US

Wis. Assembly Passes Controversial Budget, Union Bill

MADISON, Wis. (The Blaze/AP) — Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly took the first significant action on their plan to strip most collective bargaining rights from most public workers, abruptly passing the measure early Friday morning before sleep-deprived Democrats realized what was happening.

The vote ended three straight days of punishing debate in the Assembly. But the political standoff over the bill – and the monumental protests at the state Capitol against it – appear far from over.

The Assembly’s vote sent the bill on to the Senate, but minority Democrats in that house have fled to Illinois to prevent a vote. No one knows when they will return from hiding. Republicans who control the chamber sent state troopers out looking for them at their homes on Thursday, but they turned up nothing.

“I applaud the Democrats in the Assembly for earnestly debating this bill and urge their counterparts in the state Senate to return to work and do the same,” Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said in a statement issued moments after the vote.

The plan from Republican Gov. Scott Walker contains a number of provisions he says are designed to fill the state’s $137 million deficit and lay the groundwork for fixing a projected $3.6 billion shortfall in the upcoming 2011-13 budget.

The flashpoint is language that would require public workers to contribute more to their pensions and health insurance and strip them of their right to collectively bargain benefits and work conditions (while still allowing them to bargain over salaries).

Democrats and unions see the measure as an attack on workers’ rights and an attempt to cripple union support for Democrats. Union leaders say they would make pension and health care concessions if they can keep their bargaining rights, but Walker has refused to compromise.

Tens of thousands of people have jammed the Capitol since last week to protest, pounding on drums and chanting so loudly that police providing security have resorted to ear plugs. Hundreds have taken to sleeping in the building overnight, dragging in air mattresses and blankets.

With the Senate immobilized, Assembly Republicans decided to act and convened the chamber Tuesday morning.

Democrats launched a filibuster, throwing out dozens of amendments and delivering rambling speeches. Each time Republicans tried to speed up the proceedings, Democrats rose from their seats and wailed that the GOP was stifling them.

Debate had gone on for 60 hours and 15 Democrats were still waiting to speak when the vote started around 1 a.m. Friday. Speaker Pro Tem Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, opened the roll and closed it within seconds.

Democrats looked around, bewildered. Only 13 of the 38 Democratic members managed to vote in time.

Republicans immediately marched out of the chamber in single file. The Democrats rushed at them, pumping their fists and shouting “Shame!“ and ”Cowards!”

The Republicans walked past them without responding.

Democrats left the chamber stunned. The protesters greeted them with a thundering chant of “Thank you!” Some Democrats teared up. Others hugged.

“What a terrible, terrible day for Wisconsin,” said Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee. “I am incensed. I am shocked.”

GOP leaders in the Assembly refused to speak with reporters, but earlier Friday morning Majority Leader Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, warned Democrats that they had been given 59 hours to be heard and Republicans were ready to vote.

The governor has said that if the bill does not pass by Friday, the state will miss a deadline to refinance $165 million of debt and will be forced to start issuing layoff notices next week. However, the deadline may not be as strict as he says.

The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said earlier this week that the debt refinancing could be pushed back as late as Tuesday to achieve the savings Walker wants. Based on a similar refinancing in 2004, about two weeks are needed after the bill becomes law to complete the deal. That means if the bill is adopted by the middle of next week, the state can still meet a March 16 deadline, the Fiscal Bureau said.

Democratic Sen. Jon Erpenbach said he and his colleagues wouldn’t return until Walker compromised.

Frustrated by the delay, Senate Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Jeff Fitzgerald’s brother, ordered state troopers to find the missing Democrats, but they came up empty. Wisconsin law doesn’t allow police to arrest the lawmakers, but Fitzgerald said he hoped the show of authority would have pressured them to return.

Erpenbach, who was in the Chicago area, said all 14 senators remained outside of Wisconsin.

“It’s not so much the Democrats holding things up,” Erpenbach said. “It’s really a matter of Gov. Walker holding things up.”

Comments (266)

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  • Moocephus
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:34am

    “Union leaders say they would make pension and health care concessions if they can keep their bargaining rights” These union thugs could care less about the long run as long as they can make their money right now continuing to pay bloated wages for under-performance is what has (not just Wis) this whole country on its heels.

    Report Post » Moocephus  
  • mcFirst
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:31am

    Shows you the Democrats are really union organizers in disguise.

    Report Post » mcFirst  
  • yubba
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:30am

    Way to go Gov Walker, hope to see more of this in other states send the commies packen.

    Report Post »  
  • mcFirst
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:29am

    this is a perfect microcism of why the US is broke. Gov employee unions should never be more powerful then the voters!!

    Report Post » mcFirst  
  • FANGS
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:29am

    Unions have bankrupted our Country. Get rid of them all.

    Report Post »  
  • Mick
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:28am

    VICTORY against Union extortion of the American tax payer.

    The Unions were never fighting for freedom. They were fighting for power.

    The Unions were never preserving their rights. They were preserving their control.

    Report Post »  
    • Darla_K
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:07am

      You are absolutely right Mick. Well said.

