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Governor's budget repair bill would save local governments and school districts at least $724 million dollars annually. School districts would save $488 million ($976 million over the biennium) Municipalities would save $98 million ($196 million) Technical colleges would save $58 million ($116 million) Special districts would save $15. Million ($31 million)
Governor's budget repair bill would save local governments and school districts at least $724 million dollars annually. School districts would save $488 million ($976 million over the biennium) Municipalities would save $98 million ($196 million) Technical colleges would save $58 million ($116 million) Special districts would save $15. Million ($31 million)
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Governor's budget repair bill would save local governments and school districts at least $724 million dollars annually. School districts would save $488 million ($976 million over the biennium) Municipalities would save $98 million ($196 million) Technical colleges would save $58 million ($116 million) Special districts would save $15. Million ($31 million)
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Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Governor Walker's Budget Repair Bill Would Save Local Governments Over $700 Million Every Year Madison- Governor Scott Walker announced today that his budget repair bill would save local governments and school districts at least $724 million dollars annually ($1.44 billion over the biennium). "Our budget repair bill will save local governments and school districts hundreds of millions of dollars enabling them to maintain services even as the state grapples with a $3.6 billion deficit," said Governor Scott Walker. "These savings, in addition to the savings that local governments can realize through collective bargaining reform, are a vital part of our budget repair bill. The Senate Democrats need to come do their jobs so we can lock in savings at the local level and avoid thousands of layoffs." Under the Governor's budget repair bill, school districts would save $488 million ($976 million over the biennium). Municipalities would save $98 million ($196 million over the biennium). Counties would save $64 million ($128 million over the biennium). Technical colleges would save $58 million ($116 million over the biennium). Special districts would save $15.5 million ($31 million over the biennium). On top of these savings reforming collective bargaining would allow governments to realize additional savings. For example, currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off, fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Ofthe fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities such as collective bargaining. The budget repair bill reforms would help counties, like Milwaukee County, save on these costs. ### March 8, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Collective Bargaining Has a Fiscal Impact Part 4 Madison- Today Governor Walker's office released more specific examples. and new details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government. A Year's Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts. At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily rate of pay of $1,711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher. Source: WLUI<-TV, 3/3/11 Teachers Receiving Two Pensions Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one. The contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher's salary, with the school district making 100% of the contribution, just !'ike they do for the first pension. This extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year. Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins Milwaukee Public Schools Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for work, the Madison Emeritus Program doesn't even require that. In addition to their pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO days of work. When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required. Through collective bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days. Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website Yesterday the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and serves everyday free of charge. Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood." But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple. Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is needed, then one should be officially hired by the city. Source: WAOW-TV, 1/27/10 $6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay each week, whether they are paged or not. For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation. Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24 Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at great cost to the taxpayers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08 'Outstanding First Year Teacher' Laid Off Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs to be made based on seniority rather than merit. Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of . course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10 Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more. Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10 The $150,000 Bus Driver In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned $159,258, includin'g $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per year in 2009. "That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary Poulson. Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10 $150,000 Correctional Officers Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as "sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay, and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime. This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only working 8 hours. In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in 2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than $123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181. Source: Department of Corrections Previously the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining: Paid-Time off for Union Activities In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off, fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities such as collective bargaining .. Surrender of Management Rights Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot explore privatization offunctions that could save taxpayers money. WEA Trust Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the state plan, additional savings would likely be realized. Viagra for Teachers The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year. Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers- union-sues-discrimination/storv?id=11378595 Unrealistic Overtime Provisions On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in sick to collect overtime ifthey work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision 'that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to taxpayers $4.8 million. ### March 8, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Strange But True Provisions of Collective Bargaining Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released additional examples of how collective bargaining impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government. The following are some of the items contained in collective bargaining provisions: 1. Employer must provide bulletin boards to post information about union social and recreational activities. The size and location of the board is subject to collective bargaining. 2. When a local union meets the following conditions are subject to bargaining: 1. lighting, 2. vision care and examinations, 3. noise, 4. chairs, 5. desks, 6. footrests, 7. adjustable terminals and keyboards, 8. work environment design (wall cover, carpet, windows), 9. room temperature, 3. Starting of vehicles during cold weather is subject to collective bargaining. 4. Paid time off to donate blood. Earlier today, Governor Walker's office released some specific examples and new details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government. A Year's Worth of Pav for 30 Days of Work Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts. At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily rate of pay of $1, 711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher. Source: WLUK- TV, 3/3/11 Teachers Receiving Two Pensions Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one. The contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher's salary, with the school district making 100% of the contribution, just like they do for the first pension. This extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year. Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins Milwaukee Public Schools Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for work, the Madisoh Emeritus Program doesn't even require that. In addition to their pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO days of work. When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required. Through collective bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days. Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website Yesterday the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and serves everyday free of charge. Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood." But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple. Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is needed, then one should be officially hired by the city. Somce: WAOW-TV 1127/10 $6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay each week, whether they are paged or not. For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation. Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24 Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at great cost to the taxpayers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08 'Outstanding First Year Teacher' Laid Off Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs to be made based on seniority rather than merit. Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10 Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program As a cost cutting measure, Racine C:ounty began using county inmates to cut the grass in medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more. Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10 The $150,000 Bus Driver In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned $159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per year in 2009. "That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary Poulson. Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10 $150,000 Correctional Officers Correctional Officer collective bargainin& agreements allow officers a practice known as "sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay, and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime. This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only working 8 hours. In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in 2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than $123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181. Source: Department of Corrections Previously the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining; ' Paid-Time off for Union Activities In Milwaukee County alone, becausa the union collectively bargained for paid time off, fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities such as collective bargaining. Surrender of Management Rights Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers money. WEATrust Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run: health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the state plan, additional savings would likely be realized. Viagra for Teachers The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year. Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers- union-sues-discrimination/story?id=11378595 Unrealistic Overtime Provisions On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to taxpayers $4.8 million. ### March 7, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Wisconsin Budget Would Be Credit Positive Madison-Today Governor Walker's office highlighted a recent report put out by Moody's, one of the national bond rating agencies, which showed that adoption of the budget bills would have a positive effect on Wisconsin's credit rating. Specifically Moody's stated, "If enacted the budget will be credit positive for Wisconsin by bringing the state's finances closer to a structural budgetary balance ... Enactment before the end of the current fiscal year would be credit,positive." In response to this information Governor Walker released the following statement: Our budget plan helps get Wisconsin back on sound financial footing. Showing investors, bond rating agencies and others that we are serious about balancing the state budget will go a long way to help lay the foundation for ensuring Wisconsin has a business climate that allows the private sector to create 250,000 new jobs by the end of my first term. Acting on legislation that will have a positive credit effect, which the budget bills will do when they are passed, ultimately benefits our children and grandchildren by leaving them with a better economic outlook. This is another reason why the budget repair bill needs to be passed. Unfortunately, Senator Miller seems to care more about the union bosses than he does about the next generation. Attached is a copy of the report from Moody's. ### March 8, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Government Workers Could Save Over $72 Million Through Governor Walker's Budget Repair Bill Madison- Governor Scott Walker's office today released an estimate of how much money government workers could save through the governor's budget repair bill. A conservative estimate would mean government workers could save at least $72,1SO,OOO. Although the budget repair bill asks government workers to contribute a modest amount to their pensions and healthcare premiums (well less than the national average), workers could make up much ofthe increased costs because their union dues would be optional. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel most of the 23,000 state workers who are members of AFSCME pay $420 a year in union dues, though some pay as much as $492. Using the $420 figure these workers would see potential savings of at least $9,660,000. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of AFT-Wisconsin who make more than $34,000 a year pay $510 each year in dues. AFT represents 17,000 government workers. Using the $510 figure savings for these workers would total $8,670,000. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of the Professional Patient Care Unit ofthe SEUI pay $192 to $864 or more each year in union dues. There are 15,000 members of this union. Using a figure of just $250, w9uld mean a total savings of $3,750,000. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Public Schools Teachers pay $995 annually in dues. The teacher's union in Milwaukee represents 6,000 teachers making the potential savings $5,970,000. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin teachers pay $450 per year for the state and national portions oftheir dues, on top oft heir local dues. WEAC says it represents 98,000 employees. If each represented employee pays $450 in dues a year there are potential savings of $44,100,000. Downing, Karley - GOV From: Grimm, Tyler Sent: To: Monday, April11, 201112:28 Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: reform Great. Thanks, Chris. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 1:27 PM To: Grimm, Tyler Subject: RE: reform Here's some of the stuff we put out on collective bargaining. More importantly it allows us to balance our budget now and in the future and give local governments the tools to deal with necessary reductions in aid (see savings release). And it improves government services and save jobs. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Grimm, Tyler rm"ilt,nl Sent: Monday, Apri111, 2011 To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: reform Chris- when you get a second, can you send me the best/most comprehensive piece of literature you guys have about the reform you enacted? I feel pretty comfortable with the details, but just want to make sure I have the whole story straight before I brief staff/members tomorrow morning. Thanks. Tyler Grimm Professional Staff House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Rep. Darrell Chairman 27 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Monday, Aprilll, 2011 3:21 PM 'cullen.werwie@wi.gov' FW: Online Brown Bag Lunch Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov From: Joseph Sent: Monday, April11, 20111:38 PM To: Governor Scott Walker Subject: Online Brown Bag Lunch A major key to your Budget Repair Bill has been giving Local Governments the tools to balance their budgets. Could you give specific details on what exactly those tools are, and how they relate to Collective Bargaining? Thank you, Joseph York Waukesha Wisconsin 26 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Stateside Associates Monday, Aprilll, 201112:45 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV News from Stateside Associates Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter, The Stateside View. Each month, we will share with you details regarding state and local government news and events along with our upcoming activities within the industry. Our staff will cover the current news in articles to give our perspective on some of the hottest topics in state and local politics. We look forward to hearing from you about our content and the topics at hand- let us know what you want to read! Wisconsin Supreme Court and Corporate Political Involvement This week's election for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat is a signal that the fight over public pensions and collective bargaining rights is going to have a significant impact on business. Before the public sector unions turned this election into a referendum on the recently passed collective bargaining changes, Justice David Prosser was expected to win re-election easily over state Assistant Attorney General Joanne Kloppenburg. However, with just a few hundred votes separating the candidates, the winner is yet to be determined and Justice Prosser is behind. The public sector unions turned a low key election into a multi- million dollar national fight, and highlighted why corporate executives should be concerned about the fight over collective bargaining. The Supreme Court election could change the balance of power on the court whose decisions could have far ranging impacts on business. But it isn't just about the Supreme Court. This is a fight about the future of public sector unions, not about the pay 23 Issue: 1 and benefits of the workers themselves. If it were just about pay and benefit levels, business could probably keep clear of the issue, but the unions see the collective bargaining issue as critical to their future. Therefore, they will drag anyone and everyone into this fight to try to preserve their right to bargain on working conditions as well. They decided to take on the Supreme Court race because they are challenging the new collective bargaining law in court. And more directly, the unions were going after companies and trying to drag them directly into the fight. READ MORE On the Horizon LEGISLATIVE ADJOURNMENTS (APRIL): ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, IDAHO, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MISSISSIPPI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, WASHINGTON STARTING. UP: Louisiana will convene the 2011 Regular Legislative Session on April 25. BUDGET: Colorado legislature has only until April 19 to adopt the 2012 state budget after tense negotiations forced an extension on the intro deadline. ENERGY: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments untiiApril 11 concerning amendments to the Illinois Oil and Gas Act. ENVIRONMENT: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing May 4 regarding amendments to Title V greenhouse gas requirements that were not included in the Department's recent adoption of the federal greenhouse gas tailoring rule. HEALTH: The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration will hold a public meeting April 19 to discuss amendments to a rule concerning requirements for clinical laboratories. UTILITIES: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is discussing the draft 2011 New Jersey Energy Master Plan at public hearing April13. Comments are being accepted at the hearing. ELECTIONS: Special state legislative elections will occur in April in Connecticut. Arkansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, South Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia. LOCAL GOVERNMENT: On April 7, the St. Petersburg City Council will consider a Resolution urging the State Legislature to refrain from approving legislation that preempts local regulation of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers. 24 Offering a wide variety of reference information at the fingertips of professionals responsible for 1 state and local government affairs, public sector sales and regulatory compliance, the Stateside FactPadmis a Must Have for any government relations professional. If you are not a client, and would like a FactPadm, please email Kristen Reitler at kr@stateside.com for details. 0 ~ = = - - - - - - - - - .. --- ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' Forward email ~ This email was sent to chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov by cc@stateside.com I Update Profile/Email Address 1 Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe'" I Privacy Policy. Stateside Associates 1 2300 Clarendon Boulevard 1 4th Floor I Arlington I VA I 22201 25 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Staab, Joy A CPT N G W I . ~ Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:02 PM Dunbar, Donald P Brig Gen NGWI; Anderson, Peter K LTC NGWI; Stopper, George E CSM NGWI; Legwold, Scott- DMA; Gross, Tammy- DMA; Barron, Julio- DMA; Krenz, Craig - DMA; Bair, Margaret BrigGen USAF ANG WIHQ/ZSECl; McCoy, John E - DMA; Wagner, Kari - Greenwood, Kevin - DMA; Cariello, Dominic A BG NGWI; \J'Iallters. Jason- DMA; Mills, Jamie- DMA;.Oison, Larry - DMA (1st); Paulson, - DMA; Sweet, Russell - DMA; Watkins, Steve - DMA; Anderson, Peter K LTC NGWI; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Moore, Dorothy J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; NGWI JOC - DMA; Lt. Governor; Chisholm, James CMSgt USAF ANG JFHQ-Wl/CCC; John.Hiller@wisconsin.gov; Hitt, Andrew A- GOV; Erwin, David - GOV; Hutter, Shelly- GOV; McMahon, Jack- GOV; Fitzgerald, Richard - GOV (Rick); Hagedorn, Brian K - GOV DOD Identifies Army Casualty (UNCLASSIFIED) Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: FOUO Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret to inform you that as released by DoD (below) Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo, 24, of Waukesha, Wis., died Feb. 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. Funeral arrangements are pending, but expected to take place in Waukesha. I will send out additional updates as more details become available. Joy Staab, Captain Deputy Public Affairs Officer Wisconsin National Guard Department of Military Affairs I . Current News Releases and Media Galleries are available at: http://dma.wi.gov/ Connect with us: http://www.flickr.com/wiquardpics http://www. face book. com/WisconsinGuard http://www.youtube.com/WisconsinGuard http://www.Twitter.com/Wi Guard http://drna.wi.gov/dma/rss/NGrss.xml DOD Identifies Army Casualty Tue, 22 Feb 201116:42:00-0600 68 IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOD Identifies Army Casualty No. 147-11 February 22, 2011 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo, 24, of Waukesha, Wis., died Feb. 20 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. For more information media may contact U.S. Army Europe public affairs at 011-49 6221-57-5816 or email, ocpa.pi@eur.army.mil. U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/releases/ Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landinq/guestions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 !,Jpdate your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdeliverv.com. (IJ SHARE GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense 408 St. Peter Street Suite 600 St. Paul, MN 55102 1-800-439-1420 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: FOUO 69 Mohr, Mark - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Vought, Mary (Ron Johnson) <Mary_Vought@ronjohnson.senate.gov> Tuesday, February 22, 2011 2:54 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Re:Thanks Thanks guys!! Just a side note if the Gov decides to do Fox again America's Newsroom with Bill Hemmer and Martha MacCullen is great!! Their producer, Eldad Varon, is a good friend and one of the best!! :) From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.govl Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 11:07 AM To: Vought, Mary (Ron Johnson); Werwie, Cullen J - GOV <Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov> Subject: Re: Thanks Monday Budget Talking Points Collective bargaining has a fiscal impactl. Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the state plan, additional savings would likely be realized.2. The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association {MTEA) tried to use a policy established by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for Viagra. Cost to taxpayers $786,000 a year.3. Unrealistic Overtime Provisions. On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to taxpayers $4.8 million. The unions should not be able to distract and change the subject from the fact that Senate Democrats have left the job. The arena is Madison Wisconsin. The solution is for the Senate Democrats to come to work. It is Senate Democrats shirking their responsibilities who must be held accountable. As a county executive the Governor has seen over and over that unions prefer layoffs to reforms to their power structure. We can no longer accept short term fixes and kick the tough decisions down the road. Union leaders who say they are willing to accept the 5 and 12 are using it as a red herring. These are the same people who tried to ram through a contract in December without negotiation, and who a week ago said they couldn't afford the 5 and 12. The average negotiation with a union is 15 months. We don't have 15 months to balance the budget. This is and always has been about balancing the budget and avoiding layoffs. From: Vought, Mary (Ron Johnson) [mailto:Mary Vought@ronjohnson.senate.gov] Sent: Monday, February 21, 201110:04 AM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Thanks Thanks for the info and please tell your boss we're grateful for the opportunity to talk to him last week. My boss was asked on Laura Ingraham's show is they've spoken so it was helpful that they had. Senator Johnson is going to be on a few shows next week so if you have any new developments or points you want him to make feel free to shoot me an email. 1 THANKS!! Mary Vought Communications Director Senator Ron johnson (WI) Direct: 202.228.6956 Cell: 202.604.7068 2 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Fantle, David -TOURISM Wednesday, March 09, 2011 2:54 PM WTMJ TV, Bill Berra Tourism Conference Bill, in your coverage Monday of the Governor's appearance at our tourism conference, the story reported: 17:02:26.00 Protesters followed governor walker to the wisconsin dells this morning. State employees, union workers and retired teachers waved picket signs outside the kalahari "we do not need to take away collective bargaining. That is not the reason we have a deficit in this state." The governor spoke at this convention for the wisconsin tourism professionals in the wisconsin dells. The walk budget slashes funding in many areas But gives the tourism department a ten million dollar boost. Walker contends wa that money will mean more or visitors and more jobs .. "One of the areas with the e best return on investment is ve investing dollars, particularly marketing dollars, into tourism to bring people into our state, to see our attractions." (TRT=01 :30). I've underlined the factual error regarding a $10 million boost. Here are the facts: Gov. Walker has recommended a stepped up tourism marketing appropriation for the next two fiscal years with a $1.191 million increase in fiscal 2012 and an additional $2.344 million increase in fiscal 2013. These numbers are in addition to the current fiscal2011 appropriation of $9.9 million. So it's a $1.191 million boost the first year and an additional $2.344 million boost in year two. I'm not sure how the $10 million figure found its way into the story. The story is the fifth from the bottom on the link below. Thanks, Dave http://showroom.showroom2.us.cision.com/reports/2011/03/08/brandon.thom/ZPiey2CSTQm7cdmkjvT40alnJ3dtmY4 B/index.htm Dave Fantle 1 Deputy Secretary 1 Wisconsin Department of Tourism I 608.266.8773 201 West Washington Avenue PO Box 8690 Madison, WI 53708-8690 Trave!Wisconsin.com Harnessing the power of tourism to bw1d a better Wisconsin 42 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Steffes, Laurel J - DNR Wednesday, March 09, 2011 4:43 PM DNR DL AD DLT; DNR DL OC PA ALL; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Selected DN R news media contacts Todd Richmond, Associated Press. Laurel Steffes handled. Provided disk with copies of agency email to fulfill open records request. Documents were selected from all DNR supervisors and reviewed in cooperation with Legal Services. "All e-mails sent or received between any and all DNR employees that mention Cathy Stepp, Matt Moroney and/or Scott Gunderson between Dec. 26,2010, through Jan. 7, 2011. This is also to request all e-mails sent by DNR employees to recipients outside the agency that mention Cathy Stepp, Matt Moroney and/or Scott Gunderson over the same time period andall e-mails received by DNR employees from outside the agency that mention Cathy Stepp, Matt Moroney and/or Scott Gunderson over the same period." We discussed the difficulties of complying with this request with Mr. Richmond subsequently agreed to limit his request to records held by DNR supervisors. Peggy Coffeen, Agri-view. Tracy Salisbury, forestry specialist, handled. About the "First Downs for Trees" project for a special section highlighting Wisconsin Public Services. James Briggs, Milwaukee Daily Reporter. Budget and Policy supervisor Paul Neumann handled. About dam repair and removal bonding that was included in the Governor's budget proposal for 2011-13. I explained that the $4 million in bonding included in the Governor's proposal is the same as what was approved for the 2009-11 biennium. The reporter had additional questions about the scope of the dam repair/removal program, so I referred him to Meg Galloway, Chief Dam Safety engineer, in Watershed Management. Rick Shue, WBAY TV. Fisheries Management Director Mike Staggs handled. About fishing licenses, the new one- day license, and the economic value of fishing to the state. Pam Louwagie, investigative reporter, Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Multiple interviews with state workers conducted off hours and off site on personal time. Story, at least in part, involves public workers reacting to governor's announcement of lay-off notices and their concerns about how the budget bills would affect them. Ed Culhane, regional public affairs manager, spoke with Louwagie on Tuesday and indicated it would be inappropriate for him or any other DNR worker to comment on statewide policy issues in their roles as agency employees. There was no illusion this experienced reporter would be stopped by a conversation with a public affairs manager. Last night we learned Louwagie had contacted a DNR wildlife technician at home and had obtained an interview. The technician called his supervisor after the interview. He said told the reporter he was concerned about layoffs and elements of the proposed budget. He doesn't make much money (about $38,000) and is married and is a parent. He said he was in his position for the love of the work and because it promised job stability and good benefits for his family. He is concerned not only about the dramatic (at his salary level) cut in take home pay but also the increased expenses that will result from cuts to education funding and other likely increases in the cost of living. He said he believed it was important that folks understand that state employees make concessions all the time and that past employees had made sacrifices in wage increases to afford good benefits and job stability. He said not negotiating in good faith defeats all the hard work done prior to now between the employees and the administration. Following up, Culhane contacted the reporter today for a friendly, professional chat. She does not know when story will run or even what the package will entail when it is published. She is part of a team. In fact, she is leaving on vacation and so others will complete the project. She did indicate the interview with the wildlife technician will be a small part of a large story as many people are being interviewed. Maria Guerrero, Ch. 3, WISCTV Madison. Laurel Steffes handled. Wanted to know if DNR has billed DOAyet for security assistance at the Capitol, and if so, the amount. No. How many officers have been involved. Warden supervisors and rangers have been providing some security assistance, but the numbers have varied by daily needs-- anywhere from 4 to nearly 20/da, though numbers are trending down now. In addition, DNR forestry and other staff have provided assistance in the security response infrastructure, logistics and response. Hunting and fishing license funds will not be charged. Advised her to please contact Tim Donovan who is heading up information for the effort. 692-3300 Ann Marie Ames, Janesville Gazette. Dave Siebert, director of the Office of Energy and Environmental Assessment, handled. She requested and he provided a master list of the Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact studies published each year by the department. 40 Director Office of Communication Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ('iir) phone: (608) 266-8109 ('iir) fax: (608) 266-6983 (51) e-mail: Laurei.Steffes@Wisconsin.gov 2 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Bauer, Scott <sbauer@ap.org> Wednesday, March 09, 2011 6:36 PM GOV Press; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV RE: Governor Walker Statement on Legislative Action I thought he said collective bargaining was a fiscal issue, but it passed tonight as a non-fiscal issue. From: GOV Press [mailto:GOVPress@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 6:31 PM To: GOV Press Subject: Governor Walker Statement on Legislative Action March 9, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, (608} 267-7303 Governor Walker Statement on Legislative Action Madison-Today Governor Walker released the following statement regarding the action taken by the Legislature: The Senate Democrats have had three weeks to debate this bill and were offered repeated opportunities to come home, which they refused. In order to move the state forward, I applaud the Legislature's action today to stand up to the status quo and take a step in the right direction to balance the budget and reform government. The action today will help ensure Wisconsin has a business climate that allows the private sector to create 250,000 new jobs. ### 39 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Hegerfeld, Kathy - DOT Sent: Subject: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:52 AM Today's Reader Review Repairs on Hoan Bridge to start Thursday http:l/www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/117688808.html http:l/dailyreporter.com/blog/2011/03/09/hoan-bridge-repair-to-begin-in-milwaukee-county/ By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel March 9, 2011 An extensive patching project to fill the holes and cracks on the Hoan Bridge roadway will start Thursday and restrict traffic on the span over the Port of Milwaukee. The left Jane for northbound traffic will be closed about noon Thursday, and additional lane closures will follow. The roadway eventually will be narrowed to two Janes in each direction for much of the project, scheduled to be completed Nov. 30. The state Department of Transportation awarded a $7 million contract for the work to Zenith Tech Inc., based in Waukesha, according to Jim Liptack, the state's project manager. "It's a giant maintenance job," he said. Crews will locate deteriorated sections of the roadway, remove the materials and fill the holes with concrete. The repair will cover both the northbound and southbound Janes, roughly two miles from Michigan St. downtown to Carferry Drive in the Bay View neighborhood. It's a temporary fix for the bridge, which opened in 1977. The DOT is waiting for the results of a $650,000 engineering inspection being done by Graef-USA. That report is expected to guide the decision on whether to replace the bridge deck, estimated to cost up to $240 million, or tear down and replace the entire bridge. In 2008, the DOT released a report that suggested razing the bridge and replacing it with a smaller structure would open valuable land for development, particularly on the northern end, near Maier Festival Park. Residents and elected officials from South Shore suburbs objected to that alternative, arguing that it would eliminate an important route forcommuters and convenient access to 1-94 and J-43. While the future of the Hoan has been debated, the United Performing Arts Fund and Summerfest have gained permission to use the bridge for the Ride for the Arts and the Summerfest Rock 'n Sole runs. Liptack said the repair work would not limit access .
