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Downing, Karley - GOV

From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2011 5:51 PM
To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
***U***Today's update also includes last Friday's update that was not sent out********
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts
Representative Knudson called regarding the Governor possibly going up to the Hudson area
Representative Petersen's Office called asking for the details for an event the Governor will be at in Waupaca on Thursday.
Senator Jauch's Office called regarding tuition reciprocity in the budget.
IoiDQrrow's Committee Calendar
JFC will be holding an executive session tomorrow. Several items are on the calendar including DOA-procurement, DNR- water
quality and DHS- medical assistance.
Tuesday's Committees Date Time Room Bill Author
DOA-St.
Croix
Waste Fraud Abuse 5/24/2011 9:00 Room
Local Government Consolidation and CESAs XXX XXX
JCRAR Exec 5/24/2011 9:30 300SE
Rules relating to the development of best
management practices to control emissions of
hazardous air contaminants from agricultural
waste. (the committee will be voting to suspend
parts of DNR rules and will be introducing LRB
drafts) xxxxxxx
Emergency Rule 1050- The Wisconsin
Department of Children and Families order
relating to DCF 56, foster care xxxxxxx
A. Transportation Hearing 5/24/2011 10:30 GAR
Lazich,
SB 41/ AB 50- motor carrier liability Nygren
AB 64- single trip permits for oversized mobile
homes Petrowski
AB 80- operating motor vehicle after the
suspension of license Krusick
AB 81- disabled identification cards Krusick
AB 132- motor vehicle dealers Ballweg
A. Jobs, Economy and Small
Business Hearing 5/24/2011 11:00 328 NW
(Hearing) SB 47/AB 70- changes to the
membership of the Small Business Regulatory
Review Board Tau chen
S. Judiciary, Utilities,
Commerce, and Government
Operations 5/24/2011 11:00 201 SE
SB 80- changing the boundaries of Marquette
County and Green Lake County Olsen
SB 85- theft of certain services and providing a
penally Zipperer
SJR 16- veto power of county executive over
appropriations (second consideration) Harsdorf
SR 18- state sovereignty Leibham
A. Consumer Protection and
Personal Privacy Info Hearing 5/24/2011 1:00 300NE
8/2/2011
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Sandy Chalmers- Administrator- Department
of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection XXXXXXX
Michelle Reinen- Director- Bureau of
Consumer Protection XXXXXXX
Cheryll Olson-Collins- Administrator- Bureau
of Consumer Affairs Department of Financial
Institutions XXXXXXX
Paul Egide- Director- Bureau of Consumer
Affairs Department of Financial Institutions XXXXXXX
Economic and Regulatorv Reform Team
Commerce
Venture Capital
o Jason is working on drafting a document countering editorial piece written in the Journal Sentinel on the negatives of the
current venture capital proposal
DNR
Biomass Study
o The DNR would like to be represented in any biomass study committee that is brought together.
Venture Capital
Committee Votes
o Both the Assembly Job Creation Committee and the Senate Economic Development Committee have delayed voting the
bill out of committee from next week until after Memorial Day
DATCP
Consumer/Privacy Protection
o DATCP has four positions they have held vacant that they can use for general consumer protection activities, or
They can provide legislation to expand the privacy protection office at DATCP to allow the four positions to
investigate identity theft.
o DATCP will make a decision on which option is best.
o Next Tuesday DATCP has been asked to testify in the Assembly Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy Committee, if
a hearing is scheduled.
They will have an opportunity to provide a recommendation to the committee if they think legislation should be
passed to expand their investigative abilities in regards to identity theft.
Contact with Congresswoman Bachmann regarding the Stillwater Bridge.
911 Service Fee
o Received a letter from Bayfield County Administrator urging either administrative or legislative reform on '911 Service Fee'
o Asked PSG to respond with prior approval of response letter
WHEDA
OFI
Modernization Bills
o Met with Mike Semmann of WBA to discuss the two bill drafts
o WBA supports substance of both bills
o Agency Update
o Exec. Director Winston met with Sec. Huebsch and policy team to update the governor's office on WHEDA, discuss agency
strategic goals, and potential issues
o Discussed status of modernization bill package and WHEDA lending
Credit Union Conversion
o Nate met with the Cooperative Network to discuss the JFC's approval of the motion that allows credit union conversion into
mutual savings banks or savings institutions
o Group is against motion, and lobbying legislators to overturn the action taken by the JFC
Anchor Bank
o Executives met with Keith and Jason on status of regulatory and financial position, status of recapitalization plans, and
future plans for Wisconsin
I_ourism
o Agency Update
o Sec. Klett, Dep. Sec. Fantle met with Sec. Huebsch and policy team to update the governor's office on Tourism, discuss
8/2/2011
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agency strategic goals, and potential issues
o Discussed using the governor in television/billboard/print ads to promote Wisconsin Tourism
o Also discussed: Indigenous Games, EAA, legislation, room-tax legislation, Arts Board, and Film Program
Arts Board
o Tourism to respond to a letter received from Schauer Arts and Activities Center (Washington and Dodge Co.'s) with
concerns on the Arts Board and arts funding in the proposed budget
JOBS Hotline
1 call received
Human Services and Education Team
DHS:
DVR from DWD could be moved to DHS via budget motion in JFC. DHS is advocating for this addition.
Vacancies at DHS with retirements are on the increase (Feb. 2011: 12.49%, May 2011: 15.0%)
DHS News:
Study touts FamilyCare (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}
The study was done for the Wisconsin Family Care Association, made up of public and private firms that arrange for services for frail
elderly and adults with disabilities served through the program. The review says the state is saving nearly $90 million a year by serving
clients in FamilyCare when compared with a separate services program. Both programs rely on Medicaid funding, which is a blend of
federal and state money. The comparison data had not been available previously.
Editorial: Don't let Medicare ao bankrupt (Wisconsin State Journal}.
A lot of older folks in Wisconsin and the nation seem to have missed this important point in the ongoing debate over how to shore up the
government's popular health care program for retirees.
Republicans suggest deal possible on health care (Reuters)
Top Congressional Republicans said on Sunday they would be open to a comprise on healthcare costs, one of the biggest stumbling
blocks in a deal to get the United States' debt under control. Republican Paul Ryan, the chairman of the House of Republicans Budget
Committee, said he would "absolutely" by willing to negotiate with Democrats, who have hammered his plan to scale back government-
run health plans for lhe poor and the elderly. With Ryan's plan headed for likely defeat in the Democratic-conlrolled Senate, lhat
chamber's top Republican said it was time for "an adult conversation" on ways to keep healthcare costs under control.
Education:
Met with facilitator for Read to Lead to go over procedures and agenda items.
Education News:
UPDATE: School board member withdraws controversial gift card proposal
A Madison School Board member who proposed using $1.3 million in docked teacher pay to give workers $200 year-end bonuses has
withdrawn the idea.
Board member Ed Hughes said his proposal stirred up a "hornet's nest of resentment" in the community. He said he received lots of
emails as news outlets around the country picked up the story, first reported by the State Journal on Thursday.
DPI chief. Racine superintendent decrv <Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
In a attack on the possible expansion of private school vouchers into Racine, the local and state schools superintendents
warned Thursday that such a move would hurt Racine Unified School District, increase local taxes and not raise student achievement.
''Vouchers are a double whammy," Racine Unified Superintendent Jim Shaw said at a new conference held at Walden Ill Middle and
High School, a magnet school within the district. "They decrease resources for public education and raise taxes for the local taxpayer."
Education:
Attended DPI Educator Effectiveness meeting and made some significant progress
o Student achievement data for tested subjects and grades will be based on WKCE growth
o Other assessments can be used for non-tested subjects and grades
o We are continuing to push for measures to be as uniform as possible throughout the state with a strong focus on student
outcomes
Marquette University expressed concerns about allowing Herzing University and other colleges to be eligible for financial
aid from HEAB. JFC will take up the issue tomorrow.
Education News:
All UW schools push for flexibilitv as looks unlikekJMilwaukee Journal Sentinefl
A three-month debate over the way the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the rest of the UW System are run has shown that all state
universities are going to need more freedom from state rules to remain competitive and to offset deep proposed budget cuts, state
lawmakers say.
G.reen l;lay Mayor Jim Schmitt undecided on school vouchers (Green Bav
Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt says he has not decided whether to support a private-school voucher program in Green Bay.
Education needs creative ideas and variety, Schmitt said, but he also wants to discuss the issue with other mayors whose communities
have used vouchers.
8/2/2011
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Justice and Local Governments Team
Cost of Collective Barf@lni.ng:
Wisconsin State Journal. School district racks up $300,000 legal bill fighting teacher's porn-relateQ firing
The Middleton-Cross Plains Schoof Board has spent about $300,000 in the fast year fighting a grievance filed on behalf of a teacher fired
after an investigation found he viewed pornography at school.
Andrew Harris, a former seventh-grade science teacher at Glacier Creek Middle School, along with seven high school staff members and
one administrator, were investigated and disciplined after the district discovered porn and other inappropriate adult content, including
nudity and sexual jokes, in their email system during the fall of 2009.
"In these days in a shortage of cash we're loath to spend money on lawyers," said Ellen Lindgren, president of the Middleton-Cross
Plains School Board. "On the other hand, we believe the community supports the termination of a teacher who intentionally accesses
pornography."
Union leaders say the case isn't about teachers viewing porn on a school computer- an action they agree is wrong. Rather, they argue
the discipline for Harris and the others was unjust and not based on clear standards or objective criteria.
A union lawyer, Willie Haus,- also alleges the district went after Harris because he was a union leader who had criticized the School
Board .
.Lru;al Governments and Property Taxes:
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. Analysis: Schools with be forced to lower taxes
The analysis by University of Madison-Wisconsin economic Andrew Reschovsky released today says 329 districts would be prevented
from raising properly taxes under Walker's budget plan and would actually be required to reduce property taxes to meet new revenue
limits.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee County's largest. union still pushing for new contract
The county and AFSCME are currently in arbitration over an impasse on a contract for 2009 and 2010, said the fetter by AFSCME public
policy director Patricia Yunk.
The 2011 county budget already counts on health and pension contributions that hadn't been won from most union workers. The state
law would require employees to contribute about 6% of their pay toward their pensions- up from the county's budget plan of a phased-in
4% pension contribution.
The county budget also ca/Jed for unpaid furlough days to workers whose unions had not agreed to the concessions. Those furloughs
would be rescinded if a new labor deal were reached or when the state law takes effect.
The county concessions on pension, health care, overlime restrictions and a wage freeze have already been imposed on the 15% of
county workers who don't belong to a union. Three smaller unions a/so have agreed to the concessions.
County Controller Scott Manske said the county would not shortchange its budget if it didn't immediately activate the higher pension
contributions because furloughs would continue to be used as a savings alternative.
Matt Gerhke of Lisbon called about an issue. His call was returned but he is yet to get back to us.
Mayor Bauer of Durand called to invite us to a League event. I declined because it is during a Soglin meeting.
Veterans:
Randy Hopper's Senate subcommittee had a public hearing on the Petersen bill to reorganize the Veteran's Board. There were
no surprises and even Senator Cullen seemed supportive. Whether he votes for the bill is unclear.
Veterans Board Chair Naylor called for an update on the new nominees to the Board. I told him soon. He was preparing for
June's Board Meeting.
Concealed Carry:
Janesville Gazette. Editorial: Taking aim at concealed carry
With Republicans controlling our Legislature and trigger-happy Jim Doyle no longer wielding his veto pen, Wisconsin appears poised to
enact concealed carry legislation.
It's about time.
Forty-eight states allow concealed carry. To those who fear Wisconsin will turn into the Wild West we ask: Has this occurred in other
states? Has any state repealed its legislation?
8/2/2011
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Opponents and supporlers of concealed carry can point to studies that back their claims. The criminals already have guns. Concealed
carry can serve as a deterrent. Criminals are more reluctant to attack if they fear you might be carrying a gun.
Emergency Management:
Janesville Gazette. La Crosse mayor declares state of emergency
Mayor Matt Harter declared a state of emergency. Rescue workers went door to door to check on people, sometimes forcing their way
through debris to get inside, the mayor said. Areas were evacuated after the storm left homes uninhabitable and downed power lines
made areas unsafe, but no one was seriously hurt or killed, the mayor said.
"That'S nothing short of a miracle," Hatter said.
The storm roared across the city of 51,000 about two hours southeast of Minneapolis late in the afternoon. It was unclear Sunday
evening whether it spawned a tornado, but It struck with enough force to topple massive trees and send debris sailing through the air.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee area to lose $4.2 million in annual homeland security funds. Wall Street Journal.
The Milwaukee area is losing all of its annual $4.2 million in federal aid to prepare for natural disasters and acts of terrorism,
federal and city officials said Thursday.
That won't shut down all emergency readiness programs immediately, said Steve Fronk, Ml1waukee director of homeland security and
emergency management. Previous grants will help fund current programs for about two more years, and some federal funds still will be
available through the state, he said.
Corrections:
Green Bay Press Gazette. Corrections strain state's finances
The problem was exacerbated in 1997 when Wisconsin, like many states before it, passed legislation. The law was
meant to fix a penal system that allowed offenders to serve a portion of their sentence before they were released.
"Just about everybody in the courtroom knew that if you get a sentence you'll probably get out in five," Hamblin said. "The only
person that doesn't understand that iS the victim and the general public."
Waste. Fraud. and Abuse:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Nine state workers earned more than $65,000 each in overtime
Madison- Nine state workers made more than $65,000 in overtime last year, including one who took in about $105,000 in overtime to
more than double her salary.
For the second year in a row. the state worker making the most in overtime was Sheryl Lee Fors, a 53-year-old nurse clinician at
Southern Wisconsin Center who made a base salary of $91,077 and $104,930 in overtime. Total earnings for the year: $196,007.