      Report Post » Darla_K  
  • I_can't_believe_this_stuff
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:24am

    Now begin ‘permanently’ firing public union workers until the State Senate Dems decide to return to work … that’s the price you must pay for dissent … who knows, they may never return … I bet you can find lots of non-public union members to do the work …

    Report Post »  
  • notsodumblond
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:23am

    When the Democrats pulled off their suits and revealed the orange beneath in support of the unions, they showed the state of Wisconsin that they are not there for the people they are there for their to pass laws to protect themselves and their big donation buddies.

    Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:06am

      AAAAHHHHH, orange. The color of jail clothes. In addition to being slaves(tongue firmly in cheek) they are now prisoners???Bang your bongos and smoke your pot, we are still going to win.

      Report Post »  
    • minority in CA
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:45am

      Yes, and the empowering and support is provided by no one less than the president himself.

      Report Post » minority in CA  
    • VRW Conspirator
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Odumbo said that when they march he would be right there with him….
      I expect a march to be planned in WI and the Secret Service will be providing security for it so that the protest march can include the President, holding his SEIU and AFL-CIO flag right in the middle of the first row…
      He will speak about MLK and MSNBC will show pictures of him side by side with MLK…saying that union dues and union bargaining and union thuggery are the NEW CIVIL RIGHT! just like they did with healthcare…

      Report Post » VRW Conspirator  
  • FANGS
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:22am

    The Orange shirts tells you exactyally who‘s getting union payoff’s The CRIME is exposed. Unbelievable how much control these unins have. (had)

    Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:13am

      And, remember when Obama was campaigning? (as if he ever stopped) and refused to disclose the sources of his funding? I guess the cat is out of the bag now! Unions have totally corrupted the election process and best be busted before the next election, but then Soros will just have to take up the slack and I’m sure he will.

      Report Post »  
  • FANGS
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:18am

    Full Speed Ahead Mr. Walker. Thank You, For keping Your word. Now we just have to get rid of the rest of Obama’s SCAMS, obama care, windmils, oil, food, coal, Gm,G E, These are the next Obama SCAMS to go down. God Speed Mr. Walker….

    Report Post »  
  • Amazingoly
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:16am

    Gov. Walker needs to give the fleeing Democrats a 3 PM deadline to return and vote, or the layoffs will begin Monday at 9 AM. This is ridiculous, and recall efforts should move ahead if they haven’t started already. Adults need to act like adults.

    Report Post »  
    • IntheKnowOG
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:08am

      ““It’s not so much the Democrats holding things up,” Erpenbach said. “It’s really a matter of Gov. Walker holding things up.””………Gee, I guess you can add the AP to the children as well. I didn’t see the (R) flee the house everytime princess Pelosi and dingy Harry called a floor vote. In fact, wasn’t their quite a debate on MSLSD about getting rid of the fillibuster? Funny how that debate dissappeared after the November landslide. In the words of Earl Pitts, WAKE UP UHMERICA!

      Report Post » IntheKnowOG  
    • cemerius
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:49am

      Very true. Also, I think the districts need to get signatures for a recall and then start a special election to fire the absentee and useless dem senotors. Of course, I am waiting for the “Dog the Bounty hunter Special” 14 senators captured and placed on the steps of the Wisconsin house.

      Report Post » cemerius  
  • Honcho
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:15am

    Outstanding !!!!

    Report Post » Honcho  
  • attitudijudi
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:11am

    I would like to see Walker use an executive order. It is done in Washington with no problem. When Congress is out of town the President signs the order. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

    Report Post »  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:19am

      Your lip‘s to Scott’s ears. They would plaster that all over the newspaper and t.v. as an act of a dictator. But, you are correct it is the way to save the state.

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 3:18pm

      That Roach sued one of our states before the commie-Muslim UN Human Rights Council. But, as always, Repubs draw a line when it comes to getting rid of the roaches. That‘s because they don’t want to start a civil war. Make no mistake, if Walker made such a move, it would be the spark the Reds are waiting for to explode in civil war. They have spilled the oil, mined the fields and are panting for revolution.

      Report Post »  
  • whereareyourbrains
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:05am

    Time to take back America and return it to a capitalistic country. I am tired of Obama and Soros trying to change the American way of life. I hope eventually these UNIONs see that they are only puppets being controlled by bad people who really don’t like USA. Most union members are forced to do what they are doing now. Only a few really believe what Obama has tried to do. Let’s hope we succeed in stopping their agenda. AMEM

    Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
  • darlenekay
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:04am

    Amen. Now go back to work.

    Report Post »  
  • jedi.kep
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:54am

    Keep standing strong Governor! We support what you are doing. Return the power to the people and not the corrupt union bosses.

