Rep. Roys: Walker health secretary appointment spells danger for seniors
12/30/2010
Contact: Rep. Kelda Helen Roys
(608) 213-4502
Former High Ranking Bush Appointee fought to end SeniorCare
Madison, WI-- Representative Kelda Helen Roys warned today that the rumored appointment of Dennis Smith, a former top Bush Administration member, as Walker’s Department of Health Secretary, signaled an upcoming legislative fight over Wisconsin's successful SeniorCare program.
“I am deeply troubled by the news that Governor-elect Walker has appointed Dennis Smith to lead Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. Dennis Smith was part of the Bush team that 4 years ago tried to end Wisconsin’s popular and successful SeniorCare program.”
SeniorCare is the successful Wisconsin program that lowers prescription drug costs for 93% of Wisconsin seniors. This program ensures that senior citizens of any income level – whether middle class or on a fixed income – can afford to purchase the medications they need to stay vital into their older years.
“I truly hope that this rumored appointment is not a sign of things to come for Wisconsin Seniors. To appoint Dennis Smith to be the Secretary of the Department of Health Services would be as outrageous as putting a Fox in charge of a henhouse. Let’s hope that Mr. Smith leaves his radical Bush agenda in Washington, and realizes that Wisconsin Seniors shouldn’t be treated as second class citizens.”
Dennis Smith presided over State Operations at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid under then Secretary Michael O. Leavitt. In these roles, Leavitt and Smith denied Wisconsin necessary Waivers to continue SeniorCare, until Sen. Herb Kohl authored a provision in the Senate to continue SeniorCare, thus saving the beloved program. Today, Smith continues to work for Leavitt at Leavitt Partners, a high powered consulting firm.
“If these are the kind of radical ideas that are going to come out of the Walker Administration, then Wisconsin is in for a bumpy four years,” Rep. Roys concluded.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Will Scott Walker Kill 4-Year-Old Kindergarten?
Will Scott Walker Kill 4-Year-Old Kindergarten?
Republican “Backward” Agenda Moving Forward
MADISON-Scott Walker is being asked by a leading Republican to kill Wisconsin’s successful four-year-old kindergarten program as a way to finance tax cuts for the very rich.
State Sen. Glenn Grothman of West Bend called on Walker this week to end 4K schooling, calling it “devastating,” and claiming, against all research, that the program is not effective.
By virtually every known measurement, 4K schooling is widely successful and, until Grothman and Walker, was noncontroversial in the state, enjoying broad bipartisan support.
“Scott Walker financing tax cuts for the super-rich on the backs of four-year-olds and their parents is not merely an act of bad faith, it is also bad policy,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. “Kindergarten was founded in Wisconsin, where we have led the nation in access to education. Will Scott Walker take us “Backward” to an age where only the very rich can afford school?”
Toward a Happy New Year, from your outgoing lt. governor
Dear friends,
As the year and two terms in office come to a close, I write to thank you for the great privilege of serving as your lieutenant governor and to ask you to continue to engage in shaping the future for Wisconsin.
Many of you have expressed deep concerns and even insecurity at the prospect of a state governed by an administration and both legislative houses in the hands of a single party. But we do not have to stand on the sidelines and wring our hands. We must weigh in with workable solutions to the challenges that lie ahead, provide smart and well-organized advocacy with such energy behind it that it cannot be ignored.
And we must turn to the spring elections as an extraordinary opportunity to have an impact.
As the year and two terms in office come to a close, I write to thank you for the great privilege of serving as your lieutenant governor and to ask you to continue to engage in shaping the future for Wisconsin.
Many of you have expressed deep concerns and even insecurity at the prospect of a state governed by an administration and both legislative houses in the hands of a single party. But we do not have to stand on the sidelines and wring our hands. We must weigh in with workable solutions to the challenges that lie ahead, provide smart and well-organized advocacy with such energy behind it that it cannot be ignored.
And we must turn to the spring elections as an extraordinary opportunity to have an impact.
- Justice David Prosser's campaign director announced that their "campaign efforts will include building an organization that will return Justice Prosser to the bench, protecting the conservative judicial majority and acting as a common sense compliment [sic] to both the new administration and legislature." They see Wisconsin's Supreme Court as a support for instead of balance to the executive and legislative branches of government in this democracy? That conservative majority will hold the pen to redistrict and plan to collaborate with the governor and legislature? Marla Stephens and Joanne Kloppenburg are great candidates challenging Justice Prosser; get busy immediately contributing to and helping their campaigns.
- Some amazing candidates have stepped forward to run for county executive in some of our largest urban areas. Together, they represent tremendous potential to influence state/local government relations and funding decisions. And they will have the strong, smart organizational support of the Wisconsin Counties Association to inform their work and extend their reach. We should all be grateful that former State Senator Jim Sullivan has decided to run for Milwaukee County Executive (and our thanks to his wife Linda for her enthusiastic support). I think Jim is uniquely positioned to provide a compelling vision for our most populous county. I haven't lost my imagination for what can be accomplished when a determined leader has the star power to attract top talent; the diplomatic skills to mend deep fissures in the community; and the discipline to do the hard work of governing. Jim is the leader for this critical moment. And please also help Paul Linzmeyer, candidate for Brown County Executive in my home area. Paul is the former CEO of Bay Towel, a director and executive committee member of the New North, and a leader in working for sustainable economic development. We are very lucky that people of the caliber of Jim and Paul are willing to take on the rigors of a campaign to serve; let's get them what they need to get the job done.