Fox Point delays decision on bridge 34 http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/1177127 48.html Fox Point- The Village Board put off for another month a decision on what to do with a much-loved pedestrian bridge that connected N. Barnett and N. Bridge lanes, but it now is closed. The board also delayed until April a decision on whether to borrow $2.5 million for the bridge and other capital projects. Michael West, village president, said both issues would be on the board's April agenda. The 292-foot bridge, which spans a 75-foot-deep ravine, became controversial last summer after the Village Board, relying on a consultant's inspection of the bridge, studied whether to remove, repair or replace it- and neighbors organized to save it. The consultant, Graef-USA, recommended after its 2009 inspection that the village limit the number of people allowed on the nearly 1 00-year-old span. But in October, based on a report that some 80 people had gathered on the bridge, Graef urged the village to close it completely. Residents haven't been able to use the span since then. The Village Board has been gathering information on its options since then. West said Tuesday that the board is getting closer to a decision on which way to go. But the board decided that more information was needed and did not take action Tuesday night on the bridge. Scott Brandmeier, village engineer and director of public works, predicted that at least 150 trees would have to be removed for the most likely method of construction to be carried out.
Budget threatens all public transit http :1/host.mad ison.com/wsj/news/opin ion/mailbag/article c0c24dc4-4a57 -11 e0-87 46-001 cc4c002e0. html Wednesday, March 9, 2011 There are many Trojan horses hiding in the governor's budget proposal. One is the impact that repealing collective bargaining will have on public transit. The Federal Transit Act requires the continuation of any collective bargaining rights that were in place when the employer started receiving federal funds. Gov. Scott Walker's budget will radically alter Wisconsin's collective bargaining process, which will mean the loss of $46,6 million in transit funds in Wisconsin. Transit systems that depend on federal funding include bus service, volunteer drivers, shared-ride taxis and specialized medical vehicle services. These services directly benefit thousands of seniors, disabled persons and Wisconsin citizens with limited income. The benefits of public transit extend well beyond the users of these services. They have a positive impact on the environment, reduce demand on finite energy resources, reduce traffic congestion and increase the pool of employees that a small business can access. In Madison, federal funds cover 14 percent of public transit costs of about $7 million. In smaller communities, Richland Center for example, federal funds cover over 40 percent of shared-ride taxi service. These funds will be lost under the governor's budget. Ron Wolfe Waunakee 35
Editorial: Concessions on voter ID bill appreciated http://www .green baypressgazette.com/article/20 11 031 O/GPG0602/1 031 00586/Editoriai-Concessions'voter -I D-bill- appreciated?odyssey-mod/newswell/text/FRONTPAGE/s Mar. 9, 2011 It's inevitable Wisconsin voters will have to show photo identification at the polls next year under a bill awaiting final passage when the 14 missing state Democratic senators return to work. Nineteen state Republican senators took the voter ID bill as far as they could two weeks ago without their Democratic counterparts, and amended state Senate Bill 6 to include acceptable forms of identification in addition to driver's licenses, including passports, naturalization papers and tribaiiD cards. They also included a provision to delay enforcement until January. We welcome the move by state Senate Republicans to broaden the kinds of authorized credentials to be used by voters at the polling sites, as well as their decision to allow voters a grace period before enforcing the law. This newspaper has been against rushing a bill through the Legislature in time for the fast-approaching April 5 election, and the delayed enforcement at least gives the statewide election system a chance to prepare and allows time to educate voters about the new process. The proposal still has critics concerned about its potential to deter people who do not have a photo ID- many of whom are elderly, low-income or minority - from voting. The bill's proponents say the measure is necessary to end voter fraud. State Sen. Mary Lazich, R-New Berlin, released a statement on Feb. 24, the day the changes were approved, in which she said, "Ensuring integrity of elections is of utmost importance in our democracy. Requiring voters to show photo identification is a reasonable step and one that is constitutional." On that same day, state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, issued a news release from an undisclosed location in Illinois and called the bill a "suppression measure," arguing that voter fraud "has proven to be practically nonexistent in Wisconsin." This debate has divided the state Legislature for years. State Republican lawmakers passed a voter ID measure three times during Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's administration, and it was vetoed each time. Then last fall- when the election results placed Republicans in control of the statehouse and the governor's office- it became obvious a voter ID bill easily would pass into law early in the 2011-13 legislative session. The new ground in the debate, as we saw it, was whether Republicans would give the issue a full public airing and be willing to bend on certain requirements. To some degree, they have .. One point the GOP did not compromise on was the)ssue of student IDs. The Government Accountability Board and other groups had pushed for more forms of ID to be considered, including a student I D. Sara Rinfret, assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, said Wisconsin could lose its No. 2 standing among states with a high youth vote. "I think that we should celebrate that we have the largest turnout of young voters behind Minnesota. But I think with a voter ID law, that might actually decline," Rinfret told a member of the Green Bay Press-Gazette editorial board in a recent interview. Although Senate Bill 6 has its limitations, it appears GOP lawmakers have made attempts to incorporate some changes. That willingness to make even small concessions on a strictly partisan issue is notable in these deeply polarizing times. 36
DOT to hold Highway 23 meeting today in Plymouth http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/2011 031 0/SH E01 01/1 031 0051 0/DOT -hold-Highway-23-meeting-today- Piymouth?odyssey-modlnewswellltextiFRONTPAGEis Written by Sheboygan Press staff Mar. 9, 2011 The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Northeast Region Office will hold an open house today in Plymouth on the Highway 23 Freeway Designation and Corridor Preservation Study between county Highway P and state Highway 32 in Sheboygan County. The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Riverview Middle School cafeteria, 300 Riverside Circle. The me>eting will focus on the section of highway between state highways 67 and 57, north of Plymouth. No construction is currently scheduled as part of this study. A short presentation is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Otherwise, citizens are encouraged to attend at their convenience. Maps and exhibits of the planned improvement alternatives will be on display and state transportation officials will available to answer questions and discuss the project. The purpose of the study is to prepare a long-range plan to upgrade the road from an expressway to a freeway with controlled access, including interchanges and overpasses. Long-range transportation improvements will be designed and officially mapped from county Highway P to the existing freeway section near state Highway 32. The project is expected to conclude by the end of 2012. People can also offer comment on the study by contacting project manager Rob Wagner, at 944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304; or call (920) 492-5983; or by e-mail at Robert.Wagner@dot.wi.gov .
March 10, 2011 Follow the law when merging onto a highway http://www. fdlreporter.com/article/2011 031 O/FON01 01/1 031 00428/Follow-law-when-merging-onto- highway?odyssey=modlnewswellltextiFRONTPAGEis For The Reporter Who has the right-of-way when merging onto a freeway? "As a matter of courtesy and safety, we encourage drivers on multiple lane highways to change lanes if possible or adjust their speed so that merging vehicles can get into the traffic flow quickly," said Sheriff Mick Fink in a news release. 37 "However, drivers merging from a ramp onto a highway should be aware that vehicles on the main freeway have the right- of-way and are not legally required to move over." Fink offered the following lips for merging onto highways smoothly: 0 Enter the freeway from the ramp at or near the speed of freeway traffic. o Use your turn signals. o Do not stop while merging unless absolutely necessary. o Don't try to squeeze into a gap in traffic that won't provide room to react. o If you have to cross several lanes of traffic, cross them one at a time. "Merging onto a highway can be stressful when traffic is heavy and moving rapidly," Fink said. "Drivers trying to merge should pay strict attention to the traffic flow and be prepared to adjust their speed. But don't expect that the drivers on the main freeway will necessarily move over for a merging vehicle."
Kathy Hegerfeld WisDOT Office of Public Affairs Rm. 1 03B Hill Farms Madison, WI (608)261-5895 5 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject GOV Press Thursday, March 10, 2011 9:01 AM GOV Press ICVMI: Walker- Why I'm Fighting in Wisconsin Why I'm Fighting in Wisconsin by Governor Scott Walker- Wall Street Journal http://online. wsj.com/article/SB100014240527487041322045 76190260787805984.html?mod=WSJ Opinion LEADTop In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. Why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective-bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms. Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective-bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher, protects a 0% contribution for health-insurance premiums, and forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state's budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Most states in the country are facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or increases in property taxes-or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total, our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% contribution to their pensions and a 12.6% contribution to their health-insurance premium, both of which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. Our plan calls for Wisconsin state workers to contribute half of what federal employees pay for their health-insurance premiums. (It's also worth noting that most federal workers don't have collective bargaining for wages and benefits.) For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his family's health-insurance premium and a modest 401(k) contribution. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. 32 The unions say they are ready to accept concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health-insurance contributions. Their rhetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools-as well as state and local governments-the tools to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high-performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget-repair bill will help put similar reforms into place in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger State's hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing across America. Our budget- repair bill is a commitment to the future so our children won't face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded-not laid off. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, to make government work for each of them .. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. 33 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: DWD MB Communications Office Thursday, March 10, 201110:27 AM Barroilhet, Dan - DWD; Bartol, Fred - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Beckett, Laura L- DWD; Berge, Sharon - DWD; Bernstein, Howard I - DWD; Black-Radloff, Rita - DWD; Bolles, John - DWD; Brockmiller, William - DWD; Crary, Cathy- DWD; Denis, Gary J - DWD; Dipko, John A- DWD; Falk, Elizabeth C - DWD; Fosdick, Anna - DWD; Gerrits, Karen - DWD; Grant, Ken G - DWD; Grosso, Eric- DWD; Hodek, Scott A- DWD; Holt, Deb - DWD; Jones, Richard - DWD; Kikkert, Becky- GOV; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV; Lingard, Sue - DWD; Maxwell, Georgia E - DWD; McDonald, Scott- DWD; Michels, Thomas A - DWD; Morgan, Karen P - DWD; Natera, Ramon V - DWD; OBrien, Christopher D - DWD; O'Brien, Pamela- DWD; Perez, Manuel- DWD; Phillips, Amelia- DWD; Preysz, Linda- DWD; Reid, Andrea - DWD; Reynolds, Dianne - DWD; Richard, JoAnna - DWD; Rodgers- Rhyme, Anne M - DWD; Sachse, Jeff A- DWD; Schmalle, Verlynn C - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Shutes, David L - DWD; Solomon, Brian - DWD; Spurlin, Dennis A - DWD; Thompson, Heather- DWD; Udalova, Victoria M - DWD; Vue, Mai Zong - DCF; Weber, Sue- DWD; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Westbury, John R- DWD; Westfall, Grant - DWD; Williamson, Linda - DWD; Winters, Dennis K- DWD; Wisnewski, Jerry- DWD; Wolfe, Brian M - DWD; Wurl, Mark W - DWD Articles from CustomScoop, Thursday 3.10.11 http://www.nytimes.com/2011103/10/us/pollticsllOrepublicans.html? r=l&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha24&pagewanted=orlnt Amid Battle to Cut Spending, Republicans Turn Spotlight to Jobs By CARL HULSE, March 9, 2011 WASHINGTON- Under fire for focusing heavily on cutting spending rather than stimulating job creation, House Republicans are taking new steps to emphasize their efforts to spur hiring, including a jobs forum with business leaders to be held in the Capitol next week. 'We have been about cutting and growing since Day 1 ," Representative Eric Cantor, the Virginia Republican and majority leader, said. "This is the growth end." http://www .jsonli ne.com/business/117712228. htm I Military contracts march into state Wisconsin now ranks 16th per capita By Rick Barrett of the Journal Sentinel March 10, 2011 IC29l Comments From boots to burgers, Wisconsin companies are getting a bigger share of Department of Defense spending. Wisconsin has risen from 48th three years ago to 16th per capita in bringing home Pentagon dollars, according to 2010 data compiled by the Wisconsin Procurement Institute in Milwaukee. Largely driving the increase has been Wisconsin's prominence as a manufacturing state- it leads the nation in manufacturing as a proportion of the state's economy. http: //host. madison .com/wsj/busi ness/article ff7f814c-4a 7 c-11e0-8f83-001cc4c03286. htm l?ori nt-1 Five state firms make list of most admired JUDY NEWMAN I jnewman@madison.com 1608-252-61561 Posted: Wednesday, March 9, 201112:40 pm Five Wisconsin companies are among the most admired in their industries, according to Fortune magazine. They are: Northwestern Mutual and Manpower, both of Milwaukee, both ranked No. 1 in their respective fields; Bemis, Neenah, ranked second; and Kohl's Corp., Menomonee Falls, and Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, each taking fourth place. 25 Clip Report I wanted to draw your attention to these articles that appeared in my CustomScoop online news result report. State jobless rate dips in January. Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) 91575 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:47AM Keywords: DWD (1),Jobless (1),workforce development (1) Abstract: ... State jobless rate dips in January Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to Improve, nudging down to 7.4 percent In .. Article also appeared: Wausau Daily Herald WIFC, Wausau WUWM, Milwaukee WQOW, Eau Claire WJFW-TV, Rhinelander Milwaukee Dail Re orter The Daily Cardinal, Madison WBAY, Green Bay WDJT, Milwaukee WSAU, Wausau WISN, Milwaukee WXOW, La Crosse Byline: FRANCESCA LEVYAP Business Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:22 AM Keywords: Unemploymentlnsurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Racine Journal Times WAOW, Wausau Eau Claire Leader Telegram WISC-TV, Madison WIZD-FM Abstract: ... of the government's report on new applicationS for unemployment benefits and lingering worries about unrest in Libya and its Impact on oil prices. Analysts expect ... Article also appeared: WFRV-TV, Green Ba plilnnillg .for mass flu abselltes Source: Oconto County Recorder (WI) 3500 Indexed At: 03/10/20114:19 AM Keywords: Worker's Compensation (1) Abstract: ... employees fall ill, said Michele Anderson, manager of workers compensation and well ness with Integrys in Green Bay. 11 While the first plan was specific to avian ... EditC>rial: Engaging studentsstillis needed. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) 56300 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 3:21AM Keywords: Wisconsin Covenant (3) Abstract: ... prepares for ... - 8:41am The legacy of the Wisconsin Covenant may be as much about helping students develop aspirations for college as it Is about ... corisoi-t:ium to launch job training initiative Byline: Thomas Content Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 Indexed At: 03/09/201111:50 PM Keywords: workforce development (1) Abstract: ... Friday. The grant from the state Department of Workforce Development is Intended to help train employees for careers in a variety of areas, from switches ... study says Hiring to Increase. Northwoods Business Hiring 03/09/2011 26 : ... Keywords: workforce development (2) Abstract: ... and wholesale and retaii.According to the Department of Workforce Development, In the state of Wisconsin the private sector added 10,100 jobs in January, while ... In Re1rub!ical1s exRioring new <, >.: :_- - Source: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/09/2011 7:39 PM _ Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (9) Abstract: ... cut collective bargaining rights for public employees. Wednesday, Governor Scott Walker met with Republican senators to talk about how to speed the process and pass budget ... '<>: . _. _,, > _,, .... ' ,.:.::.. .---- :- ._. Gov; Walker comment on numbers _ ._ ... - .......... -......... ,.-.-_._ / Source: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:45 PM Keywords: workforce development (2),Governor Scott Walker (10) Abstract: ... on January jobs numbers MADISON (Press Release)- Governor Scott Walker issued the following statement today regarding the Department of Workforce Development January jobs report: "The Article also appeared: NewsoftheNorth.net benefits < ' --. __ -.. --.- __-' __ - ' . Source: WKBT-TV CBS 8 La Crosse (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:39 PM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (2),Jobless (1) Abstract: .. Dayton approves extended unemployment benefits ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a law keeping Minnesota's jobless ... . ' > > ... '. ' .. .- ... . - - - ,_-, . ' ... .. _ -: \ -... ' --.-.- __ ----. __ Private sector added 10,100 jobs in _' , __ .. .. _ . .. _ .______ _-._-, -_- _: -_._.. _. Byline: John Schmid I Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 Indexed At: 03/09/2011 3:50 PM Keywords: Manny Perez (4) Abstract: ... on the mend/' Depc,3rtment of Workforce Development Secretary Manny Perez said in Wednesday's announcement. 11 0ur online job site lists more than 27,000 job postings as ... veteransJob Fair . -.. -.: ... -- -_ -- ------- ---- > .-_ - - . - ._-. - - - -- - Byline: Melissa Langbehn - bio Source: WAOW-ABC 9-Wausau (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/09/2011 2:22 PM Keywords: Job Center (1) Abstract: . or Dan @ 715 422-5016 at Marathon Co. Job Center, Veterans Employment. ... ---- ------- ------- ------ - -- --- ---- - --- ------ - 27 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Evenson, Tom - GOV Sent: To: Thursday, March 10, 201110:56 AM GOV DL All Staff Subject: Morning News Update 03.10.11 Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for March 10. 2011 News Summary: Senate passes non-appropriation portions of SB 11 on an 18-1 vote. Sen. Schultz votes no. Senate Democrats plan to return today and are discussing ways to overturn the bill passed yesterday. o Senate Clerk Marchant says Senate Republicans followed the law in an e-mail to lawmakers. Governor Walker's column Why I'm Fighting in Wisconsin appears in the Wall Street Journal today. The Capitol was not open to the public at SAM today due to safety concerns. DOA will reopen the Capitol when those concerns have subsided. o Follow updates from DOA here. City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County to seek nearly $250,000 for providing Capitol security. Governor Walker- Television Clips for March 9 Wisconsin's Front Pages: Appleton Post-Crescent Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Green Bay Press Gazette La Crosse Tribune Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oshkosh Northwestern Racine Journal Times Sheboygan Press Stevens Point Journal Wisconsin State Journal Nation/World Why I'm Fighting in Wisconsin by Scott Walker- Wall Street Journal We can avoid mass teacher layoffs and reward our best performers. But we have to act now. Wis. Dems say AWOL lawmakers will return Associated Press- Seattle Times Senate Democratic leader Mark Miller of Monona says Democrats will "join the people of Wisconsin in taking back their government," but he refused to say when. Wisconsin Senate Democrats preparing to return, lawmaker says Washington Post State Sen. Robert Jauch said Thursday that the Democrats are discussing ways to overturn a bill-which would sharply curtail collective-bargaining rights for public employees- that was passed on Wednesday in their absence. 