    Report Post » jedi.kep  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:51am

    way to go republicans stick to your guns and dont let the hissy fits and stomping of feet from the children sway you

    its time they grew up

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • hobbydiva1
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:49am

    I don‘t understand how a teacher can not see the fiscal irresponsibility of spending what you don’t have. This country is in financial trouble. Any job, with even the most modest of benefits is better than none. I am a union worker. My union is a private sector union. We have bargained in good faith for a contract that is based on current financial sales of our product. Should our company go belly up, we will all lose, regardless of what’s been negotiated. I’ve been laid off twice. Neither time was pleasant. Here you have a governor who is telling you, “You have a chance of saving your job. This is where we need to make changes. It WILL be change or unemployment.” I guess these teachers are telling us that unemployment is preferred. I can honestly tell you, working is better than unemployment. But with some people, they have to learn the hard way. And one more thing, I hope they enjoy their union support now. Once you are laid off and your union isn’t collecting its dues, you won’t hear from them. It’s amazing how silent my union became after my dues were stopped. My union is a UAW one and there is no contact with anyone once the union dues cease. It would have been nice to have, if nothing else, the social contact. This proved to me that unions are nothing but businesses and when business is concluded, so are they. Teachers, look around yourselves. This may very well be the last time you will have that level of support from your union. Enjoy it now.

    Report Post » hobbydiva1  
  • Just_Bubba
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:48am

    When the Dems have a majority they have no problem passing legislation that the public does not support by ramming it through in the dark of night and in record time. We played by their rules then and let them run saying the next election will tell the tale of what the people really want. Now that the people have spoken, the Dems lost and it is not what want to hear.

    Their next step is to just disregard elections completely.

    Report Post » Just_Bubba  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:14am

      “Their next step is to just disregard elections completely”

      That would be a lesson learned from watching the current administration in Washington…

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:56am

      I couldn’t agree more…..just taking one from the Pelosi handbook.

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
  • phil1765
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:38am

    These union people need to quit crying they are still getting a pretty nice gig, they have to pay 6 percent to pension and 12 percent to healthcare, should have just brought them in line with private sector workers.

    Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:04am

      Not mine. I pay 100% for my healthcare and retirement. Always have. I would be curious to get a statistic on how many others do the same.

      Report Post »  
  • CountMeIn
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:36am

    Yes! I hope that this is just the first phase in diminishing power from the public sector and returning it to the people where it belongs!

    Report Post »  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:15am

      These DEMONOCRATS are showing just how cowardly and dishonest they are capable of being !!! As the DEMONOCRATS LEADER (obama) said when he was elected to, THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENCY. “ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCE’S”. Well your dam right obama, elections DO HAVE CONSEQUENCE’S, so tell your fellow disgusting political colleagues to start acting like American legislators and NOT a 3rd world nations BANANA REPUBLIC, and do the right thing , VOTE , not run to YOUR home state (IL) for protection from LAW ENFORCEMENT that is looking for the WI legislators………

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
  • nothingbuthetruth
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:34am

    Great job Republicans. We all know what you had to endure through this process. Having to look at those disrepectful really tight orange t-shirts provided by the unions on those Democrats on the house floor,had to listen to them shouting you down, sitting through hours while the demounion made up a ton of phony ammendments to stall and to have to hear those unions shout their rants while you prayed. You can hold your head up high and straighten your spine because America has your back. We are really proud of you!!!

    Report Post »  
  • WILLIAM E.
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:28am

    What a Great,Great Day for Wisconsin !!

    Report Post »  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:52am

      Now if we could just get them to circulate a recall petition against all the Democrat Senators who left that state to avoid the vote.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:28am

    Stripping collective bargaining rights is a misleading way to label the law. Unions could still collectively bargain pay increase up to and equal to cost of living, just not over cost of living. That will be done on a merit basis. You know, like 99.9% of businesses do. Gosh, it’s the end of the world as we know it.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • whereareyourbrains
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:01am

      Unions are not what they use to be. These people are being used . The leaders of each union have an agenda to really change America . Not a good change either. THey are using the union members to get what THEY want. I feel sorry for the union people that are being duped. Only a few agree with the taking over of America and turning it into a socialist country.

      Report Post » whereareyourbrains  
    • drhunt
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:35am

      Union bosses have created an entitlement mentality within the ranks of their own workers. It’s just another progressive ponzi scheme run amok. The union workers, for the most part, are good, decent people, but they can’t understand why/how they’ve been used by their own administrators, and they refuse to accept “country before self” dictum. Pity.

      Report Post » drhunt  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:18am

      Why the ub=nion bosses are so up set is that if the governor makes Wisconsin a right to work state union member will keep their jobs whether they stay in the unions and pay dues or not. If you had the option of keeping an extra 1,000 plus dollars in your pocket every year would you…? The union bosses know the answer to that question. The industry they created for themselves by leeching onto the working class is at an end. And the democratic socialist who have been campaigning for decades with tax dollars from public unions sees their golden goose heading for the chopping block. AND NO MORE TAX DOLLAR FILLED GOLDEN EGGS….Why they have never been brought up on corruption is beyond me.
      How ever on a different note the whole google and face book ties to orginizing protest around the world now sheds a lot of light on President Obama wanting to give free internet to low income citizens. He is just orginizing on a larger scale…….AT WHAT POINT DO WE FILE CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST THIS MONSTER

      Report Post »  
    • bullcrapbuster
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:47am

      Now chanting by elected officials. How can the people be expected to be civilized when the leaders act like barbarians. What a bunch of evil bastards.