This is a defining moment in Wisconsin state politics. We can actually make this a Happy New Year by ensuring a new justice on the State Supreme Court and by bringing the exceptional leadership talent of Jim Sullivan and Paul Linzmeyer to the fore. All of us will benefit with their election.
So I say with confidence that it can be thus, Happy New Year!
My very best,
Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton
Paid for by Lawton for Governor, PO Box 1270, Madison, WI 53703
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Oshkosh Northwestern vs Ron Johnson on Homeless Vets...
So, who remembers this story from the November election?
Well, compare that answer to this story in the OshNW:
Ron Johnson On Homeless Vets: This Election Isn't About Details
Wisconsin's Republican Senate hopeful Ron Johnson got tripped up on a point of policy during a recent interview: Asked what the Department of Veteran's Affairs' responsibility is to homeless veterans, Johnson declared that his election fight against Sen. Russ Feingold is not "about details."
"Certainly the people that step up to the plate to answer that call -- they are a top priority in terms of spending. So we do need a strong VA system. We need to support those folks as long as they need support," Johnson said.
The moderator pressed Johnson -- a government skeptic -- to explain exactly how the government should respond to the issue of homeless vets. "Are there specific things that you think need to happen within that galaxy of services, perhaps, that the VA has some responsibility for or other organizations that would help homeless veterans?"
Johnson responded, flummoxed.
"Specifically I can't really -- I haven't been there, I don't have all the details. One thing I will point out: I don't believe this election really is about details. It just isn't. I mean as I've gone through the state of Wisconsin I've viewed this pretty much as a job interview.... I'll have to get there. I'll have to start performing the job."
Well, compare that answer to this story in the OshNW:
But after the economic bust forced Jack Anderson to ditch his Chicago-area taxicab operation, the Navy veteran suddenly found himself sleeping in his car in a Walmart parking lot.
"(I had) no unemployment and had pretty much exhausted any and all savings," he said.
As winter approached and the crisp night air turned frosty, Anderson, 57, reluctantly turned to the local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office for help.
"I don't ask anyone for anything," he said quietly. "I had to humble myself to do that. And I'm glad I did."
In December, Anderson received an early Christmas present: a housing voucher that helped secure an apartment.
"These vouchers are for homeless veterans, or those at risk of being homeless," said Debra Dillenberg, executive director of the Appleton Housing Authority. "There are too many of them that found themselves on the streets and in homeless shelters."
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Criminal Probe into Scott Walker's Campaign
ICYMI: Criminal Lawyer For Scott Walker Campaign
"Widening" Probe Tarnishes Governor-Elect
MADISON-Scott Walker's dirty tricks date back to his student days and it now appears that he will enter the governor's office under an ethical cloud, according to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Read the paper's report here.
According to the paper, Scott Walker's campaign has hired a criminal lawyer in the wake of a widening criminal probe into the campaign activities of his longtime cronies.
"Scott Walker has already tarnished his legacy by killing thousands of jobs before his inauguration," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Thursday. "Now it appears he will enter office under the dark clouds of corruption as well."
Scott Walker’s Legacy of Ruin
Scott Walker’s Legacy of Ruin
After more than eight years of mismanagement and failed policies that have driven the county to the brink of economic collapse, Scott Walker has ended his tenure as Milwaukee County Executive.
The residents of Milwaukee County may have a welcome reprieve from Walker’s imperious rule for at least the next few days, but it’s of little consolation considering the ramifications of his actions, and inactions, will affect the county for years to come. And, of course, once he is sworn in as Governor on January 3rd he’ll have the potential to wreak the same type of havoc on the state.
Let’s take a look back at the Best of the Worst of the Walker Reign of Terror:
1. Privatization failures – Chief on Walker’s agenda as Milwaukee County Executive was privatization of public enterprises, resulting in tragedy, dysfunction and enfeebled services. Walker’s privatization of jobs and overall mismanagement of the Mental Health Complex was marked by multiple reports of patient deaths, the sexual assault of mentally handicapped patients and the findings of a federal investigation, which Walker suppressed during his campaign for governor, that the county failed to manage the complex and protect patients.
Walker also seeks to use the outsourcing of county jobs as a panacea for his soaring structural deficits and budget woes. When his policy of kicking the can down the road fails, he simply tries to sell off county services rather than address fiscal problems. In addition to his attempts privatize the successful Milwaukee County Zoo, Walker has attempted the sell off of Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport on multiple occasions, yet touts its growth as his success.
2. Budget woes – Walker falsely claims that he consistently balanced budgets in Milwaukee County, but what he doesn’t cop to are the “funny math” tactics that rely on federal stimulus funds and un-bargained-for county employee concessions to plug holes in his budgets.
After eight years of Walker’s feckless money mismanagement, Milwaukee County is on the verge of bankruptcy, according to a report by the Greater Milwaukee Committee with the structural deficit expected to climb to nearly $100 million by 2014. This comes as no surprise to Milwaukee County residents who have seen firsthand Walker’s historic soaring budget deficits and his series of short term fixes that pass the buck to future generations and amount to nothing more than putting a band-aid over a bullet wound.
In fact, many of Walker’s “solutions” to budget problems, such as slashing custodial jobs at the courthouse resulting in cockroach infestation, and implementing a 35 hour workweek for county employees, which was recently declared an overstep of his authority by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, have actually cost the county and state money in legal fees and corrective actions.
Worst of all was Walker’s refusal to address Milwaukee County’s literally crumbling infrastructure, which ultimately resulted in a tragic loss of life at the O’Donnell parking garage.