21 Wisconsin Assembly Set to Approve Limits on Union Bargaining New York Times CHICAGO- A bill sharply curtailing collective bargaining rights for government workers in Wisconsin is due for a vote in the State Assembly on Thursday morning, where it is all but sure to pass. The State Senate approved similar legislation Wednesday with only Republican members casting votes; the chamber's Democratic minority, who fiercely oppose the measure, remain out of the state. GOP Ends Union Stalemate Wall Street Journal Republican senators in Wisconsin Wednesday night maneuvered around Democrats to pass legislation stripping public employees' unions of collective-bargaining rights, setting the stage for other states to pursue similar steps in one of the broadest challenges to organized labor in decades. Badgers vs. Gophers Wall Street Journal A political lesson in the Upper Midwest. In Wisconsin, GOP maneuver pushes anti-union bill forward Los Angeles Times Senate Republicans in Wisconsin used a surprise legislative maneuver to advance a bill that would strip collective bargaining rights from most public sector workers, a move accomplished without the presence of 14 Democratic senators who fled the state to stall the measure. Did Walker Win? The Daily Caller Wisconsin's Senate has passed the union restrictions proposed by Gov. Walker, using a procedural maneuver that allowed a simple majority to approve the measure after the parts dealing with appropriations were stripped out. State Agricultural Leaders Split on Walker's Efforts Wisconsin Ag Connection The leader of another Wisconsin farm organization says he feels Governor Scott Walker is doing the right thing by going down the 'path to fiscal responsibility' with his plan to strip collective bargaining rights from most state workers, while slashing many government programs. In a letter this week to Gov. Walker, Dairy Business Association President Jerry Meissner said farmers know what it's like to make difficult spending cuts while times are tough. Milwaukee Wisconsin's fire-eaters Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The governor and Legislature seem to believe that they can save the house by burning it down. Legal Challenge likely over short notice Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Senate clerk says GOP lawmakers followed rules. Citv, county to seek nearly $250,000 for providing Capitol security Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Law enforcement agencies statewide have begun to tally how much in pay, overtime and expenses their officers rang up while providing security at the state Capitol during three weeks of protests. Demonstrators crowd Capitol in wild scene after Senate vote 22 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Protesters took back control of the Capitol on Wednesday night after Senate Republicans passed a bill curtailing most collective bargaining rights for public employees. Madison Budget repair bill would have little immediate effect on unions in Dane County Wisconsin State Journal Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, now poised to clear the Legislature, would have little effect on Madison and Dane County's union employees, who have wage and benefit deals locked through 2012 and 2014 respectively. Madison police won't remove people from Capitol without order from Chief Wray The Capitol Times 9:30a.m.-- Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said city officers will go into the Capitol if asked to assist but will not physically remove people without an order from Chief Noble Wray. Budget repair bill passes Senate, Thursday vote set in Assembly Wisconsin State Journal In a surprise move late Wednesday, Senate Republicans used a series of parliamentary maneuvers to overcome a three- week stalemate with Democrats and pass an amended version of the governor's controversial budget repair bill. Thousands storm Capitol as GOP takes action Wisconsin State Journal Thousands of protesters rushed to the state Capitol Wednesday night, forcing their way through doors, crawling through windows and jamming corridors, as word spread of hastily called votes on Gov. Scott Walker's controversial bill limiting collective bargaining rights for public workers. Boycott of businesses that supported Walker gains steam on Facebook Wisconsin State Journal About halfway down a Face book page devoted to organizing boycotts of companies associated with deep-pocket political contributors to Gov. Scott Walker, there was this sobering comment: Senate approves Walker reform proposals Wisconsin Reporter MADISON - Senate Republicans on Wednesday moved ahead with an amended version of Gov. Scott Walker's budget adjustment proposal, even as their Democratic colleagues remained in Illinois. Reactions to Wisconsin Senate vote on union rights Janesville Gazette Gov. Scott Walker: "The Senate Democrats have had three weeks to debate this bill and were offered repeated opportunities to come home, which they refused. In order to move the state forward, I applaud the Legislature's action today to stand up to the status quo and take a step in the right direction to balance the budget and reform government." Green Bay/ Appleton Editorial: Budget's reading provisions at odds Appleton Post-Crescent Included in Gov. Scott Walker's proposed biennial budget- in addition to the massive school funding cuts- are provisions he's calling "tools" to help them solve their financial woes. Wisconsin GOP bypasses Dems, cuts collective bargaining 23 Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON- The opening of the Wisconsin state Capitol has been delayed as police do a security review. Board has 'concerns' over Walker budget Sheboygan Press The Sheboygan Area School District is sending a letter to Gov. Scott Walker expressing "concerns" over the effect his budget proposals will have on the district. Editorial: Concessions on voter ID bill appreciated Green Bay Press-Gazette It's inevitable Wisconsin voters will have to show photo identification at the polls next year under a bill awaiting final passage when the 14 missing state Democratic senators return to work. La Crosse/Eau Claire Area lawmakers react to surprise vote La Crosse Tribune It's disgraceful. ... This is not even a Legislature I recognize .... This is not the Wisconsin I love, the legislative process that I am proud to be a member of. The citizens of this state deserve better." - state Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse Madison impasse shows partisan failure Editorial- La Crosse Tribune Common sense has just taken a hairpin turn toward insanity, and we're all along for the ride. 24 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV ~ 201111:43 AM ---Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV Great story from MJS This is a great take home message for today, my advice is to continue to focus on this today. Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions - 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote.on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. 19 "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/117742353.html Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov www. walker. wi.qov 20 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Ken Harwood Editor <editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com> Thursday, March 10, 201110:56 AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: WDN -Week of 03.03.11 to 03.10.11 Wisconsin Development News IQ1 t..=.if3/10/2011 Volume 4- Issue 10- Circulation 5,000- Week of 03.03.11 to 03.10.11 Online at WisconslnDeveiooment.com - Mabie Apo - Searchable at Search WDN - Edited and compiled by Ken Harwood "New" WON Tool Box- Links you can use everyday to help you and Wisconsin grow! Wisconsin Eye Live! IQ1 Clfwisconsin- Watch the assembly session LIVE NOW ... Budget standoff moves to the Assembly IQ1 . ~ i s c o n s i n - 3/10/2011 A new standoff is shaping up at the Capitol Thursday, as protesters inside sit in front of the doors to the state Assembly and Gov. Scott Walker's administration has closed the building to the public ... Republicans pass bill to revoke collective bargaining IQ1 t..=.if3/10/2011 Republicans in a hastily called state legislative conference committee approved a resolution Wednesday night to revoke the collective bargaining rights for thousands of public employees in Wisconsin, leaving Democrats and thousands of screaming protesters outside the Capitol to cry foul ... OPINION: Crisis in Dairyland has changed Wisconsin brand, and not in a good way IQ1 L.:::JIWisconsin- 3/9/2011 In California on business two weeks ago, Milwaukee entrepreneur Kelly Fitzsimmons was surprised by how many people were fixated on her home state ... Ken Notes: Way too soon to know the brand yet. The fact is we do not know what the "brand" is. I suggested this: We value our taxpayers, our oublic servants. and our employers. We are Open for Business and we will begin by'showing you we can get things done in Wisconsin. We also have the tools for you to get things done in Wisconsin. We believe that jobs are imoortant in Wisconsin. You bring us those jobs and we will give your children the best education in the world, we will orovide you the best health care available, and ... Channel 3000 Capitol Webcam ... 5 Findorff - Character Community Craftsmanship ~ Findorff, builders of Madison's finest projects and Milwaukee read below! Local governments may turn to referendums to maintain service levels ~ EJI\rvisconsin - 3/9/2011 With Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget cutting local aid and capping property taxes, and union contracts set, local officials may have to ask voters for money to maintain police, garbage pickup and other services ... Ken Notes: I think we will see other creative options requiring less public input, watch for "utilities" to cover many expenses and free up money in the general budget. Storm Water, Public Safety, Recycling, Transportation, Social Services ... Madison faces $11 million cut in state aid and a budget hole ~ L.:::;!Madison- 3/9/2011 The city of Madison would take a cut of about $11 million in state aid next year, a more severe loss than nearly any other city under Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget, according to city estimates released Friday. The roughly 20 percent loss in state money would leave the city with a $8.5 million hole in its 2012 budget even if it raises taxes as much as it is allowed ... Ken Notes: 11 million out of 2SO million is the more accurate comparison here, or 4.4%. If salaries are about 80% of the 250, a 5.S% employee participation pacltage covers everything with no layoffs. Not perfect but not as bad as others suggest ... KELLER,INC.PLANNERS,ARCHITECTS,BUILDERS IFxlil L.':::::Jht27/2010 Walker wants to increase tourism marketing budget IFxlil L.':::JfMadison - 3/7/2011 Gov. Scott Walker has proposed controversial plans to reduce aid to local governments and schools, but his vision for the states tourism industry drew a welcome response Monday .... OPINION: Create panel to find long-term solutions ~ EJI\rvisconsin - 3/9/2011 Dear Editor: I believe the governor or the Wisconsin Senate should amend the budget repair bill to accept the public unions fiscal concessions and drop the provision to strip public employee unions their collective bargaining rights. In addition, a bipartisan working group should be established and charged to find long- term solutions to addressing states fiscal issues and public employee policies .... Ken Notes: I agree, but we have tried this in the past and right now there is no such thing as bipartisanship. But I would love to try one more time. 6 MSA Professional Services Wisconsin's unemployment rate falls again IGi1l . t..:::JIW,sconsm - 3/10/2011 W1sconsms seasonally adJusted unemployment rate fell a gam In January to 7.4 percent from 7.5 percent in December, the state Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced today. The total number of jobs in Wisconsin Increased by 6,200 seasonally adjusted ... Back in business, Bavaria Sausage store reopens after fire IGi1l L.:::...fMadlson Area - 3/9/2011 Unfortunately for Judy Cottrell, none of the endless supply of air fresheners out there come in the scent of Old World sausage ... Ken Notes: Welcome Back!!! Telemark Resort sale worked out IGi1l L.':::J!Cable - 3/8/2011 Skiers are still thawing out from the coldest American Blrkebeiner ever, but there's good news coming from northern Wisconsin. Telemark Partners announced Tuesday a deal to keep the world famous Telemark Resort in Cable open ... Ken Notes: Excellent. Coldwell Banker Success Proposal would stack MATC board with 'business persons' IGi1l t.=Jh-ech System - 3/4/2011 Sen. Glenn Grothman is hoping to introduce legislation that would guarantee those from the private sector have a much stronger voice in how the state's 16 Wisconsin Technical College System districts operate .... Faculty, Martin discuss future of UW IGi1l I...'::::.JIUw Madison - 3/8/2011 Some faculty on campus are more willing than others to hitch UW-Madlson's future to a new public authority model spelled out for Wisconsin's flagship institution in Gov. Scott Walker's proposed 2011-13 biennial budget ... Campus Connection: Setting the record straight IGi1l L::::Jf3/9/2011 Catching up on a couple higher education-related Items ... 7 Ken Notes: Lots of data here . Facing cuts in state aid, MATC officials wonder how they'll pay to operate new buildings rrxl1 L.::JfMadlson Area - 3/3/2011 With a proposed 30 percent cut In state aid and no ability to raise property taxes, Madison Area Technical College officials are worried about how they will be able to afford to operate the slate of new buildings that voters approved In November ... Ken Notes: Too bad we can not restructure the entire tax system to place a per student dollar amount into the system based on a percentage income tax. Jobs up, revenues up, aid up. Property tax for brick and mortar is one thing, but for the students it is tough .. Wisconsin Builders Exchange Commercial Construction Leads- Click for a free trial ... Executive Q&A: A down housing market? He still gets it done rrxl1 l':::J!Wisconsin - 3/9/2011 For the past 18 years, Greg Schaffer has dedicated his sales career to serving the building industry, and this year, the builders returned the favor. Schaffer, who oversees contract sales for Madison- based American 1\1/Kennedy Hahn Appliance, was named Associate of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders ... OPION: Road builders to see quick return on donations to Walker [@lisconsin- 3/9/2011 Anyone who followed Gov. Scott Walkers election campaign last fall was aware that Wisconslns road builders were at the top of the list of his contributors ... Ken Notes: ROI Really???, Walker never hid his commitment to infrastructure, and Doyle never hid his commitment to social and environmental concerns. Both are valid and good positions that led to contributions. Coakley Brothers Highest standard in the moving industry - Milwaukee - Madison - Nationwide VIDEO - Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type rrxl1 l':::J!Wtsconsm- 3/6/2011 VIDEO- The Wtsconsm Poltttcal story. Wntten 1n 2000 as a chtldren's book. Soon to be a major production at the Overture Center ... This link may work better Ken Notes: I used to read this to my grandchildren, how was I to know how prophetic it would become. I hope regardless of your position you get a smile from this. As for me I am the duck! ... Home prices: The double-dip is near 8
L.::Jl'National - 3/9/2011 That big sucking sound you heard last week? That was the air being taken out of the housing market by a slew of bad reports followed by some dire predictions by an industry bubble-spotter .... Ken Notes: This is not good ... Emmons Business Interiors OPINION: Need long-term budget plan, not a quick fix
3/10/2011 Gov. Scott Walker's rush to fix the budget reminds me of an obese person who tries to lose 100 pounds in a month. While the goal of weight loss may be admirable, the haste may be counterproductive, even dangerous ... Ken Notes: I do not agree with the Walker comments, but a long term solution would be great. That said, I have sat on a number of the committees that offered sensible solutions in the past and they receive little or no interest from the legislative body much less the governor. Energy programs get Walker ax . - 3/4/2011 If you like burning fossil fuels - hey, aren't those Koch brothers in the pipeline business? - then you'll love Gov. Walker's proposed budget ... Ken Notes: Mike, Mike, Mike, we need the energy efficiency, you and I have both written about it, but departments, mandates and rulesdon't get the job done. lets look at Focus On Energy, MGE, WE, new tech, greener builds, cost efficiencies, marketing. These are the tools that get the job done. Fun read though. Let's write a ying/yang piece on this. Madison Gas and Electric Collection of Frank Lloyd Wright estate photos will stay together in sale to historical society
- 3/9/2011 More than 10 but fewer than 15 years ago, antique dealer Judy Eggleston bought a big . brown envelope at a household auction somewhere between Portage and Spring Green ... OPINION: Walker's putting states light under a bushel . - 3/9/2011 One of the strains running through Americas history is that we are an exceptional nation. Folks even invoke a sort of divine mandate, describing the U.S. in biblical terms like being a city on a hill, shining as a beacon to the world ... Ken Notes: Again a little strong, but the visualization is great! I might add that we in Wisconsin have done a little too much gleaning of the harvest when it comes to spending. ----When you reap the 9 harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). Common Area Services Five state firms make list of most admired fGl1 ~ i s c o n s i n - 3/9/2011 Five Wisconsin companies are among the most admired in their industries, according to Fortune magazine. They are: Northwestern Mutual and Manpower, both of Milwaukee, both ranked No. 1 in their respective fields; Bemis, Neenah, ranked second; and Kohls Corp., Menomonee Falls, and Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, each taking fourth place.... Dane County home, condo listings down from a year ago fGl1 L::lfMadison - 3/10/2011 Here's some potentially good news for home sellers. Compared to last year, active listings in Dane County for single-family homes and especially condos have seen sizeable decreases, according to the latest month-end data from the South Central Wisconsin MLS ... Eco-Fusion Design (New Info For Professionals) Please click for special message for Developers Builders Architects ... TomoTherapy to be sold to California company fGl1 L:::J!Madison- 3/7/2011 TomoTherapy is likely to keep making its radiation therapy machines in Madison even after Accuray buys the company, but there could be other staff cuts, the head of the Sunnyvale, Calif., company hinted Monday ... Ken Notes: Lets hope we keep these jobs. TomoTherapy sale costs Madison another HQ fGl1 L::lfMadison- 3/9/2011 Once the darling of the Madison area high-tech scene, TomoTherapy has been sold to a Silicon Valley-based company in a deal both firms say will help them in the competitive medical devices space ... Ken Notes: We do need to work with WARF to keep jobs and income in the state, but this is not a bad partnership. Biddy give Accuray a call and invite them to a game lets say the Rosebowl. OPINION: Recovery needs decent union jobs fGl1 . l.':::J!Wisconsin- 3/9/2011 Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is wrong. The way to fix his states fiscal crisis isnt by destroying public sector unions and the half-century tradition of collective bargaining among teachers and state employees ... 10 Ken Notes: We need jobs period!! SAA Design Group New name same excellence ... Right now, state has Team W, Team U and Team D; I am on Team J ~ L.::::JIWisconsin - 3/8/2011 In 20 years of public service as a school board member, full-time mayor and city alderman, I have negotiated dozens of public service contracts for hundreds of employees. I have been seated across from the head of the teachers union In a gymnasium full of angry teachers worried about benefits. I have been seated in the same gymnasium full of angry constituents worried about property tax rates. My police union sent five negotiators, all In full dress uniform, wearing guns, while the state capped my spending and cut my funding. My firefighters suggested that without a full contingent of 14 firefighters on duty 24/7, people would die, but exceptions could be made for holidays and deer hunting season. My public works guys didn't negotiate at the table, but they did fill every driveway opening in the city with six feet of snow once .... Ken Notes: My article from Capital Region Business Journal. I would love to lead a discussion on this for your Rotary or City Council, if you promise to leave your guns at home ... Overture Center ~ L':::JfMadison - 3/9/2011 Overture Center for the Arts is the major performing arts venue for Madison. The $205 million structure, designed by famous architect Cesar Pelli, opened in September 2004 after eight years of planning and construction. Planning for Overture Center kicked off In 1998 with a $50 million donation from philanthropist Jerry Frautschi ... Ken Notes: No story here but great overview ... For every new home built in Dane County, nearly three go into foreclosure, study finds ~ L::::J!Madison- 3/9/2011 ... Last year, when there were a record 1,768 new foreclosure filings, there were almost three foreclosures for every new house ... Ken Notes: We need to fix this .. Boycott of businesses that supported Walker gains steam on Facebook ~ L':::Jfwisconsin - 3/9/2011 About halfway down a Facebook page devoted to organizing boycotts of companies associated with deep-pocket political contributors to Gov. Scott Walker, there was this sobering comment: "I don't think I can be part of this anymore," wrote Mary Possin, a small-business owner in Monona. Possin said she couldn't support the page's directions that consumers not buy products from businesses including Johnsonville Sausage, Sargento, Menards and M&I Bank... Reflections on the protests at the Capitol ~ L.::::JIWisconsin- 3/9/2011 With all of the hype and media frenzy surrounding the protests at the state Capitol the 11 past two weeks, it can be easy to overlook the human element ... Officials try to get word out about Alpine Business Park . t..:::Jlbregon -Village of Oregon officials are considering ways to increase the visibility of the Alpine Business Park in hopes of stirring some activity there ... Stoughton Trailers gaining momentum
L'::::Jb/10/2011 Kept busy by customers replacing aging equipment, Stoughton Trailers has been adding about 15- 20 employees a week for the past few months at Its plants in Stoughton and Brodhead. The market is getting better, said Keith Wise, company spokesman. Its not growing but were hopeful that eventually the economy will turn around .... Soccer club, not city of Glendale, to buy Bavarian Inn
l':::J!Giendale- 3/9/2011 The Bavarian Soccer Club plans to buy a 14-acre property that Includes Glendale's Bavarian Inn restaurant, leading the City of Glendale to drop a similar purchase plan, says City Administrator Richard Maslowski ... Von Maur department store to anchor major Brookfield retail center
l..':::...iBrookfield - 3/7/2011 A $30 million Von Maur department store would anchor a planned retail center in the Town of Brookfield, marking the Iowa-based chains first store in Wisconsin ... El Rey getting $500,000 MEDC loan for Sentry store conversion
- 3/10/2011 El Rey Properties is getting a $500,000 loan from Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. to help finance the conversion of a Sentry food store into an El Rey market ... Mandel's Shorewood project to cost $32 million, include affordable units