      Report Post » bullcrapbuster  
  • cnsrvtvj
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:26am

    I’m glad to see politicians finally sticking to their guns on something. The state is broke and can no longer afford to just keep sinking further and further into debt. That’s the bottom line here. The unions are out of control and must be stopped.

    http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the time for choosing video

    Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:36am

      Governor Walker and the Republicans in both chambers are willing to make the hard choices that the taxpayers deserve and the majority want. They are only doing what they were elected to do. If the Democrats knew what was in their best interest of having any reelection hopes they would find their way back to Wisconsin and vote.

       
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:56am

      Good thing they are doing their best to get this stuff through their states legislature; the democrats had 59 of 60 hours of the debate time to make their statements and feelings known, and yet they call the vote unfair and outrageous due to the fact the voting took place within the alloted amount of time called for, and not the usual time it takes for them to strong arm opposition into changing their minds.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Conserving Ink
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:07am

      USA vs Unions is the next cold war. The future of this country as a sovereign entity will depend on the outcome of that war. We spent the Russians into oblivion, this will not work with the unions. We will have to find a new approach.
      ______________________________________________
      http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com/

      Report Post » Conserving Ink  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:11am

      Public sector unions should be outlawed. Unions provided 99% of their monies to support democrats in the last elections and historically the numbers are similar. Democrats pay back unions with increases in pay and benefits at tax layers expense. Stop this nonsense!
      http://guerillatics.com

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:24am

      This is great news, unless you’re into that Marxism stuff.

      It still baffles me how the conversation remains dishonest, and the media allows it. This entire debacle is about GOVERNMENT WORKERS – not THE WORKING MAN. These two couldn’t be further from each other. The working man produces much more than it costs to allow him to produce; the government worker produces NOTHING, and costs his fellow citizens a fortune. And, for what reason, really? Anybody?

      This government worker crap is one of the biggest shams ever perpetrated on, unfortunately, a very unwitting public. It’s long, long overdue that unions are slapped around a bit so they understand who pays the bills around these parts.

       
    • Smitty1969
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:27am

      Now thing will get messy in Wis. I hope I am wrong but the Union’s till take this as a gut shot and start fighting for there lives(tax money).

      Report Post » Smitty1969  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:29am

      Good going assembly! You did what needed to be done. Thank you, this is why we elected you.We need to save our state, and you kept that in mind.Thanks again!

      Report Post »  
    • Ira WIlson
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:34am

      I agree. Wisconson Republicans have done all they could to include Democrats in this process to no avail. I am so glad that these Republicans acted in good faith and proper decorum throughout. They are to be commended and, hopefully, this pared down Bill will put Wisconsin finances back on track. Well done!

      Report Post » Ira WIlson  
    • LAMET
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:37am

      The Democrats are DESTROYING their own Party – NOW THAT IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!
      THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT AMERICA NEEDS! – NO MORE DEMOCRATS!

      Report Post »  
    • getperks
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:37am

      Demons never go quietly!! These are the same folks stirring this up that ran the state into debt. There are thousands of union workers cheering Gov. Walker on from home because publically we have a gag order on us by the union boss oppressors. As a man who is a patriot before a union member I say GO Gov. Walker!! Soon as you get done call Gov. Snyder in MI. and give him your support. I am sick to death of MY hard earned money going to further SEIU dreams of collecting dues globally.

      Report Post » getperks  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:40am

      Did anyone else hear the fella who called into Rush’s program yesterday? Briefly he said that he’d been a union steward (or some similar position) for like 15 years and so was involved in the union bargaining process…he said that it was NEVER about “saving jobs”, EVER…it was ALWAYS about MORE money and MORE benefits and NEVER EVER (his words) about ANYTHING else…they would NEVER make concessions…surprise…surprise…surprise…

      I grew up in Akron, Ohio…“the Rubber Capital of the World”…EVERY tire manufacturer was located in that small town…it was BOOMING…the Unions did the same thing until they forced the companies to relocate to where the workers actually “appreciated” having the jobs…“down South”…

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • WSGAC
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:42am

      This is what crybabies do when they run out of other people’s money! Go home Democrats, the gravy train has reached its destination and will go no further. Crying and pitching a fit will not create money for your fat cat pensions and benefits packages. You’ve siphoned enough from the tax payers of Wisconsin. Now join the real world. It’s time for selfish little children to grow up!

      Report Post »  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:43am

      FINALLY, Republicans being Republicans! Done.

      Report Post »  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:50am

      Look for extreme voter fraud in Wisconsin on all coming elections for the next 2-3 years. Wisconsin needs to be prepared to identify and eliminate the voter fraud. Then, the tax payers who don’t want these public unions taking their $$$, only to have funds go back to Democrap candidates, will win the elections – why because they are the majority and will need to fight deceit fro the left to keep the Republic process stable. Going to be a tough fight in every state that wants to do thise.
      PREPARE Wisconsin – PREPARE

      Report Post »  
    • getperks
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:51am

      Clearly the evidence is there that these PROTESTING teachers care more about their contract than their students. They darn sure dont give a crap about the buisnes this TV fiasco is costing the state of Wisconsin in negative press. Would you as a business owner go anywhere near there right now to set up shop?