In 2009, Fors made $188,070, including almost $97,000 in overtime.
Gov. Scott Walker will "ensure taxpayer resources are being efficiently and effectively used in relation to necessary overtime pay," said a
statement from Walker spokesman Cullen Wetwie.
Walker's Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission will make recommendations on reducing overtime in a report being released this
summer, Werwie said.
Wetwie touted Walker's move to limit collective bargaining for state employees as a means of reducing overtime costs. The Legislature
approved Walker's bill on collective bargaining in March, but it has not taken effect because of a legal challenge.
Wisconsin Reporter. Audit bureau: State must contain overtime costs
The DOC and DHS have long been responsible for the bulk of the state's overtime pay. In 2010, the two agencies accounted for 66
percent of Wisconsin's premium overtime cost, paid at 1.5 times an employee's normal hourly rate. Both departments cite their 24-hour
facilities as the major reason for using overtime, some of which is mandatory.
Legislators acknowledged the need for staffing at such facilities, but said there must be a tess expensive way to provide
it.
"We just have to do a better job of managing our people and working together to find a solution for these overtime problems," said state
Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Powers Lake, of the Joint Audit Committee. "For example, why was it better (in 2009) and
now it's back to this?"
Intergovernmental News:
8/2/2011
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Reuters, Tennessee House passes bill to curb teachers' unions
The vote of 59-39 in the House restdcts the unions to collective bargaining only on pay and benefits. The bill does not allow collective
bargaining on working conditions and matters dealing with petformance, such as classroom assignments and bonus pay.
The Senate voted 18-14 on May 1 to repeal a 1978/aw that required school boards to engage in collective bargaining with teachers'
unions. Instead, all bargaining would be handled by local teachers and their school boards, according to the bill.
8/2/2011
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From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7:38 PM
Legislative Mfairs Team
Committee Activities of Nate:
SS SB 13- TeleCo Bill. Passed Senate: 5-0.
Floor Session
Both the Senate and Assembly ate in on Wednesday
o Senate Bills of Note: TeleCo, Early Release and 19 Appointments
o Assembly Bills of Note: TeleCo, Voter ID
o Followed up with Representative Severson's Office about having WEDC be in touch with Sheer Wind
Inc. about possibly expanding their business operation to Osceola.
o Followed up with Rep. Ripp regarding the flooding of Crystal Lake
Talked with Rep. Kooyenga about his child placement bill, AB 30.
Talked with Rep. Pridemore regarding REAL ID
Wednesday's Committees
S. Public Health, Human
Services and Revenue
Hearing and Exec
A. Homeland Security and
State Affairs Exec
Date
5/11/2011
5/11/2011
Time Room
9:00 400 SE
9:30 328NW
Bill
Appointment of 3 people to the Funeral
Directors Examining Board
AB 113- changing the boundaries of
Marquette and Green Lake Counties
Economic Develo11ment and Regulatory- Reform Team
Commerce
Enterprise Zones legislation
o Passed the State Senate this aftetnoon
Dave Volz and Mike Klonsinksi met with Sen. Hopper
o Discussed funding sources for WEDC and other budget provisions
NFIB messages from earlier teleforum with Gov. Walker
8/2/2011
o NFIB director Bill Smith shared a number of member questions and messages with our office
today from that teleforum; we will respond.
Page 2 ofS
Stillwater Bridge
o SB 26 relating to bonding authority for major interstate bridge projects passed the Senate 23-10
o Govemor Dayton issued a letter to Congresswoman Bachman giving her a deadline of
September 30, 2011 to get federal authorization for the project.
o Contact with office of Congresswoman Bachmann
Congressman Mica advised Sec. Gottlieb about the pending reauthorization bill.
DNR
DNR/DOT Cooperative Agreement
o Staff from DNR and DOT will be setting up a meeting to discuss their Cooperative Agreement.
o Due to transportation projects inciting DNR mles, the two agencies created this agreement.
o They hope to create a better, more simplified relationship.
Venture CaJ2ital
Conference call with Wisconsin VC industry representatives
o Discussed details of the legislation and fielded questions from stakeholders
Health Care and Education Team
NGA Milwaukee Site Visit
May 19th: NGA scheduled staff visit to Milwaukee: Susan Dotchin, NGA special events coordinator,
issued a statement that Wisconsin is potentially in the running for the 2013 Summer Meeting with Alaska
(confmned) and Conn. (most Wrely dropping out). All of the other interested states have since withdrawn
their bids. Wisconsin is well on its way to be the host state.
Education
Met with WI Council on Religious, Independent Schools board members to answer questions about
the budget and other education initiatives
Continued to expand stakeholder support around school report card proposal. Most stakeholders feel
strongly that the report card must include growth (value-added on tests) and attainment (proficiency
on tests) measures as -well as other items.
Met with MMAC on education issues.
Health Care News
BadgerCare Plus Basic Audit:
Audit finds shortfall in state health care plan (Milwallkcc ]o11mal S e 1 1 t i m ~
BadgerCare in financial trouble (Jamsotlle Ga:{!!tte)
OCINews
Financial iml!act of Wisconsin's auto insurance law questioned (Appleton Post Crescent)
Insurance experts and opponents of a new, bipartisan-backed auto insurance law d1at reduces minimum
coverage standards to pre-2010 levels say there's litde evidence the measure will achieve its primary objective:
lowering insurance costs for Wisconsin drivers.
Education News
Wall<er: Budget could expand school choice to other cities (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}
Gov. Scott Walker wants to bring voucher schools to urban areas beyond Milwaukee, and predicts lawmakers
will approve that expansion by d1e end of June.
8/2/2011
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"I think one of the things between now and the time we finish this budget off at the end of June, we're going
to be able to add and go beyond the boundaries of the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. We're
actually going to be able to add communities hl<e Racine and Beloit and even Green Bay because evety one of
those communities desetves a choice as well, and with this (state) budget that's exactly what they're going to
get," Walker said in a speech to school choice advocates Monday in Washington, D.C.
Walker touts school choice as economic growth tool (AP)
States need edncational options such as school choice to guarantee an educated workforce and a resulting
economic boost, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Wall<er said Monday night at a national meeting of school choice
sup potters.
"We know if we're going to have sustained economic growth we've got to have an educated workforce,"
Walker said in a keynote address at the National Policy Summit of the American Federation for Children in
Washington, D.C., that was broadcast overt the Internet.
Local Government:
Green Bay Press Gazette. Ashwaubenon teacher contract extension approved
The contract teachers to pay 12.5 percent of health instmmce ptmiums a!l(/5.8 percent of their salaries toward
tdilment benefits.
It elimi11ates benefits for those after this school yem; and includes a salary inmase of $67 5 per teacherfor
theyem:
The contrad tduces sick-leave accumulated days to 60 fivm 90, and the school calendar is tmoved as a bargaining item.
AsiJJvaubenon School Disttict officials say changes to the contract 1vill help absorb most of an expected $1.2 million deficit that
could occur tt11der a pmposed state biennial budget.
La Crosse Tribune. 'Buy Local' grants in jeopardy
Holcomb refmnced a repott fivm the Depmtment of Agriculttm, Trade and Consumer Ptvtection shoJJJing Buy Local, Buy
117iscousin gemrated 4 9 jobs, $4 million in sales and $190,000 til state and local tax mJenttes in its !tvo years.
"The IV j11st aml't any other state t.sources like this out there to get local food e[fo1ts 11p and 111111Jing," she said.
But DATCP Secretary Ben Brcmce! begs to difji11: He notes the department is maintaining its Btg Local staffpersotl and still
can offer technical assistance if not actual dollars.
"117e've been able to gather good itt[OJmation oJt how some of these bustiJCsses have mnttimed on even after the grant monies JJ!CJ"
gone," he said. "That's e>.pCJtise tve can ttotv shmK"
The Capital Times. MATC unveiling plan to fill $10.3 million budget hole
To jill the $10.3 million bole, Price says the college found $'6.4 million in savings from employee contract ad;itstments. In late
March, fit!l-time facttlty and support staff to mvork existing tmion contracts -- 1vith most taking c11ts in take-home pay in
'"tttm for ass11rcmces from the school that it 1vill make every ifjo1t to avoid layoffs. At the same time, pmt-time teachers sigmd off
8/2/2011
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011 a college-jiieJJdly dea4 1vhile members if the MATC administratio11 also taking c11ts in take-home pay. Tbis also
includes about $162,000 in health insurtlllce savings.
"J.I7c Juork 1uith o11r insurance companies through a committee if employees," e:xplains P1ice. "So JJJe JJJork bard 011
adj11sting our coverages and deductibles and looking at dijfemtt options to save money."
Pnce said another $2.3 million tuill be saved by not filling 23 open positions. Tbat 1111mber inc!JJdes 10 Jitll-time teaching lines
and six vacant administrative posts.
The school plam to save another $800,000 by havtitg va1ious comers if the college commit to reducing ovettime and finding JJJays
to 11111 mot? efficiently, and another $7 50,000 came fi-om revemte adjustments.
Veterans:
Kelli Thompson met with me to discuss the creation of a statewide veterans court coordinating
council. Veterans havhlg problems financially, physically, and mentally transitioning back to civilian
life from active duty is an issue and the current piecemeal approach is not working as effectively as it
could be. We will look hlto it.
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
The Chippewa Herald. Analysis: Over 160 state employees reel ill $25,000 or more in overtime pay
Eliminating collective bargaining could curtail costs
That's because some employees' oveJtime protedures mv !VIitten into their specific collective bargainhtg Pe11ding the
011tcome if Gov. S colt 117alker's union reform law, cmnntly stalled in court, that could chattge.
If imp!emmted, Walkers law, JJJhich eliminates collective-bargainittgpowers, excpt for salary, for most if the state's public ttnion
employees, should help, said Cbtis S cbneide1; a seniorftllOJv JJJitb think tank 117isconsin Policy Research I11Stitute.
Prevailing Wage:
Mary Williams released her version of prevailing wage repeal. It sets a two-tier threshold for single and
multiple trade projects ($50,000/$250,000). It indexes the threshold and exempts localgovermnents
under 10,000 population. It repeals many of the other Act 28 prevailhlg wage changes and some other
tweaks as well that mostly lean toward a minimizing of the prevailing wage law.
Concealed Cany:
Wisconsin State Journal. Law enforcement leaders urge changes to proposed concealed carry bills
"Public safety JJJill be enhanced if laiV-abiding ci#zens call cany concealed at ottr zoos, outside aitpo!is and ftstivais like Brat
l'est, "Mursa11 said.
Gall01vay said some if the states that cmnntly alloiV concealed carry do not have training ma11dates, and have not seen
problems compmd to those that tvquilv training. But she said lmvmakers an eager to get ftedback and may make chaJtges to the
lcgislatiotJ.
"I'm intmsted in hearittg the t;ieiVs at the pub!ti" beming," GalloiVay said. itttemted in coming up JVith a bill that's good
for the people if l17irconsin."
8/2/2011
Page 5 of5
Corrections:
The early release repealed passed a senate subcommittee today 3-2.
Two sex offenders are being released in the city of Waukesha today. They will be homeless because of
Waukesha's ordinance and corrections cannot provide them housing because of the ordinance as well.
T11ey were offered housing somewhere else but declined. They voluntarily agreed to GPS monitoring.
Corrections is preparing a statement if rl1e press asks and local authorities will be notified as required.
VoteriD:
Wausau Daily Herald. Editorial. Voter ID bill is harmful and unnecessary
The bill is e:>..peded to be take11 ttp b)1 the Assembly 011 JTYed11esday, a11d til tbe Set1ate soot1 afteJ:
lf7e ask o11r local legislators, Rpttbhca11s a11d Democrats alike, to vote agait1st it a11d Gov. Scott l.f7alker to veto the bill if it
gets to his desk. It is a solutio11 ifl search if a jJJVb!em. It JVOII!d impose tlli!JCCessary !ICIV b11rde11s Ofl clerks a11d risk 1 ~ a l harm to
democratic pa1tidpatio11 i11 the state.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of4
Downing, Karley- GOV
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 7:44AM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Legislative Contacts:
Talked to Representative LeMahieu's Office about a technical change to a bill that would increase
the penalties for daycare providers who sexually assault children.
Representative Suder will be holding a press conference tomorrow regarding his bill to repeal early
release.
A bill that would permit concealed cmTy (includes licensing system) was circulated for co-
sponsorship by Representative Mursau. A bill that that would permit constitutional cmzy
(individual does not need a license) was circulated for co-sponsorship by Senator Galloway.
Representative Jorgensen called about a letter he sent last week. Department of CmTections has
sent a response.
Thursday's Committees Date Time Room Bill
225
A. Utilities Exec 5/5/2011 9:30 NW
SS AB 14- telecommunications
JFC Bill Exec 5/5/2011 10:00 412E
AB 92- eliminate the cap on Choice
AB 94- technical changes to Choice
A. Veterans Exec 5/5/2011 10:00 330SW
AB 96- composition of the Vets Boar<
S. Natural Resources Hearing
and Exec 5/5/2011 10:00 300SE
(Exec) SB 59- piers
(Exec) SB 52- fish culling
(Exec) SB 72- bear hunting
(Hearing) SB 75- deer hunt
Jt. Public Safety and
Corrections Hearing 5/4/2011 11:00 411 s
AB 86/ SB 57- early release
Economic Development
Commerce
International Trade
o International trade directors from around the world will be visiting Wisconsin from May
9-13
o Each day will be in a different area in the state
Venture Capital
8/2/2011
o Announcement set for tomorrow morning
o Put together talking points for the announcement for the participants included and also put
together a briefPowerPoint, briefly describing the bill, which will be handed out to the
Page2 of4
Media.
o Met with Senator Wanggaard and Rep. Stone and Rep. Petryk today on the proposal in
advance of tomorrow's announcement.
