There was another tremendous showing of union solidarity and concern for public services on Wednesday. Well over 500 AFSCME members and leaders came to Madison and spent time meeting face to face with legislators on critical issues such as outsourcing, disability eligibility, and collective bargaining for protective status to name just a few. Credit goes to the International and Take Back staff for hosting a well organized and effective event. More importantly, tremendous credit goes to all of you who took time from your work and personal lives and came to Madison to deal with issues that affect all of our futures. It was a great day and a job well done.
I personally wish to extend my thanks to everyone who attended and worked to handle all of the logistics of this event.
In Solidarity,
Marty Beil
Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Poll Questions and Results
Period: 02/05/2010 through 02/26/2010
We recently finished two polls where we asked visitor's to the SEPAC blog to vote. Below are the results of those polls;
Question #1 (72 votes cast)
Do you vote based on issues or the candidate's political affiliation?
Answer Choices:
Based on Issues = 35 (48%)
Political Affiliation = 1 (1%)
Both Criteria = 35 (48%)
I Do Not Care = 1 (1%)
Question #2 (75 votes cast)
If the election were today, would you vote for Tom Barrett or Scott Walker?
Answer Choices:
Tom Barrett = 54 (70%)
Scott Walker = 7 (9%)
Not Decided = 7 (9%)
Do Not Know Either Candidate = 9 (11%)
Contact Steven Williams (swilliams@wseu-24.org) with any questions about these polls.
We recently finished two polls where we asked visitor's to the SEPAC blog to vote. Below are the results of those polls;
Question #1 (72 votes cast)
Do you vote based on issues or the candidate's political affiliation?
Answer Choices:
Based on Issues = 35 (48%)
Political Affiliation = 1 (1%)
Both Criteria = 35 (48%)
I Do Not Care = 1 (1%)
Question #2 (75 votes cast)
If the election were today, would you vote for Tom Barrett or Scott Walker?
Answer Choices:
Tom Barrett = 54 (70%)
Scott Walker = 7 (9%)
Not Decided = 7 (9%)
Do Not Know Either Candidate = 9 (11%)
Contact Steven Williams (swilliams@wseu-24.org) with any questions about these polls.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
NO WINDOW for Early Retirement
Recently an opinion was written in a newspaper in southeastern Wisconsin that spoke about a possible early retirement window for state employees.
Here is why this opinion is just that, an opinion;
There has been absolutely no discussion from the Governor or Legislative leaders about an early retirement program or window. A major part of the reason is that the retirement system is a merged system (basically all public employees in Wisconsin). State law provides that use of the trust fund for benefit change must accrue to all participants. The only way that an early window for State employees could happen is that the change would have to be funded by GPR (General Purpose Revenue) which is what the State has a deficit in. It would cost millions of dollars in GPR to fund an early retirement window for State workers.
Hopefully, this brief explanation will squelch any rumors amongst public sector workers.
Here is why this opinion is just that, an opinion;
There has been absolutely no discussion from the Governor or Legislative leaders about an early retirement program or window. A major part of the reason is that the retirement system is a merged system (basically all public employees in Wisconsin). State law provides that use of the trust fund for benefit change must accrue to all participants. The only way that an early window for State employees could happen is that the change would have to be funded by GPR (General Purpose Revenue) which is what the State has a deficit in. It would cost millions of dollars in GPR to fund an early retirement window for State workers.
Hopefully, this brief explanation will squelch any rumors amongst public sector workers.
Your State Pension Under Attack
Executive Director Beil Blast's Opponents of State Pension Plan
Defends Public Sector Workers
Marty Beil - State Pensions Under Attack
Posted by SLY IN THE MORNING at 7:45 AM
Scott Walker and right-wing radio want to blame State pensions for the budget mess despite Wisconsin having one of the best run pension programs in the country. State employees make lower wages in exchange for a secure but modest retirement and its saves taxpayer money in the long run. Listen to AFSCME Council 24 Executive Director Marty Beil (http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/search?q=State+Pensions).