      Report Post » getperks  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:52am

      I’m going to say what WE heard for “4” years….”Elections have consequences!” Hope Glenn points out the stark difference in the way we handled every decision that was shoved down our throats and these losers…

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:53am

      The Wisconsin and Indiana Dems are TRAITORS : One who betrays another’s trust and is false to an obligation and or DUTY. They should be tried for TREASON :: the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign’s

      It is obvious by the way the “Speech Giver” and the Dems handled “Health-Care they have NO RESPECT for the Constitution or for the PROCEDURE. Lets just STOP enforcing the LAWS of the land.

      This is the most dangerous President to have ever been elected. He is selling out America and Americans. Not ONE word about the four AMERICANS killed by pirates. This man is a disgrace !!!

      They want a Revolution well they have no idea what one will be like !!!

      Does the state capitol of Wisconsin have a fire code capacity level ???? Looks like they have trashed state property also!!

      BETTER DEAD THAN RED !!!!

      TERM LIMITS NOW !!

      FAIR TAX NOW !

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:53am

      hate to say it,the anti union part that limits collective bargaining is wrong. If the budget can be balance off of give backs, then leave it alone. why have collective bargaining? As a prison guard and union member I will say I am not a fan of the union and its politics> The unions are needed for the simple fact that supervisors are political appointees usually related to the in people in government with far less experience and common sense. These supervisors act like tyrants and without a union with collective bargaining will these nepotism supervisors will have no buffers to stop their behavior. This is fact people and the polls announced on Bill O’reilly show it. I could list thousands of these supervisors violations of basic human rights that the union has corrected over the years and one in question is the woman correction officer killed in Washington a few weeks ago

      Report Post »  
    • rappini
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:55am

      There is a God.

      Report Post » rappini  
    • LAMET
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:02am

      MSNBC/Newsvine Poll – if you have not yet voted in this – its still open, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for these measures – So far its majority support of SCOTT WALKER

      http://politics.newsvine.com/_question/2011/02/24/6123730-vote-where-do-you-stand-on-wis-impasse?threadId=3062197&pc=25&sp=425#short

      Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:07am

      The Union communists are looking for a fight in the streets with the Tea Party. Their tactics are to intimidate us and the time will come. But we will pick that time. I personally think it will be when we make a final peaceful march on Washington DC to tell this President he has to go and force him to do such. Our politicians could save a lot of blood shed if they would do this for us as America or the world cannot take the remainder of his term. But I fear they will not. Either way I am a mean old man who has had more life than I deserve. God, allow me to stand with you and if I forget you, remember me. In Jesus name.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • ConstitutionalPatriot
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:12am

      Gov Walker and Christie are great men, why? Because they are doing what is right for America and its true ‘American Dream’. The American Dream was, and is, not about a safety net, or a chicken in every pot. It is about PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, and being able to work hard towards a goal, or ‘dream’ if you will to reach ANY LEVEL you want too!

      We need to keep the pressure on to keep showing those in the ‘union rallies’ for what they are.

      We cannot let Scott, Chris, Glenn, Michelle, and all the others down!!! Let’s kick this pig!

      Report Post » ConstitutionalPatriot  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:12am

      @etetetet

      I think that the assembly and possibly the senate hav passed a bill that would make it that you would need to show picture id to vote. This is a bill the dems didn’t want. Surprise Surprise. Hf they haven’t passed it yet, They are planning on it. That would help cut down on voter fraud.

      Report Post »  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:16am

      @ LAMET

      I voted, but none of the choices fit the bill. That is how poles get skewed.

      Report Post »  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:17am

      This is only one victory for the tax payers against the parasites on the public Treasury. Can anyone now doubt the real motivation of Government school teachers? They are just fat lazy slobs that feel entitled to the fruits of your labor. To hell with the Unions.

      Report Post »  
    • getperks
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:17am

      @ ISHKA
      I am also a prison guard. The population in the prisons in MI. is getting more dangerous everyday. We are releasing prisoners and closing prisons at record levels and with no restraint. Thus the violent prisoners are more concentrated. In the last 3 months 5 officers at my facility have been seriously assaulted. One has permanent brain damage and cant talk right now. One is still having operations to restore the feeling in his face as the nerves were severed from being kicked repeatedly in the head. To all you people that think we do nothing but collect a paycheck I invite you to come to work with me for a while and then see what u think! My friends took a beating so you could go about yer lives peacefully. We get paid to do a job and the majority of us are doing it with pride. I have been in hundreds of violent incidents and still go to work. All those bad guys that the cops arrest…..Guess where they are and who watches them.