DFI
National Mortgage License System (NMLS)
o Call reports for mortgage licensees are now going to be required on a qumterly basis
o Sec. Bildsten met with the WMBA to discuss the implementation
PSC
New and Emerging Technologies Improvement Act of 2008
o Information collection mandated by the FCC from the PSC
o PSC sent letter in April complying with FCC request
Manitoba Hydro expressed concerns on the WPS Hydrocap Bill.
:rourism
National Tourism Week
o Updated schedule for visits by the Governor and the Lt. Govemor
o Dept. of Tourism publically announced today the secretary's and dep. secretaty's visits
around the state
JOBS Hotline
1 call received
DNR
Spoke with the Council of Great Lakes Governor's executive Committee and approved their Great
Lakes Budget.
DOT
-
Stillwater Bridge
o Congressman Ron Kind testified in support ofH.R. 850, Congresswoman Bachman's bill
that would deem constmction of a four-lane highway bridge consistent with the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act.
Zoo Interchange
o Contact with WisDOT regarding the prefetTed altemative and potential announcement.
Contact with Sen. Moulton to update him on concerns expressed from local officials and businesses
in Chippewa County regarding weight limits on local roads.
NGA HI-IS Committee
HHS Weekly Meeting:
1. HealthCare Exchanges Topic: Speaker ideas will be collected from committee members and sent to
leadership for consideration. The topic and spealcer must be decided by the end of May to be in the
pre-agenda draft released to all govemors and stakeholders the first week of June.
2. Oregon Global Waiver: Oregon and Washington are teaming up to ask CMS for flexibilities
relating to managed care populations. They hope to have federal permission by the fall with
implementation between Feb. and April of2012.
3. Update on Medicaid Task Force: HHS Committee members were briefed by NGA on the task force
and what they see in the future. NGA staff has come to the conclusion that this will be a lost cause
and it will end with no letters being sent to HHS/CMS or Congress.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of4
NGA Center for Best Practices:
1. Held a conference call with other governors' health care staff and the NGA Center for Best
Practices on health care challenges each state is facing, discussed the upcoming summer policy
institute for all governors' human services advisors. Discussed topic choices.
DHS
Meeting with Rep. Marldein: Medicaid Director Brett Davis presented a Medicaid 101 discussion with
Rep. Markle in. Discussed health care funding, IM centralization, health care benefits for illegal
immigrants.
OC]
Meeting with Rep. Strachota and OCI: OCI discussed the possible Assembly Insurance Committee bill
relating to technical corrections. Rep. Strachota asked about health care exchanges and whether a model
was being created. Constituents have contacted her with concerns about the cmTent DHS exchange
website. Strachota indicated that it should be taken down and replaced with an "under-construction"
notice.
Meeting with Rep. Kesten and OCI: Kestel! has concerns regarding personal financial literacy. He
believes that high school students should not just be taught about checking and savings accounts, but that
they should be taught about health, life, and auto insurance as well. He also has concerns with health
insurance policy changes and stated that senior citizens need to be educated about their choices. Many
senior citizens have had the same agent for many years and do not realize the potential savings they may
be missing.
Education:
SB 28 (composition of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System) was passed
out of the Senate Higher Ed Committee by a vote of 6-1 (Halperin only no vote)
Continued talks with stakeholders on school repmi cards. All groups have shown interest so far.
Education News:
On Campus: Lovell will earn $330,203 as next UW-Milwaukee chancellor (JfjscQnsin State Journa/J_
Michael Lovell will earn an annual salary of$330,203 as the next chancellor ofUW-Milwaukee.
The UW Board of Regents confirmed his appointment at a special meeting Tuesday and set his salary.
Justice and Local Govermnents Team
Local Government:
A!mleton Post Crescent. Kaukauna teachers union leader dismayed with layoffs
The measure requires most public employees at all levels of government to contribute 5.8 percent of their
salaries toward retirement and pay at least 12.6 percent of their health insurance premiums.
Board president Todd Arnoldussen said the layoffs could be reversed if the legislation withstands the
legal dispute and takes effect, saving the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"The Board of Education wants to make it very clear that if the (collective bargaining legislation)
becomes law, there will be many staff recalls, as well as a significant reduction in the proposed
(maximum) tax levy," Arnoldussen wrote in a statement.
Racine Journal Times. RUSD has plan to avoid $478,000 cost for sick-out
8/2/2011
Page 4 of4
RACINE- A new Racine Unified plan announced Tuesday aims to reduce the cost of making up school
time lost during a one-day teacher sick-outfiom an estimated $478,000 to zero.
The new proposal would make up time by extending school days, instead of adding an extra day at the
end of the year. The plan will go before the School Board for approval Wednesday.
The district's previous plan, approved by the School Board in April, made up the sick-out time by
extending the school year by one day, from June I 0 to June 13. The extension was slated to cost an extra
$478,000 in staffing costs because employees would be paid to work the additional day and were already
paid for work during the sick-out.
Justice:
Marinette County DA Brey: Letter to DOA Sec. Huebsch
Veterans:
The Assembly plans to exec. Petersen's veterans board reorganization next week. There is
expected one omnibus amendment to make technical tweaks to ensure the secretary has control of
the agency and the board terms are 4 years, not 3. It is also expected to be on the floor of the
Assembly the week of May 9.
Concealed CatTy:
Senator Galloway and Representative Mursau have introduced two versions of concealed cmTy.
One requires licensme and the other does not.
Rep. Mursau/Sen. Galloway. Propose concealed carry legislation. LRB 2033. LRB 2007
Voter ID:
Milwaukee Joumal Sentinel. Photo lD bill advances in Capitol
Republicans who control the Legislature plan to pass the measure as early as next week. GOP Gov. Scott
Walker supports requiring photo ID to vote.
To make its IDs compliant with the requirements of the Assembly bill, the University a/Wisconsin-
Madison would have to put addresses on them. UW officials are reluctant to do that because the IDs
include magnetic strips that open doors to dorm rooms, and students would be at risk o.fbreak-ins if they
lost them.
Racine Journal Times. Editorial: Let's malce voters think
Straight-party voting has spawned a kind of laziness that needs to be addressed.
While the pros and cons of Wisconsin's newest voter identification bill will once again stir up forceful
debate, one provision so far has seemed to unite people. An amendment to Assembly Bill 7 would wipe
out the shortcut of filling in a party's name and skipping the individual races in the fall general election.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of 5
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 6:1 0 PM
Legislative Affairs Update
Legislative Update:
Representative Petersen today voted against the Special Session telecommunications bill in the
Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee. The bill passed the committee 6-5.
Representative Severson will be having a 10 minute phone call with the Governor tomorrow
concerning a new business that wants to set up a production facility in Osceola called Sheer Wind
Inc. which makes wind turbines.
Senator Grothman has requested a meeting with the Governor to talk about budget issues.
Representative Toles has requested a meeting with the Governor to discuss the Governor's
suspension of Executive Order 108.
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Commerce
Hospitality Development near State Fair Park
DATCP
o Met with Speaker Fitzgerald and some developers to discuss what tax credits may apply for a
development planned for this fall.
Dairy Manufacturing Facility Investment Tax Credit
o The WI Chessemaker's Association is in favor of Rep. Ott's amendment that would extend
the $200,000 tax credit to all facilities regardless of corporation structure.
o Cooperatives Network is OK with this.
Truck Weight Increase
DNR
o Senator Leibham is working on a bill to increase the allowable truck weights for a set
distance around the Arcadia area for particular products.
o DOT, DATCP and staff will meet next week to discuss this legislation, recommend changes.
Plan to apply the bill towards the entire state, include larger amounts of products.
Great Lakes Council of Governors
o Met with DNR staff to receive an update on various Great Lakes issues, including:
The City of Waukesha's request for a water diversion from the Great Lakes Basin
A review of the 5 Areas of Concem designated by EPA
1. Sheboygan should have dredging completed by the end of2012.
G-Tac Exploratory Drilling
o The Bad River Band sent the Governor a letter on DNR' s approving this.
o They would have wanted there to be public input, despite there being no legal duty to do so.
Recycling
o Outagamie County came up with a memo for JFC members on recycling.
o They talk about:
Supporting per capita grant distribution
Supporting consolidation
8/2/2011
Page2of5
Offering different ways of incentivizing consolidation and implementing change in
general.
DOT
Contact with business owner from Chippewa County regarding road weight limits.
Federal Railroad Administration began to announce the grants from the Florida HSR money.
PSC
Commission Meeting on Friday
o Among other issues on the docket, the Focus on Energy Administrator will be selected
o Further discussion on We Energies proposed biomass plant in Rothschild
Tourism
USS Milwaukee
o Secretary of the Navy sent a letter thanking you for your request that Milwaukee be
considered for the commissioning site ofUSS Milwaukee (LCS 5)
o Will work with the Dept. of Tourism to see what else can be done to make this happen
Menomonee Valley
o Menomonee Valley Partners Inc. sent a letter thanking you for your partnership in helping
improve the Valley
o MVP said, "these successes would not be possible without pmtners like you." (in 2010, 4
more companies moved to the Valley, creating 660 jobs)
Venture Capital
Package announced at media event by Sen. Hopper, Rep. Tauchen, and Rep. Fields
JOBS Hotline
2 calls received
-
RGPPC Healthcare Conference Call
Nine states are behind our Medicaid flexibility recommendations. Edits from states are to be submitted
throughout next week.
DHS
Met with Tony Langenol, Dr. Phillips, and Ryan Natzke (Marshfield Clinic): Discussed the proposed
Mmshfield dental school, dental clinics, and budget.
Meeting with Tom Fonfara & Maureen Kartheiser (March of Dimes): May 17th is the March of
Dimes lobby day at the Capitol. Discussed their prenatal progrmns. There are 8 sites in Wisconsin that
reach 2,000 women each year.
DCF
Meeting with Ken Taylor (WI Council on Children & Families: Ken discussed WCCF's budget
priorities, shared their support for the Read to Lead Task Force. They oppose the new emergency mle
making authority in the budget repair bill. Ken is also the co-chair with Secretary Anderson for the WI
Child Welfare Council.
Education
Met with Tony Langenol and Data Recognition Corp on the WKCE test, discussed phasing in another
test.
8/2/2011
Page 3 ofS
Health Care News
Republicans want to reguire_photos on FoodShare, BadgerCare c a r d ~ : (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Medicaid Debate Can't only Be About Cuts (Tile Hu(fington Post)
Article by: Former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson & Sec. ofHHS
Local Government:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Editorial: The cuts at MPS
The loss of federal grant money and reduced state spending sends a clear message that Milwaukee Public
Schools has to put in place the efficiencies called for by consultants in 2009. Just as important, school
leaders need to ask the teachers union to reopen its contract to save teaching jobs.
Thornton and the School Board also should ask the teachers union to reopen its contract with the district.
The emphasis for the union now should be on saving jobs.
Sheboygan Press: Editorial: Contract extensions were good moves
Sheboygan County Finance Director Terry Hanson said the extension will save the county $600,000 this
year and nearly $1.4 million next year above what it would have gained under Walker's plan alone.
The savings to the school district in the four contracts it agreed to extend comes to about $6.65 million
over the next 18 months and includes a wage freeze.
We don't know how long the collective bargaining provisions will remain in legal limbo, but we do know
that local taxpayers are already saving money by having hundreds of union employees pay insurance and
pension costs now rather than later.
Beloit Daily News. Beloit may face transit, recycling cuts
Approximately 2.8 percent of the Beloit Transit System's operating budget is state-fonded, she said. For
2011 the operating budget is $1,903,000.
Overall, Gavin said Walker's plan would result in a total loss of$80,000 per year in 2012 and 2013.
She did not want to speak prematurely, because the budget has not yet been passed, but Gavin did say a
reduction in the number of hours of service- whether that be during non-peak times or Saturday
services- could be a possibility.
Since City Manager Lany Arft said state statutes mandate recycling, the only choice is to raise the
monthly collection fees if the grant is indeed eliminated.
He said the rate for the residential solid waste collection (that includes the recycling program) used to be
at $11.50 a month, and in 2010 it went up to $13 a month.
There is an overage charge of more than five set-outs a week, and the yard waste collection is a separate
sticker.
8/2/2011
Page 4 of5
If the grants are notfimded, the rate for residential collection would likely go up to $14.50 a month.
La Crosse Tribune. Walker signs sick leave bill
The bill declares that statewide employee leave provisions trump local ordinances and prohibits cities,
villages, towns and counties from adopting their own.
Walker, a Republican, says in a statement the bill removes another barrier to creating jobs. Milwaukee
Mayor Tom Barrett, a Democrat who ran against Walker for governor, opposes the bill, saying it could
drive jobs out of the city.
La Crosse Tribune. Appointment of veterans secretmy gaining speed
Wisconsin's veterans groups are divided on whether to change the current structure, which gives the
Board of Veterans Affairs the power to appoint the secretmy. Those in support of the change argue that
the department is in shambles and a dramatic change is needed.
But opponents say it will only ji1rther politicize the board and department.
Wisconsin State Journal. State assistant district attorneys reject proposal to cut work hours
Wisconsin assistant district attorneys have ovenvhelmingly rejected a plan to take state-mandated
furloughs in a statewide vote that ended Tuesday.
The rejection prolongs an impasse between prosecutors and the state over the state's insistence that the
prosecutors take furloughs like other state workers or accept cuts to ;vork hours to ease the budget
deficit.
The two sides have not come to an agreement, so last month the state informed assistant DAs that their
work hours would be pared by 20 percent beginning next week because they had not yet taken six of the
16 furlough days mandated in 2009 by former Gov. Jim Doyle.