L:::'Jfshorewood - 3/9/2011 Mandel Group Inc.'s apartment and retail project proposed for Shorewood will amount to a $32 million investment, and will include units set aside for moderate-income renters ... . Marcus Corp.'s Brookfield project will be a smaller version of Bayshore rr;;J1, A 150,000-square-foot, three-level Von Maur department store will anchor a retail and office space development that Marcus Corp. plans to build at the former West Point Cinema and Menards store sites southwest of Blue Mound Road and Barker Road in the Town of Brookfield. The West Point Plaza strip mall will also be torn down to make way for the project ... 12 Bentley World Packaging plans large airport-area facility, seeks city loan ~ EJb/9/2011 Bentley World Packaging Ltd. plans to consolidate some packaging, assembly and distribution operations at a building near Mitchell International Airport, and is seeking a $195,000 loan from the City of Milwaukee to help finance the $2 million project ... Corix to move from Third Ward to Wauwatosa ~ L.:::J!MilwaukeefWauwatosa - Corix Utilities/Infrastructure Inc. will move its headquarters from the Warehouse #1 building at 126 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee, to a building at 11020 W. Plank Ct. Wauwatosa ... The FutureWisconsin Project Every Community- Every Property- Every Professional KABA buys downtown Kenosha building, Jockey to occupy retail space 1[:;11, L.'::::...ifKenosha- 3/9/2011 The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) today announced it has purchased a 14,300- square-foot building at 5500 Sixth Ave. in downtown Kenosha. The 90-year-old building has been vacant for more than a decade ... Von Maur project architect designed Bayshore, other town centers 1[:;11, ElfBrookfield- 3/7/2011 The planned $100 million Town of Brookfield retail center featuring a Von Maur department store will be designed by a Baltimore firm that has done several town center-style developments ... Wispark plans to develop Delphi, lakefront sites in Oak Creek 1[:;11, Elfoak Creek- 3/9/2011 Wispark LLC, the real estate development division of Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Energy Corp., plans to acquire and develop two key sites in Oak Creek: the former Delphi property and the former Peter Cooper property on the lakefront ... Former Home Juice building could be converted to offices 1[:;11, EJ!West Allis - 3/8/2011 A vacant building that formerly housed the now-defunct Home Juice Co. would be expanded and converted Into office space, according to a proposal pending before the West Allis Community Development Authority... Park East Commons project gets more time to seek financing 1[:;11, L.:::JIM1Iwaukee - 3/7/2011 The owner of the only Park East parcel that Milwaukee County has so far been able to sell will again be granted more time to finance a proposed development ... 13 Buyer of Sheboygan's Blue Harbor Resort gets city approval for lease rru L:::J!Sheboygan- 3/7/2011 A new lease between the company negotiating to buy Blue Harbor Resort and Conference Center and the Sheybogan Redevelopment Authority was approved Monday night by that city's Common Council ... China promises millions of low-cost homes rru Elfchina- 3/9/2011 China's government will spend nearly $200 billion this year to build 10 million low-cost homes, a Cabinet official said Wednesday, amid efforts to spread the benefits of economic growth to the poor and rein In surging housing prices ... WON Economic Development Toolbox rru Ei1/1/2020 - Ken Notes: A set of links to economic development tools you can use everyday. Capital Region Business Journal rru L.:::J!Madison Area - 6/10/2010 The Capital Region Business Journal, a monthly publication of the Wisconsin State Journal, is your first and best source of business news and information for Dane County and the surrounding area. Every month, we provide business news, interesting features, expert columnists and regional economic indicators that give you an inside look at the trends that are shaping your market ... Ken Notes: This is an excellent resource for the region. Published monthly ... March Capital Region Business Journal rru Elfrnternet Marketing: Word Press a good CMS, but there are others Sales: Trade shows, expos about more than just seiling Papa Bear's BBQ, Madison When it comes to personal branding, Rick Stone says he is an explorer, rebel Unions on high alert as Walker tries to weaken their power Economic Indicators Richmond, Va., exudes Southern charm, elegance and a lot more WSJ: Big money still influencing Judicial elections Tech Views: IceCube project shows the power of exploratory science All players in state economic game should be on Team J For Jobs. There's renewed optimism these days at Stoughton Trailers The Peace Corps is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and area business people say their service changed their lives Jim and Jessica Doyle buy a home in Hawks Ridge Estates Attorney helps make winter activities like skiing accessible to all ... Ken Notes: Great Information! Wisconsin Business Resources- (Got Moo-La) rru EJlWisconsln -The mother-load of information resources for starting and funding a Wisconsin Business. A special thanks to Carl Rainey for compiling this data. Updated weekly! ... 14 Ken Notes: The link is now to the DATCP version which is updated even more often! Great Resource I will keep the link in my "Tool Box" as the swiss army knife of ED in Wisconsin ... New Commercial Property Listings ~ L::Jfll/17/2009 Recent commercial property listings from PropertyDrive. PropertyDrive Commercial Listing Service State of Wisconsin Space Needs ~ L.:::::JIW1sconsin - 10/29/2009 This section allows you to access any of our current space needs and acquire some brief detail regarding each. You'll notice that in addition to posting our current RFPs and RFIS, we are listing other significant needs for which we are seeking space .... Ken Notes: Brokers should check this often ... Wisconsin Real Estate magazine ~ L.:::::JIWisconsin- 6/30/2014 This is a permlnant link to Wisconsin Real Estate magazine it is a monthly publication ... Ken Notes: Thanks to all who suggested this link ... Cirex Wisconsin's Commercial, Investment and Industrial Real Estate Exchange Wisconsin Economic Outlook ~ t...:::..i!Wisconsln -The Wisconsm Economic Outlook provides quarterly and annual forecasts of Income and employment for the state. This report focuses on industry employment, housing trends and income components. The Wisconsin Economic Outlook is prepared by the department's Division of Research and Policy ... Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance ~ t...:::..i!Wisconsm - 3/3/2011 Celebratmg Its 78th year, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WIST AX) Is the state's oldest and most respected private government research organization. Since 1932, It has been promoting better government and an informed citizenry through its publications, public outreach and extensive school programs .... Ken Notes: I read it every month. Economic Recovery Websites 15 ~ l..'::.lfs/28/2009 Treasurv Department Debt to the Penny Link CNN Money Scorecard Government Recoverv Website Wisconsin State Budget Google News Be Bold Wisconsin The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study ~ 1:=.J!Wisconsin- 2/10/2011 Be Bold Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Competitiveness Study, has been developed through a collaborative effort between Deloitte and NKF over the past 6 months. This independent, non-partisan study was commissioned by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), Competitive Wisconsin, Inc. (CWI), and the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA), and was administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute (WED!) .... Will move to tools next week ... Real Estate Transfer Data ~ l..'::Jf9/17/2009 The seller of real e ~ t a t e is required to file a Real Estate Transfer Return (RETR) with the County Register of Deeds when recording deeds of property conveyances. State statutes require those returns to be filed electronically beginning July 1, 2009. Below is a link to the electronically filed Real Estate Transfer data as of July 1st 2009 and forward. The data will be updated on a weekly basis ... Ken Notes: This link is a regular feature of WON ... A database program that is searchable containing four years worth of data ... Ken - Enter any word or phrase (i.e. edgewater or university square) Southeastern Wisconsin 2010 Industrialllllarket Report ~ EllSoutheastern Wisconsin- 2/1/2011 Year-End Statistics & Market Report Published January 2011... BizStarts Resource Center ~ L.:=Jhl/6/2009 Create a vibrant, Innovative and prosperous entrepreneurial business climate, nurtunng, connecting and celebrating entrepreneurs and their companies ... Ken Notes: A valuable resource worth visiting for all businesses in the state. A special thanks for BizStarts for compiling and sharing the resource! ... Wisconsin Economic Development and Business Professionals Data Base 16 [f;l1 EJIWISCONSIN - 9/17/2009 This is a comprehensive data base of all business professionals in development, planning, government, commercial real estate, architecture, construction, and service providers to business. Any professional may enter his or her own business card for free. FutureWisconsin is Wisconsin's own social networking data base to promote new business in the state ... Ken Notes: Network with professionals doing business in the state ... Wisconsin stimulus money tracker [f;l1 . . L:::'Jfwisconsin - 5/14/2009 More than $336 million In federal stimulus money has been allocated to counties, cities, towns and villages in Wisconsin. Of that total, about $124 million has been allocated through the state Department of Transportation for road, bridge and transit projects. And more than $48 million In Housing and Urban Development funds has been allocated ... Ken Notes: Great Resource Card Search The Final Word [f;l1 t..:::JfA single source for all economic development news for Greater Madison, Milwaukee and beyond. Development News, (WDN) is published weekly by Ken Harwood. Available to commercial brokers, developers, financial professionals, community planners, public officials, the press and others who have expressed an interest in Wisconsin development. All stories should link to their original source in the original context. These pages may contain advertising, and I encourage patronage of both our sponsors and the related advertisers and publications I link too. We limit the publication to ten advertisers per week. Advertisers can participate on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. Please email your request to advertise or discontinue your ad to ken@wisconsindevelopment.com. The rates are $50 per week or $150 ( 4 ads) per month or $1,200 (50+ ads) per year. We have also been known to barter. We link to Editorial and Opinion articles each week, this does not suggest we agree with the stance of the author. The "Ken Notes" items are the opinion of our editor. We will include any comments or feedback sent to WDN. Ken also writes a monthly column for Capitol Region Business Journal and other state publications. The focus for WDN is to create a positive view of economic development for Wisconsin. The publication will also feature news from around the state, nation, and world that offers insight to policy, trends, and projects that may be of interest to the reader. Please forward any Information you would like included for consideration. We do our best to include any non advertising stories, press releases, or articles from other sources that you feel would be of interest to the reader. WDN can also host your news stories and press releases online. Please feel free to subscribe your friends and clients to WDN. We continue to develop this newsletter because of the positive feedback we have received In the past and strong encouragement to continue. As always let us know what you think. Ken Kenneth Harwood WisconsinDevelopment.com LLC P.O. Box 930234 Verona, WI 53593-0234 17 where issue=lO and volume=4 or issue>90 This message was sent to Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov from: WisconsinDevelopment.com 1 P.O. Box 930234 1 Verona, WI 53593 Manage Your Subscription I Forward To a Friend View this message in the !Contact Community: flview message UJcomment on this message Ulaeceive as RSS Share this message with others: [#el.iclo.us Qplgg c;lreddit c;ifacebook CktumbleUpon 18 Email Marketing ~ Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Hey Chris & Cullen - Richard Sementa Thursday, March 10, 20111:21 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV MARK LEVIN RADIO TONIGHT? Is Governor Walker available to come on tonight (March 1 0) at either: 6:20, 6:30, 7:20 or 7:30 pm est to discuss the latest on Wisconsin collective bargaining vote & protestors? Thanks in advance! Richard Sementa Executive Producer- The Mark Levin Radio Show Citadel Media 17th Floor I NY, NY 10121 www.marklevinshow.com 4 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Gilkes, Keith - GOV Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:37 PM Werwie, Cullen J - RE: Great story from Excellent story and this is the message to drive tomorrow as well. Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Plan for a letter going out to rescind layoff notices to the unions to be leaked first thing in the morning as well to drive the story all day Friday. From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 201111:43 AM To ; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV Subject: Great story from MJS This is a great take home message for today, my advice is to continue to focus on this today. Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not. be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. 1 The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick Is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. 11 You cant mail in your vote/' he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/117742353.html Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov www. walker. wi.qov 2 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Richard Sementa Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:38 PM To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE: MARK LEVIN RADIO TONIGHT? Hey guys- I just want to make sure you got my e-mail. Please let me know as soon as you can, even if its a no. Thanks! Richard Sementa Executive Producer - The Mark Levin Radio Show Citadel Media 2 Penn Plaza Floor 1 NY, NY 10121 www. marklevinshow.com From: Richard Sementa Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:21 PM To: chris.schrimpf@wi.gov; cullen.werwie@wi.gov Subject: MARK LEVIN RADIO TONIGHT? Hey Chris & Cullen - Is Governor Walker available to come on tonight (March 1 0) at either: 6:20, 6:30, 7:20 or 7:30 pm est to discuss the latest on Wisconsin collective bargaining vote & protestors? Thanks in advance! Richard Sementa Executive Producer- The Mark Levin Radio Show Citadel Media 2 Plaza Floor I NY, NY 10121 www.marklevinshow.com 143 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Eggert, Linda R - DOC Thursday, March 10, 2011 5:17 PM Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV DOC DL Executive Planning; Saunders-Buss, Beth A - DOC; Cobb, David F- DOC; Anacker, Joy L - DOC; Le Monds, Tim J - DOC; Condreay, Lynn M - DOC; Bender, Kailey N - DOC; Waddell, Pamela L- DOC WI DOC MEDIA CONTACTS MEDIA CONTACTS FOR MARCH 10,2011 Racine Journal Times- Asking for comment on the impacts the budget repair bill has on the DOC. Referred to Governor's office. Wisconsin Reporter- Asking for comment on the impacts the budget repair bill has on the DOC. Referred to Governor's office. Fox 11 News (Green Bay)- Asking for comment on the impacts of the ACT 28 repeal. Interview coordinated with Tony Strevelar. The Melrose Chronicle (Jackson County) -Asking for comment on the impacts the budget repair bill has on the DOC. Referred to Governor's office. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bruce Vielmettie- Asking for general information on repeat OWl Inmate James J. Socha. Information provided. Minneapolis Star Tribune- Asking for employment figures and additional information on layoff potential for employees at St. Croix Correctional Center. Employment figure provided, referred the rest of her question to the Governor's office. Wisconsin Public Radio- Asking for someone to speak to about the repeal of ACT 28. Interview being coordinated for tomorrow with Tony Strevelar. Racine Journal Times- Asking for information on a sex offender being released in that area. Response pending. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Waukesha Bureau)- Asking for general information on sex offender residence placement. Information provided. Alex Ebert, Portage Daily Register- Asking for comment on impact of collective bargaining rights issue on DOC. Referred to Governor's Office. From the Department of Corrections: Please c.onsider the environment before printing this message. 142 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:26 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew - LEGIS; Jagler, John - LEGIS; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. 139 Walker said appropriation measures were remove'd from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing _ the missing 14 on what to do. http://www .jsonline.com/blogs/news/1177 42353.html From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 4:56 PM To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Korson, Alex (NBCUniversal) Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608) 267-7303 140 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> [ cid: i mageOOl.jpg @01 CBDF44.08818 FFO] <http://www. face book.com/ pages/Governor -Scott- Walker/175220979161820>[cid:image002.jpg@01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http://twitter.com/govwalker> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 141 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:29 PM To: Subject: Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV RE: Messaging for tomorrow I don't have the answer to that (below)--Chris or Ryan do you? From: Welhouse, Andrew [Andrew.Welhouse@legis.wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 20116:27 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow 1 question 1) We know fed employees don't have cb. How many other states have some regulation? I know it's 20-plus -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:26 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Beyer, Kit; Wei house, Andrew; Jagler, John; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. 136 And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. 137 http://www .jso n I i ne .com/blogs/ news/1177 42 353. htm I From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 20114:56 PM To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Korson, Alex (NBCUniversal) .Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> [cid:image001.jpg@01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http:/ /www.fai::ebook.com/pages/Governor-Scott- Wa Ike r I 175220979161820>[ cid: i mage002. j pg@O 1CB D F44.08818FFO]<http:/ /twitter .com/ govwa I ker> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 138 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:31 PM To: Subject: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Murray, Ryan M - GOV Re: Messaging for tomorrow I believe its 24 that limited it more than we did. 12 who allow it for no one public or private I think -----Original Message ----- From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 201106:29 PM To: Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow I don't have the answer to that (below)--Chris or Ryan do you? From: Welhouse, Andrew [Andrew.Welhouse@legis.wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:27 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow 1 question 1) We know fed employees don't have cb. How many other states have some regulation? I know it's 20-plus -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:26 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Beyer, Kit; Welhouse, Andrew; Jagler, John; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says 133 Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. lfthe bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. 134 "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www .jsonline.com/blogs/news/1177 42353.html From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 20114:56 PM To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John -LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Korson, Alex (NBCUniversal) Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> [ cid: i mage001.j pg @01 CBD F44.08818 FFO]< http://www. face book.com/pages/ Governor -Scott- Wa Ike r /17 5220979161820>[ cid: image002.j pg @01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http:/ /twitter .com/ govwa Ike r> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 135 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:34 PM To: Subject: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Murray, Ryan M - GOV Re: Messaging for tomorrow So we are right in the middle of america now, and our workers have far more rights than federal workers do under president obama -----Original Message----- From:,Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 06:29 PM To: Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow I don't have the answer to that (below)--Chris or Ryan do you? From: Welhouse, Andrew [Andrew.Welhouse@legis,wisconsin,gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:27 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow 1 question 1) We know fed employees don't have cb. How many other states have some regulation? I know it's 20-plus -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J -, GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:26PM To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Beyer, Kit; Welhouse, Andrew; Jagler, John; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: 130 Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assemblytoday will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Severa I times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. 131 He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www .json I i ne .com/blogs/ news/1177 42353. htm I From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 20i14:56 PM To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> (cid:image001.jpg@01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/Governor-Scott- Wa lker /17 5220979161820>[ cid :imageOO 2.jpg@ 0 1CB D F44. 08818FFO ]<http:/ /twitter. com/ govwa Ike r> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 132 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:35 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Beyer, Kit - LEGIS; Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John - LEGIS; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV Subject: Re: Messaging for tomorrow Here's my one sentence summary: saving jobs, protecting taxpayers, reforming government, balancing budget, moving the state forward to focus on jobs, ultimately protecting the middle class -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 06:25 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.!) billion. 