      Report Post » getperks  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:18am

      I have said on every post this isn’t about the Teachers salaries as they still have the ability to collectively bargain on this……..strip them of their right to collectively bargain benefits and work conditions (while still allowing them to bargain over salaries). It is about much more politics then anything!!!!!! Yet my find liberal friends like JZS don’t want to include benefits in figuring the Teachers salaries, yet is fighting feverishly on here they must keep their rights to collectively bargain on that very issue. It is CONTRADICTORY !!!!!!! You either admit that benefits have value, which brings the average WI salary benefit package to $100,000 or you say it can’t be figured and drop your protest and go home. It is as simple as that because benefits and work conditions are the only THING being touched by these laws !!!!! bottom line period end of story. To be on the other side is misguided at best or intentionally deceptive at worst.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • ltb
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:21am

      As they say, it’s all over but the shouting. If Democrats weren’t such rank hypocrites, I guess I’d care when they accuse others of being shameful for doing the exact same thing they did when they rammed through Nazicare. Don’t feel too good, does it Dems?

      Report Post » ltb  
    • Jesus the Righteous
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:26am

      The rough economy, with high energy prices, and food prices going out of control have proceeded to wake the American people up. Than the Government, local, state, and federal raising taxes on everything under the sun in a lethargic economy helps who? The who is the Gorilla called the Public Sector!!!! The Unions are out of control and need to be taken down a few notches. Why did it take so long for you hard working American Taxpayers to see what was going on. Be vigilant and pray always.

      Report Post »  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:32am

      WE THE PEOPLE across the country came out and voted against a RADICAL agenda. WE THE PEOPLE did what the founding fathers gave us. The right to VOTE in State and federal REPRESENTATIVES. It is obvious that the FAR-LEFT has been sent a very clear message. WE THE PEOPLE do not like your RADICAL big government,spending and ignoring the very PROCEDURE, WE THE PEOPLE believe in. The Wisconsin debate and how you have conducted yourselves has shown me you really do not care for the Constitution and the American PROCESS of POLITICS, The “Speech Giver” is ignoring the LAWS of the land and deciding on which ones HE wants to enforce. This is NOT the United States Of America anymore it is turning into an OLIGARCHY: 1 government by the few
      2
      : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control
      3
      : an organization under oligarchic control

      BETTER DEAD THAN RED !!

      TERM LIMITS NOW !!

      FAIR TAX NOW !!

      Report Post »  
    • ltb
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:36am

      getperks
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:17am
      …To all you people that think we do nothing but collect a paycheck I invite you to come to work with me for a while and then see what u think! My friends took a beating so you could go about yer lives peacefully…

      —–

      Please don’t think I’m being ungrateful when I say this, but if you don’t like your job, quit. After I got my master’s degree, I worked in a public psych clinic for $24,000 a year and I never once demanded a raise. Employers don’t owe employees anything, which is why you should make sure you want to work for an organization before you accept a job offer and why you’re free to leave when you start hating your job. There are tens of millions of people out of work right now, so you should be thanking God that you’re gainfully employed.

      Report Post » ltb  
    • Jim S
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:44am

      Why are you calling this anti-union? The worker movement worldwide is standing to be heard in the workplace and in halls of government. Today, with assistance of the WI Republicans who were DEMOCRATICALLY elected, the workers of WI now have the RIGHT to vote on their inclusion or exclusion in a proposed union representation. Workers can now break the shackles of forced membership in ONE union. Workers can now work without their compensation being diminished by automatic withdrawals by unresponsive leadership. Now the worker can choose to join or NOT join, one is meaningless without the other. Workers who have seen their hard earned income taken away and given to politicians they disagree with or worse to organized crime,can now stand proud and say NOT IN MY NAME. ……see,it’s all how you look at it,thats all.

      Report Post »  
    • Sooty3250
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:54am

      I come from a family, steeped in Unions, My father, a Shop steward for many years. I, however, went a different route, became self employed, and created my own business. Over time, my father changed his mind as to the benefits of the Unions.

      I do belive Unions serve a purpose in the private workplace, in and amongst large corporations, to a point.

      I do not belive public servants, tax-payer funded, should be unionized.

      Imagine if you will, our Armed Forces, unionized, the chaos that would ensue, the degradation of our ability of these fine men and women whom have elected to serve, to perform their intended function. That is one end of the spectrum. They have no union, they are tax payer funded, and they are the best at what they do.

      The opposite end of the spectrum, is CIVIL SERVANTS, Unionized, tax payer funded, who’s combined base pay, benefits greatly exceed like jobs in the private sector, yet in a large part, are inept, inefficient and always clamoring for more, while producing less.

      Those are the two extremes of TAX-PAYER Funded, Govermental employees. The best, and the worst.

      Seeing the major difference between the two, it is clear to me, that Unions, no matter how good will intended, have no place in a workplace that is TAX-PAYER Funded. Let the Unions benefit the private sector, as they have so done in the past, by improving work place safety, (eliminate OSHA, returning its function back to the Unions). Let the Unions benefit the private sector in promoting job efficency increasing production thus earning higher wages for SKILLED UNION WORKERS, thus eliminating the need for a minimum wage. Unions have a valuable place in the private sector by which they can contribute to the greater good, Unions have no place, in goverment on any level.

      Report Post »  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:57am

      WE THE PEOPLE across the country came out and voted against a RADICAL agenda. WE THE PEOPLE did what the founding fathers gave us. The right to VOTE in State and federal REPRESENTATIVES. It is obvious that the FAR-LEFT has been sent a very clear message. WE THE PEOPLE do not like your RADICAL big government,spending and ignoring the very PROCEDURE, WE THE PEOPLE believe in.