Listen to the radio show - Approximately 38 minutes
http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/search?q=State+Pensions
Defends Public Sector Workers
Marty Beil - State Pensions Under Attack
Posted by SLY IN THE MORNING at 7:45 AM
Scott Walker and right-wing radio want to blame State pensions for the budget mess despite Wisconsin having one of the best run pension programs in the country. State employees make lower wages in exchange for a secure but modest retirement and its saves taxpayer money in the long run. Listen to AFSCME Council 24 Executive Director Marty Beil (http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/search?q=State+Pensions).
Listen to the radio show - Approximately 38 minutes
http://slysoffice.blogspot.com/search?q=State+Pensions
Monday, March 1, 2010
AFSCME Council 48 Members in Milwaukee County Need Your Help!
AFSCME Council 48 members (Milwaukee County employees) need the help of AFSCME members all across Wisconsin.
County Executive Scott Walker, to date, has failed to provide proper funding levels for and commitment to, protecting and preserving Milwaukee County parks. He claims "lack of revenue" as his reason for making all of the drastic cuts to proper funding of the parks.
In November voters passed a referendum to create a 0.5% sales tax to collect revenue to fund the parks and remove the claim of Executive Walker that there is not proper funding for the parks. However, this referendum has affect only by means of a legislative bill. AB504 was introduced as that bill, but it currently sits stalled in the Joint Committee on Finance.
With just a few clicks of your mouse you can support our brothers and sisters of AFSCME Council 48. So please, start "clicking" away!
Authority: Jana Weaver, Assistant Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
County Executive Scott Walker, to date, has failed to provide proper funding levels for and commitment to, protecting and preserving Milwaukee County parks. He claims "lack of revenue" as his reason for making all of the drastic cuts to proper funding of the parks.
In November voters passed a referendum to create a 0.5% sales tax to collect revenue to fund the parks and remove the claim of Executive Walker that there is not proper funding for the parks. However, this referendum has affect only by means of a legislative bill. AB504 was introduced as that bill, but it currently sits stalled in the Joint Committee on Finance.
With just a few clicks of your mouse you can support our brothers and sisters of AFSCME Council 48. So please, start "clicking" away!
Authority: Jana Weaver, Assistant Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Updated Bus Schedule for Lobby Day
The bus schedule has been updated and is available for viewing at www.wseu-sepac.org/lobbyday_2010.htm.
Please contact your Take Back America Staff or send an e-mail (info@wiafscme.org) with name, phone number, address and local if you would like to attend. Please also indicate if you will be taking the bus. The bus schedule is available on the SEPAC and Council 11 Websites.
See you on Wednesday!
Please contact your Take Back America Staff or send an e-mail (info@wiafscme.org) with name, phone number, address and local if you would like to attend. Please also indicate if you will be taking the bus. The bus schedule is available on the SEPAC and Council 11 Websites.
See you on Wednesday!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
UPDATED Lobby Day Bus Schedule as of 02/26/2010
TWO NEW changes in the AFSCME Lobby Day bus schedule is a revised pickup location in Oshkosh and a Madison bus has now been ADDED. The Madison bus will transport lobby day participants from AFSCME Headquarters to the Masonic Temple.
Review the lobby day bus schedule as of 02/26/2010 >>>
Learn more about the AFSCME Lobby Day at the SEPAC website >>>
Review the lobby day bus schedule as of 02/26/2010 >>>
Learn more about the AFSCME Lobby Day at the SEPAC website >>>
Friday, February 26, 2010
WPRI Report Erroneous About the Wisconsin Retirement System
WPRI Says Public Sector Workers are a Drain on Taxpayers
The right wing think tank; an obvious arm of the Walker campaign, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute issued a report on Wednesday that erroneously spoke about the high value of the Wisconsin Retirement System and public employee pensions. As you read both the report and the summary it makes every public employee’s blood boil. It’s the same mantra about how public employees should work for minimum wage, have no pension and be just like workers in Alabama or Mississippi. The report also said public employees do not deserve the pensions that they get and that they are a drain on the taxpayers.
We have issued a press release and been on talk radio in the Madison area. We would suggest that as your local newspapers begin to report the story that public employees, whether state, county, school or city all respond in kind about the inaccurate information and conclusions made in the report. The real irony of the report is that 3 of the 6 members of the board of directors for this institute are receiving benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System; they got theirs, but you can’t get yours kind of philosophy.