127 Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www .json line.com/blogs/news/1177 42353.html From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 20114:56 PM 128 To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Korson, Alex (NBCUniversal) Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> [cid:image001.jpg@01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/Governor-Scott- Wa Ike r I 17 52209 79161820>[ cid :image002.jpg@01CBD F44.08818 F FO]<http:/ /twitter .com/ govwa Ike r> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 129 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:37 PM To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Wei house, Andrew - LEGIS Re: Messaging for tomorrow Agree with that assessment. -----Original Message----- From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Thu Mar 10 18:33:51 2011 Subject: Re: Messaging for tomorrow So we are right in the middle of america now, and our workers have far more rights than federal workers do under president obama -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 06:29 PM To: Wei house, Andrew- LEGIS; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow I don't have the answer to that (below)--Chris or Ryan do you? From:Welhouse, Andrew [Andrew.Welhouse@legis.wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:27 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Messaging for tomorrow 1 question 1) We know fed employees don't have cb. How many other states have some regulation? I know it's 20-plus -----Original Message----- From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:26 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Beyer, Kit; Wei house, Andrew; Jagler, John; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Subject: Messaging for tomorrow Just my two cents for messaging tomorrow. Please share this with your bosses. Don't get bogged down in union/collective bargaining details or philosophy. Pivot into jobs, private sector, fiscal sustainability. Take every answer and use it as an opportunity to sell WI to job creators The goal of all of our media interviews should be two fold: 124 #1 we should try and get stories like the one pasted below #2 we should be using this opportunity to talk directly to job creators all across the nation to let them know Wisconsin is Open for Business. This national media attention should be used to sell our message that fiscal sustainability makes Wisconsin a great place to do business, come here. Make a direct pitch to them. The story below should be the take home message: Passage of reforms will avert layoffs, Walker says Gov. Scott Walker said the reforms passed Wednesday night by the Senate and expected to be approved by the Assembly today will help state and local governments and schools avoid massive layoffs and massive increases in property taxes. The reforms repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions. And under the measure, most school, state and local employees would have to pay half the cost of their pensions- 5.8% of pay for typical state employees- and at least 12% of the cost of their health care premiums. Wages could not be raised by more than inflation each year, unless approved by voters in a referendum. Walker, at a news conference at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center on the state fairgrounds in West Allis, said these reforms put Wisconsin in a better position than many states facing deficits similar to Wisconsin's $3.6 billion. Other states also are cutting billions but have not passed tools that will help local governments, like Wisconsin is doing. In those states, Walker said, citizens will see massive layoffs, massive increases in property taxes or both. Several times during the news conference, Walker said the state's reform measures were aimed at protecting the middle class. Opponents of the measures have said the changes will destroy the middle class in the state. He said the action by the Senate Wednesday night was legal, contrary to claims by opponents, including Democrats and some of the 14 Democratic senators who fled to Illinois in an effort to keep Walker's budget-repair bill from being approved. Walker said appropriation measures were removed from the bill and that allowed the Senate to approve it to get around the requirement that 20 senators vote on the measure. Although the bill contains requirements that employees pay half the cost of their pensions and pay toward health care premiums, Walker said those fiscal items did not require that 20 senators vote. Once Republicans determined it was legal for a vote on a bill containing those measures, Walker said they decided to proceed with it. Walker said the pension and health care measures had to be included because they are the tools school districts and local governments need to avoid layoffs and increases in property taxes. They will create $1.5 billion in savings for local government and schools over two years, Walker said. He said he could not let the budget-repair bill proceed without those measures. The bill is about reform that balances budgets and "protects middle-class taxpayers," Walker said. 125 If the bill is approved today, Walker said he would sign it into law as quickly as legally possible. During the news conference, he also blasted Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona), saying that Miller stood in the way of an agreement being reached. Walker said that Miller had demanded that all of the collective bargaining reforms be stripped from the bill. Asked whether Republicans had pulled a dirty trick by stripping the bill of appropriation items and then approving it, Walker said the dirty trick is what the 14 missing senators have done in the last several weeks. He said that the political arena is not in Rockford, Ill., where some Democratic senators fled. "You can't mail in your vote," he said of the senators. He told voters in those Senate districts to ask why those senators are not in Wisconsin. Those voters also should ask who is calling the shots. Walker suggested it was Miller, Miller's staff or "union leaders from Washington, D.C." instructing the missing 14 on what to do. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/117742353.html From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 4:56 PM To: Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John- LEGIS Subject: Morning Joe This is a fantastic show to do as well, if possible someone should contact alex Korson, Alex (NBCUniversal) Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov<mailto:Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov> [cid:image001.jpg@01CBDF44.08818FFO]<http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/Governor-Scott- Wa Ike r /17 5220979161820> [ cid: image002 .j pg@01 CBD F44.08818FFO]<http:/ /twitter .com/ govwa Ike r> www.walker.wi.gov<http://www.walker.wi.gov/> 126 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Cobntact info for morning joe Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: www. walker. wi.qov Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Friday, March 11, 2011 7:42 AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV FW: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) [mailto:Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:28 AM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe So can you comfirm? And does the Governor have a statement? Robert Gifford Senior Producer MSNBC Too Early" From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 8:26AM To: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) Subject: Re: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe I believe so From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) <Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com> To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thu Feb 24 07:25:00 2011 Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Ok, thanks. Is this report about the state troopers being dispatched to Dem Senators' homes true? 118 Robert Gifford Senior Producer MSNBC & "Way Too Early" Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 8:23 AM To: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) Subject: Re: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Senate democrats are still refusing to vote this isn't a deal with them From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) <Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com> To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thu Feb 24 06:42:34 2011 Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Hi Cullen, We just reported on the news that crossed the AP wire (below), Can you confirm? Or would the Governor be available to comment or offer us a statement? Please let us know. Thanks. And thank you again for helping us get the Governor on the other day. Robert Gifford Senior Producer MSNBC Too Early" BC-US--Wisconsin Budget-Assembly, 124 Wis. Assembly agrees to deal ending debate Eds: APNewsNow. MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republicans and Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly have agreed to a deal that will limit further debate on a bill taking away collective bargaining rights for public workers and lead to a vote on the measure later Thursday. The deal was announced shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday following an unprecedented 40-hour debate that began Tuesday morning with only short breaks in between. 119 Democrats agreed to limit further amendments to just 38 with a 1 0-minute time limit on each one. Ifthey take the maximum time for each, with no breaks, that would put the vote around noon. Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan says democracy is being limited with the agreement and Democrats still plan to strenuously make their arguments over the last hours of debate. (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV 02-24-11 0731EST 120 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: To: Friday, March 11, 2011 7:44AM Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Got it. He's going to close the show as soon as this radio call is done From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Friday,. March 11, 2011 07:42AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: FW: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Cobntact info for morning joe Robert.Giflord@nbcuni.com Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov www. walker. wi.qov From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) [mailto:Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:28 AM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe So can you comfirm? And does the Governor have a statement? Robert Gilford Senior Producer MSNBC From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 8:26 AM To: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) Subject: Re: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe I believe so 115 From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) <Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com> To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thu Feb 24 07:25:00 2011 Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Ok, thanks. Is this report about the state troopers being dispatched to Dem Senators' homes true? Robert Gifford Senior Producer MSNBC From: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 8:23AM To: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) Subject: Re: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Senate democrats are still refusing to vote this isn't a deal with them From: Gifford, Robert (NBCUniversal) <Robert.Gifford@nbcuni.com> To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Thu Feb 24 06:42:34 2011 Subject: RE: Gov. Walker on Morning Joe Hi Cullen, We just reported on the news that crossed the AP wire (below), Can you confirm? Or would the Governor be available to comment or offer us a statement? Please let us know. Thanks. And thank you again for helping us get the Governor on the other day. Robert Gifford Senior Producer MSNBC BC-US--Wisconsin Budget-Assembly,124 Wis. Assembly agrees to deal ending debate Eds: APNewsNow. MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republicans and Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly have agreed to a deal that will limit further debate on a bill taking away collective bargaining rights for public workers 116 and lead to a vote on the measure later Thursday. The deal was announced shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday following an unprecedented 40-hour debate that began Tuesday morning with only short breaks in between. Democrats agreed to limit further amendments to just 38 with a 10-minute time limit on each one.lfthey take the maximum time for each, with no breaks, that would put the vote around noon. Democratic Rep. Mark Paean says democracy is being limited with the agreement and Democrats still plan to strenuously make their arguments over the last hours of debate. (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV 02-24-11 0731EST 117 Downing, Karley - GOV .From: Sent: To: Subject: Miller, Robert- DOT Friday, March 11, 2011 8:54 AM DOT DL EXEC Reader Review Today's Reader Review Bus system, county services threatened Supervisors warn of transit cuts, Family Care changes http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/117780608. html By Steve Schultze of the Journal Sentinel - March 10, 2011 Milwaukee County supervisors Thursday issued a grim fiscal forecast, with major state aid cuts crippling the local bus system and squeezing other programs. The county faces an estimated cut in state shared revenue payments of up to $9 million, a $1.8 million reduction in state money for juvenile corrections and unspecified reductions in aid for health care programs for low-income residents, county lobbyist Roy de Ia Rosa told supervisors. The reductions are included in Gov. Scott Walker's 2011-'13 budget bill, with additional impacts in Walker's separate budget-repair bill intended to keep the current state budget in the black. With tight limits on increases in property taxes, the county should brace for having to cut services, supervisors said. Supervisor Patricia Ju"rsik said unless the county gets a new separate funding source for transit, the county may have to curtail or even eliminate local bus service. "We ought to start planning right now as a board to tell our constituents, 'You are going to Jose your bus system,'" Jursik said. John Ruggini, the county's assistant budget director, said the county would likely be forced to cut back but would not necessarily be forced to shut down bus service. Jursik called him an optimist and said if state support dramatically declines, the County Board would be faced with fighting over which routes get cut. Most of the aid cuts would hit the county harder in .2012 than this year, Ruggini said. Walker's budget proposal to freeze enrollment to those already in the state Family Care could also have a big impact on the county. Low-income senior citizens with dementia who might want to receive in-home services through Family Care could wind up instead at the county's Mental Health Complex, Jursik said. The county has a waiting list of 2,000 for the Family Care program. Supervisor Michael Mayo Sr. said a major state transit aid reduction could force a big increase in fares, to the point that the public couldn't afford to ride the bus. "Once you start messing with our transit system, you might as well say Wisconsin is closed for business," he said, a riff on Walker's business friendly campaign slogan: "Wisconsin is open for business." "Milwaukee County is not going to be the safety net any more," under Walker's budget plans, Mayo said. Action on the budget-repair bill, including increased health and pension contributions by local public employees, was completed Thursday by the Legislature. Walker has said he'll quickly sign the measure, which includes controversial restrictions on collective bargaining for most public employees. The boosts in health and pension contributions called for in the budget-repair bill probably won't help the county much because it has already ordered increases close to the levels called for by the governor, Ruggini said. The County Board and Walker, in his prior role as Milwaukee County executive, ordered employees to 112 pay 4% of their salaries toward pensions in 2011. The budget-repair bill calls for pension contributions averaging 5.8% of salary. The county budget also ordered increases in employee health care costs, but they have not been implemented for most union workers. The budget-repair bill will permit the county to charge all employees 12% of health care premiums. Mayo said the public was now discovering that the County Board limited the deep cuts sought by Walker during his eight years as executive .
Racine Journal Times- Editorial Killing KRM won't help economy http://www. journaltimes. com/news/opinion/editorial/article Ocefbbc4-4b8d-11 e0-9313-001 cc4c03286. html March 11,2011 Although the current Wisconsin Legislature has applauded itself for bolstering the state economy, legislators are on track to kill one important tool of future job creation: Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail. Senate Bill 25, introduced at the end of February, would eliminate the regional transit authorities allowed under the current biennial budget. This includes not only the RTA for Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties but also the Dane County, Chippewa Valley and Chequamagon Bay authorities. Although commuter rail has been the primary point of debate in this part of the state for more than a decade, transit authorities were intended to oversee more than rail. They were intended to also coordinate bus service so that there would be a seamless public transportation system. KRM would operate independent trains connecting in Kenosha with the Metra trains serving Chicago land, and this would open new opportunities to people along the Lake Michigan shore. That is why business leaders liked the proposal. Business management would be able to draw talent from the Chicago-Kenosha-Racine- Milwaukee urban area; workers would have a greater pool of jobs; rail transit would transform stressful commutes into productive time. People already cross the state border for jobs. Adding train service would simply make movement easier and more efficient. One of the more obtuse comments made about KRM recently is that this part of the state does not have the population to support commuter rail. Evidence from existing train service does not support that idea. Amtrak's Hiawatha line, which runs six trains a day between Milwaukee and Chicago with a stop in Sturtevant, posted another year of record use in fiscal year 2010. More than 780,000 people stepped aboard to create a 6.1 percent increase in use from the previous year. SB-25 also continues the long tradition of people in government being unable to restrain themselves from telling everyone else what to do. Rather than allow the citizens of this or any other area to make their own decisions about transit, legislators would take away the choice and impose their notions in place of the solution that had been worked out over several years. What really hurts is that this decision is more than a liberal versus conservative issue; it's a business decision. Providing good rail service, like providing good roads and airports, is simply good for business. People need to move, and giving them the ability to move in the most efficient way helps the economy even without the prospect of gasoline at $4 a gallon. Legislators should take to heart the nostrum that government should run like business. No business can succeed by cutting everything. There is a need for wise investment. For southeastern Wisconsin, commuter rail is wise. 113 Rob Miller WisDOT Office of Public Affairs Hill Farms State Transportation Building 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 103B P.O. Box 7910 Madison, WI 53707"7910 voice: (608) 266-2405 fax: (608) 266-7186 email: robert.miller@dot.wi.gov 3 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: DWD MB Communications Office Friday, March 11, 2011 9:15AM Barroilhet, Dan - DWD; Bartol, Fred - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Beckett, Laura L - DWD; Berge, Sharon - DWD; Bernstein, Howard I- DWD; Black-Radloff, Rita - DWD; Bolles, John - DWD; Brockmiller, William - DWD; Crary, Cathy- DWD; Denis, Gary J - DWD; Dipko, John A- DWD; Falk, Elizabeth C - DWD; Fosdick, Anna - DWD; Gerrits, Karen - DWD; Grant, Ken G - DWD; Grosso, Eric - DWD; Hodek, Scott A- DWD; Holt, Deb - DWD; Jones, Richard - DWD; Kikkert, Becky - GOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Lingard, Sue - DWD; Maxwell, Georgia E - DWD; McDonald, Scott - DWD; Michels, Thomas A - DWD; Morgan, Karen P - DWD; Natera, Ramon V - DWD; OBrien, Christopher D - DWD; O'Brien, Pamela - DWD; Perez, Manuel - DWD; Phillips, Amelia - DWD; Preysz, Linda - DWD; Reid, Andrea - DWD; Reynolds, Dianne - DWD; Richard, JoAnna - DWD; Rodgers- Rhyme, Anne M - DWD; Sachse, Jeff A- DWD; Schmalle, Verlynn C - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Shutes, David L- DWD; Solomon, Brian - DWD; Spurlin, Dennis A- DWD; Thompson, Heather - DWD; Udalova, Victoria M - DWD; Vue, Mai Zong - DCF; Weber, Sue - DWD; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Westbury, John R- DWD; Westfall, Grant - DWD; Williamson, Linda - DWD; Winters, Dennis K- DWD; Wisnewski, Jerry- DWD; Wolfe, Brian M - DWD; Wurl, Mark W- DWD Articles from CustomScoop, Friday 3.1Lll CustomScoop Clip Report I wanted to draw your attention to these articles that appeared in my CustomScoop online news result report. Source: Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (WI) 13895 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 8:06 AM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Abstract: ,, portion of that loss will be offset by unemployment benefits. That will mean a lot fewer trips Out to eat or shopping, and fewer ... Capitol chaos: Walker Could Sign Collective Barqaiillnq Bill Today Source: Milwaukee WTMJ (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/11/2011 6:49AM . Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (6) Abstract: ., -The battle in the state legislature over Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill has subsided, as the Governor could sign it and make it ... Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) 56300 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 6:02AM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Abstract: ,. budget:,.- 11:00 pm The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week. But the rise comes after applications hit their lowest level in nearly ,. Article also appeared: 108 ' . WKOW-TV, Madison Oshkosh Northwestern WKBT, La Crosse Janesville Gazette WISC-TV, Madison WAOW, Wausau WHBL WISN, Milwaukee WITI-TV, Milwaukee Stocks o!2elllower as ullelllRIQ)lmentdaimsHse ...... - --- .. _. '- _. . ....... _-... .... -. Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WI) 52000 Indexed At: 03/11/20114:57 AM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Abstract: ... deficit. The Labor Department said new applications for unemployment benefits rose by 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 397,000 for the week ending March 5. Analysts . Article also appeared: WKBT-TV, La Crosse WXOW-TV, La Crosse WAOW, Wausau WFRV-TV, Green Bay Wisconsin jobless rate fa Us. _--.__ .. _-- . .. ---_ .. _ ...... _-_ ..... -. ---- .__ . .. -. .... _.... . _ . .. . .._..... -. -_ . _ .. Source: Appleton Post'Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WI) 52000 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 4:08AM Keywords: Jobless (6),workforce development (2),Manny Perez (3) Abstract: ... Wisconsin jobless rate falls You will be redirected to the page you want to view In seconds . ... Article also appeared: Pierce County Herald : k f ---- 11-- ' u - --- --- - -- 61 -- ( -- - - Wo[ ers ear t ere WI be 12ermanent )O ess c ass .. ... .. .-_. . . .. . -- . .. -._ _-. . Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) 56300 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 2:31AM Keywords: Jobless (1) Abstract: . Workers fear there will be permanent jobless class .. .JcPenlle y() Close Wauwal:osi! Facilii:) i7ri1in_ .... '- . ---. -- ---- _- .-. - ------_ . _-_.,, -_,_-_ - _ .__ -- _- _._- > Source: WISNTV ABC 12 Milwaukee (WI) 255654 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 9:36 PM Keywords: DWD (1),workforce development (1) Abstract: .. affect 52 employees. Officials with the Department of Workforce Development and its regional workforce partner 1 the Milwaukee Area Worko"rce Investment Board, said they will provide Article also appeared: Milwaukee Business Journal .:.; .. ' ... -.. . _.. . ........ -. .. _.. .. - .. . .. - . . -. _ -- . --- .. - , . Sto!;;ks !;!lunge on economic news, oil Rrice swings . .. Byline: c Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) 91575 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:28PM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Abstract: ... the worstone-day drop in seven months. Claims for insurance rose unexpectedly. A creditrating agency lowered Spalns credit grade, amplifying_ worries thatEuropes debt crisis wil_l ... Article also appeared: . WKBT, La Crosse :Wis,lawmakers worker bargaining rights . . - - . ' . . Source: Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (WI) 13895 !. Indexed At: 03/10/2011 6:05PM 109 "' ----------- '"'" """ """'""'"""' """ "" ----- .. .. ..