      The Wisconsin debate and how you have conducted yourselves has shown me you really do not care for the Constitution and the American PROCESS of POLITICS, The “Speech Giver” is ignoring the LAWS of the land and deciding on which ones HE wants to enforce.

      This is NOT the United States Of America anymore it is turning into an

      OLIGARCHY: 1:government by the few

      2 : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control

      3: an organization under oligarchic control

      BETTER DEAD THAN RED !!

      TERM LIMITS NOW !!

      FAIR TAX NOW !!

      Report Post »  
    • Uncurable wound
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:59am

      The rattlesnakes are starting to commit suicide.No one crys like a dem….maybe a stuck pig?

      Report Post »  
    • IndyGuy
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 9:59am

      Instead of Anti-Union…Shouldn’t we be calling this Bill PRO-TAXPAYER???

      Report Post » IndyGuy  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:03am

      Ok the shows over bring the National Gaurd…

      Report Post »  
    • butch5555
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:04am

      Ghadafi could fix this proublem

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:12am

      @getperks
      seems like the same thing all over. after taking my third hiv shock session last month from exposure to blood from a similar attack on staff( which was caused by stupidness of nepotism hired supervisor) These people here don’t want to know the truth or the reason why we need collective bargaining. security as been cut in all prisons, and by the way, prison is nothing like shawshank redemtion. My prediction is the prisons are going to get bad again, just google prison riots and you will see they are trends. common indicators of prison violence are up and people here want to make cuts. to make a comparrison, it is like cutting national security when indicators of terrorist attacks are up. you people should be careful of what you wish for, you just may get it. i remember early 90′s when riots were a wekkly event causing billions in damage to prisons.without collective bargaining, the front line in the prisons have no voice at all.but i still do not like politics of afscme. think these things through

      Report Post »  
    • IntheKnowOG
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:13am

      Jim S
      You sir, are 100.0% correct! Spot on assessment! Good show old chap. Now, dear fellow, the hard part begins. How do we get this information to the frightened, huddled masses without using the state controlled media? Indeed, John has a long mustache and the chair is against the wall…..

      Report Post » IntheKnowOG  
    • ILFarmer
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:20am

      You can‘t participate in the game if you don’t show up to play. May that be a lesson to the real Cowards that ran away from their duties as representatives of the State.

      Report Post »  
    • Uncurable wound
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:20am

      AHHH there is nothing like the sound of a dim crying in the morning!
      shame,shame,shame=whaaaaah,whaaaaah,whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah-now that is a catchy tune.Buck up dims give us a”Well get you and your little dog to!”
      Welcome to reality-A CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN

      Report Post »  
    • rubberbandangle
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:28am

      I agree. The one thing that irks me in the reporting of this though is that they keep claiming it is “Controversial’ – The majority of people in Wisconsin are SUPPORTING this. The minority is claiming it is ‘controversial’…..

      The Health Care Bill was ‘Controversial’ – This Wisconsin Bill is NOT. Note to Blaze – don‘t make it ’controversial‘ when it isn’t. Report it the way it is….. “Wis. Assembly Passes Budget, Union Bill” – period!

      Report Post » rubberbandangle  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:42am

      @ ISHKA4ME……….the problem is not the presence or absence of a union for you but the liberal BS agenda that has crept into the prisons in the first place. If prisoners suffered real consequences for their conduct you wouldn’t have near the problems you do. If proven murders and child killers were put to death in an efficient manner you would have a little more order. If gang members were isolated and they didn’t have recreation, access to computers and all the BS rehab garbage introduced so many years ago by our liberal bleeding heart leftists then I feel quite confident in stating your work environment would be a whole different ball game !!!!!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:42am

      proudconservative
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 7:36am
      Governor Walker and the Republicans in both chambers are willing to make the hard choices that the taxpayers deserve and the majority want.
      ————————————————————————————-

      What a load of BS. This is not a hard choice, this is a tin pot dictator looking to crush unions. The GOP is giving away State resources withno bid contracts and tax breaks to GOP donors. The Bill has nothing to do with the economy and everything to do with petty politics and destroying worker’s rights. Nor does the majority support the rights killing bill. Walker would be lucky if he is not recalled by the end of March.

      Report Post »  
    • neverfinal
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:05am

      Good for the Republican’s.
      Union mobsters are running our Country. Time has come to stop them. They are few in numbers, compared to all of us. They won’t go down peacefully. Their ties are all Communist and radical.
      We hold our ground and good always wins. God is on our side. If we don’t take them on now there will be no America.
      I have trouble understanding how public workers don’t see that we are freeing them from these ties that bind them. Obama is in thick with the union‘s and they are all backed by George Soro’s.
      This President has broke all laws himself and goes around the law and Constitution. I say he must be removed.