This is all a prelude to the political elections coming this fall. The only thing missing from this report is the disclaimer on the bottom that it was authorized and paid for by Scott Walker for Governor. There is no coincidence that the findings of the report parrot what Scott Walker has been saying publicly about state employees and their benefits. If there is anyone out there that is a public employee that thinks that Scott Walker will be good for state workers and programs that they are involved in, they need to get their head examined.
Read the AFSCME Council 24 press release >>>
Read the Milwaukee Journel Sentinel news story >>>
Authority: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
The right wing think tank; an obvious arm of the Walker campaign, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute issued a report on Wednesday that erroneously spoke about the high value of the Wisconsin Retirement System and public employee pensions. As you read both the report and the summary it makes every public employee’s blood boil. It’s the same mantra about how public employees should work for minimum wage, have no pension and be just like workers in Alabama or Mississippi. The report also said public employees do not deserve the pensions that they get and that they are a drain on the taxpayers.
We have issued a press release and been on talk radio in the Madison area. We would suggest that as your local newspapers begin to report the story that public employees, whether state, county, school or city all respond in kind about the inaccurate information and conclusions made in the report. The real irony of the report is that 3 of the 6 members of the board of directors for this institute are receiving benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System; they got theirs, but you can’t get yours kind of philosophy.
This is all a prelude to the political elections coming this fall. The only thing missing from this report is the disclaimer on the bottom that it was authorized and paid for by Scott Walker for Governor. There is no coincidence that the findings of the report parrot what Scott Walker has been saying publicly about state employees and their benefits. If there is anyone out there that is a public employee that thinks that Scott Walker will be good for state workers and programs that they are involved in, they need to get their head examined.
Read the AFSCME Council 24 press release >>>
Read the Milwaukee Journel Sentinel news story >>>
Authority: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 AFL-CIO
Thursday, February 25, 2010
AFSCME Wisconsin Lobby Day
March 3rd, 2010
State Capitol
Lobby Day is our chance to walk the walk in the fight against privatization, to stand up for fairness at the bargaining table, and to explain to elected officials that quality public services are essential for economic recovery.
Motorcoach buses will converge on Madison for registration from 9-10 am. We will have you heading home no later than 3pm.
Checkout the SEPAC website for the bus schedules and the lobby day issues:
http://www.wseu-sepac.org/lobbyday_2010.htm
It is not too late to still join the hundreds of AFSCME members who will attend this lobby day. Simply send an email with your name, address and local union number to; info@wiafscme.org or call the AFSCME C11 office at 608-836-6666 if you have any questions!
State Capitol
Lobby Day is our chance to walk the walk in the fight against privatization, to stand up for fairness at the bargaining table, and to explain to elected officials that quality public services are essential for economic recovery.
Motorcoach buses will converge on Madison for registration from 9-10 am. We will have you heading home no later than 3pm.
Checkout the SEPAC website for the bus schedules and the lobby day issues:
http://www.wseu-sepac.org/lobbyday_2010.htm
It is not too late to still join the hundreds of AFSCME members who will attend this lobby day. Simply send an email with your name, address and local union number to; info@wiafscme.org or call the AFSCME C11 office at 608-836-6666 if you have any questions!
Support the Repeal of Minimum Mark-Up Law
The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans is part of a coalition of community, labor, and business organizations urging the Wisconsin Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 482 (AB 482),which would exempt prescription drugs from the minimum mark-up law in Wisconsin. The enactment of AB 482 would save Wisconsin consumers millions of dollars while also saving significant amounts for people insured by private companies, Medicaid, and Medicare.
At a time when the federal government has yet to pass health care reform legislation, the State of Wisconsin can help to lower the costs of prescription drugs by passing AB 482. Currently, even with the federal Part D RX drug program that started in 2006, the price of prescription drugs has increased at least 8 percent a year. People who are struggling to afford their medications need help now.
Please contact your state assembly and senate representatives and let them know that you support AB482.
Source: Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans
At a time when the federal government has yet to pass health care reform legislation, the State of Wisconsin can help to lower the costs of prescription drugs by passing AB 482. Currently, even with the federal Part D RX drug program that started in 2006, the price of prescription drugs has increased at least 8 percent a year. People who are struggling to afford their medications need help now.