...... _,. --- ---- '------ ',,__ ------- .... Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (5) Abstract: ... gross per city and includes the .. - 4:26pm Governor Scott Walker could sign into law today measure ending collective bargaining powers for most of state's public ... .. "'< . .. -. - .. , . . . - . - . -. . _ ...._. .. _. . -_._._. Trade gaR widens on imaorts; jobless claims UR . < ._ ._._. - __ ._... < .- Byline: Doug Palmer WASHINGT Source: WIT! Fox Channel 6 (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 6:03 PM Keywords: Jobless (2) Abstract: ... Trade gap widens on imports, jobless claims up Home > News from Wisconsin, United States and the World > Politics By ... Article also appeared: WTAQ-FM, Green Bay WSAU, Wausau_ WHBL, Sheboygan Official has economiC ORtimism . - - -..... _._- _ .. - . .. . -.... < ------ <. .. . - Byline: JIM LEUTE ( C Source: Janesville Gazette (WI) 21900 [Registration Required] Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:29PM : Keywords: Job Center (2),workforce development (2),Manny Perez (3) . Abstract: ... disenchanted, dislocated workers to rejoin the workforce, said Manny Perez, who was confirmed a week ago as secretary of the state Department of Workforce ... . ... .. --.. - .. -. . - .. -.. .. _ ._. . . - . . . . . --- ._.... ... . - . . unemRIOJlment claims, at a glance .. _ - . . . . .._. __ ._. Byline: The Associated Press Source: WKOW-TV 27 ABC (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:29PM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (2) Abstract: ... unemployment claims, at a glance More people sought unemployment benefits last week, but the rise came after applicaions hit their lowest level in nearly three ... .. __ ._. - - ___ .-- .... ,__,_ ;.:;,.- ..-_ - NJ Rrivate sector emRIOJlment grew in 2010-.. -_-- _---.;- -< -._ > . -_-- Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:05PM Keywords: workforce development (1) Abstract: ... Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development indicates that private sector jobs actually grewlast year instead of falling, while the decline ... National AFL-CIO chief Truntka ntha[!ks" Gov. Wa(ker fO[ mobilizing li!bOr(-- vows heiR in reci!IIS and legal fight-- . - - --- -_ -__ . - -- . __ - ; _--_ -_ .. Byline: Craig Gilbert Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 12:13 PM Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (6) Abstract: ... Wisconsin at the hands of the newly elected governor Scott Walker has already taken its place In the annals of the great workers rights struggles in ... .. --- . -- -- -- -- _-- - - . _-- . .
. More sought MN unemRIOJlmeot a1d last wee!s . - -- - Source: WXOW-TV ABC 19 LaCrosse (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/201110:39 AM Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Abstract: ... WASHINGTON (AP) -The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week, only the second increase in six weeks. The Labor Department says applications ... - 110 111 ' ! __ j Downing, Karley - GOV From: Kloiber, Bill - DOA Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 9:28 AM To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Evenson, Tom- GOV RGPPC Policy and Press From: Seth Levey [mailto:slevey@rgppc.org] Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 9:02AM Subject: RGPPC Policy and Press Policy and Press Wisconsin/Pensions Governor Walker's Coup D'Etat http:l/tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/1 0/governor walkers coup detaV?ref=fpblg The Burden of Pensions on States http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/11/business/11 pension.html?src=recg Taxpayers Win in Wisconsin http://on line. wsj .com/article/S B 1 00014240527 48704823004576192483295290652. htm l?mod=WSJ newsreel opinion Michigan's New Governor Won't Fall into the Wisconsin Trap ht!p://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110311/tr ac/8037122 michigans new governor wont fall into the wisconsin trap Education Op-ed by Newark NJ Mayor Cory Booker on reforming teaching tenure: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/03/10/2011-03- 10 teacher tenure is poisonous cary booker mayor of newark says its time to put per.html Health care Obama administration offers guidance on state health reform alternatives A Solution to the Medicaid Mess Immigration The 'Utah Way' toward immigration reform http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/contenVarticle/2011/03/1 O/AR2011 031 005032. html Budget Texas struggles to fill a Texas-sized budget hole http://stateline. org/live/detai ls/story?contentld =557 819 Jindal budget will hit state workers but spare most health-care and education services http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/03/jindal budget will hit state w.html Corbett's budget: No tax hike, lots of spending cuts http://articles. ph illy. com/20 11-03-09/news/28672836 1 corbett-deepest -cuts-business-tax -cuts 106 Energy and Environment PA governor gives energy executive supreme authority over environmental permitting http://www. propu b\ica.org/artic\e/corbett-pa-energy-exec-authority-environ men! Seth Levey Public Policy Advisor Republican Governors Public Policy Committee I RGA 1 7 ~ NW . 2501 P:-1 107 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: March 11, 2011 Le Monds, Tim J - DOC Friday, March 11, 2011 9:57AM DOC DL Executive Planning DOC NewsWatch - March 11, 2011 ooeNewsWatch Marlin sex assault case sentenced to .. . . ... . . ... . .> .. .. ....... .. <.: ... .. . . . .:. .. . Source: Oshkosh Northwestern (WI) 21400 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 5:44AM Keywords: Prison (2) Abstract: ... County Court this week to 18 years in prison. The case against LeRoy Hewuse, 30, included six.charges consolidated from Brown County Court .... . >' ... . .... - .. ... . ....... .. ' . > Area i.mion leader: will come at the golls .... :, .. . ... ... ..... > < . . .... .. . ......... .. . - .. . .. Source: Fond du Lac Reporter (WI) 16300 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 5:38AM . Keywords: Prison ( 4) Abstract: ... the operations we had In place in the prison." Meehan said collective bargaining allowed for daily dialogue between management and staff that set ... IJedate,.read col"llglaini:i State Dems asserl:law violation in Senate acl:ioll<i .................. . .............................. . . .. Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent. com (WI) 52000 Indexed At: 03/11/2011 4:46AM Keywords: Ismael Ozanne (1) Abstract: ... with the Dane County prosecutor's office. District attorney Ismael Ozanne said a fourth person had also filed a complaint. "We're looking into the allegations," he ... orivE!r .sE!ntericE!cl for C. ash that ki rcher .... ........................ .. _ ................. . ..:....:. c---., > .... . . . . . Source: WXOW-TV ABC 19 LaCrosse (WI) N/A . Indexed At: 03/10/2011 10:44 PM Keywords: Prison (1) Abstra.ct: ... iesearcher has been sentenced to five years in prison. Twenty-4-year-old Kevin Doerr will be eligible for supervised release in three years. The judge ... FACT C!::!Ecl<:: Get: the facts about: the . . ---- Source: WITI Fox Channel 6 (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 9:41 PM Keywords: Prison (1) Abstract: ... debt and a 19 million payment to the prison system. Q: So does that mean Walker got everything he wanted? A: No, but ... Acting as owri man conviCted of 12th drunken driving offerise ... <> . .
Byline: Bruce Vielmetti Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 103 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:53 PM . Keywords: Department of Corrections (WI only) (!),Extended Supervision (!),Timothy LeMonds (1) Abstract: ... consecutively, for a separate OW! conviction from 2004. Tim LeMonds, a spokesman for the Department of Corrections, said records show Socha was released on extended ... noll\/ ITiissing<ooC: sa}!s west. of the I. . .... ... . . .. > . . .. . . .. Source: West of the I (Biogs) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:44PM Keywords: WI Dept of Corrections- social media feeds (1) Abstract: ... On Wednesday afternoon, March 9, 2011, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections notified the Pleasant Prairie Police Department that a recently placed sex offender, Albert W. Rutledge, had left his placement location, in the area of I-94 ...... . . . . "::. > .. .. .> . : . . . .. . .: ... . .. .... . . . . ... . Middleton man gets 10 }!ears for abusing 5-xear-old . ... ... . .. . . . ... . Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) 91575 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 8:29PM Keywords: Prison (2) Abstract: ... man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years inprison for abusing his girlfriend's 5-year-old son, leaving himwith two skull fractures. Glen c. Sersted, 25, ... . . .. . - ::. . . . ... . . . . . . . .. . . ...... . . .. . . . . .. . ; < .. . ... Waugun i!Sked to denounce Walker . .. . . . .. . .. . .. .. . ..... Source: Fond du Lac Reporter (WI) 16300 . Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:50 PM . Keywords: Department of Corrections (WI only) (2) Abstract: ... released the following statement after ... - 4:20 pm WAUPUN Department of Corrections workers are urging Waupun officials to draft an official. .. - 11:00 pm Zach DeBoer has spent ... AP: Federal Rrisons run outof kex execlltiondrug . .. . < . . .. ...... .. .. . .. . . ... . . .. Byline: ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINSAP Legal Affairs Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay (WI) N/A Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:05PM Keywords: Prison (5) Abstract: ... ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINSAP Legal Affairs AP: Federal prisons run out of key execution drug AP: Federal prisons run out of key execution ... Sllnger marfconvicted irt ATM theft . ... . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . ... . ... .
. . Byline: Bruce Vielmetti . Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 5:03PM Keywords: Prison (1) Abstract: , .. Is punishable by up to three years in prison. Sentencing was set for May 17. According to court records: Thompson had made significant ... Mart gets 18 in grisonfor assaulting unconscious. . .. . ...... .. . . Source: Oshkosh Northwestern (WI) 21400 Indexed At: 03/10/2011 3:36PM Keywords: Extended Supervision (1),Prison (3) Abstract: ... Man gets 18 years in prison for assaulting unconscious A Gr,en Bay man under investigation in three counties for having sex ... Police begin to carrx out of the Assembl area . .. . .. . . .. . . . . Byline: Jas Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) 186433 Indexed At: 03/10/201111:17 AM Keywords: Prison (1) 104 Abstract: ... come and help these kids in the nelghborhood."http://www.waow.com/Giobal/story.asp?S=11891208Prison guards use loophole of pairing extra shifts @ OT pay and calling insick to scam ... Changes To R e R ~ i r Bill Outlined > .... .. .. .. .. ... . J . ........... .. .. . . . . .. , .. . .. Source: WISC-TV CBS 3 Madison (WI) N/A . Indexed At: 03/10/201111:09 AM Keywords: Department of Corrections (WI only) (1) Abstract: ... power plants, an Increase in funding for the Department of Corrections and reallocation of group health and pharmacy benefits, according to WlsPolltlcs.com. Changes to the earned ... ;Birrurged Grand Chute homicide, inan say:s . . .. .. . > .. .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . Source: Oshkosh Northwestern (WI) 21400 Indexed At: 03/10/201110:36 AM Keywords: Prison (1) Abstract: ... Potts was convicted and sentenced to life In prison in January, and Birr is on trial this week In Outagamie County Court on a ... From the Department of Corrections: Please consider the environment before printing this message. 105 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV Friday, March 11, 201111:30 AM Harshaw, Toby RE: possible NYT oped Toby- Thanks for your offer previously to have the governor write an oped for the Times. After reading the paper's editorial today, he'd like to take you up on that offer. Below I've put what he wrote this morning. Please let me know if you guys are interested in running the oped. Thanks, Chris Our budget reforms in Wisconsin protect middle class jobs and property taxpayers. And they protect our best and brightest public employees. Specifically, our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases - or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works -as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium. Contrary to this paper's assertions, government workers in Wisconsin retain their ability to bargain for wages. It is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. My brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 40l(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions said that they are ready to accept some concessions, yet their actions spoke louder than their words. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contribut,ions. In other words, the union bosses' rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and lOcal governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance - instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. 99 When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago 1 it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring .balance to our schools, and state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Taki.ng on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government work for each of them. The New York Times did get one thing right about this issue: it is about power. Our budget reforms put the power back into the hands of the hard working taxpayers of Wisconsin. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov From: Harshaw, Toby Sent: Wednesday, February To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: possible NYT oped chris, i had left a msg for cullen werwie, but paul ryan was kind enough to give me your email. i was wondering if governor walker would like to write an op-ed article for the times laying out his position on the budget/state worker bill and all the excitement it engendered. it would have to be highly specific, but would be a good chance for him to rebut the criticisms (legitimate and spurious) he's had hurled his way. if he's interested, let me know-- i'd send you a list of questions i think he could answer in the piece. th Tobin Harshaw The New York Times Staff Editor, The Op-Ed Page ....... ~ Y C I toby@nytirnes.com Read my online column Saturdays at: http://opinionator.bloqs.nytimes.com/categorv/the-thread/ 100 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Index: Quotes ofthe Week Message Week in Review Job Focus Poll of the Week Around the State Around the Country In Case You Missed It From Washington Great Read of the Week Sen.Fitzgerald <Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov> Friday, March 11, 2011 8:49 PM *Legislative Senate Republicans GOP Senate Weekly Update - March 11, 2011 - Week o(Marcllll, 2011 ***Members and staff are strongly encouraged to contribute to the Update with press releases, talking points, news items, suggestions, best practices, contributions or ideas for improvement. Please send these items throughout the week by email to Dan Rampart/ or Andrew We/house, or by calling 266-5660. Quotes of the Week "But the democrats chose the status quo and stayed in Illinois for the last three weeks instead of doing their jobs." -Sen. Randy Hopper. Read more ... 93 "For nearly three weeks, the Senate Democrats have delayed approval of a badly needed budget repair bill. The Senate Democrats, ignoring their responsibilities as elected officials, have ignored repeated efforts to negotiate on the bill." -Sen. Mary Lazich. Read more ... "For years, Wisconsin has ignored a growing fiscal crisis that mortgaged future generations to maintain the convenience of a status quo. The business of our state must move forward and I intend to do just that." - Sen. Pam Galloway. Read more ... "Three weeks ago, the right of the people of the 33rd District to have their Senator represent them and vote on their behalf on the Senate floor was taken away by the unconstitutional actions of the 14 Democrat Senators who fled Wisconsin. While they may have been able to delay democracy, they were not able to obstruct it." - Sen. Rich Zipperer. Read more ... Message This is about Jobs. o massive layoffs. This bill prevents 1,500 pink slips, real jobs forced to hang in the balance because of the Democrats' opposition. Preventing widespread layoffs at the local level, necessitated by status-quo union contracts o Selling Wisconsin to Job Creators: Open for Business Partnering with the private sector, not coming up with new government-first tax hikes and burdens. This is about Balanced Budgets -state AND local. o This budget will be balanced not just for the current two years, but it eliminates about 90 percent of the ongoing structural deficit. o The budget isn't just balanced at the state level, but provides the tools for local units of governments to balance.their own budgets. 94 Republicans didn't want to balance the state budget simply by flushing the problem down the river to local governments, which would have meant massive job cuts and property tax hikes. o A sustainable, balanced budget- not an always-growing government funded by new tax hikes and regulations on small businesses- sends a message to businesses that Wisconsin is serious about real-world growth. This is about Keeping our Promises. o Focusing on the middle class and on real-world jobs. o We promised changes to the broken status quo -we're taking on a broken system and actually winning. o Other states are turning to massive tax hikes, temporary furloughs, deep cuts and one-time gimmicks to balance their budget. We are focusing on jobs, and resorting to none of these options. Collective Bargaining: STILL more generous than the feds. o Wisconsin is now square in the middle for how states regulate collective bargaining. Most federal employees ARE NOT allowed to collectively bargain for wages or benefits under President Obama. There are 12 states that allow no collective bargaining in either the public nor private sector (per the governor's office). There are at least 24 states that have some regulation on collective bargaining. Week in Review Republicans Save State & Local Jobs, Reform Gov't On Wednesday, the Senate Republicans passed the parts of the budget repair bill it was able to pass without the 14 Senate Democrats who fled the state three weeks prior. The measure was passed by the Assembly the following day, and was signed by Gov. Walker on Friday. On Saturday, the 14 absentee Democrats are expected to return to speak at another Capitol rally, and hold a media availability. The budget repair bill was signed into law on Friday, and Gov. Walker announced that because of the bill's passage, he would be able to rescind the 1,500 layoff notices he was forced to send earlier in the month as a result of the Democrats' ongoing absence. Wall Street Journal: Wisconsin GOP Ends Union Stalemate Washington Post: Wisconsin governor wins his battle with unions over collective bargaining Democrats' next battleground: the courts 95 FYI: State law could not be more clear. Open meetings law is superceded by the authority of Senate rules. In this case, the Senate rule says that no notice above posting on the legislative bulletin board- which was done properly- is required during special session. 19.87 Legislative meetings. (2) No provision of this subchapter which conflicts with a rule of the senate or assembly or joint rule of the legislature shall apply to a meeting conducted in compliance with such rule. Senate Rule 93. Special or extraordinary sessions. (2) A notice of a committee meeting is not required other than posting on the legislative bulletin board, and a bulletin of committee hearings may not be published. Tobs Focus ~ Latest Unemployment Rate: National: 8.9 percent Wisconsin: 7.4 percent Bloomberg News: U.S. job openings fell in January as firms were wary of hiring WI Economic Outlook, Winter 2011: Personal income has increased four consecutive quarters through third quarter 2010. During the past year, Wisconsin recovered 32,600 jobs from December 2009 through December 2010. Nearly half of Wisconsin employment is in the three largest sectors (1) Trade Transportation and Utilities, (2) Manufacturing and (3) Education and Health Services. The housing sector still shows some mixed signals, but it seems to be hear its bottom. Foreclosure and delinquency rates are improving. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin stayed below the national rate through the recent recession and will continue doing so. The unemployment rate should fall to 7.3% in 2011 and 6.7% in 2012. Read the full report Protest Focus: Wisconsin Radio Network: Protesters storm the Capitol 96 WKOW: VIDEO: Rep. Nick Milroy tackled while trying to get into Capitol Unions Organizing Boycotts of Perceived Pro-Walker Companies WPPA: Kwik Trip PR Newswire: M & I Bank Poll of the Week Rasmussen: Just 32 percent see the Democrats' agenda as 'mainstream' Around the State Green Bay Press-Gazette: Budget battle hits airwaves, groups spend $620,000 on ads Janesville Gazette: Census: Wisconsin's Hispanic population up 74 percent Around the Country New York Times: Florida Republicans Are at Odds with their Leader (Gov. Rick Scott) Governing: Shrinking the size of state legislatures In Case You Missed It Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial: Recalls unwarranted National Review: From red states to blue states, what's next for Wisconsin Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A political cost-benefit analysis of Gov. Walker's battle with the unions New York Times: Mapping the nation's well being U.S. Census: Fact Finder From Washington The Hill: Dem leader ducks question on whether Sen. Kohl will retire Wall Street Journal: Billions in bloat uncovered in Beltway Reuters: Economists list budget deficit as No. 1 U.S. worry 97 Wall Street Journal. U.S. runs $22.5 billion deficit in February; highest for any month GreatRead of the Week Gov. Walker Editorial: Wall Street Journal: Why I'm fighting in Wisconsin Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, to make government work for each of them. Politico Opinion: Is Wis .. Fight Wounding Democracy? "Walker and the state officials are doing what they promised: fixing Wisconsin's fiscal disaster. Yet the public employee unions stand against the fix. The Democratic senators who walked out are standing against the operation of democracy. "The voters are fed up. A Rasmussen poll finds that Wisconsin Senate Democrats' decision to flee the state to block voting on the budget adjustment bill nets a whopping 25 percent approval among 1,000 likely voters, while 67 percent disapprove. For more information on anything contained in the GOP Senate Update and to contribute ideas and topics for future weeks, please contact.Sen. Fitzgerald's office at 608-266-5660 .or email Andrew Wei house or Dan Romportl. 98 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Saturday, March 12, 201111:03 AM Evenson, Tom- GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Facebook post The budget reforms I signed into law are about 1) protecting middle class jobs and property taxpayers; 2) making government work better for the people; and 3) rewarding good employees. Our reforms ask for modest pension and health insurance contributions to save 1,500 jobs this fiscal year and 10,000 or more jobs in the next budget. And we do it without raising property taxes. When Mitch Daniels reformed collective bargaining in IN, government got more efficient and effective. We will too. Plus, schools and other governments can now make hiring and firing decisions based on performance and merit- instead of seniority and union contract. Our reforms will get WI working again! 92 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Governor - I made edits to the Post Oped draft which I believe will make it more likely to run. Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would leave you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. It's enough to make you wonder why there aren't protestors circling the White House this very minute. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for health insurance and a little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. Simply put, our plan is still a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government is. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works- as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely 78 different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do now even after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments -the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. 79 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: 13, 2011 5:00 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Gilkes, Keith -GOV Subject: Re: Edited Post Draft Perfect!!! From: Chris Schrimpf fm<>ilt<:llll
Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Gilkes, Keith- GOV Subject: Edited Post Draft Governor - I made edits to the Post Oped draft which I believe will make it more likely to run. Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would leave you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. It's enough to make you wonder why there aren't protestors circling the White House this very minute. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for health insurance and a little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. Simply put, our plan is still a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government is. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works- as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. 76 The savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out oftouch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do now even after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state CapitoL They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices ofthe middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. 77 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