3. Mismanagement – In an unprecedented move following years of Scott Walker’s failure to provide adequate services, the state was forced to take over Milwaukee County’s public assistance program. Walker’s mismanagement, underfunding and ineptitude, despite millions of dollars and thousands of hours in resources from the state, led to thousands deserving applicants being denied assistance for food and health care for weeks or months, if they received help at all.
Following this takeover, news came that another program, the Wisconsin Shares child care program, would be wrested from Walker’s control due to his incapability to provide competent governance.
Walker’s mismanagement was also evident in the transit system, which ultimately required federal stimulus funds to address massive fiscal problems. Because of Walker’s failure to control transit costs, Milwaukee County residents were forced to shoulder huge fee hikes, reduced routes and fewer services, all while faced with up to a 50 percent in fare increases, including fares for seniors, students and the disabled.
4. Economic Development and Jobs – Walker has a long track record of failure when it comes to promoting and stimulating economic growth, losing more than 30,000 jobs in 2009 alone according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether deriding the efforts of the M7 to foster economic development in Southeastern Wisconsin as akin to putting “lipstick on a pig,” eliminating the county’s Economic & Community Development department in the midst of the 2008 economic collapse, after years of de-funding, proposing the county’s share of federal stimulus money to be used to provide a sales tax holiday, or using a one-time gift of $2 million meant to create an economic development trust fund to offset his budget deficit, Walker consistently proved incapable of understanding the economic challenges facing Milwaukee County and unable or unwilling to offer solutions of his own.
The only solutions Walker offered were tax cuts for millionaires, financed by draconian cuts in social services, including the elimination of funds for homeless shelters and short-term disability aid programs, as well as cuts to programs for the elderly, disabled and at-risk youths.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Need Action - VOTE in this online poll
Joy Cardin is asking listeners to vote on whether or not Wisconsin should become a "Right to Work" state - an idea that was floated last week by the incoming Republican leadership. It will only take a minute to show your support for Wisconsin workers and their families by voting no, and passing the link along to your contacts ----> http://www.wpr.org/cardin/
For more information on RTW, here is some background information from the AFL-CIO website: http://www.aflcio.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Senator Russ Feingold: "Friends Like You"
 |
Jef, With my work in the U.S. Senate coming to a close, I wanted to pause briefly and express my warm wishes for you and your family during these holidays. In the countless emails and letters I have received since Election Day, friends like you have expressed their thanks for my work on behalf of fellow citizens and well wishes for the future - and the overwhelmingly supportive words have meant a great deal to me. Together we have spent countless hours fighting for our progressive ideals. I hope that together we may renew our fight and rekindle the progressive spirit. In the years ahead, I hope that we may continue to stay in touch, as we work to further the progressive cause and move our nation forward together. Wishing you many happy holidays,  Russ Feingold United States Senator |
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wisconsing is Benefiting Under Health Care Law
Dept. of Health and Human Services: Americans in Wisconsin have already received benefits under new law
12/20/2010
Some important benefits of the law that went into effect in the first nine months:
12/20/2010
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
Sebelius highlights Affordable Care Act implementation
Looks ahead to new benefits coming in 2011 that will continue to improve health care quality and affordability
Sebelius highlights Affordable Care Act implementation
Looks ahead to new benefits coming in 2011 that will continue to improve health care quality and affordability
Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius provided an update today on progress made implementing the Affordable Care Act in the nine months since it was signed into law, highlighting the new benefits available to Americans across the country thanks to the legislation. She also took time to highlight new benefits coming in 2011.
“The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of Americans across the country gain more control over their insurance coverage, receive higher quality health care and start seeing some savings in their pocket,” said Secretary Sebelius. “And there is more in store for Americans under the new law in 2011, including scrutiny of large premium increases, free physicals for Medicare beneficiaries, and important new programs to improve patient safety. Still, some want to eliminate these benefits and put insurance companies back in charge. We won’t go back and we are committed to delivering the benefits of reform to the American people.”
"In Wisconsin this year, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, approximately $37.8 million in grants for strengthening public health and consumer assistance have been awarded, over 35,000 Medicare beneficiaries have had their prescription drug costs lowered and 167 Wisconsin employers have had their highest early retiree health insurance costs significantly reduced," said HHS Region 5 Director Cristal Thomas.
Some important benefits of the law that went into effect in the first nine months:
- Patient’s Bill of Rights: On September 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act’s Patient’s Bill of Rights took effect and began protecting consumers. The Patient’s Bill of Rights stops insurance companies from:
- Denying coverage to children based on a pre-existing condition.
- Dropping coverage when you get sick because you made a mistake on your application.
- Putting lifetime caps on the dollar amount that they will spend on benefits. In the past, patients with cancer or other chronic diseases ran the risk of hitting a lifetime cap and losing access to care. The law also restricts most insurance companies’ use of low annual dollar limits on benefits. In 2014, annual limits will be eliminated.
- Deny coverage or services without offering Americans in new insurance plans the chance to appeal the decision to an independent third party.
· Coverage for Young Adults: Young adults are able to remain on their parents’ health plan until they turn 26 if the plan covers dependent children and if coverage isn’t offered to them through their job.
- Small Business Tax Credits: Starting January 1, 2010, up to 4 million small businesses became eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. The first phase of this provision provides a credit worth up to 35 percent of the employer’s contribution to the employees’ health insurance. Small non-profit organizations may receive up to a 25 percent credit.
- HealthCare.gov: On July 1, 2010, the Administration launched www.HealthCare.gov. A first-of-its-kind website, www.HealthCare.gov helps you make informed decisions about health care coverage by offering easy-to-understand information about what health plans are available in your state; how much they cost; what they cover, and lots more information tailored to your specific needs.
