see what the benefits of health care reform will mean to their congressional district.
The Committee has prepared, for all 435 congressional districts, a district-level analysis of the impact of health care reform legislation. This analysis includes information on the impact of the legislation on families, small businesses, seniors in Medicare, health care providers, and the uninsured.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce
http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1924:benefits-of-health-care-reform-district-by-district-impact&catid=169:legislation&Itemid=55#toc49
MOU Reached Regarding Sabbatical Leave
There has been confusion and misinterpretation of the Sabbatical (Options for Use of Paid Annual Leave) language in your collective bargaining agreement. On March 10th Executive Director Beil signed a Memorandum of Understanding that basically straightened out the intent of the contract language for utilizing vacation time earned in 2009 to be placed in your sabbatical accounts in 2010.
Simply put, people who are eligible to put vacation time in sabbatical in the last contract, regardless of sick leave accrual, will be eligible to put time in their 2010 sabbatical account. All agencies should have received this MOU and should be complying. If there are problems, or if some agencies are unclear, please contact us at (608) 836-0024 and we will remedy the situation.
Download, view and print the MOU >>>
Simply put, people who are eligible to put vacation time in sabbatical in the last contract, regardless of sick leave accrual, will be eligible to put time in their 2010 sabbatical account. All agencies should have received this MOU and should be complying. If there are problems, or if some agencies are unclear, please contact us at (608) 836-0024 and we will remedy the situation.
Download, view and print the MOU >>>
Friday, March 19, 2010
Now Is The Time to Protect the Vote
The Wisconsin Voter Protection Act was introduced this week and we need your help to make sure these critical protections are passed into law. Use the link below to send a message to your state legislators to support the Wisconsin Voter Protection Act and encourage them to sign on to the bill as a co-sponsor.
AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC is partnered with One Wisconsin NOW.
http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/voterprotection
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Role of Government in Rebuilding the Economy
FREE Workshop and You Are Invited;
Patrick Bresette, a national speaker from DEMOS, will present exciting new research on why public structures pave the way to prosperity and how we can best protect them at a time when state and local budgets are running on empty.
Choose any of the several sessions listed below and RSVP your selection by calling 414-967-1682 or email Karyn Royster at kroyster@wisconsinsfuture.org.
EAU CLAIRE
March 25th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Gateway Technical College, Room 130, 2320 Alpine Rd.
March 25th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Gateway Technical College, Commons Room, 2320 Alpine Rd.
MADISON
March 24th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Democratic Assembly Caucus, Site TBD
March 24th, 4:30pm - 7:00pm
AFSCME, 8033 Excelsior Dr.
March 25th, 8:00am - 10:00am
WEAC, 33 Nob Hill Rd.
MILWAUKEE
March 23rd, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 East Park St.
March 24th, 8:00am - 10:00am
Brico Fund, 1122 N. Astor St.
Patrick Bresette, a national speaker from DEMOS, will present exciting new research on why public structures pave the way to prosperity and how we can best protect them at a time when state and local budgets are running on empty.
Choose any of the several sessions listed below and RSVP your selection by calling 414-967-1682 or email Karyn Royster at kroyster@wisconsinsfuture.org.
EAU CLAIRE
March 25th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Gateway Technical College, Room 130, 2320 Alpine Rd.
March 25th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Gateway Technical College, Commons Room, 2320 Alpine Rd.
MADISON
March 24th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Democratic Assembly Caucus, Site TBD
March 24th, 4:30pm - 7:00pm
AFSCME, 8033 Excelsior Dr.
March 25th, 8:00am - 10:00am
WEAC, 33 Nob Hill Rd.
MILWAUKEE
March 23rd, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 East Park St.
March 24th, 8:00am - 10:00am
Brico Fund, 1122 N. Astor St.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Scott Walker Steps Into The Sly Den
Posted by SLY IN THE MORNING at 8:37 AM
Republican Candidate for Governor and current Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker answers tough questions about combined reporting, State workers, and his plan to create jobs by cutting taxes. Listen to Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Walker.
SEPAC NOTE: This interview comes after Executive Director Marty Beil was on the air with "Sly In The Morning" accusing Scott Walker of laying the foundation for the attacks on state employee pensions, wages and benefits.
Republican Candidate for Governor and current Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker answers tough questions about combined reporting, State workers, and his plan to create jobs by cutting taxes. Listen to Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Walker.
SEPAC NOTE: This interview comes after Executive Director Marty Beil was on the air with "Sly In The Morning" accusing Scott Walker of laying the foundation for the attacks on state employee pensions, wages and benefits.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
AFSCME Wants Marcela Owens Heard
If Insurance Companies Win - AFSCME Members Lose!
It is that simple...
Please call your Congress person NOW!
It is that simple...
Please call your Congress person NOW!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Stop Big Insurance
On March 9th, insurance company executives were gathered behind closed doors in a Washington hotel to plot their efforts to kill health care reform. They have spent millions of dollars to thwart the will of everyday Americans who know that health care reform is essential to our economic future. At the same time, workingmen and women boarded buses and trains and traveled to Washington to tell the insurance industry that they won’t win this battle. It’s time to take health care decisions away from insurance executives who regularly put profits over people. It’s time for a final up-or-down, majority vote on health care reform.
It’s time to tell the insurance industry: Your time is up.
• It’s time to stop insurance companies from denying coverage to people with
pre-existing conditions.
• It’s time to stop insurance companies from dropping patients when they get sick.
• It’s time to require insurance companies to spend money on health care, not CEO salaries
and Washington lobbyists.
• It’s time to strengthen Medicare and close the “donut hole” in drug benefit
plans for seniors.
• It’s time to stop insurance companies from jacking up premiums on small businesses and families.
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