Veterans:
The Petersen bill to change the veterans board is up for an exec next Thursday. Radcliffe is
offering an amendment to allow the county veteran service officers the ability to run elections to
pick board members. Petersen is offering an omnibus amendment to stagger terms better and make
some other teclmical tweaks. Petersen's amendment is expected to pass and Radcliffe has been
told that his idea is a logistical nightmare by VSO's and unconstitutional by Petersen and possibly
Legislative Council. The bill is now expected on the floor May 17.
Corrections:
Representative Suder held his press conference on ending early release. It also had a hearing today
and is expected to be amended with technical tweaks. Representative Suder is committed to
passing it soon.
Summary of hearing by Pat Hogan:
8/2/2011
Page 5 of5
AB 86, SB 57: Technical amendments will be added at the suggestion of DOC so that the repeal of the
bill may more correctly coincide with Truth and Sentencing. Gary Hamblin was well received and was
able to answer most questions, while deferring to suppmt staff for the rest. He will be getting more
numbers regarding the recidivism rate. There was a question of constitutionality regarding ex post facto,
but this was rebuffed by many in the room (this ce1tain individual had previously met with Rep. Kessler
and Sen. Coggs) -I do not foresee this being an issue. The public suppmt from members of the
committee was split party-line.
Rep. Suder. Holds press conference on repeal of early release. Facts and Figures.
Concealed Carr)':
Wausau Daily Herald. Sen. Galloway introduces concealed carry gun bill
"I look forward to residents oft he state of Wisconsin being able to exercise their constitutional rights,"
Galloway said.
Wisconsin and Illinois are the only two states that do not permit concealed carry. Proponents of
concealed carry argue it will prevent crime and is a guaranteed right for U.S. citizens, but opponents say
it's a danger to the public.
Galloway'sfirst proposal would allow individuals older than 21 to apply forpermitsfrom the state's
Department of Justice. A background check to cany a concealed weapon would be required.
Milwaukee Joumal Sentinel. New concealed cany bills go further than previous efforts
Galloway said she did not believe any training was needed for people to carry concealed guns.
"People who cany concealed as private citizens are responsible people," she said.
Galloway's contention that no training would be needed for concealed cany contrasts with regulations in
place for hunters.
State regulations specify that hunters born after Jan. I, 1973, must complete a hunter safety course.
There are some exceptions- for example, if hunters have completed basic training in the military, or they
are shooting certain species such as squirrels and rabbits without a license on their own property.
George Meye1; executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, would not comment on the bill
but said his organization has consistently supported concealed cany over the years. He did add that
hunter safety courses - combined with the requirement to wear blaze orange in the woods- had
''substantially reduced hunting accidents."
8/2/2011
Page 1 of6
Downing, Karley- GOV
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 7:48AM
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Legislative Update
Representative Radcliffe's staff called regarding a DOC fiscal estimate.
Wednesday's Committees
A. Rural Economic Development
and Rural Affairs Hearing
A. Forestry
S. Insurance and Housing
Hearing
A. Homeland Security and State
Affairs Hearing
S. State and Federal Relations
and Information Technology
Hearing
S. Agriculture, Forestry and
Higher Education Exec
Date
5/4/2011
5/4/2011
5/4/2011
5/4/2011
5/4/2011
5/4/2011
Time Room
9:30 225 NW
10:00 400 NE
10:00 411 s
11:00 300 NE
11:00 330SW
1:00 201 SE
Bill
AB 59- semiannual meetings of small wi
cooperative wholesalers.
Cooperative Extension's Candid Assess
Rural Economic Development in Wiscon
CR 11-001- import of plants to prevent c
SB 18- requiring political subdivisions to
health insurance premiums for survivors
enforcement officer who dies, or has die
line of duty.
AB 63- closing hours for certain alcohol I
retailers.
SS SB 13- telecommunications bill
Alberta Darling as member of College S;
Program Board
Executive Appointments to Veterinary E:
Board
SB 28- composition of the Board of Reg1
DOT
Contact with Chippewa County Administrator regarding road weight limits.
Stillwater Bridge
8/2/2011
o Senate Committee on Transportation held Executive Session on SB26 and it passed
unanimously.
Page 2 of6
DNR
Reform Package
o Met with Sen. Kedzie, Rep. Mursau, DNR staff and certain stakeholder groups to discuss the
draft of reforms being worked on by the legislators.
Piers, DNR permitting, modeling requirements for air permits, and other smaller
components are in the draft
Additional drafting is needed following this meeting to clarifY a range of points
Wetland mitigation and air construction and operating permits for minor sources were
excluded from the draft and will need to be considered separately
Recycling
o The Council on Recycling met today to talk about DNR's recycling proposals.
o They support per capita distribution of grant funds.
o They suppmt consolidation, but want to look into other options for incentives and don't think
DNR's 25,000 person threshold is good.
o Staff sat in on a meeting between DNR and a group of recycling stakeholders.
They like per capita distribution as well.
Had administrative recommendations for DNR and also had problems with the way the
incentives would work.
SWIB
Spoke yesterday with Keith Bozmth about some additional motions JFC was considering that
SWIB supported.
Venture Capital
Briefed Rep. Loudenbeck and various stakeholder groups on the proposal
Rep. Tauchen met with Rep. Fields to discuss the proposal
The Legislature set a press announcement on the proposal for Thursday of this week
Read to Lead Task Force
Met with Jim Leonhart (Celebrate Children Foundation) who pitched an idea to create a
public/private partnership board that would obtain funding from private corporations to be used for
reading teacher retraining in K-3 and grants for early childhood centers that implement strong reading
cuniculum. He is putting together a list of suggested early childhood reading criteria and how it could be
implemented.
OCI
Met with Dan Schwartzer and Rep. Kerkman on the FamilyCare audit. We also discussed the desire
for an ID component to F oodShme. Kerman said that the state can incorporate an ID component into the
Quest card, but federal law prohibits requiring store clerks to check the ID. We discussed having the
NGA HHS committee explore the idea of sending a joint letter from the govemors requesting a waiver on
this issue. More details to follow.
-
Education
Assembly Committee on Education: The committee heard testimony on AB 110 relating to special
needs scholarships (Author: Rep. Litjins/Sen. Vnkmir). There will likely be changes to the funding
mechanism but it is unclear at this point what those changes will look like.
-
Held separate meetings today with W ASB and the School Administrators on the school report card
concept. Both were positive on the idea but wanted feedback from their respective memberships. We will
8/2/2011
Page 3 of6
hold another round of meetings tommmw on the repmt card proposal.
Met with PROFS (UW-Madison faculty) on the New Badger Pmtnership. At a previous meeting they
took no position on the idea of a Madison Authority but today were strongly in favor of either an
authority or :flexibilities for Madison and other campuses.
-
Health Care News
Vital Signs: Health SecreJMy__Smith criticizes new fed effort to increase access to health care for the
]l_oor (The Capitol Times)
The Obama administration this week is proposing a new rule that would make it much more difficult for
states like Wisconsin to cut Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals, and Smith is not pleased. In an
interview with the New York Times, Smith described the proposal as "a federal power grab."
Education News
Proposed MPS budget cuts almost 1.000 full-time positions (Milwmtkee Jottrn(l/ Sentinel)
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregmy Thornton's proposed 2012 fiscal year budget is
13.5% smaller than last year's adopted budget and reduces district staffing by about 989 full-time
equivalent positions, according to documents released late Monday.
In what he calls "one of most challenging budgets that has been issued by a Milwaukee Public Schools
superintendent," Thomton says cuts next year include $81.6 million as a result of the state revenue cuts.
UW's faculty senate votes in favor ofUW System split (]Jijsconsin St(lte Joumqj)_
UW-Madison's faculty senate voted Monday to support public authority status for the university, a
controversial budget proposal that would split the flagship university from the rest of the University of
Wisconsin System.
Local Government:
Baraboo News Republic. Schools go with Dean: Board opts to change insurance provider
The Baraboo School Board expects to save about $660,000 next year after deciding to change insurance
providers Monday evening.
After opening the bids, he said the monthly family premium proposed by WEA Trust was about $1,630,
while Dean's bid calledfor a monthly family premium ofjust under $1,400.
The total annual cost to the district was nearly $5 million for WEA Trust's insurance and just under $4.3
million for Dean.
"The savings for selecting Dean would be about $660,000, "McNevin said.
Appleton Post Crescent. Kaukauna board OKs budget moves
KAUKAUNA- Facing a $3 million budget gap, the Kaukauna school board voted Monday to eliminate
14.49.fitll-time equivalent teachingpositionsfor the 2011-12 school year, in addition to about $1 million
in administrative cuts.
The board also rejected a proposal to close Park Elementary School, a move projected to save the
district a little more than $250,000.
8/2/2011
Page 4 of6
The board added that teachers will be called back if the state's collective bargaining legislation that is on
hold pending a legal challenge takes effect.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Two Rivers, union reach labor agreement
Employees will contribute 50 percent of the pension contribution to the Wisconsin Retirement System,
effective July 1.
"We wouldn't strike an agreement like this if it wasn'tfor the climate we're in right now," City Manager
Greg Buckley said.
Beginning in 2013, employees also will contribute 12.5 percent to their medical insurance, an increase
from the current 10 percent. "Equally significant, this agreement would provide the city a greater
flexibility," Buckley said. "Basically, the city could change the carrier and the plan design and benefits
for its health insurance program. "
Walworth CoU11ty Today. Delavan-Darien school officials now expect only one layoff
The district made one teaching staff layoff-- a half-time position agricultural science teacher at Delavan-
Darien High School-- since sending out the preliminwy non-renewal notices.
In February, the district sent out preliminwy notices of non-renewal for layoff to 41 teachers in
anticipation of potential funding reductions fi"om state and federal sources.
The notices were sent out to give the district budget flexibility should school revenues not be able to
support operations.
However, the school district's budget situation has become clearer since Gov. Scott Walker made his
budget repair bill and 2011-13 biennial budget proposals.
District administrators are confident that the school district will not have to make sweeping changes to
its operation as the budget bills work their way through the state legislature.
Milwaukee Joumal sentinel. Proposed MPS budget cuts almost 1,000 full-time positions
Just the pension savings for MPS total $24,475,100 according to LFB. Total MPS health premiums are
high and MPS pays 99% of the uremium for single and 98% for family. The potential for savings here
are large if the district increases employee contributions. MPS even is giving uay raises in their most
recent teacher contract.
From the article:
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton's proposed 2012 fiscal year budget is
13.5% smaller than last year's adopted budget and reduces district stqffing by about 989 full-time
equivalent positions, according to documents released late Monday.
In what he calls "one of most challenging budgets that has been issued by a Milwaukee Public Schools
superintendent," Thornton says cuts next year total $81.6 million as a result of the state revenue cuts.
In addition, the district will lose $95.5 million in grant jim ding, according to Thomton 's proposal. The
majority of those funds, about $82 million, comes from the expected drop-off of federal stimulus funding.
8/2/2011
Page 5 of6
The Tem1essean. (TN) Senate votes to repeal union talks for teachers
The Senate voted to repeal teachers' power to negotiate contracts with school boards, settling a three-
month debate over the future of the teachers union.
Senators voted 18-14 after more than a hour of debate to take union rights away jiom the only group of
state employees that has held them. The vote largely broke down along party lines, with all but one
Republican, state Sen. Doug Overbey, R-Mmyville, voting for the legislation.
The move likely spells the end of collective bargaining, the formal union negotiations that teachers
engage in eve1y few years with school boards. Supporters of the bill say it will break the hold that the
Tennessee Education Association teachers union has had over local districts.
The bill overturns the 1978 Education Professional Negotiations Act, which gave teachers the power to
form unions and negotiate contracts with local school districts. These negotiations would be replaced
with "collaborations" in which school boards will be required to seek the input of teachers but would not
be legally bound to take their suggestions.
"The collective bargaining system that we have rewards average," said state Sen. Kerry Roberts, R- .
Springfield. "Collective bargaining agreements underpay outstanding teachers and overpay
underperforming ... I want to vote for the outstanding teachers in Tennessee. "
Justice:
Janesville Gazette. District attorney's office faces cuts
The Association of State Prosecutors, the bargaining unit for assistant district attorneys, and the state
were unable to reach an accord earlier this month on the disputed six additional days of furlough.
Last week (Apri/21), a letter jiom state Department of Administration Secretmy Mike Huebsch warned
that the assistant district attorneys 'jobs would be reduced jiom jirll time to 80 percent May 8, meaning
they would become part-time employees, losing pay and benefits.
Veterans:
I met with Board members Naylor and Freedman regarding the budget for veterans. The Board
passed motions suppmting and opposing items and I addressed their concerns and will follow up
with more information.
Voter ID:
Substitute amendment introduced by Rep. Tauchen passed party line (5-3). Amendments that were
discussed for consideration:
1) expanding the time frame one can apply for an absentee ballot will
2) student IDs will get another amendment in JFC
3) grandfatheling in elderly who right now are automatically sent an absentee ballot
4) high school student IDs to be reviewed as well.
8/2/2011
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 244-11
March 27, 2011
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Spc. Justin D. Ross, 22, of Green Bay, Wis., died March 26 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered
when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. He was assigned to the 863rd Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wis.
For more information, the media may contact Lt. Col. Nathan Banks, 364th Public Affairs Operations Center in
Minneapolis, Wis., at 856-693-1217.
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/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
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Defense.gov News Release: DOD Identifies Army Casualty
U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
On the Web:
http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.asox?ReleaseiD=14365
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public contact:
http:ljwww.defense.gov/landing/comment.asox
or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1
DOD Identifies Army Casualty
Page I of 1
No. 244-11
March 27, 2011
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Spc. Justin D. Ross, 22, of Green Bay, Wis., died March 26 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered
when his unit was attacked by small arms fire. He was assigned to the 863rd Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wis.