GOV Re: Edited Post Draft If the post turns it down, I'm sure politico will take it, and it'll get some play ', Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - , Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Gilkes, I Subject: Re: Edited Post Draft Perfect!!! From: Chris Schrimpf i : Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV Subject: Edited Post Draft Governor- I made edits to the Post Oped draft which I believe will make it more likely to run. Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal.government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would leave you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. It's enough to make you wonder why there aren't protestors circling the White House this very minute. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for health insurance and a little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. Simply put, our plan is still a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. 74 Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficitjust like the federal government is. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works- as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out oftouch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do now even after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead effacing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices ofthe middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. 75 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 8:00AM To: Subject: Governor Walker would like to submit the oped below for consideration by the Post. I understand you receive hundreds or thousands of submissions each day. If possible we would greatly appreciate knowing your interest in publishing the piece, so we can offer it to another paper if you decline. Many thanks, Chris Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would lead you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insu ranee costs. It's enough to make you wonder why there are no protestors circling the White House this very minute. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $8QO a month for health insurance and the little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. As my brother recognizes, our plan is a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The financial savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely 72 different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with. what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do- even now after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov 73 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Chris, What's your number? Thank you, Autumn Brewington ----- Original Message ----- Autumn Brewington Monday, March 14, 2011 8:02AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Outlook Internet Drop Box Re: Oped Submission from Governor Walker From: "Schrimpf, Chris- GOV" [Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: 03114/2011 08:00AM EST To: Outlook Internet DropBox; Autumn Brewington Subject: Oped Submission from Governor Walker Governor Walker would like to submit the oped below for consideration by the Post. I understand you receive hundreds or thousands of submissions each day. If possible we would greatly appreciate knowing your interest in publishing the piece, so we can offer it to another paper if you decline. Many thanks, Chris Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would lead you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. It's enough to make you wonder why there are no protestors circling the White House this very minute. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for 69 health insurance and the little bit he can put away in his 401{k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. As my brother recognizes, our plan is a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The financial savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do- even now after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices ofthe middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email. chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov 70 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: To: Subject: Re: Oped Submission from Governor Walker --is my cell From: Autumn Brewington rm:ilt.,-1 Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Outlook Internet DropBox ~ Subject: Re: Oped Submission from Governor Walker Chris, What's your number? Thank you, Autumn Brewington ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schrimpf, Chris- GOV" [Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: 03114/2011 08:00AM EST To: Outlook Internet Drop Box; Autumn Brewington Subject: Oped Submission from Governor Walker Governor Walker would like to submit the oped below for consideration by the Post. I understand you receive hundreds or thousands Cif submissions each day. If possible we would greatly appreciate knowing your interest in publishing the piece, so we can offer it to another paper if you decline. Many thanks, Chris Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would lead you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. 66 Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. It's enough to make you wonder why there are no protestors circling the White House this very minute. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for health insurance and the little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. As my brother recognizes, our plan is a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government. Many are cutting billions ofdollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The financial savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do- even now after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their 67 voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov 68 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Autumn Brewington Monday, March 14, 2011 8:04 Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Re: Oped Submission from Governor Walker I just tried the number at the bottom ofthis e,mail but got general voice mail. Can we talk later this morning? I'd like to get the governor on our page. Best regards, Autumn Brewington Autumn Brewington ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schrimpf, Chris- GOV" [Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: 03/14/2011 08:00AM EST To: Outlook Internet DropBox; Autumn Brewington Subject: Oped Submission from GovernorWalker Governor Walker would like to submit the oped below for consideration by the Post. I understand you receive hundreds or thousands of submissions each day. If possible we would greatly appreciate knowing your interest in publishing the piece, so we can offer it to another paper if you decline. Many thanks, Chris Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would lead you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. It's enough to make you wonder why there are no protestors circling the White House this very minute. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for 63 health insurance and the little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. As my brother recognizes, our plan is a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The financial savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do- even now after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments -the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email. chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov 64 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Mnnrl,,v March 14, 2011 8:07 AM To: Subject: That's our general press line. Its only 8 am here so the phone person is not quite here. I just sent you my cell From: Autumn Brewington Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 08:04AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Re: Oped Submission from Governor Walker I just tried the number at the bottom of this e-mail but got general voice mail. Can we talk later this morning? I'd like to get the governor on our page. Best regards, Autumn Brewington Autumn Brewington Page Editor ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schrimpf, Chris- GOV" [Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: 03/14/2011 08:00AM EST To: Outlook Internet Drop Box; Autumn Brewington Subject: Oped. Submission from Governor Walker Governor Walker would like to submit the oped below for consideration by the Post. I understand you receive hundreds or thousands of submissions each day. If possible we would greatly appreciate knowing your interest in publishing the piece, so we can offer it to another paper if you decline. Many thanks, Chris Imagine the outrage if government workers did not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. Consider the massive protests by labor leaders from all across the country. Think I'm talking about Wisconsin? No, I'm talking about the federal government. Contrary to what the Obama administration would lead you to believe, most federal government employees do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits. That means the budget reform plan we signed into law in Wisconsin is more generous than what President Obama offers federal employees. 60 Our budget reform plan calls for a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium payment (both well below what middle class workers pay). Federal government workers pay an average of 28% of health insurance costs. It's enough to make you wonder why there are no protestors circling the White House this very minute. My brother is a banquet manager and occasional bartender at a hotel. My sister-in-law works for a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle class family in Wisconsin. When we first introduced our reforms a month ago, my brother reminded me that he pays nearly $800 a month for health insurance and the little bit he can put away in his 401(k). He said workers like him would love the plan I'm offering public employees. As my brother recognizes, our plan is a good deal for government workers when compared to what other middle class workers are paying for benefits. It would even be a great deal for federal workers. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit just like the federal government. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases- or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. The financial savings in our budget reforms save 1,500 jobs in this fiscal year and 10,000 jobs over the next two years. The savings come from giving state and local governments the tools to manage benefit costs through collective bargaining reform. Some have questioned the need to reform collective bargaining. After all, they say, the Union bosses in Washington, DC said publicly that their workers were ready to pay a little bit more for their benefits. The truth is that as the national union bosses were saying one thing, their locals were doing something entirely different. Over the past several weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Some have even pushed through pay increases. Their actions leave one wondering how tone deaf and out of touch the union bosses are with what's happening in the private sector. Even the President instituted a pay freeze on government workers this year; something that he was only able to do because federal employees enjoy fewer collective bargaining rights than Wisconsin workers do- even now after our reforms are placed into law. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools- as well as state and local governments- the tools to improve their operations. We allow them to reward merit and performance- instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future .. We are making the difficult decisions now, so that our children don't face even more dire consequences. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there have been protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, just as the President does. But it should also be clear that their 61 voices cannot drown out the countless voices of the middle class taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, want us to make government to work for each of them. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov 62 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Monday, March 14, 2011 9:22AM Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE: Today's press conference The budget repair bill is about saving jobs, protecting taxpayers, reforming government, balancing budget, moving the state forward to focus on jobs, ultimately protecting the middle class. Below is what the governor thinks would be good, as well as his oped in the WSJ. We've really started pushing that this benefits the middle class. Protecting taxpayers as well as saving 10,000 middle class govtjobs. Budget reforms signed into law are about protecting middle class jobs and middle class property taxpayers. Also about making government work better (like they did in IN after Gov Daniels reformed collective bargaining in 2005). Finally, about rewarding good teachers and employees by ending seniority and allowing hiring and firing based on performance and merit. WSJ OPED In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. Why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective-bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms. Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective-bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher, protects a 0% contribution for health-insurance premiums, and forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state's budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union- controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Most states iri the country are facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or increases in property taxes-or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total, our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% contribution to their pensions and a 12.6% contribution to their health-insurance premium, both of which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. Our plan calls for Wisconsin state workers to contribute half of what federal employees pay for their health-insurance premiums. (It's also worth noting that most federal workers don't have collective bargaining for wages and benefits.) For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his family's health-insurance premium arid a modest 401 (k) contribution. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say they are ready to accept concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health-insurance contributions. Their rhetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools-as well as state and local governments-the tools to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high-performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget-repair bill will help put similar reforms into place in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger State's hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. 58 In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing across America. Our budget-repair bill is a commitment to the future so our children won't face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded-not laid off. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 8:41AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: FW: Today's press conference Do we have any talking points from the last 3 weeks we can toss to the LG? Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov www. walker. wi.gov From: Jeanne Tarantino Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re: Today's press conference Is it all extemporaneous or do u have any remarks or talking points from these past 3 weeks? Tx! Sent from my iPhone On Mar 12, 2011, at 8:05AM, "Werwie, Cullen J- GOV" <Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov> wrote: His remarks were extemporaneous, so unfortunately I don't have anything written for you From: Jeanne Tarantino To: Werwie, Cullen J - Sent: Fri Mar 11 21:46:50 2011 Subject: Today's press conference Hi Cullen, Can you please email me the Governor's remarks from his press conference this afternoon? Thanks so much, Jeanne 59 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:29AM To: Subject: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV Fw: Monday Not a huge deal just wanted you to know, aflcio is up with radio ads From: Jerry Bader ....-.a, To: Werwie, C u l l e n ~ Sent: Sat Feb 12 08:22:34 2011 Subject: Re: Monday Cullen, Wide open, take your pick: 9:06 to 9:20 9:35 to 9:45 10:06 to 10:20 10:35 to 10:45 and thanks in advance. BTW, 7:35 this morning, AFL-CIO of WI. already has an ad on our air attacking the governor's plan ... On Fri, Feb 11,2011 at 5:15PM, Werwie, Cullen J- GOV <Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov> wrote: We can make it work, give me a few options for time and I'll confirm tomorrow or Sunday. Thanks! Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov 28 www. walker. wi. qav From: Jerry Bader [ m a i l t ~ Sent: Friday, February 11, 201112:41 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Monday Hi Cullen, Just following up on what Governor Walker mentioned last night about getting him on the air Monday. And thanks for including me, I appreciate it! Jerry Bader 4iiiililllltor News/Talk Programming Midwest Communications 97.5 FM, 1360 AM, News/Talk WTAQ, your radio !tome for THE WORLD CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS! Jerry Bader National Director News/Talk Programming Midwest Communications 97.5 FM, 1360 AM, News/Talk WTAQ, your broadcast home for THE WORLD CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS! 29 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: whoops, I mean Feb. 27. Bai, Matthew Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:08AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Re: On Feb 11,2011, at 10:22 AM, Schrimpf, Chris- GOV wrote: FYI. I'm not sure if you're Christie story has run yet, but I thought you'd want to see this. I think Ohio is doing something similar now too. APNewsBreak: Gov. Walker proposes cutting most public employee bargaining rights in budget fix By Scott Bauer MADISON, Wis. (AP)- Gov. Scott Walker told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Thursday that he will propose removing nearly all public employee collective bargaining rights to help plug a $3.6 billion budget hole. Walker, speaking from his Capitol office, said no one should be surprised by the move he will ask the Republican-controlled Legislature to approve next week given that he's talked about doing it for two months. "This is not a shock," said Walker, a Republican who took office in January. "The shock would be if we didn't go forward with this." But union leaders, and even some Republicans, were taken aback at the scope of his proposal. "This is a shocking development," said Bryan Kennedy, president of AFT-Wisconsin, which represents 17,000 workers. "It ends collective bargaining for public employees in our state, after 50 years of management and workers solving problems together." Democrats almost certainly will unite against the proposal but are powerless to stop it. Republicans control the Assembly 60-38-1 and the Senate 19-14. "To say it's a power grab would be a huge understatement," said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D- Kenosha. "It's hard to believe he's even serious about this." Walker said the changes are necessary to avoid up to 6,000 state employee layoffs and the removal of more than 200,000 children from the Medicaid program. 30 The state faces a $137 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Walker said he will ask the Legislature on Friday to pass his plan next week in a special session. Walkt;r will unveil his two-year budget plan to address the larger $3.6 billion shortfall on Feb. 22. Under Walker's immediate plan, all collective bargaining rights would be removed for state and local public employees starting July 1, except when it comes to wages. But any salary increase they seek could be no more than the consumer price index, unless voters in the jurisdiction affected approved a higher raise. Contracts would be limited to one year and wages would be frozen until the next contract is settled. Public employers would be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units would not be required to pay dues. The proposal would effectively remove unions' right to negotiate in any meaningful way. Local law enforcement and fire employees, as well as state troopers and inspectors would be exempt. Walker's plan also calls for state employees to contribute 5.8 percent oftheir salaries to their pensions starting April 1. They would have to contribute at least 12.6 percent toward their health care. Those two items would generate $30 million by July 1 and roughly $300 million over the next two years when combined with the other concessions. Cuts that Walker said were "significantly more than the $300 million we're saving" were coming for local governments and schools. He said removing bargaining rights of local government employees would allow more flexibility to deal with those cuts. The governor declined to detail the exact amount of the cuts to local governments and schools. He said he met Thursday morning with state agency heads to outline his plans and, in his words, "prepare for the worst." Walker insisted he was not targeting public employees and that his primary concern was balancing the budget. His bill also calls for selling off state heating plants to save money and refinancing state debt to save $165 million in the fiscal year that ends June 30. The bill also would give the Department of Health Services the power to make any changes to Medicaid it deems necessary to reduce costs, regardless of current law. Any changes it makes would only need approval of the Legislature's budget-writing committee. Medicaid is projected to be $153 million short by June 30. "I got elected to deal with the problems we face in the state," Walker said. "The two biggest problems are the economy and the budget." Still, going after collective bargaining rights in such a dramatic fashion will almost certainly set off a firestorrn in the state Capitol, not just among workers but even Republicans reluctant to go as far as Walker wants. Walker had signaled since December this was the direction he was headed, but union leaders had urged him to negotiate with them. Walker refused. "This job-killing attack on public workers has nothing to do with bringing good jobs back to Wisconsin," said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union that represents 20,000 workers statewide. 31 The budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of public employees, said state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D- Waunakee. "We still need dedicated public servants to do jobs," Erpenbach said. "You're talking about prison guards, you'n; talking about people changing bed pans .... They're not the problem. Rather than drag people down, why not hold people up? I don't understand it." Republican leaders in the Senate and Assembly issued statements supporting Walker's plan, but he still might find more trouble trying to convince enough others to get it passed. Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, said he was surprised Walker went after unions as aggressively as he did. "It's not what I thought he was going to do," said Olsen, adding he honestly didn't know how Republicans felt about it. "They're still soaking it in," said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald when asked if he thought Republicans would approve the plan as proposed. Both he and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, issued statements praising the plan saying it was necessary to balance the budget. "We are out of money and the options are few," Jeff Fitzgerald said. The right of private sector employees to be members of unions is governed by federal law, but state and local unions are covered by Wisconsin law. The right to collectively bargain over a broad array of issues, including salary and benefits, is granted under that law. Walker and the Legislature can add or remove negotiable issues by changing that law, the State Employment Labor Relations Act. Other terms and conditions of work subject to bargaining that Walker would remove include hours and what shift employees work, other benefits like tuition reimbursement, life insurance, vacation and personal leave days, and computer policies, to name a few. The ban on public employees striking would remain, Walker said. The bill also would remove the right, granted under former Gov. Jim Doyle, for University of Wisconsin faculty and staff to form unions. There's nothing stopping Walker from proposing a law change removing bargaining rights, said Paul Secunda, a Marquette University law professor who specializes in labor law. "But unions and public unions are very strong in Wisconsin, but if he wants to take on that he's going to lose a lot of the support that got him here in the first place," Secunda said. There are roughly 175,000 public sector employees- including state and local government workers and teachers - who are union represented in Wisconsin, according to data maintained by Georgia State University professor Barry Hirsch and Trinity University professor David Macpherson. Of those, roughly 39,000 are state employees and more than 106,000 are teachers. Chris Schrimpf 32 Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov Times www.mattbai.com 33 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Bai, M a t t h e w ~ Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:08AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Re: hey thanks. Will include it. The piece runs March 27. On Feb 11,2011, at 10:22 AM, Schrimpf, Chris- GOV wrote: FYI. I'm not sure if you're Christie story has run yet, but I thought you'd want to see this. I think Ohio is doing something similar now too. APNewsBreak: Gov. Walker proposes cutting most public employee bargaining rights in budget fix By Scott Bauer MADISON, Wis. (AP)- Gov. Scott Walker told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Thursday that he will propose removing nearly all public employee collective bargaining rights to help plug a $3.6 billion budget hole. Walker, speaking from his Capitol office, said no one should be surprised by the move he will ask the Republican-controlled Legislature to approve next week given that he's talked about doing it for two months. "This is not a shock," said Walker, a Republican who took office in January. "The shock would be if we didn't go forward with this." But union leaders, and even some Republicans, were taken aback at the scope of his proposal. "This is a shocking development," said Bryan Kennedy, president of AFT-Wisconsin, which represents 17,000 workers. "It ends collective bargaining for public employees in our state, after 50 years of management and workers sqlving problems together." Democrats almost certainly will unite against the proposal but are powerless to stop it. Republicans control the Assembly 60-38-1 and the Senate 19-14. "To say it's a power grab would be a huge understatement," said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D- Kenosha. "It's hard to believe he's even serious about this." Walker said the changes are necessary to avoid up to 6,000 state employee layoffs and the removal of more than 200,000 children from the Medicaid program. 34 The state faces a $137 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Walker said he will ask the Legislature on Friday to pass his plan next week in a special session. Walker will unveil his two-year budget plan to address the larger $3.6 billion shortfall on Feb. 22. Under Walker's immediate plan, all collective bargaining rights would be removed for state and local public employees starting July 1, except when it comes to wages. But any salary increase they seek could be no more than the consumer price index, unless voters in the jurisdiction affected approved a higher raise. Contracts would be limited to one year and wages would be frozen until the next contract is settled. Public employers would be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units would not be required to pay dues. The proposal would effectively remove unions' right to negotiate in any meaningful way. Local law enforcement and fire employees, as well as state troopers and inspectors would be exempt. Walker's plan also calls for state employees to contribute 5. 8 percent of their salaries to their pensions starting April!. They would have to contribute at least 12.6 percent toward their health care. Those two items would generate $30 million by July 1 and roughly $300 million over the next two years when combined with the other concessions. Cuts that Walker said were "significantly more than the $300 million we're saving" were coming for local governments and schools. He said removing bargaining rights of local government employees would allow more flexibility to deal with those cuts. The governor declined to detail the exact amount of the cuts to local governments and schools. He said he met Thursday morning with state agency heads to outline his plans and, in his words, "prepare for the worst." Walker insisted he was not targeting public employees and that his primary concern was balancing the budget. His bill also calls for selling off state heating plants to save money and refinancing state debt to save $165 million in the fiscal year that ends June 30. The bill also would give the Department of Health Services the power to make any changes to Medicaid it deems necessary to reduce costs, regardless of current law. Any changes it makes would only need approval of the Legislature's budget-writing committee. Medicaid is projected to be $153 million short by June 30. "I got elected to deal with the problems we face in the state," Walker said. "The two biggest problems are the economy and the budget." Still, going after collective bargaining rights in such a dramatic fashion will almost certainly set off a firestorm in the state Capitol, not just among workers but even Republicans reluctant to go as far as Walker wants. Walker had signaled since December this was the direction he was headed, but union leaders had urged him to negotiate with them. Walker refused. "This job-killing attack on public workers has nothing to do with bringing good jobs back to Wisconsin," said Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union that represents 20,000 workers statewide. 35 The budget shouldn't be balanced on the backs of public employees, said state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D- Waunakee. "We still need dedicated public servants to do jobs," Erpenbach said. "You're talking about prison guards, you're talking about people changing bed pans .... They're not the problem. Rather than drag people down, why not hold people up? I don't understand it." Republican leaders in the Senate and Assembly issued statements supporting Walker's plan, but he still might find more trouble trying to convince enough others to get it passed. Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, said he was surprised Walker went after unions as aggressively as he did. "It's not what I thought he was going to do," said Olsen, adding he honestly didn't know how Republicans felt about it. "They're still soaking it in," said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald when asked if he thought Republicans would approve the plan as proposed. Both he and his brother, Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, issued statements praising the plan saying it was necessary to balance the budget. "We are out of money and the options are few," Jeff Fitzgerald said. The right of private sector employees to be members of unions is governed by federal law, but state and local unions are covered by Wisconsin law. The right to collectively bargain over a broad array of issues, including salary and benefits, is granted under that law. Walker and the Legislature can add or remove negotiable issues by changing that law, the State Employment Labor Relations Act. Other terms and conditions of work subject to bargaining that Walker would remove include hours and what shift employees work, other benefits like tuition reimbursement, life insurance, vacation and personal leave days, and computer policies, to name a few. The ban on public employees striking would remain, Walker said. The bill also would remove the right, granted under fornier Gov. Jim Doyle, for University of Wisconsin faculty and staff to form unions. There's nothing stopping Walker from proposing a law change removing bargaining rights, said Paul Secunda, a Marquette University law professor who specializes in labor law. "But unions and public unions are very strong in Wisconsin, but if he wants to take on that he's going to lose a lot of the support that got him here in the first place," Secunda said. There are roughly 175,000 public sector employees- including state and local government workers and teachers- who are union represented in Wisconsin, according to data maintained by Georgia State University professor Barry Hirsch and Trinity University professor David Macpherson. Of those, roughly 39,000 are state employees and more than 106,000 are teachers. Chris Schrimpf 36 Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov Matt Bai The New York Times www.mattbai.com 37 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: WI Dept. of Military Affairs <dma_wi@service.govdelivery.com> Friday, February 11, 2011 3:44 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: DMA/GuardWatch The DMA/GuardWatch is a compilation of current news articles designed to keep you informed of open source articles that may be of interest to the Wisconsin National Guard, Dept. of Military Affairs and/or Division of Emergency Management. This product is for your use and infonnation. The stories and opinions expressed are solely those of the publications and their writers and in no way express any official view/endorsement of the Department of Defense, the National Guard or D:MA. If you do not wish to recieve this report you may unsubscribe at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. DMA Watch February 11, 2011 Walker says National Guard is prepared Chicago Tribune Gov. Scott Walker says the Wisconsin National Guard is prepared to respond wherever is necessary in the wake of his announcement that he wants to take away nearly all collective bargaining rights from state employees. Walker said Friday that he hasn't called the Guard into action, but he has briefed them and other state agencies in preparation of any problems that could result in a disruption of state services, like staffing at prisons. Walker says he has every confidence that state employees will continue to show up for work and do their jobs and he's not anticipating any problems. His plan would require higher pension and health insurance contributions and remove bargaining rights except in a limited way over wages .