      Report Post »  
    • GOTAREVOLUTION
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:07am

      The people have spoke. I Love these 51% to 49n %.
      Bull crap. There are people in this great nation who
      have the righteous gift to voice there opinions and I think
      it goes like this.
      70 % are true Americans.
      Less then 10% are dumb, uneducated children.
      10% are low life bottom feeders who want there
      checks to cash for doing nothing.
      ANd the other are the ones we support.
      The people who really need our help.
      Ill be the first to send my check for the latter.
      All else then can kiss me arse.
      Vote 70 %

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:19am

      @ ENCINOM………..ahhhh my little contradictory friend. Yet somehow Obama was just benevolent when he Reid and Pelosi shoved a Health Care Bill down the throats of a population that poll after poll after poll showed the American people were against????? At least Gov. Walker has public opinion behind his actions. Your inconsistency is truly astounding. Thank you for continuing to point out to all of us just how convoluted and wrong your reasoning is and how self contradictory most liberal assertions are !!!! Thank you and play again.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Strictlybusiness
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:25am

      These DEMONOCRATS are showing just how cowardly and dishonest they are capable of being !!! As the DEMONOCRATS LEADER (obama) said when he was elected to, THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENCY. “ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCE’S”. Well your dam right obama, elections DO HAVE CONSEQUENCE’S, so tell your fellow disgusting political colleagues to start acting like American legislators and NOT a 3rd world nations BANANA REPUBLIC, and do the right thing , VOTE , not run to YOUR home state (IL) for protection from LAW ENFORCEMENT that is looking for the WI defectors………

      Report Post » Strictlybusiness  
    • happyboy
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:43am

      THE MORAL EQUIVALENT OF FIRING ON FORT SUMTER, SC.

      Lets pray another 58 states also open fire.

      Report Post »  
    • MetalPatriot
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:36pm

      This is an answer to prayer…American’s doing the right (difficult) things.

      Report Post » MetalPatriot  
    • Puddle Duck
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Is no one willing to styand up for the rights of the WI taxpayers and the responsibilty the State has to represent the wishes of all of the people of the state ? What about the rights and wishes of the ordinary taxpayer , the vast majority if do not belong to a union or any other such organization ?

      What is at stake here is nothing more than control of the state purse strings by the Union leadership….they have enjoyed a fixed game for so long that they feel any threat to that power is akin to losing a right they were never entittled to (under law). There is no such thing as a collective bargaining right as far as I know and lord help the stupid government that makes such a thing a right (Cal and NY come to mind). The battle over this has opened a lot of folks eyes I hope….I would think that with a little bit of calm reasoned thought the avergae person discounting the epic levels of misinformation swirling about this ongoing fight, thanks to many leftist/communist/socialist organizations in collusion with the MSM have the sense to see that this fight (against the State) should be won by the rightful wishes of the people of WI who voted overwhelmingly last Nov to tackle these issues in precisely the way the state said it would. The simple fact is the bulk of the state budget’s obligations comprise of the pension/benefit/salary costs of the unionized public servants…….the 800 lb gorilla in this room can no longer be ignored nor catered to at the expense of ordinary taxpayers who have born the brunt of these spiralling costs for decades.

      Report Post » Puddle Duck  
    • RKade
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 1:08pm

      “…Democrats looked around, bewildered. Only 13 of the 38 Democratic members managed to vote in time…”

      This is very telling!

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:02pm

      God Bless You Wisconsin ……. Well Done! Upward And Onward! Amerca Is With You!

      Report Post »  
    • Maji
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:23pm

      Define: shameless
      latin(rect-al-is-major)
      1. WIS state lawmakers (aka Dem. run away S.O.B.s) standing shouting “shame” after doing their best to subvert the welfair of the public!

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:48pm

      Watch,
      You and I see eye to eye. Lefties create chaos and then spew out their massive propaganda to fix it by imposing their control and buying the souls of the populace. It’s a pimp mentality.

      Our prisons are in crisis because the legal system, except for the Supreme Court, is now controlled by the radical left. Unfortunately, the Republican Party has helped by not vetting many of their legal appointees and letting radicals take over — men and women who do not respect the Constitution and want criminals to roam the streets and destroy our traditional society.

      The problem is the commies now have Obama in power. We need to get that roach out too, and if Glenn thinks that can be done peacefully, he is dead wrong. WI was bad, but you ain’t seen nothing yet. These people are violent and will stop at nothing. Obama is a commie traitor and tyrant wannabe,and big trouble lies ahead for America.

      Report Post »  
    • abc
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:53pm

      This is not good. Negotiating pay cuts from government workers is not only a good idea, but necessary. While those government workers do not earn more than their private sector comparable workers on average (and that includes their benefits, Watch), their salaries have not dropped during this most recent recession to reflect the reduced spending power of Americans. The problem is that conservatives and Republicans are overreaching when they take away rights to bargain collectively. These rights actually help to prevent workers from striking, which is very disruptive. It is also the right of workers in the private sector to bargain collectively, so it should apply in the public sector as well. This is a terrible overreach by the government against individuals working for it.

      Report Post »  
    • LIGHTER1
      Posted on February 26, 2011 at 10:43am

      Why have the GOP reps or the Gov not issued an edict that every one who misses a quorum call looses his pay that day. No work-No pay! Or perhaps the Dems need a lesson in how to be an employee.

      Report Post »  
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