- Insurer Oversight: The Affordable Care Act also provides new tools to help hold health insurers accountable to consumers. This includes new support for States for efforts to establish or strengthen consumer assistance programs. In 2011, insurance companies will be required to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality improvements instead of overhead, salaries, or administrative expenses – or provide rebates to consumers.
· Prescription Drug Cost Relief: In 2010, eligible seniors who fell into the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage “donut hole” received a tax-free $250 rebate check to help defray their out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs. Over 2.8 million seniors and persons living with disabilities have received this benefit to date to help them afford their medications.
- Support for Early Retiree Coverage: The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program established under the Affordable Care Act provides much needed financial relief for employers so early retirees and their families can continue to have quality, affordable insurance. Already, more than 4,500 businesses, unions, States, local governments and non-profit organizations have been approved to take part in the program.
- Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan: Thousands of uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions who were shut out of the health insurance market were finally able to get the coverage and care they needed through the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program.
- Reducing Waste, Fraud and Abuse: Medicare has continued to take strong action to reduce payment errors, waste, fraud, and abuse. Current efforts to fight fraud returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Funds in FY 2009 alone. The President has made a commitment to reduce fraud in original Medicare by 50 percent by 2012. The Affordable Care Act makes an historic, ten-year, $350 million investment to build on these efforts to prevent, detect and fight fraud in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, including new screening procedures for health care providers.
- Strengthening the Health Care Workforce: The Affordable Care act provided $250 million in funding that, along with other funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will train up to 16,000 primary care physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners over the next 5 years. In addition, the Administration allocated $250 million in funds from the 2010 Prevention and Public Health Fund to programs to support activities such as community initiatives and the development of the public health infrastructure that can help prevent disease and illness before it starts. Equally important, it awarded and made available over $1 billion in funding to strengthen community health centers.
“In 2011, Americans will continue to see new benefits under the Affordable Care Act,” said Sebelius. “Seniors and people on Medicare will have access to free preventive care and lower cost prescription drugs. Insurance companies will have to justify high premium increases and states will have new tools to keep premiums low. And we’ll continue our efforts to improve the quality of care for all Americans.”
Some Affordable Care Act benefits coming in 2011:
- Value for Your Premium Dollar: Starting in 2011, the Affordable Care Act will help tackle rising health insurance premium costs by having insurers that spend less than 80 percent of premium dollars on health care and quality improvements, as opposed to administrative, overhead and marketing costs, to provide a rebate to enrollees. In addition, the new law will provides additional resources to help States crack down on unreasonable health insurance premium hikes.
· New Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, starting on January 1, 2011, people with Medicare coverage can get an annual physical examination at no cost to them, and people new to Medicare will no longer have out-of-pocket costs for the “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. Also starting on January 1, 2011, as the next step in closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole,” those reaching the coverage gap will automatically get a 50 percent discount on covered brand-name prescription drugs while in the gap.
· Safer Patients, Higher Quality Care: The Affordable Care Act provides a number of new policies and resources to help improve the quality of care Americans receive, and to keep patients safer.
- Better Access to Primary Care: Too many communities suffer from a shortage of primary care doctors. To help ensure people on Medicare continue to have access to primary care providers, the Affordable Care Act is providing a 10 percent Medicare bonus payment for primary care services.
“Repealing the Affordable Care Act would eliminate these benefits, putting the insurance companies back in charge and making it harder to find a doctor,” said Sebelius. “We must not stop going forward. In 2011, Americans will continue to see new benefits under the Affordable Care Act.”
For more state-specific information about implementation of the Affordable Care Act, visit www.HealthCare.gov/center.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Vote For Fairness
A Vote For Fairness
MADISON- Following is the statement of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate following the Senate vote today that resulted in the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rules forbidding gays from serving openly in the armed services.
"Today's vote in the Senate was another step in our nation's long climb toward fairness. Future generations will look back at the opposition of figures like Paul Ryan and Wisconsin's Republican delegation with wonder that something so fundamental and basic was even a matter for debate. Now that the debate is over, we can celebrate a country that has distinguished itself through the ages by a shared belief in decency and equality.
But we all know this is not the end in the continued fight for gay and lesbian citizens, and there is plenty of work left to be done in the face of an opposition that seeks to take America backward, instead of forward."
"Today's vote in the Senate was another step in our nation's long climb toward fairness. Future generations will look back at the opposition of figures like Paul Ryan and Wisconsin's Republican delegation with wonder that something so fundamental and basic was even a matter for debate. Now that the debate is over, we can celebrate a country that has distinguished itself through the ages by a shared belief in decency and equality.
But we all know this is not the end in the continued fight for gay and lesbian citizens, and there is plenty of work left to be done in the face of an opposition that seeks to take America backward, instead of forward."
DemoFact: Robin Vos and the Right to Work for Less
DemoFact: Robin Vos and the Right to Work for Less
Today, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel used its "PolitiFact" to examine Republican boss Robin Vos's claims about "Right to Work for Less" legislation, which seeks to drive down wages for ALL Wisconsin wage earners to maximize profit for a greedy few. The paper made a number of errors in analysis, but its chief one was letting Vos off the hook for his totally misleading claim that crushing unions led to more jobs and to income-growth.
The fact is, those states that have the lowest rates of union membership have the lowest standards of living, and whatever growth they experience necessarily looks inflated, because the bar has been set so low.