For more information, the media may contact Lt. Col. Nathan Banks, 364th Public Affairs Operations Center in
Minneapolis, Minn., at 856-693-1217.
http://www.defense.gov/utility/printitem.aspx?print=http://www.defense.gov/releases/relea... 3/29/2011
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Hanson Diana L <DHanson@uwhealth.org>
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 2:02 PM
To: Nenno, Bob - GOV
Subject: RE: retirement plaque
Thank you. I will arrange for pick up. I appreciate all of your efforts. Please include some type of invoice with the
plaque. Again, thanks.
From: Nenno, Bob- GOV [mailto:Bob.Nenno@wisconsin.gov]
Seitt: Tuesday, March 15, 20111:26 PM
To: Hanson Diana L
Hi Diana,
Sorry this took awhile. Plaque is ready for pick up at Gov reception desk.
Thanks for your patience.
Bob
BobNenno
Proclamations Director
Office of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
Constituent Services
(608) 266-1212
(bob.nenno@wisconsin.gov)
115 East Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
From: Hanson Diana L [mailto:DHanson@uwhealth.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 201111:02 AM
To: Nenno, Bob- GOV
Subject: retirement plaque
Good morning,
1
I am just checking on the retirement plaque I requested for JoAnne McCann. If this plaque has not
been made, you may cancel it. If it has been completed, please let me know and I will make
arrangements to pick it up. Let me know either way. Thank you for your time and effort. It is
appreciated.
Diana Hanson
Sr. Admin. Sec. Confidential
University Station Clinics, L46
2880 University Avenue, MC 9040
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-8756
Fax (608) 263-0408
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Nenno, Bob - GOV
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, March 15, 20111:26 PM
'Hanson Diana L'
Hi Diana,
Sorry this took awhile. Plaque is ready for pick up at Gov reception desk.
Thanks for your patience.
Bob
BobNenno
Proclamations Director
Office of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
(608) 266-1212
(bob. nenno@wisconsin .qov)
115 East Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
From: Hanson Diana L [mailto:DHanson@uwhealth.orgl
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 201111:02 AM
Good morning,
appreciated.
Diana Hanson
1
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-8756
Fax (608) 263-0408
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Canchola, Jennifer - DOT
Friday, May 20, 20111:01 PM
Nenno, Bob - GOV
Retirement Certificates
Dear Bob,
Could I please have a Retirement Certificates for the following people ...
Name: JoAnne Yazzie
Years of Service: 40 years
Last Date on Books: June 16th 2011
Name: Lawrence Morris
Years of Service: 31 years
Last Date on Books: June 30, 2011
Thank You!
Jennifer Canchola
608-266-5408
4802 Sheboygan Ave# 901
Madison WI 53707
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Monday, March 07, 201110:38 AM
Subject: Retirement plaque request 3/9/11
Bob,
Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to answer my questions regarding a retirement
plaque. The retirement party is Thursday, March 1Oth. I understand this request is cutting it very
close. However, I was on vacation last week when she announced her retirement effective
3/11/11. If you can please call me when it is finished, I will make arrangements to pick it up. I
requested a check be sent to you in the amount of $12. The requisition number is
0000198988. The name of the person retiring is JoAnne McCann. She has been employed for 36
years at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.
Again, thank you for your assistance. Diana 263-8756.
Diana Hanson
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-8756
Fax (608) 263-0408
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Tuesday, March 15, 201111:02 AM
Good morning,
appreciated.
Diana Hanson
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-8756
Fax (608) 263-0408
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Anderson, Peter N - DOA
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 9:16 AM
Hansen, Alex- GOV
FW: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
Is this the letter you're referring to? The email address is GovernorWalker@wisconsin.gov
From: Governor Scott Walker
Sent: Friday, February 11, 201110:41 AM
To: Governor Scott Walker
Subject: A Message From Governor Scott Walker
GOVERNORSCOTTVVALKER
STATE OF VVISCONSIN
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
service.
Like almost every state across the nation, our state faces some very serious and undeniable fmancial
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 of the 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.q 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 ofleast 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.
1
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.
Collective Bargaining - Given the above changes, the bill also makes various changes to limit collective
bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases cannot 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 current 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.
2
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
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
From: Dale Peterson
Sent: Monday, March
Monday, March 28, 2011 8:34 AM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
FW: Department of Veterans Affairs Board
Subject: Department of Veterans Affairs Board
Good Morning;
Back on November 22, 2010 I submitted my application, as requested, for a seat on the Board of the Department of
Veterans Affairs. I know that presently this has not been a priority with all the problems that have come with the Budget
bills and the bills to eliminate collective bargaining. The reason I am writing is I was informed Saturday at the AMVETS
State Executive Council Meeting in Brillion by the AMVETS Legislative Director, Tim Theirs, that it didn't appear that I
would be selected and the he thinks he knows who is going to be appointed to the Board.
Tim has a tendency to talk before he thinks. The majority of the AMVET members at the State level are aware of that. I
guess I would like to hear from the Governor that I am not being selected for appointment to the Department of
Wisconsin Veterans Board or that his appointees have been selected so that I know what is happening.
I want to thank you for your time and hope that you have a GREAT day. Keep up the good work.
Respectfully submitted;
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent:
To:
Monday, February 14, 201110:41 AM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
Subject:
Attachments:
FW: Emails I have been getting and rather not be
mail.html; why all the rallies this week
-----Original Me,ssa,ge-----
From: Ashley Buell
Sent: Monday, February
To: board@uwsa.edu; Governor Scott Walker
Subject: Emails I have been getting and rather not be
Monday, February 14, 2011 8:57am
Dear Fellow Badgers,
On Friday, February 11th, Governor Scott Walker proposed a budget repair bill that essentially seeks to eliminate state
workers' right to a union. This is a direct attack not only on the workers who make our University happen, but also upon
the entire UW community.
This is part of a broader assault on public services happening in Wisconsin, and we students must fight back against the
attacks on students and workers and the assault on public education.
The quality of our University-- the quality of our education-- relies directly upon the people who make UW-Madison
work, from faculty to academic staff to graduate assistants to blue collar, clerical and technical workers. They have stood
with us in the past, and we must stand with them in this unprecedented attack on our UW community.
Further, this attack on workers and unions in the public service is an attack on all working people in Wisconsin. Living
standards and worker rights for all of us, now and in the future, are at stake. We need you to take action.
Here's what you can do:
1. Call your hometown state legislators asking him or her to reject the attacks on public service workers. Tell them that
you value public service workers and what they do for our UW community and for the whole state; encourage them to
reject the so-called "budget repair" bill. Here's a handy web reference to use:
http://leadernet.aft.org/formmaker/take/survey.cfm?id=18aa6b94-5056-b94b-1137-d1aebbb942eb
2. Join with other students on Monday, February 14th at the State Capitol, at 12 PM (noon), for a delivery of
Valentine's Day cards for Scott Walker. This is a student event at which these public service workers will stand with us.
Here's a link to the Facebook event page With all the details:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140789502647002
3. Join other members of the UW community and public service workers from around the state on Tuesday, February
15th and Wednesday, February 16th for a rally and lobby day at the State Capitol at 11 AM. Here's a link to the Facebook
event page with all the details: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111372745604734
Sincerely,
Committee to Defend the UW Community
1
Sunday, February 13, 2011 3:04 pm
Dear Students,
On Friday, Governor Walker made the single greatest attack on the quality of your education since he took office just
over a month ago-- and perhaps the most unprecedented attack on higher education in Wisconsin history.
It is our responsibility as your student government to keep you informed of these developments. Please read this email
carefully, as this attack directly affects the entire UW community and impacts the value of your degree and education.
Scott Walker's "Budget Repair" bill contains provisions to eliminate the right of stateworkers to bargain collectively.
Workers in the UW system, including faculty and graduate students will lose their right to have a say in the terms of
their employment. Forcing low wages, higher health care costs, and the possible end to tuition remission for graduate
employees, this legislation will make it almost impossible for the UW system to recruit competitive graduate students
and faculty.
Grad employees' working conditions are undergraduates' learning conditions. Because the UW relies heavily on
graduate student labor, the quality of research and education will most definitely suffer. The overall ranking of our
university is closely tied to the research and teaching missions provided by graduate students workers. This legislation
will result in a direct and near immediate loss of quality at our institution, which will have negative consequences on
both our world-wide competitiveness and ranking.
Most importantly, you should know that this attack on the people who make the UW work is an attack on the entire UW
community.
With the proposed bill set to come up for a vote next week, we need urgent action from everyone on this matter.
Please join us at this event, listed on Facebook here. Stay tuned for further communication from ASM so you can take
action to help protect our UW community.
Thank you,
Associated Students of Madison
Protecting your Education
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Students,
Lynn Keller <rlkeller@wisc.edu>
Sunday, February 13, 201112:31 PM
english 169-1-sll@ I ists.wisc.ed u; eng !ish 169-2 -sll@ lists. wisc.ed u; english381-1-sll
@lists.wisc.edu
why all the rallies this week
My colleague Professor David Zinnnennan and I were talking yesterday about our desire to make sure our
undergraduate students understood what was going to be happening on campus and downtown this coming
week in response the lastest legislative budget proposals of Governor Scott Walker. Following our
conversation, Professor Zimmetman put together the statement below with accompanying documents; I hope
you'll find this infmmation clarifying.
Best,
Lynn Keller
This is an interesting week. There will be a lot of activity and agitation on campus and at the capitol, and
professors and TAs may be relocating or rescheduling classes. I'm writing to explain what's going on.
On Friday, the Governor of Wisconsin announced a plan, to be voted on later this week, to dismantle the
collective bargaining rights of state employees and to force state employees to take a sharp pay cut to help pay
for benefits. The sweep of the cost -cutting plan made national news. Professors and TAs are state employees,
and many are outraged by what they feel to be an unfair and heavy-handed attack on public employees, unions,
and the University. The UW President and theTA union (TAA) are also outraged. The TAA and other state
employee unions have called for faculty members to hold their classes at the capitol as "teach-ins," and many
faculty will invite you to join rallies and other "actions" tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
As UW undergraduates, you might be directly affected by the Govemor's proposal, since collective bargaining,
which the Governor would dismantle, has resulted in smaller class sizes that allow TAs to spend more time
working with students, commenting on essays, preparing for sections, etc. Collective bargaining has also
resulted in better T A training. As one T AA officer put it, "Grad employees' working conditions are
undergraduates' learning conditions." The Governor's proposal would in effect disable the T A union.
So that you can understand the different sides of the issue, here are statements from the Governor, the
TAA, and the UW-System President.
Friday, February 11,2011
A Message From Governor Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker State of Wisconsin
Thank you for your service to your state and your fellow citizens. I !mow 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 yom professionalism and
commitment to public service.
Like almost every state across the nation, om state faces some very serious and
undeniable financial challenges. Over the last three months, I have worked
1
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 of the immediate challenges facing our state. In the
cunent 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 shmtfall 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 tetm
solutions without looking toward the future.
While these decisions may have appeared to be the easiest solution, or the path
ofleast resistance, the bills for these decisions have come due and the path to
long tetm financial solvency for our state requires shared sacrifices from
everyone.
Today, I am introducing a Budget Repair Bill to address our cunent 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 - ClilTently, 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 ofthe lowest cost plan.
2
-- Collective Bargaining - Given the above changes, the bill also makes various
changes to limit collective bargaining to the base pay rate. Total increases
cannot exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) unless approved by a referendum.
Contracts will be limited to one year and wages will be fiozen 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 talce 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 tluee months ofthe current 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 requiTe 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.
3
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,
From the TAA (TA union):
Governor Scott Walker has launched a direct attack on graduate employees at the UW-Madison. As of March
13, our contract will be terminated. Our tuition remission, health care, and workplace rights will no longer be
protected. If the Governor's proposed legislation passes, we will have no ability to bargain over these things
anymore. Wages will be capped at the rate of inflation, leaving us without the ability to regain ground when
salaries fall behind our peers. Union resources will be drastically reduced. This bill means the effective death of
collective bargaining for grad employees.
All public sector workers are under attack. Faculty and staff are under attack. The UW as a whole is under
attack. With these extreme acts, Scott Walker is seeking to undermine the labor peace of 50 years.
The legislature's vote will be held Wednesday. What we do in the next 5 days will determine whether we keep
our union, and our professional lives as educators, researchers, and public servants.
For more, seehttp:/!taa-madison.org/2011/02/taa-under-attack-stand-up-fight-back/
Message to all UW System Faculty and Staff from Regent President Pruitt and
System President Reilly
February 11,2011
UW Colleagues,
Today, you received a message from Governor Scott Walker about the Budget Repair
Bill he will introduce, addressing the State's budget shortfall in FY 201 0-11.
Along with many other significant provisions, the bill will include a number of
changes to fringe benefits provided to State and UW employees.
These proposed changes to health insurance and retirement plan contributions
come at a very challenging time. We have asked you to teach record numbers of
students. You've done it. We have asked you to help more of those students
remain in school and graduate on time. You've done it. In every instance, you've
stepped up to the challenges, all the while receiving reduced salaries, due to
mandatory State furloughs.
Governor Walker announced that furloughs will not be included in the upcoming
2011-13 biennial budget. That is welcome news, to be sure. However, increased
payments for health insurance and retirement will likely have an even larger
effect on most of our UW employees. There may be a time, during the remainder of
4
FY 2011, when employees must absorb both furlough losses and higher fringe
payments.
These reductions may be justified by the historic economic downturn, but that
does not change the fact that UW campuses entered this recession in a trailing
position, unable to offer total compensation packages comparable to our peer
universities.