Please contact your state assembly and senate representatives and let them know that you support AB482.
Source: Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans
The Governor Will Continue to Appoint the DNR Secretary
Assembly Fails to Override Governor's Veto of DNR Secretary Bill
The Assembly Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, failed to garner the two-thirds vote needed to override the Governor's veto of Assembly Bill 138, which would have removed the Governor's authority to appoint the Department of Natural Resources secretary and handed the authority to the unelected Natural Resources Board members.
The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly last year, but was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle. A veto override requires a two-thirds vote in both the Assembly (66) and the Senate (22). The Assembly vote was 59-39 (counting pairs) with 48 Democrats and 11 Republicans voting to override the veto and four Democrats, 34 Republicans, and one Independent voting to sustain the veto.
Proponents of AB 138, which include environmental and sportsmen groups, argued that allowing the Natural Resources Board authority to appoint the DNR secretary (instead of the Governor) removes the political nature of decision making within the agency.
Opponents of the bill include Gov. Jim Doyle, current DNR Secretary Matt Frank, and business groups. They argued that removing the DNR secretary from a cabinet level position would leave DNR unaccountable and allow unelected bureaucrats to essentially run the massive state agency. Gov. Doyle in his veto message noted that the DNR Secretary is "an integral part of a Governor's Cabinet, playing a regular and key role in interagency projects," and that a secretary appointed by the Governor "ensures a direct line of accountability for citizens concerned about the natural resources policy" of this state.
The Wisconsin State Employees Union was "FOR" the legislative bill.
The Assembly Democrats, joined by a handful of Republicans, failed to garner the two-thirds vote needed to override the Governor's veto of Assembly Bill 138, which would have removed the Governor's authority to appoint the Department of Natural Resources secretary and handed the authority to the unelected Natural Resources Board members.
The bill passed both the Senate and Assembly last year, but was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle. A veto override requires a two-thirds vote in both the Assembly (66) and the Senate (22). The Assembly vote was 59-39 (counting pairs) with 48 Democrats and 11 Republicans voting to override the veto and four Democrats, 34 Republicans, and one Independent voting to sustain the veto.
Proponents of AB 138, which include environmental and sportsmen groups, argued that allowing the Natural Resources Board authority to appoint the DNR secretary (instead of the Governor) removes the political nature of decision making within the agency.
Opponents of the bill include Gov. Jim Doyle, current DNR Secretary Matt Frank, and business groups. They argued that removing the DNR secretary from a cabinet level position would leave DNR unaccountable and allow unelected bureaucrats to essentially run the massive state agency. Gov. Doyle in his veto message noted that the DNR Secretary is "an integral part of a Governor's Cabinet, playing a regular and key role in interagency projects," and that a secretary appointed by the Governor "ensures a direct line of accountability for citizens concerned about the natural resources policy" of this state.
The Wisconsin State Employees Union was "FOR" the legislative bill.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Corporate attacks on pensions are nothing new
Corporate interests that attack retirement security for front-line workers are hardly making news, despite the breathless media attention given reports cranked out by corporate-funded “think tanks”.
“It’s no surprise that wealthy interests are pumping out propaganda to erode support for pension plans relied on by lower-wage workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. “What’s disappointing is that major media outlets give this propaganda great play, while burying news that paints Wisconsin’s pension system in a positive light,” Beil said.
Read more...
“It’s no surprise that wealthy interests are pumping out propaganda to erode support for pension plans relied on by lower-wage workers,” said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. “What’s disappointing is that major media outlets give this propaganda great play, while burying news that paints Wisconsin’s pension system in a positive light,” Beil said.
Read more...
Friday, February 19, 2010
AFSCME LOBBY DAY…
Lobby Day has been scheduled for March 3rd. As always, this is an important day for as many of our leaders and members to attend and meet with their legislators about key pieces of legislation that affect each and every one of us. There is legislation pending that would impact the vast majority of our members regardless of the department or agency they work in.