Put a different way, does Wisconsin want to compare itself to Mississippi, which leads the nation in rates of illiteracy, infant mortality and poverty? Wisconsin, along with the other 27 free bargaining states, actually enjoys rates better than the national average in these key quality of life indicators. If the Republicans succeed in turning Wisconsin into the "Mississippi of the Midwest" we can expect to see an 18% increase in the infant mortality rate[1], a 75% increase in illiteracy rate[2], and a 34% increase in the poverty rate[3] to bring us in line with the averages in Right to Work states.
The Republicans did not run on their "Right to Work for Less" platform, but now that they are trotting it out as a bargaining chit in time for the holidays, it is worth learning the truth about the cost of corporate greed to working families, and exposing the lies of Republican bosses like Robin Vos.
[1] Matthews, TJ, M.S., et. al. Infant Mortality Statistics from the 2006 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set. Division of Vital Statistics. National Vital Statistics Report, Vol 58, No. 17, April 30, 2010. Based on Wisconsin’s reported infant mortality rate of 6.3% and an average infant mortality rate of 7.46% for the 22 states with so-called “right to work” statutes. Data available at http://www.statehealthfacts.org/comparemaptable.jsp?ind=47&cat=2
[2] Based on Wisconsin’s illiteracy rate of 7% as reported by the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics and an average illiteracy rate of 12.27% for the 22 states with so-called “right to work” statutes. Data available at http://nces.ed.gov/naal/estimates/StateEstimates.aspx
[3] Based on Wisconsin’s poverty rate of 10.8% as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and an average poverty rate of 14.48% for the 22 states with so-called “right to work” statutes. Data available at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129908796
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Must Read: Sen Bob Jauch's Letter to Colleagues on State Union Contracts:
Dear Colleagues,
If the legislature truly respects the work of our public employees, they should honor that work by scheduling a vote and ratifying the agreements between the Administration and public employee unions, and do so with the same strong, bi-partisan support as it has done so with in the past.
The legislature has a long history of ratifying these contracts without partisanship or politics getting in the way, regardless of the partisan control of the administration or legislature. It is deeply disappointing that the long standing tradition of the legislature ratifying employee contracts this way is now threatened. However, the Governor-Elect and many of his fellow Republicans have decided to use this contract as an opportunity to wage war on a certain group or workers, without any regard or recognition for the financial sacrifices those employees have already made.
The public employees have taken significant salary cuts and increased benefit costs in these contracts, tough decisions driven by difficult fiscal and economic realities. In addition, while 10% of state positions have remained un-filled over the last year, state workers have taken on larger work loads because they care so deeply about their jobs and their state. Demonizing and threatening workers after those workers have agreed to contracts that substantially restrict their earning for their families is offensive. Indeed it is troublesome that these employees may be unilaterally deprived of earnings necessary to meet family needs because the Republicans don't think they have suffered enough.
The incoming administration and legislative leadership may not like unions, but that does not give them license to undo the state budget, especially after choosing not to offer any alternatives on the subject during the budget process. They offered no budget amendments requiring public employees take greater salary cuts or pay more for their health insurance or pensions while the budget was bring written. To only try to address this now, through the ratification process, is irresponsible. The Legislature should honor these two year old agreements and not attempt to impose new restrictions on employees who have already met their side of the deal. It is punitive to retroactively impose economic hardship on employees who have professionally fulfilled their responsibilities to the state. I fully expect the Administration and incoming Republican majorities to adopt numerous changes to public employee collective bargaining in the next budget but the most respectful approach is to seek a cooperative and respectful relationship with the State employees instead of the combative nature that has accompanied the debate on these contracts.
Let’s be clear, the workers affected by these contracts are middle class, working families who help provide vital services to their neighbors, not the “economic elite” that the incoming Governor and Republicans would have the public believe they are. The hysteria of the attacks leveled by GovernorElect Walker against these workers would lead one to believe that they are receiving Wall Street size bonuses, while the truth is that they are taking pay and benefit cuts, just like many in the private sector.
These employees are not the dark angels responsible for the state’s budget crises. They are our middle class neighbors who work hard and provide vital services to the citizens of Wisconsin. They work in our fire halls, promote public safety, care for the disabled, plow our roads, teach our children, prosecute the criminals and protect our environment. They pay taxes and strive to meet their obligations to their families, the state and their communities. They too are stressed by economic uncertainty and are burdened by increased costs to heat their homes and buy goods and services. They also have been hurt by home value depreciation which limits their ability to improve their homes and lives. During my campaign I publicly stated my expectation that additional sacrifice will be required of all of us but if workers are expected to share in additional sacrifice they should be entitled to know what kind of shared sacrifice the business community will endure and have a seat at the table to determine a fair, responsible and mutual determination that sacrifice is equal to others.
It’s painful to see the incoming Governor utilize harsh and punitive rhetoric that is so contrary from the respectful relationship his predecessors have maintained with our public employees. There is a respectful way to deal with workers and there is a demeaning way. The mature approach to negotiations is to have a conversation before confrontation. The Wisconsin way is to seek mutual cooperation to approach common goals instead of treating workers as the enemy. Partisanship has never gotten in the way of ratifying contracts. The responsible step is to honor the work public employees have performed and acknowledge their financial sacrifice before demanding retroactive economic sanctions to address economic problems these employees are not responsible for creating.
Governing is not easy and there are few right answers to the difficult economic challenges from this recession. However, our employees are part of the commonwealth that makes Wisconsin special. I strongly encourage my colleagues to depart from the polarizing politics of the election and maintain the tradition that most Republicans have fully embraced through the years that honor the value of their work but importantly would acknowledge the true meaning of shared sacrifice in dealing with Wisconsin's budget problems
Sincerely,
Bob Jauch
State Senator
If the legislature truly respects the work of our public employees, they should honor that work by scheduling a vote and ratifying the agreements between the Administration and public employee unions, and do so with the same strong, bi-partisan support as it has done so with in the past.