Hospital receives recognition Wisconsin Rapids Tribune The Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, honored Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital with a Patriot Award on Feb. 2 in recognition of extraordinary support of one of their employees who serves in the Wisconsin Air National Guard .
Department of Defense Announces Award for Supportive Employers of Guard and Reserve Members' Spouses ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and.Reserve (ESGR) announced an expansion of the Patriot Award Program to include employers of Guard and Reserve members' spouses. The Patriot Award was previously presented only to employers of Guard and Reserve members. After learning of the growing number of employers adopting supportive initiatives for military spouses, ESGR embraced the opportunity to recognize these employers with their own Department of Defense award. Click for full storv: GuardWatch February 11, 2011 Troops near burn oits to get masks. respirators Army times Under pressure from Congress, the Defense Department is moving toward short-term and long-term protections against the risks posed by open-air burn pits that have been used to dispose of garbage in Iraq and Afghanistan. Protective equipment such as respirators and gas masks are expected to be made available to deployed troops near the burn pits, Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen pledged in a letter to two U.S. senators dated Monday. He said a policy on how to promote the use of protective equipment should be ready within 60 days. Click for full story: *** Handbook to guide Gls on social media usage Army times The Army has released a social media handbook to teach soldiers and commanders the dos and don'ts of Facebook and Twitter, warning them not to reveal information online that could be useful to adversaries. The handbook, which comes nearly a year after the Pentagon authorized the military's use of social media, encourages commanders to communicate with soldiers about safeguarding operational security online. Click for full story: *** 38 24-hour help line to help prevent suicides among militarv KXXV Central Texas military families in need of counseling have a new resource at their disposal. A 24-hour help line is reaching out to those on post in an effort to bring down its record-high suicide rate. Fort Hood saw 22 of its soldiers take their own lives in 2010, which caught the attention of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Click for full storv: ... Cairo protests won't delay National Guard deployment to Sinai Frederick News Post Two weeks of violent political protests in Cairo have not hindered the Maryland Army National Guard's plans to deploy to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula this spring. Several companies in the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, including Frederick's Company A, will spend a year in Sinai working as part of the multinational force in charge of enforcing the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Click for full 2!Q[y;__ Sent on behalf of the Wisconsin National Guard public affairs team by: Joy Staab Captain, Wisconsin National Guard Deputy Director of Public Affairs I 1-t.ll Wi ent Te Fa GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the State of Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs which includes the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management. and the Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center 2400 Wright Street Madison, WI 53708-8111 800-335-5147. Visit us on the web at: http://dma.wi.gov 39 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: To: Subject: Index: Quotes of the Week Message Week in Review Job Focus What the Dems are Saying Around the Country In Case You Missed It From the Assembly From Washington Great Read of the Week Sen.Fitzgerald <Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov> Friday, February 11, 2011 2:03 PM *Legislative Senate Republicans Senate GOP Weekly Update: February 11, 2011 Weeko(Februarv 11.2011 ***Members and staff are strongly encouraged to contribute to the Update with press releases, talking points, news items, suggestions, best practices, contributions or ideas for improvement. Please send these items throughout the week by email to Dan Rampart/ or Andrew We/house, or by calling 266-5660. Quotes of the Week "/ think this is going to be a really wild ride over the next couple of weeks." -Sen. Alberta Darling, on the budget repair bill. From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 40 "[E]verybody has respect for public employees, and we're state employees, too. And we know this is going to be a very difficult couple of months for people to understand why we're doing this: in order to get our state in the right track." -Darling, on the repair bill, following Thursday's floor session. Message Budget Repair Bill Dominates Conversation o The biggest problem facing the state is still jobs. This budget isn't going to be solved by cuts alone. Wisconsin needs real growth to get back on track. This bill shows our dedication to reforming the government and focusing on the private sector. o Responsible budgeting- not relying on taxes and gimmicks- sends the right message to businesses: the same message we've been sending with the Special Session on Jobs. o The deficit is a "government problem." We have a responsibility to not kick that problem down the line and make it a problem, or a new burden, for taxpayers and job creators. Previous administrations have not taken that problem seriously. We will. Challenge.;. and Opportunity o Challenge: Because of years of overspending and mismanagement, our state (like at least 40 other states} is running a deep deficit. Our state budget has been identified as one of the top ten states in "fiscal peril'[l]," our business climate has been rated poorly and our tax burden is too high. Republicans have campaigned on pulling our head out of the sand on these problems, not kicking the can down the road. o Opportunity: Republicans promised some real changes to the failed status quo. In order to deliver this reform, we need to build a more stable foundation and tackle the immediate problems we inherited. Leading the Country: Wisconsin is showing the rest of the country- and our neighbors- that fixing a deficit can be done without resorting to tax hikes, gimmicks or temporary measures. Fixing Inequalities: The budget repair bill asks public-sector workers and unions to share in the sacrifice. Government Reform: keeping the focus on the private sector, encouraging job growth in the real world. Best Alternative- The other options are MUCH worse 41 "[E]verybody has respect for public employees, and we're state employees, too. And we know this is going to be a very difficult couple of months for people to understand why we're doing this: in order to get our state in the right track." -Darling, on the repair bill, following Thursday's floor session. Message Budget Repair Bill Dominates Conversation o The biggest problem facing the state is still jobs. This budget isn't going to be solved by cuts alone. Wisconsin needs real growth to get back on track. This bill shows our dedication to reforming the government and focusing on the private sector. o Responsible budgeting- not relying on taxes and gimmicks- sends the right message to businesses: the same message we've been sending with the Special Session on Jobs. o The deficit is a "government problem." We have a responsibility to not kick that problem down the line and make it a problem, or a new burden, for taxpayers and job creators. Previous administrations have not taken that problem seriously. We will. Challenge.;. and Opportunity o Challenge: Because of years of overspending and mismanagement, our state (like at least 40 other states) is running a deep deficit. Our state budget has been identified as one of the top ten states in "fiscal peril'[l]," our business climate has been rated poorly and our tax burden is too high. Republicans have campaigned on pulling our head out of the sand on these problems, not kicking the can down the road. o Opportunity: Republicans promised some real changes to the failed status quo. In order to deliver this reform, we need to build a more stable foundation and tackle the immediate problems we inherited. Leading the Country: Wisconsin is showing the rest of the country- and our neighbors- that fixing a deficit can be done without resorting to tax hikes, gimmicks or temporary measures. Fixing Inequalities: The budget repair bill asks public-sector workers and unions to share in the sacrifice. Government Reform: keeping the focus on the private sector, encouraging job growth in the real world. Best Alternative- The other options are MUCH worse 41 o We recognize that public employees are hard-working, dedicated citizens, doing a much- appreciated public service. That's why these tough decisions were made to include no layoffs, furloughs, and to improve their fle)(ibility in take-home pay. It's not an easy realization that their benefits are out of line with the private sector, and unsustainable in the long term. o Layoffs: This budget contains no (or, worst-case scenario, very marginal) layoffs. The alternative would be 1,500 layoffs in the current year, and 5,500 to 6,000 layoffs in the next budget ALONE. o Furloughs: This budget contains NO furloughs. The unions said the furloughs were the equivalent of a 3 percent pay cut ... eliminating the furlough is a de facto 3 percent pay hike. o Tax Hikes: There are no job-killing tax hikes in this budget. o Status Quo: Republicans ran on bringing real changes- we're finally turning this state around. No More "Easy Fixes" o. Nobody said this was going to be easy. o We respect the people of Wisconsin enough to end the constant expansion of government, and tell it like it is. o Not everyone is going to be happy with these changes- but they are long overdue. Week in Review Budget Repair Details: Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is limited to wages. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new contract is settled. Total wage increases cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless approved by a referendum. Collective bargaining units will have to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union. Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units will not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. Local police and fire employees and State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are exempted from these changes. Pension Contributions: Currently, public employees pay almost nothing to their pensions. State employees will be required to pay an estimated 5.8 percent of their salary toward their pensions, covering 50 percent of the total contribution. The employer (the taxpayers) will still pay the other 50 percent. Thisamount is about the national average for private sector employees. The pension for elected officials and appointees is modified to be the same as general occupation employees and teachers. Current law requires these positions to pay more and receive a different multiplier for pension calculations. Per the constitution, this change will be effective for elected officials at the beginning of the next term. 42 Health Insurance Contributions: Currently, state employees pay approximately 6 percent of annual health insurance premiums. State employees will be required to pay at least 12 percent of monthly premiums, which is still less than half of what the private sector pays. In addition, the bill directs the Group Insurance Board to implement changes to health insurance plan designs to further reduce premiums by 5 percent and will implement health risk assessments for all state employees beginning on January 1, 2012. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health insurance program operated by the state will be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest cost plan. Debt Refinancing: The bill refinances some state debt to save an estimated $165 million in this fiscal year. That one-time refinancing will be directly used to help cover two one-time bills for the state, an estimated $58.7 million owed to Minnesota for reciprocity and the $200 million owed to the state's medical malpractice fund. MA: The bill gives the Department of Health Service the ability to change Medicaid (including BadgerCare). This is to address sharply rising costs for those programs and an anticipated $153 million deficit in the current fiscal year. Heating Plants: The bill allows for the sale of state heating plants, with the net gains from any sale to be put directly into the budget reserve fund. General Fund: Authorize the DOA Secretary to lapse or transfer form GPR and PR appropriations, excluding PR appropriations to the UW, to the general fund estimated savings of about $30 million from implementing these provisions. State and Local Governments: The bill provides $22 million to address the current-year shortfalls in the Dept of Corrections adult institutions appropriation. TANF: Allocates $37 million of excess TANF revenues to increase TANF funding for the EITC from $6.6 million to $43.6 million in FY2010-11. GPR TANF funding is decreased by a similar amount. Act 28 Required Lapses: The previous budget (Act 28} required a lapse or transfer of $680 million in 2009-11 from appropriations made to executive branch agencies to the General Fund. This bill 43 would reduce the amount by $79 million to ensure the lapses can be met in the next five months. OWl enforcement changes: Funding is not anticipated to be needed in FY2010-11 and the bill lapses that amount to the General Fund. Tabs Focus
Maciver Institute: Governor's push to cut Red Tape draws ire of some What the Dems are Saying "We need bold, innovative policies to create well-paying jobs and put people back to work. Unfortunately all we're getting from the Senate Republicans are reruns. The same old politics as usual that puts the special interests before middle class and working families and the same old failed policies that got us into the current economic mess in the first place aren't going to fix anything." Sen. Miller: Special Session Re-run: Republicans Pass Special interest Giveaway, Create No Jobs "I think they're in a state of shock today." Sen. Fred Risser, on public employees in response to Gov. Walker's special session bill Around the Country New York Times: Bloomberg seeks New York City Pension Overhaul Springfield Register {IL): Lawmakers propose costly new bills Stateline.org: Food stamp rolls reach historic levels Wall Street Journal: A license to shampoo: jobs needing state approval rise Los Angeles Times: Conservative Democrats switch to GOP across the Deep South CNN: Fla Governor Rick Scott: Slash taxes by $4 billion In Case You Missed It 44 PolitiFact: TRUE: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says state employees could pay twice as much for health care premiums and still be paying half the national average WRN: GOP moving ahead with own education reforms WRN: Sen. Olson Bill extends open enrollment period from 3 weeks to 3 months Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Legislator wants system to stress teacher quality over seniority Maciver Institute: Union Operatives' Salaries Raise Eyebrows in Capitol From Washington Wall Street Journal: 'I Didn't Raise Taxes Once'- Refreshing the President's memory The Hill: It's oversight season: 'hundreds' of hearings to tackle funding cuts Politico: Democrats coordinate health messaging New York Times: Early maneuvering on possible shutdown Great Read of the Week Wall Street Journal: Governors chop spending- Governors in both parties aim to balance state budgets through cuts, not taxes Governors around the U.S. are proposing to balance their states' budgets with a long list of cuts and almost no new taxes, reflecting a goal by politicians from both parties to erase deficits chiefly by shrinking government. For more information on anything contained in the GOP Senate Update and to contribute ideas and topics for future weeks, please contact Sen. Fitzgerald's office at 608-266-5660 or email Andrew Wei house or Dan Romportl. I[IJ 45 Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: To: Friday, February 11, 20111:51 PM Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re: They connected. Check it off the list From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 01:50PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: FW: Any idea if the Guvwants to call? Otherwise I will. Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: www. walker. wi.qov From: Davey, Monica Sent: Friday, February 11, To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE: Perfect-- I appreciate it very much. Even if the governor can't speak to me, I need to run through a couple items on the press release to make sure I understand them. Might you or someone else be willing to do that? Best, Monica From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 12:57 PM To: Davey, Monica Subject: RE: Monica- Below is the email that was sent, I'm trying to see if I can work out to have the Governor call you this afternoon. If he can't I'll give you a ring. Thanks, GOVERNORSCOTTVVALKER 46 STATE OF WISCONSIN Thank you for your service to your state and your fellow citizens. I know that you have worked hard during this economic downturn to ensure that our citizens continue to receive great service, despite our state having fewer and fewer resources. I, like all Wisconsinites, am grateful for your professionalism and commitment to public servwe. Like almost every state across the nation, our state faces some very serious and undeniable financial challenges. Over the last three months, I have worked diligently to review the status of our state finances and to put forward a plan that balances our budget now and will create stability in future budgets. Many of you are aware ofthe immediate challenges facing our state. In the current fiscal year which ends on June 30,2011, we face a budget deficit of$136.7 million. We also owe more than $200 million to the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund. Failure to immediately address this shortfall could result in the state being unable to pay for health services to thousands of children and families in Wisconsin's BadgerCare program. Looking to the future, our challenges are even greater. Over the next two years, the State of Wisconsin faces a biennial budget deficit of$3.6 billion. While some of these financial challenges may be attributed to the slowing of our economy, the reality is that these problems were exacerbated by poor budgeting decisions approved and promoted by past elected leaders, Republicans and Democrats alike. By relying on the use of one-time money, segregated fund raids, and increases in taxes and fees, past leaders have focused on short term solutions without looking toward the future. While these decisions may have appeared to be the easiest solution, or the path of least resistance, the bills for these decisions have come due and the path to long term financial solvency for our state requires shared sacrifices from everyone. Today, I am introducing a Budget Repair Bill to address our current fiscal year deficit of$136.7 million. Later this month, I will introduce my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal to address the pending $3.6 billion deficit. The Budget Repair Bill will include a number of reform measures focused on bringing government employee benefits closer to the private sector, including: Pension Contributions- Currently, state, school district and municipal employees who are members of the Wisconsin Retirement System contribute very little toward their pensions. The bill requires that WRS employees, including myself and my cabinet officers, as well as employees of the City and County of Milwaukee, contribute 50 percent of their monthly pension contributions. This amount is estimated to be 5.8 percent of salary for 2011, which is about the national average for private sector employees. Health Insurance Contributions- Currently, state employees pay approximately 6 percent of annual health insurance premiums. This bill requires that state employees, again including myself and my cabinet officers, pay at least 12 percent of monthly premiums, which is still less than half of what the private sector pays. In addition, the bill directs the Group Insurance Board to implement changes to health insurance plan designs to further reduce premiums by 5 percent and will implement health risk assessments for all state employees beginning on January 1, 2012. Local employers participating in the Public Employers Group Health insurance program operated by the state will be prohibited from paying more than 88 percent of the lowest cost plan. 47 Collective Bargaining - Given the above changes, the bill also makes various changes to limit collective bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases carmot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless approved by a referendum. Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be frozen until the new contract is settled. Collective bargaining units will have to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union. Employers will be prohibited from collecting union dues and members of collective bargaining units will not be required to pay dues. These changes take effect upon the expiration of existing contracts. Local police and fire employees and State Patrol Troopers and Inspectors are exempted from these changes. Collectively, these changes will result in savings of approximately $30 million in the remaining few months of the current fiscal year. In the days ahead, some may attempt to misrepresent these reform measures, spreading inaccurate or misleading information. To ensure that you know the facts, I would like to proactively address these issues. Furloughs - Over the last several years, state employees have been required to take furloughs resulting in an across the board pay cut of approximately 3 percent. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal will not include additional furlough days for state employees. Layoffs -Without the pension and health care reforms described above, saving $30 million over the last three months of the cmTent fiscal year would require laying-off more than 1,500 state government employees. By implementing these reforms, the provisions contained in both my Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial Budget proposal are focused on avoiding layoffs for state employees. Wisconsin's Civil Service System-The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal will not include any provisions to alter or modify the main tenets of Wisconsin's Civil Service System, one of the strongest in the nation. The grievance and dispute resolution systems currently in place, as well as all employee protections, will remain. Vacation and Sick Leave Policy- Recent news stories have suggested that I am considering altering the state's vacation or sick leave policy. The Budget Repair Bill and my 2011-13 Biennial Budget proposal will not include any provisions to alter or modify state employees' vacation or sick leave policy. In addition, benefits currently accrued by any state employees will not be altered in any way. Last week in my State of the State Address, I shared my belief that government employees are among some of the most honest, hard working, dedicated, professional workers in this state. I sincerely believe that. We all recognize that these are historic times that require us to rethink how government operates. I ask that we continue to work together to do what is necessary to bring the state's spending in line with our taxpayers' ability to pay. Wisconsin's state employees are second to none in our nation. Our citizens expect great service, and you have delivered. I know you will continue to deliver top-notch programs for Wisconsin's taxpayers. Thank you again for your service to our state. Sincerely, Governor Scott Walker 48 Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: {608} 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov www. walker. wi.gov From: Davey, Monica [mailto-.r Sent: Friday, February 11, To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Cullen: I'm trying to reach you for a story for tomorrow paper regarding this budget cut plan. I just want to clarify a few things from the release. Also, wondering: may I have a copy of the email to state workers. And is there audio or video of the governor's presser this morning? Or, better yet, might the governor be willing to talk for five minutes to me on the broad issue --his thinking about why these benefit cuts must be made to unions now? Can you give me a call? Thanks. Best, Monica Monica Davey The New York Times Chicago Bureau Chief 111 E. Wacker Drive; Suite 2912 Illinois 60601 49