One of the big pieces of legislation is SB 477, which significantly limits the state’s ability to contract out our jobs and legitimizes the cost benefit analysis mechanism making sure that contracting out would not spend more money than state employees would cost. Other bills deal with presumption of illnesses for disability, collectively bargaining protective status for retirement and new revenue mechanisms to enhance the state treasury, including bills like AB 504 that would allow the City of Milwaukee to create a sales tax to preserve public parks.
We strongly encourage you and your members to come to Lobby Day. Busses will be provided, along with other modes of transportation. For specifics about bus schedules go to www.wseu-sepac.org. The day is more than state employees, it is all of AFSCME coming together to show a united front on issues that are important to us.
Source: AFSCME Council 24 UIN
Author: Martin Beil, Executive Director
One of the big pieces of legislation is SB 477, which significantly limits the state’s ability to contract out our jobs and legitimizes the cost benefit analysis mechanism making sure that contracting out would not spend more money than state employees would cost. Other bills deal with presumption of illnesses for disability, collectively bargaining protective status for retirement and new revenue mechanisms to enhance the state treasury, including bills like AB 504 that would allow the City of Milwaukee to create a sales tax to preserve public parks.
We strongly encourage you and your members to come to Lobby Day. Busses will be provided, along with other modes of transportation. For specifics about bus schedules go to www.wseu-sepac.org. The day is more than state employees, it is all of AFSCME coming together to show a united front on issues that are important to us.
Source: AFSCME Council 24 UIN
Author: Martin Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME "National Call-In Day" Rescheduled
The AFSCME National Call-In Day originally scheduled for February 10th has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd. As our great state struggles with having enough revenue to function, we, as union members need to do what we can to have our U.S. Senator's fight for every dollar that we can get.
You can play a very important part of this process by participating in the AFSCME "National Call-In Day". Please call your U.S. Senators on Tuesday, February 23rd. Not sure what to say when you call? Read the SEPAC Action e-Alert for a suggestion...
You can play a very important part of this process by participating in the AFSCME "National Call-In Day". Please call your U.S. Senators on Tuesday, February 23rd. Not sure what to say when you call? Read the SEPAC Action e-Alert for a suggestion...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Brief Summary of How AFSCME Lobby Day Works
All participants meet at the Masonic Temple between 9:00am and 10:00am, about a block off the Capitol Square at 301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison.
At the Masonic Temple participants are briefed by AFSCME Leadership and AFSCME's lobbyists on the issues that AFSCME members want to "educate" Legislators on. The briefing normally last's for one hour or less.
Participants then leave the Masonic Temple in a group for the State Capitol. Once at the State Capitol a group photo is taken by the staff of the Public Affairs Department of AFSCME Council 11 on the capitol steps leading from State St. Then all participants proceed into the State Capitol to meet with Legislators and their staff in meetings pre-scheduled by AFSCME.
Participants will attend these meetings with other AFSCME brothers and sisters that reside in the same Legislative District. When your scheduled meetings have concluded you will return to the Masonic Temple and enjoy a box lunch, discuss your visits with others in your group, share some laughs and good conversation and then complete, in a group setting, Legislative contact report forms for the AFSCME leadership and Lobbyists to utilize in the near future.
Remember, this is your day in the Capitol, make the best of it and have fun while doing it. Legislator's anticipate your arrival and in most cases are looking for you to educate them on your issues.
At the Masonic Temple participants are briefed by AFSCME Leadership and AFSCME's lobbyists on the issues that AFSCME members want to "educate" Legislators on. The briefing normally last's for one hour or less.
Participants then leave the Masonic Temple in a group for the State Capitol. Once at the State Capitol a group photo is taken by the staff of the Public Affairs Department of AFSCME Council 11 on the capitol steps leading from State St. Then all participants proceed into the State Capitol to meet with Legislators and their staff in meetings pre-scheduled by AFSCME.
Participants will attend these meetings with other AFSCME brothers and sisters that reside in the same Legislative District. When your scheduled meetings have concluded you will return to the Masonic Temple and enjoy a box lunch, discuss your visits with others in your group, share some laughs and good conversation and then complete, in a group setting, Legislative contact report forms for the AFSCME leadership and Lobbyists to utilize in the near future.
Remember, this is your day in the Capitol, make the best of it and have fun while doing it. Legislator's anticipate your arrival and in most cases are looking for you to educate them on your issues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