The legislature has a long history of ratifying these contracts without partisanship or politics getting in the way, regardless of the partisan control of the administration or legislature. It is deeply disappointing that the long standing tradition of the legislature ratifying employee contracts this way is now threatened. However, the Governor-Elect and many of his fellow Republicans have decided to use this contract as an opportunity to wage war on a certain group or workers, without any regard or recognition for the financial sacrifices those employees have already made.
The public employees have taken significant salary cuts and increased benefit costs in these contracts, tough decisions driven by difficult fiscal and economic realities. In addition, while 10% of state positions have remained un-filled over the last year, state workers have taken on larger work loads because they care so deeply about their jobs and their state. Demonizing and threatening workers after those workers have agreed to contracts that substantially restrict their earning for their families is offensive. Indeed it is troublesome that these employees may be unilaterally deprived of earnings necessary to meet family needs because the Republicans don't think they have suffered enough.
The incoming administration and legislative leadership may not like unions, but that does not give them license to undo the state budget, especially after choosing not to offer any alternatives on the subject during the budget process. They offered no budget amendments requiring public employees take greater salary cuts or pay more for their health insurance or pensions while the budget was bring written. To only try to address this now, through the ratification process, is irresponsible. The Legislature should honor these two year old agreements and not attempt to impose new restrictions on employees who have already met their side of the deal. It is punitive to retroactively impose economic hardship on employees who have professionally fulfilled their responsibilities to the state. I fully expect the Administration and incoming Republican majorities to adopt numerous changes to public employee collective bargaining in the next budget but the most respectful approach is to seek a cooperative and respectful relationship with the State employees instead of the combative nature that has accompanied the debate on these contracts.
Let’s be clear, the workers affected by these contracts are middle class, working families who help provide vital services to their neighbors, not the “economic elite” that the incoming Governor and Republicans would have the public believe they are. The hysteria of the attacks leveled by GovernorElect Walker against these workers would lead one to believe that they are receiving Wall Street size bonuses, while the truth is that they are taking pay and benefit cuts, just like many in the private sector.
These employees are not the dark angels responsible for the state’s budget crises. They are our middle class neighbors who work hard and provide vital services to the citizens of Wisconsin. They work in our fire halls, promote public safety, care for the disabled, plow our roads, teach our children, prosecute the criminals and protect our environment. They pay taxes and strive to meet their obligations to their families, the state and their communities. They too are stressed by economic uncertainty and are burdened by increased costs to heat their homes and buy goods and services. They also have been hurt by home value depreciation which limits their ability to improve their homes and lives. During my campaign I publicly stated my expectation that additional sacrifice will be required of all of us but if workers are expected to share in additional sacrifice they should be entitled to know what kind of shared sacrifice the business community will endure and have a seat at the table to determine a fair, responsible and mutual determination that sacrifice is equal to others.
It’s painful to see the incoming Governor utilize harsh and punitive rhetoric that is so contrary from the respectful relationship his predecessors have maintained with our public employees. There is a respectful way to deal with workers and there is a demeaning way. The mature approach to negotiations is to have a conversation before confrontation. The Wisconsin way is to seek mutual cooperation to approach common goals instead of treating workers as the enemy. Partisanship has never gotten in the way of ratifying contracts. The responsible step is to honor the work public employees have performed and acknowledge their financial sacrifice before demanding retroactive economic sanctions to address economic problems these employees are not responsible for creating.
Governing is not easy and there are few right answers to the difficult economic challenges from this recession. However, our employees are part of the commonwealth that makes Wisconsin special. I strongly encourage my colleagues to depart from the polarizing politics of the election and maintain the tradition that most Republicans have fully embraced through the years that honor the value of their work but importantly would acknowledge the true meaning of shared sacrifice in dealing with Wisconsin's budget problems
Sincerely,
Bob Jauch
State Senator
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Apply for a position on the Oshkosh Northwestern Editorial Board!
Editorial: Applications open for paper's editorial board
Two to three members of the community will be chosen to serve from January through April. They will be part of the regular, weekly board meetings.
Board members selected for 2011 will be the first who serve four-month terms. Past community members of the board had recommended extending the term by one month.
Letters of application should be addressed to Managing Editor Jim Fitzhenry, 224 State Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901 or sent via e-mail to: jfitzhen@thenorthwestern.com.
Letters should state why the applicant would be a good candidate for the board and its discussions.
The only qualification necessary is the ability to devote an hour a week to board meetings, an interest in current events (international, national and local) and willingness to share opinions. Meetings are held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Dec. 27.
The Northwestern is accepting applications for community members of the Editorial Board for a four-month term beginning in January.
Two to three members of the community will be chosen to serve from January through April. They will be part of the regular, weekly board meetings.
Board members selected for 2011 will be the first who serve four-month terms. Past community members of the board had recommended extending the term by one month.
Letters of application should be addressed to Managing Editor Jim Fitzhenry, 224 State Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901 or sent via e-mail to: jfitzhen@thenorthwestern.com.
Letters should state why the applicant would be a good candidate for the board and its discussions.
The only qualification necessary is the ability to devote an hour a week to board meetings, an interest in current events (international, national and local) and willingness to share opinions. Meetings are held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., Dec. 27.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Rep-Elect Michelle Litjens just might have no idea what she is talking about....
(cross-posted from jef4wi)
From a profile today in the OshNW:
I urge Rep-Elect Litjens to look at the Winnebago County 2011 Executive Budget for Snow & Ice Removal:
http://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/sites/default/files/uploaded-files/2010ExBudget.pdf
The county is also the agent for bridges and culverts throughout these areas as well.