Our University of Wisconsin campuses and our statewide outreach networks must
play a central role in the State's economic resurgence. To do so, we must have
the flexibility to use resources wisely, with an eye toward retaining dedicated
faculty and staff like you!
It's time to change the way that Wisconsin's public universities compete for
talent in a competitive national and global marketplace. We believe that
universities freed from outdated laws and regulations will grow stronger, while
those that remain overly constrained will fall further behind.
We will continue to carry this message statewide, advocating with the Governor
and the Legislature for the stable support and increased flexibility that you,
your institutions, and all your students need.
Thank you.
-- Charles Pruitt, President, UW System Board of Regents
--Kevin P. Reilly, President, UW System
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Thursday, May 12, 20111:11 PM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
FW: Gov. Daniels' Recent Accomplishments
From: State of Indiana [mailto:indiana@subscriptions.in.gov]
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 1:08 PM
To: Fadness, Joseph F- GOV
Subject: Gov. Daniels' Recent Accomplishments
Hi Team Indiana,
With the end of the Indiana General Assembly, Governor Daniels has signed into law his sweeping education reform agenda, including
school choice, collective bargaining reform and a new teacher evaluation and compensation system. Indiana's recently-enacted budget
lowers the corporate tax rate and provides for an automatic tax refund if revenues exceed a specified level. The Governor's agenda
also broadens public-private partnerships for infrastructure, redraws legislative and congressional districts and consolidates duplicative
local elections. Finally, during a recent trip to Washington last week, the Governor spoke about his heritage and the longing for
freedom in the Middle East in his remarks at the Arab-American Institute's Khalil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards, where he received
the Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service. We thought you might find the following news summaries to be of interest, and we've
included the text of the speech. As always, if you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks,
Debbie and Griffin
Indiana Federal Representatives
Deborah Hohlt (Debbie@hohlt.com)
Griffin Foster (griffin@hohlt.com)
202-624-1474 (office)
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
MAY6,2011
Indiana's Great Education Leap
1
The Hoosier State passes vouchers and dissolves teacher
tenure.
School choice is gaining new momentum, and one of the biggest political breakthroughs came this week in Indiana. Governor Mitch
Daniels signed legislation Thursday that includes far-reaching reforms in teacher assessment and tenure, as well the most ambitious
voucher program in memory.
Under the new law, the state will provide 7,500 publicly financed scholarships of up to $4,500 a year to Hoosier elementary school kids
who have been in public schools for the last two semesters and then want to attend another school, public or private. That scholarship
number rises to 15,000 in the second year, with no cap in the third year and beyond. High school students can also qualify for a
voucher of up to 90% of the state public school support, which varies by school district.
The thinking here is that parents have to give the public schools a try, but then their children shouldn't be trapped by inferior schools
merely because of where they live. The voucher is means-tested by family income up to a maximum of roughly $60,000 or so, with
lower-income families getting a larger payment. Mr. Daniels says about half of all Hoosier school children will qualify.
Parents can take the money to any certified school in the state, including religious schools. Though the unions will no doubt sue to
block the reform, the law should pass both state and federal constitutional muster because it is religiously neutral and parents choose
the school for their children.
Another common objection to vouchers is that they cost the state money by spending twice for each student, but Indiana's plan may
save money because Indianapolis public schools now spend about $9,000 per student, or twice what the vouchers will cost. The law
also changes the state's school funding formula so it will be based on current year enrollment, giving public schools an incentive to
improve to retain students or lose money.
The Indiana law also extends school choice in another way, by authorizing a $1,000 tax deduction for families that pay out of pocket for
private school expenses. This helps middle-class parents pay for books, computers and the like if their children don't attend public
schools.
There's also a major expansion of charter school opportunities. The law allows a state commission and the state's universities to
authorize new charters, which now number only 63 statewide. It also reduces one of the main disadvantages that charters have
compared to traditional schools by giving them access to unused school buildings, and it gives parents new rights to petition to turn a
persistently failing school into a charter.
The reform also makes major gains on teacher accountability, ending the last-in, first-out layoff policy that caused the firing of the
state's teacher of the year. School districts will be able to introduce pay for performance, using a new evaluation system based on
student progress, not teacher tenure. The angel will have to come in the details of these evaluations, which the union will try to game,
but this at least gives reformers a fighting chance to break up a status quo that now makes it nearly impossible to fire bad teachers.
All of this is a major achievement for Mr. Daniels and his Republican legislative majority. Answering to the unions, Democrats tried the
fiee-to-lllinois strategy to block the reform but Mr. Daniels treated them with gentle scorn and waited them out. The unions are sure to
try to capture and water down all of this, so reformers will have to monitor the implementation. But the future just got considerably
brighter for Indiana's children.
I El -------------
Indiana
2
Gov. Daniels Signs Budget Bill, Legislation to Lower Corporate Tax
Rate
By Nora Macaluso
05/12/2011
LANSING, Mich.-lndiana Gov. Mitch Daniels(R) signed a series of tax-related bills
May 9 and 10, including two-year budget legislation (HEA 1001) that decouples
Indiana from some federal income-tax changes, requires certain tax preparers to file
electronic returns, changes the distribution formula for the cigarette and sales taxes,
and exempts meals served at legislative meetings from the gross retail tax.
The budget bill provides for an automatic refund for taxpayers if revenues exceed a
specified level. It also requires, beginning in 2012, professional tax preparers who file
more than 50 returns to file them electronically, with the threshold falling to 10 returns
in 2013. The change is designed to save the state money, since processing paper
filings costs $2 to $3 per return, compared with just 8 cents for a return filed
electronically.
The decoupling affects about a dozen federal tax changes that would have resulted in
the loss of "a considerable amount of revenue" for Indiana, Bu<:lget Director Adam
Horst told BNA May 11. The sales tax formula was changed so that the entire amount
collected goes to the state's general fund, rather than diverting a portion to a mass
transportation fund, Horst said. The transportation fund will receive its money through
an appropriation, so the move is "more of an accounting change," he said.
Cigarette tax revenues, Horst said, had been used to fund a retiree health benefits
plan, but under the new formula will be used to reimburse the general fund for the
"overfunding"of the retiree plan. The switch will be in effect for the two years covered
by the budget.
Corporate Tax Rate Lowered
HEA 1004, also signed May 10, lowers the state corporate income tax rate by 20
percent over a four-year period starting in 2013. Sen. Brandt Hershman (R), sponsor of
that legislation, said Indiana's 8.5 percent tax rate is hindering job growth in the state.
The bill "closes tax loopholes"to make the change revenue neutral, Hershman said.
The "lion's share" of the savings comes from ending tax-free treatment of out-of-state
municipal bond investments, he told BNA May 11. "We were an outlier in that respect,"
the only state in the nation not to tax interest on investments in municipal bonds of
other states, he said. Residents can continue to invest in Indiana municipal bonds and
not pay taxes on income from those, he said.
Bills on Tax Study, Industrial Recovery Credit
3
On May 8, the governor signed S.B. 39, which requires the Commission on State Tax
and Financing Policy to study how the Indiana income tax structure, including existing
and potentially new income tax credits and deductions, may influence a senior's
decision on residency in Indiana after retirement.
The bill also requires the commission to study whether each of the local option income
taxes affects the ability of political subdivisions to provide services to nonresidents,
whether there should be additional financing options available to such subdivisions for
providing those services, and how local option income taxes should be distributed
within a county to local units of government.
H.B. 1005, signed May 9, broadens the criteria for qualifying for the state's industrial
recovery tax credit. It reduces the number of years a vacant industrial facility must
have been in service to 15 from 20, and reduces the minimum amount of floor space a
facility needs to qualify for the credit.
Other bills signed May 9 were S.B. 115, which stipulates circumstances under which
tax liens are void or must be released, and H. B. 1288, which allows for a late property
tax exemption for Christamore House, a nonprofit organization.
More information on the bills is available at
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2011 & session=1 &
request=all. Scroll down and click on the bill number, or type it into the search field at
the top left of the page.
Remarks to the Arab American lnsitute's Kahil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards
Gala upon
receiving the Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service
May 4, 2011 1 Washington, DC, Renaissance Hotel I Gov. Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
Transcribed from extemporaneous remarks
Leave it to my old pals, Jim and John and George to pick absolutely the perfect person. There is
no one I would rather be brought here to this podium by than Ray LaHood. Everyone here,
including me, should be very grateful for my pathetically poor powers of persuasion. Because if I
was any good at it, I would have talked Ray LaHood into running for governor of Illinois. Our
state would have a lot tougher competitor west, but America would be deprived of a
spectacularly good secretary of transportation.
[applause]
4
You all are lucky that I was not able to talk you into that. You would have been as great at that
job as you have been at all the other capacities in which you've served America, and we're
immensely grateful to you.
I want to thank everyone present for affording me this wonderful night of pride and memories of
my family and those who have made my life possible. I love the story of our family, but there is
no reason any of you should be particularly interested in it. There is nothing at all remarkable
about the Daniels family heritage, except that it has happened millions of times in America and
is very typical of the opportunities and promise and lives that this blessed land has enabled.
The young man named Elias Essa Daniels -- Daniels was actually added at Ellis Island -- was
born in April 1884. At the age of 21, like millions before and after him, he was summoned to the
promised land that he had heard so much about. In 1905 he came to this country. He came here
penniless and illiterate. He never got over the second condition, to his last day he never did read
or write in English. He got over the first condition. He made a little scratch in a little steel town
of Monessen, Pennsylvania.
In this wonderful world in which we live, one of my daughters, fascinated by the story that I had
told her, was able to unearth-- through the internet-- his passport application from 1921, when,
in February of that year, having gotten a stake together, he went back to the homeland to find a
bride. On that passport application he listed his occupation as "pool room." In our family we
know that was accurate but incomplete. He omitted to mention that from that pool room he also
ran the numbers racket in that part of the state. But, I am sure as a good Syrian, he ran a very
honest facility.
So with the money he put together, he went back and found the most beautiful younger woman.
Hanna Afifi, Daniels as she became. And my daughters, in the most precious father's day present
I've ever received, snuck out during a family trip to Ellis Island and got the passenger manifest
of Elias Essa Daniels and Hanna Afifi Daniels coming to the new world -- coming to America --
and a picture of the Olympic, the ship on which they arrived. It is a treasured possession that
hangs on the wall in my den.
Hanna didn't live very long. She perished of an infection we could easily cure today. My dad and
uncle barely knew her, but while she was an American she gave birth to two young men who
made great lives in this country. My grandfather never forgot her, never remarried; he talked
about her to the end of his days. He never forgot Syria either. He and some of my great aunts
endowed and funded a hospital, which is still there in the little village of AI-Kalatieh ...
[applause]
... at the foot of the famous cross of Krak de Chevaliers near Hams. It is there to this day, and my
wife and I intend to be its benefactors for the next generation.
[applause]
5
These are ever-more precious memories and heritages to me and now to my kids.
Henry Kissinger once said, the best thing about becoming better known was when you bore
people they think it's their fault (laughter). I've discovered in the last few months another real
advantage to becoming a little better known. A lot of the noise and attention that has happened
nationally has led to new connections to my heritage and to my roots, as they say, because there
were stories written in the Syrian press about this Homsi, someone from the area of Horns, who
was rumored about as being a person of some potential interest in American public life .. And this
led to new correspondence. I got emails from people there who had seen this story and found a
way to reach me. It's been a great, great matter to me. I have new pictures; I have new
information about the village and potentially some connections to distant family members that
we didn't have before.
Recently, however, these new connections have taken on a different, and somewhat ominous,
tone. Because as we know, there have been the same stirrings, the same yearning for freedom,
that has burst loose elsewhere in the Middle East has come to Syria. And I've now been sending
emails, not merely inquiring about family connections or developments in the village, but to
make sure everybody's all right and to make sure that everyone is safe.
Now, it's such an interesting night to be together with each of you and to receive this undeserved
honor, because as proud as I have always been -and more so with the passage of the years - in
this heritage that we share, I've never been able to say I am proud of the regime that's been in
power for decades in the land from which my people came. But now, I am so proud that brave
Syrians have stepped forward as their Egyptian and Tunisian and other counterparts have. And
against, apparently, brutal threats and repression have stood up for the right to dream and to live
free and to try to pursue better lives for themselves.
[applause]
So I'm just moved to say that the timing of tonight's dinner is just so fortuitous- it feels this way
to me - because it doesn't stretch a point to say that the same dreams and the same hopes and
the same determination to make a life for himself that brought Elias Essa Daniels to this country
--of which he knew nothing, whose language he did not speak- is alive now in that part of the
world, and may have the chance to bring the same sort of wonderful opportunity that he made
possible for my father and ultimately for me.
So I just want to say tonight may Syria and all the lands near it soon become places of peace and
freedom and self-determination and may this land that has blessed every one of us so richly
continue to be an example and a welcoming home to any who seek to pursue those same dreams
for themselves.
Thank you for this honor and for this opportunity to be with each of you.
<hr size;,2 width="1 00%" align=center>
6
This service is provided to you at no charge by the State of Indiana.
GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of State of Indiana 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN 46204 800-457-8283
7
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Alan Colvin
Constituent Services Director
Office of the Governor
608-266-1212
a/an.colvin@wisconsin.gov
Tuesday, March 08, 2011 9:49 AM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
FW: RE: plan
From: Knoebel Portrait Design [mailto:knoebel@pressenter.coml
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 9:55PM
Subject: FW: RE: plan
From: Knoebel Portrait Design rmailto:knoebel@pressenter.coml
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 9:14PM
To: 'info@scottwalker.org'
Subject: RE: plan
Hi,
Where can I get a copy of the actual bill Scott is proposing regarding unions and collective bargaining? I'm so tired of
people spreading baloney out there, I want to have a link or something I can post to my Face book so people actually go
and read what he is proposing. It amazes me how so many peo'ple lack common sense. I already posted the education
packet, and all I have to say is RIGHT ON SCOTT!
http://www.scottwalker.org/sites/default/files/Education%20Packet O.pdf
Thank you,
1<.noe6ef Portrait 1Jesi_Jn
. 717-749-3700
1
www. com

.Studio 1/llreJJ: 10911lest 'Main .Street, <R.p6erts-1!,.!J 1/{Jpointmenf. {ffJfJ' allreJT receives no
maiO
"<Be who .!JOU are anlsa:J what .!JOU mean, because thoJ'e that mini lon 't matter, ani those t6at
matter lon 't mini." -1Jr. -SeuJJ
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hawley, Dimise - DOA
Monday, May 02, 2011 3:15 PM
Hansen, Alex- GOV
FW: Register Now for the IQ Specialist Training Program this June
I thought I'd share in case your office was interested in sending you to training.
From: Boerger, Craig
Sent: Monday, May 02,
To: Hawley, Denise - DOA
Subject: Register Now for the IQ Specialist Training Program this June
G - ------- ---
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An IQ Specialist is an IQ user who has completed the IQ Specialist program and been evaluated by a certified IQ exp1
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assistant who is the key point person within an office for IQ up to the system administrator.
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The program consists of three parts: e-Learning, Classroom Instruction and Evaluation. To become an IQSpecialist, t
portions of the IQ Specialist program and successfully complete all evaluations in a timely manner.
Register now for the June 13-17, 20111Q Specialist Training Program held in Fairfax, Va. Click here for more inform<
1
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Training provided by an IQ-certified instructor
Five days of IQ advanced training
Daily workbook exercises and hands-on evaluations to reinforce IQ knowledge
Remedial Web Ex learning review
Certificate of completion
Continental breakfast and lunch
We hope to see you there! Please contact me if you would like any further information.
Sincerely,
Craig Boerger
lockheed Martin DSI
703-208-5121
craig.boerger@lmco.com
www.intranetquorum.com
2
Cling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Monday, February 14, 201112:40 PM
Hansen, Alex- GOV
FW: state workers- what no one is talking about
High
I thought this one was more specific then the rest and sent it your way just in case you wanted to take a look at it.
Ben
From: James Christopoulos
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 20
Subject: state workers- what no one is talking about
Importance: High
With all the talk about about state employee benefits, the major issue that appears to be left by the wayside is what
happens to LTE benefits (limited-term employee). Insurance contributions won't jump from 6% to 12%. In fact, they
won't jump at all. Your proposal would eliminate our insurance and retirement benefits entirely, and for those who can
least afford it. With all the focus on unions and percentile increases in employee contributions, I'm afraid that most
people will remain completely unaware of this.
When you think limited term employee, you probably envision some college kid or recent grad filling in at a state park
during the busy summer season. What most people aren't aware of is that many long-term professional jobs with a high
level of responsibility are considered 'limited term' and that in some state agencies LTE's truly make up the backbone of
the workforce. I have worked for the state for nearly 5 years and built relationships with our waterfowl hunters which
instills a sense of trust and in turn helps our program operate effectively with strong support from the public.
Though I am not one of them, plenty of us have families that rely on these benefits. Quite often LTE's have sole
responsibility for many of the duties they perform. Some are seasonal in nature (as intended), but many others are year-
round positions (generally people in this category are appointed to 2-half time positions and work full time; after 1.5
years of continuing employment, you then become eligible for benefits). In this way, the state gets around providing sick
leave, holiday pay, and leave us out of any bargaining units (providing some solace is the fact that at least you have
affordable, reliable health coverage).
In cash strapped agencies, this is what it is ..... but cutting our benefits entirely is just criminal. What's worse is the fact
that up to this point it doesn't seem to be on anyone's radar. I can't say what effect this will have in the long run on
state agencies and the services they provide, but I can tell you that most of us don't earn enough to purchase adequate
health coverage on our own and some (many?) would be forced to seek employment elsewhere. Those workers who are
truly short term would are not provided benefits anyways since they need to work for 1.5 years straight to be eligible, so
I deeply hope that eliminating my health coverage was not your intent. To be honest it sounds a little ridiculous to
provide retirement to a 'short term employee', but if you understand how many LTE's are not short term, it changes
things a bit.
I guess my takeaway message is this: Please don't be misled by the term Limited-term employee. as many of us are
dedicated professionals whose duties are anything but part-time or seasonal work. If times are tight and employee
contributions need to increase that is fine with me. But turning around and eliminating all health coverage for those who
can least afford it is wrong.
1
I appreciate your attention to this matter and request a prompt response so I can appropriately characterize the your
intent when I speak to my legislators about the proposal.
James Christopoulos
Assistant Migratory Game Bird Ecologist
Bureau of Wildlife Management
~ r c e s
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
FYI ...
Michael A. Bodin
Bodin,Michael A <MBodin@uwsuper.edu>
Friday, February 04, 20111:10 PM
GOV General
FW: UIN - Weekly Summary 2/3/2011
From: Council 24 UIN [mailto:council24uin@wseu-24.org]
Sent: Friday, February 04, 201111:31 AM
Subject: UIN - Weekly Summary 2/3/2011
Wisconsin State Employees Union
8033 Exc;elsior Dr. Ste. C, Madison, WI 53717 (608) 836-0024
Martin Beil, Executive Director
Bob McLinn, President
February 3, 2011
INCLEMENT WEATHER. .. On Wednesday, 2/2, Governor Walker declared an emergency in the
southern-most counties of the State because of the blizzard conditions. In his executive order,
nonessential state operations were closed in the southern third of the state, but he indicated workers
had the option of proceeding to work or taking earned benefits (excluding sick leave) for the time
1
lost. This is just another fine example of the Governor's concern for the rank and file
employees. While "civil emergencies" were declared in several counties and national guard troops
deployed to various armories to assist; and while the state patrol, county sheriffs, other law
enforcement officials were all ordering motorists to stay off roads, Governor Walker actually
encouraged non-essential state workers to go to their closed state offices to do whatever. So,
thousands of dedicated state employees risked life and limb to fulfill whatever job responsibilities
were left after their offices were closed. In spite of the Governor's flinch, we would like to thank all
those state employees who either were required to come to work, or came in on their own, for their
dedication and commitmentto thetaxpayersof the state. While some neWspaplrs' commentaries
may be fuJi Of Venom and misguictE:)d opinioh from Neandl:)rthals,Ihe vast majority of
Wisconsin taxpayers do recognize and appreciate what state employees did on2/2/11. State
employees having questions regarding the inclement weather on 2/2/11 and the Governor's
proclamation should consult Article 11, Section 9 of the contract. If questions remain, please contact
your field rep. If there are major issues relative to 2/2/11, please contact Director Beil or Assistant
Director Weaver.
LOBBY DAY ANNOUNCED ... mark your calendar and plan to attend this year's lobby day, Thursday,
4/14 at the State Capitol in Madison. Now more than ever, we need to be a large, strong presence
with a unified message at the Capitol.
ERT'S ... Just a reminder that Council24 field staff members are organizing emergency response
teams (ERT's) in various areas in their districts. These teams will respond to attacks on public
services and public workers. We are looking for not just state employees, but community coalitions
including church leaders, community leaders, business people, industrial unions, etc., etc. We
encourage all leadership to work with your field representative to get one of these ERT's established
in your area.
BOWLING TOURNAMENT ... . preparations are underway for the annual Jim Boyd Memorial
Scholarship bowling tournament, which will be held April 29-30, 2011. Please start getting your
teams in order and plan on spending some time with your brothers and sisters raising money for a
great cause.
JIM BOYD MEMORAL SCHOLARSHIPS .. . just a reminder that scholarship application information is
available on the Council website (www.wseu-24.org). Application deadline is coming up in March.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING ... Friday, 2/18, Madison.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS ... Next Wave, 2/15; Organizing, 3/1 0; Outsourcing, 3/11; all at Council 24.
Wisconsin Legislative Bulletin -imporlant update on Gov. Walker's State of the State Speech
February 2, 2011
Walker: Wisconsin's Budget Shortfall Situation is "An Opportunity" to Transform
Government; Reduce "Entitlement Programs" and "Legacy Costs"
2
On Feb. 1, Governor Scott Walker gave his first "State of the State" speech in which he laid out two
key policy goals: to improve the state's business environment and to use Wisconsin's budget
situation as an "opportunity to reduce government" and "transform the way government works in
Wisconsin".
He said lawmakers need to take "swift, corrective action" to stop Medicaid (entitlement programs) and
state employee benefits (legacy programs) from "eating up more and more of the operating budget."
Gov. Walker said that Wisconsin, like other states, has major fiscal challenges due to the decline in
the global economy. He also said states across the nation are facing a $1 trillion shortfall due to
public sector retirement benefits, and noted that state and local governments are saddled with heavy
debt. This is true, but not for most of Wisconsin. Gov. Walker did not mention that the Wisconsin
Retirement System, which covers some 550,000 state residents (active and retired). is fully funded
arid is not at risk,
It is misleading andreckless for the state's highesfexecuti\le to present facts that are not trueor
relevant in Wisconsin to make a case f6rasking/forcing state employees to begin paying pension
payments; He said state workers would be asked to pay "just over 5%" of their pensions, as well as
12% (up from an average of 6%) of the cost of healthcare premiums.
He also said that "the difficult reality is that healthcare costs and pension costs have risen
dramatically and that has created a benefit system that is simply unsustainable. Government benefits
have grown while so many others in the private sector have seen their benefits adjusted in order to
protect jobs."
It is unclear when the Governor intends to act on cutting Medicaid costs and state worker benefits,
but it could be sooner rather than later. He intends to introduce a budget repair bill to fix what he says
is a $200 million shortfall for the rest of the current fiscal year (which ends June 30). The budget
repair bill will focus on " .. the most immediate fiscal challenges our state must address to avoid
massive layoffs or reductions in critical services." He did riot provide specifics.
A budget repair bill can be introduced and acted on quickly, with limited opportunity for public input, if
past practice is any indication. In contrast, the regular 2011-2013 state budget bill is expected to be
introduced on February 22, and there is a lengthy process involving budget briefings, public hearings
that usually take place in 5 or 6 communities across the state, and then the agency-by-agency
painstaking voting process, all of which allow for ample input by the public (and lobbyists)
The governor made several references to the concessions that workers in private corporations have
made to keep their jobs. He added that "While state government can't pick up and move, I hope that
our state employees feel as if they've been treated fairly over the years, but- like all of us- they should
recognize that we are in difficult economic and fiscal times."
Perhaps that comment would be easier to accept and understand if there had been some recognition
of the $1 00+ in concessions state workers had agreed to give up in the bargaining sessions which
[Jroduced the contracts that were rejected by the Legislature in December. It also might be easier to
accept ifthe Governor had made any attempt to reach outto employees. Since taking office, his
administration has talked about concessions it plaris to extract, but has not made any attempt to
contact AFSCME, which represents more than 23,000 state employees,
3
That comment also would have beenrnore acceptable to state workers had the Governor made a ..
strong, public commitment to spread the cuts across the board to state services and programs, in as
fairly as possible, as Governor Doyle proposed in his last budget:
It is worth mentioning that in previous speeches, Gov. Walker has specifically mentioned the benefits
of both state andlocal government employees, although in Tuesday's speech, thatmessagewas not
as evident. Nevertheless, the Goven'lor alsd stated that " ... we must provide flexibility to our leaders.
at all levels." In a recentpr!;lyious speech, when he referred to giving local.elected officials"flexipility"
he meant pension payments, healthcare paymentsand changes to tilt the local collective bargaining
law in favor of the employer.
The full speech is available on-line at http://www.wisqov.state.wi.us/ or on WisPolitics.com or The
Wheeler Report (www.thewheelerreport.com).
AFSCME members can learn more about the Wisconsin Retirement System can read the AFSCME
"Green Sheet" on the WRS and public employee pensions .. That four-page document is available on
the AFSCMECouncil 11 website: www.wiafscme.org. AFSCME in Wisconsin and AFSCME
International halie aton of infonnation on pension systems. Much ofitiseasy to read and
understand and will help prepare membersJor the discussions and challenges thatface us.
For more information, contact your AFSCME lobbyists at 608-836-6666 or go to www.wiafscme.org.
#
4
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
ASM stuff
ben
From: Sam
Monday, February 14, 201110:38 AM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
FW: UW-MADISON ASM propaganda
Sent: Monday, AM
To: Governor Scott w,llkPr
Subject: UW-MADISON ASM propaganda
Hi,
Not sure who this will reach but I wanted to try and let someone connected to the Governors Public Relations
team know that the Associated Students of Madison spam mailed this to the student body today. I know UW
Madison and its students to be liberal but this is over the top and outrageous the way they are portraying the
balancing of the budget as an attack. It would be nice if the students of Madison were given the facts and not
propaganda in order to vote. ASM and the Badger Herald control most of the information that we receive and it
is extremely liberally biased. Please try to do something to reach out to the students ofUW-Madison so they do
not vote based on emails like these.
Sam Hegge
Dear Students,
On Friday, Governor Walker made the single greatest attack on the quality of your education since he took
office just over a month ago -- and perhaps the most unprecedented attack on higher education in Wisconsin
history.
It is our responsibility as your student government to keep you informed of these developments. Please read this
email carefully, as this attack directly affects the entire UW community and impacts the value of your degree
and education.
Scott Walker's "Budget Repair" bill contains provisions to eliminate the right of state workers to bargain
collectively. Workers in the UW system, including faculty and graduate students will lose their right to have a
say in the terms of their employment. Forcing low wages, higher health care costs, and the possible end to
tuition remission for graduate employees, this legislation will make it almost impossible for the UW system to
recruit competitive graduate students and faculty.