In fact, the county has over $30,000,000 budgeted or planned on Roads, Bridges, Culverts, Snow & Ice in the towns and rural areas of Winnebago county
From a profile today in the OshNW:
"People need to take responsibility for their communities and not look to the government to fix everything anymore," Litjens said. "In the towns, when the town hall parking lot needs to be plowed or a culvert cleaned out, someone raises their hand and it's done. The more government promises to do, the less we help each other. In towns, people take responsibility for each other."(emphasis mine)
I urge Rep-Elect Litjens to look at the Winnebago County 2011 Executive Budget for Snow & Ice Removal:
http://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/sites/default/files/uploaded-files/2010ExBudget.pdf
p 294 - $696,340 - COUNTY: Snow & IceThe county plows all the roads and many of the facilities for local governments.
p 294 - $927,070 - STATE: Snow & Ice
p 294 - $400,000 - LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES: Snow & Ice
Total: $2,023,410
The county is also the agent for bridges and culverts throughout these areas as well.
In fact, the county has over $30,000,000 budgeted or planned on Roads, Bridges, Culverts, Snow & Ice in the towns and rural areas of Winnebago county
p 289 - line 4510 - $2,520,676 - Hwy Maint-MunicipalI would urge Rep-Elect Litjens to learn about government funding before she votes on those funds.
p 289 - line 6510 - $176,118 - Hwy Maint-Municipal
p 294 - $25,000 - COUNTY: On Systems Bridge
p 294 - $696,340 - COUNTY: Snow & Ice
p 294 - $724,258 - STATE: On Systems Bridge
p 294 - $927,070 - STATE: Snow & Ice
p 295 - $2,594,309 - LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
Includes:
Snow & Ice - $400,000
Routine Maintenance - $1,833,158
Road Construction - $352,236
p 518-23 - $26,436,465 - County Highway Capital Projects for rural county roads
New WisDems Billboard: Wanted for Killing 13,000 Wisconsin Jobs
New WisDems Billboard: Wanted for Killing 13,000 Wisconsin Jobs
Scott Walker's Legacy Already Begun
MADISON- A new billboard unveiled Monday near Milwaukee's Marquette Interchange shows that Scott Walker is "Wanted For Killing 13,000 Wisconsin Jobs."
The billboard follows another successful campaign last month by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin to highlight Walker's willingness to send $810 million in rail funds to states like California and Illinois.
Last week, the federal government announced that Scott Walker had succeeded in killing the rail project that he had previously supported and which initially was proposed by Tommy Thompson with bipartisan support.
"Scott Walker has killed 13,000 Wisconsin jobs before even taking office," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Monday. "If you see him, know that he's armed with empty promises and is capable of killing jobs again."
Feingold: Grateful for chance to represent state
Feingold: Grateful for chance to represent state
As I leave the Senate, I want to thank the people of Wisconsin for the incredible opportunity to serve them, and to represent our state. Serving Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate has been the greatest honor of my life. I have been so proud to work for the people of our state, and to continue the great traditions that run deep here, from the Progressive movement to our commitment to bipartisanship and fiscal responsibility.
Most of all I am grateful for the people I have met as I have travelled to every corner of Wisconsin. Wisconsinites from every community have come to my listening sessions to share their ideas and concerns. What I heard in those meetings has informed everything I have done in the Senate, from working to improve education and health care to strengthening our democracy. Those exchanges have been invaluable to me for the last 18 years, and I appreciate the time that so many people took to tell me what was on their mind, and to help me as I served our state.
Our state has a distinguished history of public service, and I am proud to be a part of that. I am deeply grateful for the chance I have had to represent the people of Wisconsin, and to help bring Wisconsin's ideas to the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Russ Feingold
United States Senator
As I leave the Senate, I want to thank the people of Wisconsin for the incredible opportunity to serve them, and to represent our state. Serving Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate has been the greatest honor of my life. I have been so proud to work for the people of our state, and to continue the great traditions that run deep here, from the Progressive movement to our commitment to bipartisanship and fiscal responsibility.
Most of all I am grateful for the people I have met as I have travelled to every corner of Wisconsin. Wisconsinites from every community have come to my listening sessions to share their ideas and concerns. What I heard in those meetings has informed everything I have done in the Senate, from working to improve education and health care to strengthening our democracy. Those exchanges have been invaluable to me for the last 18 years, and I appreciate the time that so many people took to tell me what was on their mind, and to help me as I served our state.
Our state has a distinguished history of public service, and I am proud to be a part of that. I am deeply grateful for the chance I have had to represent the people of Wisconsin, and to help bring Wisconsin's ideas to the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Russ Feingold
United States Senator
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin: Statement about Wisconsin's loss of federal funds for high-speed rail
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin: Statement about Wisconsin's loss of federal funds for high-speed rail
12/10/2010
Contact: Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director
608-256-0827; kaminski@lwvwi.org
MADISON: Yesterday we learned that $1.195 billion in high-speed rail funds originally designated for Wisconsin and Ohio will be redirected to other states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors linking commerce centers across the United States. The Department of Transportation statement noted that, after all, Wisconsin has suspended work on the high-speed rail and that Governor-elect Walker does not want to use the high-speed rail money received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
So the money will go to other states, along with the promise of jobs, access to jobs, and the safe, secure and sustainable transportation option that high-speed intercity rail offers.
Since 1971 the League of Women Voters of the United States has supported "energy efficient and environmentally sound transportation systems that afford improved access to housing and jobs." The loss of funding for the high-speed rail is a huge loss for our economy and for the future of our state.
Now that the Governor-elect has kept his promise to kill a positive and forward-looking project, we hope he will turn his attention to the issue he campaigned on: creating jobs. To do that, he will have to begin by making up for this loss.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that promotes informed and active participation in government. Through member-led research, public education and direct advocacy, the League works to improve public participation in the democratic process and to champion public policy goals that are beneficial to all. There are 17 local Leagues in Wisconsin.
12/10/2010
Contact: Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director
608-256-0827; kaminski@lwvwi.org
MADISON: Yesterday we learned that $1.195 billion in high-speed rail funds originally designated for Wisconsin and Ohio will be redirected to other states eager to develop high-speed rail corridors linking commerce centers across the United States. The Department of Transportation statement noted that, after all, Wisconsin has suspended work on the high-speed rail and that Governor-elect Walker does not want to use the high-speed rail money received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
So the money will go to other states, along with the promise of jobs, access to jobs, and the safe, secure and sustainable transportation option that high-speed intercity rail offers.
Since 1971 the League of Women Voters of the United States has supported "energy efficient and environmentally sound transportation systems that afford improved access to housing and jobs." The loss of funding for the high-speed rail is a huge loss for our economy and for the future of our state.
Now that the Governor-elect has kept his promise to kill a positive and forward-looking project, we hope he will turn his attention to the issue he campaigned on: creating jobs. To do that, he will have to begin by making up for this loss.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that promotes informed and active participation in government. Through member-led research, public education and direct advocacy, the League works to improve public participation in the democratic process and to champion public policy goals that are beneficial to all. There are 17 local Leagues in Wisconsin.
AFT Public Employee Fact Sheet
Here.
In the face of continuing attacks on Wisconsin public employees, it is imperative that myths and mistruths be countered with facts. The following are research-based facts about state employees and public employees in Wisconsin.
1. FACT: State employees are already shouldering the burden to help the state balance its budget.
State employees have agreed to over $100 million in concessions in this biennium alone.
For the past two years, state agencies have lived under a hiring freeze, which means current employees have been forced to do more with less.
State employees have agreed to 16 furlough days, increased health care contributions, increased retirement contributions, and no wage increases.
2. FACT: Sate employees did not create the budget deficit, and it cannot be plugged on the backs of state workers alone.
According to the Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance, only 4.2% of “direct general expenditures” go towards administration (staff). That ranks 39th in the nation and is 17% less than the US average.
Cuts to state employee salary and benefits are raindrops in the ocean. The Walker administration has offered no solutions to get to the heart of the budget deficit.
3. FACT: Wisconsin state employees are compensated less than their private sector peers.
According to an April 2010 study by UW-M researchers Bender and Heywood, Wisconsin state employees’ total compensation was 6% below their peers in the private sector (including pay and benefits).
4. FACT: Wisconsin runs a lean and efficient state government
According to census data, Wisconsin ranks 44th in terms of total number of state employees per capita.
This same data shows that the state ranks 30th for amount spent on compensation for all public employees per capita.
Since 2000, the number of public employees in Wisconsin has increased by 2%, fueled mainly by additional correctional officers and technical college employees.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Kloppenburg Campaign: Prosser campaign promise offers stark evidence of the need for an Independent Supreme Court
Kloppenburg Campaign: Prosser campaign promise offers stark evidence of the need for an Independent Supreme Court
12/9/2010
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2010
Contact:
Melissa Mulliken
Campaign Manager
The Kloppenburg for Justice Committee
608/231-3859
In a press release on 12/8/2010, the Prosser Campaign promised that returning the incumbent to the bench would “[protect] the conservative judicial majority” on the Court which would then be able to “act as a common sense compliment [sic] to both the new administration and legislature.”
Statement by Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg, candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court:
The Prosser campaign’s suggestion that as a Justice, Prosser sees his role and the work of the Supreme Court as a “complement” to the political and policy agenda of a Governor and a legislature, is deeply disturbing.
For a sitting Judge to promise that he will work to further the ends of the other two branches of government shows an enormous disregard for the separation of powers and the role of the Court as an independent, impartial body that ought to promise just one thing: to decide cases on the law and the facts brought forth in those cases.
Our rights and liberty are not safe and no plaintiffs or defendants in our courts can have confidence that their cases will be fairly heard, if the judges on our Courts abrogate their responsibility as impartial decision makers and instead promise to “complement” the political and policy agenda of the other two branches of government.
# # #
12/9/2010
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2010
Contact:
Melissa Mulliken
Campaign Manager
The Kloppenburg for Justice Committee
608/231-3859
In a press release on 12/8/2010, the Prosser Campaign promised that returning the incumbent to the bench would “[protect] the conservative judicial majority” on the Court which would then be able to “act as a common sense compliment [sic] to both the new administration and legislature.”
Statement by Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg, candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court:
The Prosser campaign’s suggestion that as a Justice, Prosser sees his role and the work of the Supreme Court as a “complement” to the political and policy agenda of a Governor and a legislature, is deeply disturbing.
For a sitting Judge to promise that he will work to further the ends of the other two branches of government shows an enormous disregard for the separation of powers and the role of the Court as an independent, impartial body that ought to promise just one thing: to decide cases on the law and the facts brought forth in those cases.
Our rights and liberty are not safe and no plaintiffs or defendants in our courts can have confidence that their cases will be fairly heard, if the judges on our Courts abrogate their responsibility as impartial decision makers and instead promise to “complement” the political and policy agenda of the other two branches of government.
# # #
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