Grad employees' working conditions are undergraduates' learning conditions. Because theUW relies heavily on
graduate student labor, the quality of research and education will most definitely suffer. The overall ranking of
our university is closely tied to the research and teaching missions provided by graduate students workers. This
legislation will result in a direct and near immediate loss of quality at our institution, which will have negative
consequences on both our world-wide competitiveness and ranking.
1
Most importantly, you should know that this attack on the people who make the UW work is an attack on the
entire UW community.
With the proposed bill set to come up for a vote next week, we need urgent action from everyone on this matter.
Please join us at this event, listed on Facebook here. Stay tuned for further communication from ASM so you
can take action to help protect our UW community.
W
HANUS OFF!
WU.xrts t!UOI
Thank you,
Associated Students of Madison
Protecting your Education
UNIVERSITY of W!SCONS!NMAOJSON
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Gorman, Kristy - DHS
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 3:17 PM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
Subject: RE: Constituent Case- J.C.
Alex,
I checked with our Director of OPIB since he has some history about Mr. Casper and has been copied on these emails in
the past. His advice is to simply let it pass. Mr. Casper has been mailing the same message with some variation over
nearly 10 years. He believes that at one point Client Rights may have been involved, but there was really nothing
concrete to respond to in the emails. At best his issue is local to the Milwaukee area.
If you still want us to contact him please' let me know.
Thank you.
Kristy Gorman
Executive Staff Assistant
Department of Health Services
From: Hansen, Alex - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 2011 9:37AM
To: Gorman, Kristy - DHS
Subject: Constituent Case- J.C.
Hi Kristy-
Please see the chain of emails below from John Casper. He is looking for a response from the Walker Administration. Can
you have somebody look into the validity of his claims?
Thank you very much.
Alex Hansen
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 5:10PM
To: Hansen, Alex - GOV
Subject: FW: Mr. Werwie, I faxed you WI Medicaid billing records from September 2003 through January 2004
Alan Colvin
608-266-1212
alan.colvin@wisconsin.gov
______ __:.. _________ _
1
From: John casper rm:3iltc)l
Sent: Friday, April15, 201
To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Governor Scott Walker; southeast@wisconsin.gov; GOV Transition; rwrenn@tlservices.org;
jberlin@milwcnty.com; james.hill@mcfi.net; tharding@milwcnty.com; timothy.schoewe@milwcnty.com;
robert.wrenn@mcfi.net; peterh@namigrm.org; dennis.sullivan@dhs.wisconsin.gov; Mueller, Janice L- LAB;
lynnb@drwl.org; Timberlake, Karen - DHS; mgrebe@bradleyfdn.org
Cc: dpuls@milwcnty.com; covide@milwcnty.com; dkozel@milwcnty.com; dmacherey@milwcnty.com; Yeadon, James D-
DHS; White, Alan S - DHS; Welsh, Diane M - DHS; Easterday, John T- DHS; bernsho@dwd.state.wi.us; Stuiber, Paul J -
LAB; Dwyer, Charlene - DWD; Greco, Michael A - DWD; Vegoe, Linda A - DATCP; Lynch, Patty J - DHS; kitk@drwi.org;
jheer@milwcnty.com; mluzi@milwcnty.com; countyexec@milwcnty.com; Wade, KateR- LAB; sheila.l.ashley@hud.gov;
Allen, Joyce B- DHS; donna.lou.hertz@hud.gov; mkissinger@journalsentinel.com
Subject: Mr. Werwie, I faxed you WI Medicaid billing records from September 2003 through January 2004
Cullen Werwie
Press Secretary
115. East Capitol
Madison WI 53702
p (608) 266-1212
F 608-267-7888
Mr. Werwie:
If you did not receive it, please let me know and I will be happy to refax.
I also faxed it to Mr. Breedlove's attention at Disability Rights Wisconsin. This is not the ''first-time," Disability
Rights Wisconsin has been faxed this information.
I read this JS article with interest:
"Food card fraud probed Ring of 9 county workers suspected in $290, 000 scam"
" ... Werwie said he wasn't sure when Walker first learned of the fraud or whether he was still serving in
Milwaukee County at the time .... "
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/119794529.html
Emphasis is mine.
I have been emailing and faxing Gov. Walker since 2007 about among other things, Medicaid fraud in my case.
Could you let me know when Gov. Walker, as Milwaukee County Executive, "first learned," about the
massive evidence of fraud in my case?
Raquel Rutledge won a Pulitzer for reporting in 2009 that uncovered much more massive fraud (millions of
state dollars) in Milwaukee County day-care payments: "Cashing in on Kids"
http://www.jsonline.com/news/38617217 .html
When did Gov. Walker "first learn," about fraud in his administration wrt "Wisconsin Shares?"
Based on this reporting (March 2011), it looks as though Gov. Walker still has not "learned," about the fraud.
"State cancels contract to combat day-care fraud"
2
http:/ /www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/118342669 .html
The appearance is that he's getting kick-backs from the people who commit the fraud. Bad government at any
level makes all government look bad.
The link below surfaced in 2010 about a 2008 report that Gov. Walker, as County Executive, still had not read:
"Walker's Mental Health Complex Cover Up Walker Admits Not Reading Report about Tragedy; Supports
Outside Legal Counsel Decision Withholding Report from His Own County Auditors"
http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/press/walkers-mental-health-complex-cover-up.html
The link below confirms that the report cost county taxpayers $80,000.
http:/ /www.allbusiness.com/ government/ government -bodies-offices-regional/ 15 2703 3 0-1.html
One of many serious concerns is that if Gov. Walker had read the 2008 report, it would have STOPPED sexual
assaults in the Milwankee County Mental Health Complex.
When Gov. Walker ''first learned," about the sexual assaults is very important, because it led to at least in one
case a patient getting PREGNANT.
"Out of Chaos a baby is born"
http:/ /www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreportsll 0123 7734.html
Mr. Werwie, when did Gov. Walker "first learn," about Karl Strelnick billing Medicaid to have sex with his
patients?
"More Strelnick complaints surface: Latest allegation is the ninth against Milwaukee psychiatrist"
http://www.j sonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/113180674.html
Mr. Werwie, please ask Gov. Walker to ask someone in his administration to contact me. Please tell the
Governor that he can depend on me to keep him informed about any and all progress.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Casper
From:
To: transition@wisconsin.gov; countyexec@milwcnty.com; rwrenn@tlservices.org;
jberlin@milwcnty.com; james.hill@mcfi.net; tharding@milwcnty.com; timothy.schoewe@milwcnty.com;
peterh@namigrm.org
CC: dpuls@milwcnty.com; covide@milwcnty.com; dkozel@milwcnty.com; dmacherey@milwcnty.com;
james.yeadon@wisconsin.gov; jheer@milwcnty.com; whiteas@dhfs.state.wi.us; mluzi@milwcnty.com;
welshdm@dhfs.state.wi.us; eastejt@dhfs.state.wi.us; janice.mueller@legis.wisconsin.gov;
paul.stuiber@legis.wisconsin.gov; bernsho@dwd.state.wi.us; roberta.gassman@dwd.wisconsin.gov;
charlene.dwyer@dwd.wisconsin.gov; michael.greco@dwd.wisconsin.gov; linda.vegoe@wisconsln.gov;
lynchpj@dhfs.state.wi.us; kitk@drwi.org; lynnb@drwi.org; sen.carpenter@legis.state.wi.us; sheila.l.ashley@hud.gov;
3
donna.lou.hertz@hud.gov; allenjb@dhfs.state.wi.us; karen.timberlake@dhs.wisconsin.gov;
rep.kleefisch@legis.wisconsin.gov; mkissinger@journalsentinel.com
Subject: Mr. Grebe, did I save WI Medicaid $28,567 annually?
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:07:35 +0000
Michael Grebe
President, CEO
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
The Lion House
1241 North Franklin Place
Milwaukee, WI 53202-2901
(414) 291-9915
Fax: (414) 291-9991
Mr. Grebe:
By the close of business tomorrow, I will fax you and the Lt. Governor-elect the lists of dates of service and
invoice amounts that I received from BPI. If you do not receive them, please notify me and I will resend them.
Please note that Governor-elect Walker is copied on this 2008 email and has chosen, so far, to ignore it.
Perhaps he will not be so lax with Medicaid fraud after January 3.
If you, or the Governor-elect, or anyone else think the amount I saved Medicaid was anything less than $28,000
per year, please inform me of that fact at your earliest convenience. To date, no one has responded to these
facts.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Casper
From
To: jchianelli@milwcnty.com; sheila.l.ashley@hud.gov; donna.lou.hertz@hud.gov;
david.ingvoldstad@hud.gov; lynchpj@dhfs.state.wi.us; santass@dhfs.state.wi.us; mluzi@milwcnty.com;
vbaker@tlservices.org; aoldenburg@milwcnty.com; eastejt@dhfs.state.wi.us
CC: whiteas@dhfs.state.wi.us; yeadojd@dhfs.state.wi.us; sen.carpenter@legis.state.wi.us; jsberlinmd@aol.com;
countyexec@milwcnty.com; mkreuser@milwcnty.com; jheer@execpc.com; allenjb@dhfs.state.wi.us;
mkissinger@journalsentinel.com
Subject: Ms. Welsh, did I save WI Medicaid $28,567 annually?
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:11:22 +0000
Diane Welsh
Chief Legal Counsel
Department of Health and Family Services, Office of Legal Counsel
Room 651, 1 W.Wilson St., P.O. Box 7850
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7850
4
Bus:(608) 266-8428
Bus Fax:(608) 267-1434
Ms. Welsh:
The average weekly billings from TLS prior to 21 November 2003 were $241.69.
After 21 November 2003, the average weekly billing fell to $45.60/week.
This strongly suggests that ifl had not begun recording ''face-to-face," TLS would have probably tried to bill
Wisconsin Medicaid in the neighborhood of$28,000 each year.
$241.69 per week, 52 weeks per year= $12,567.88
$6,000 for medication, I'm not sure if that figure is correct. You can ask Vance Baker, M.D.
$10,000 for Vance Baker, M.D. Because Vance and Dr. White refuse to comment, this is nothing more than a
guess.
Ms. Welsh, please note that there is no "Date of Service," for 4 September 2003.
That's important, because that was a forty-five minute session with Vance at TLS.
That session took place and it lasted forty-five minutes.
I am very sorry I did not tape record it. I had no idea during that session the level of malevolence of which
Vance was capable. Both Vance and I have documented what took place in that September 4 session. Other than
the date, location, time, and duration, I know of no other agreement. Vance's willingness to invent falsehoods in
his progress notes for that session was the primary driver in my decision to record all future "face-to-face"
communication.
It's the absence of a "Date of Service," on September 4 in the records that I received from Wisconsin Medicaid,
that suggests to me, along with other things, that the billings I have received included only TLS billings for case
management. Dr. White's refusal to respond to any of my questions supports that conclusion. I know of no
coherent reason Dr. White would want to hide Vance's billings from me. Is it because Vance used my SSN to
really pillage Wisconsin Medicaid from August 2003 through January 2004 and Dr. White wants to hide that
from me? Under the circumstances, that certainly seems plausible.
Vance ended my second session with him, 16 October 2003, after seventy-five seconds, because I refused to
tum off the tape recorder. Ms. Welsh, you have already received a copy of the transcript of that session. The
session was scheduled to be thirty-minutes long.
Week 1 Total TLS revenue= $78.82
..... 08/29/03 ..... $78.82
..... 09/03/03 .... $165 .81
..... 09/05/03 .... $110.54
Week 3 Total TLS revenue= 359.26
5
..... 09/09/03 .... $221.08
..... 09/12/03 .... $138.18
..... 09/15/03 .... $221.08
..... 09/18/03 .... $248.72
..... 09/19/03 .... $82.91
..... 09/24/03 .... $276.35
..... 09/25/03 .... $44.22
..... 09/25/03 .... $55.27
..... 09/26/03 .... $221.08
Week 6 Total TLS revenue== 116.99
..... 09/30/03 .... $38.69
..... 1 0/02/03 .... $23 .02
..... 1 0/03/03 .... $55.28
..... 10/06/03 .... $13.82
..... 1 0/07/03 .... $27 .64
..... 10/08/03 .... $27.64
..... 1 0/09/03 .... $55.28
..... 10/16/03 .... $27.64
..... 10/16/03 .... $46.04
..... 1 0/17 /03 .... $55.28
..... 10/22/03 .... $23.02
.... .1 0/23/03 .... $13. 82
..... 10/24/03 .... $69.30
..... 10/30/03 .... $46.04
..... 10/31103 .... $55.28
.... .11/04/03 .... $27.64
.... .11104/03 .... $23.02
..... 11/05/03 .... $11 0.56
..... 11106/03 .... $55 .28
.... .11113/03 .... $82.92
.... .11113/03 .... $92.08
.... .11114/03 .... $13.82
.... .11115/03 .... $165.84 This is a Saturday.
..... 11118/03 .... $46.04
.... .11/20/03 .... $55.28
..... 11/21/03 .... $27.64
Week 14 Total TLS revenue= $0
No invoices
..... 12/05/03 .... $13.82
6
..... 12/09/03 .... $69.10
..... 12115/03 .... $82.92
..... 12/15/03 .... $27.64
..... 12/22/03 .... $13 .82
..... 12/30/04 .... $13.82
..... 12/31/04 .... $41.46
..... 01/07/04 .... $13.82
..... 01/08/04 .... $23.02
..... 01/09/04 .... $13.82
..... 01/09/04 .... $46.04
Week 21 Total TLS revenue= $0
None
..... 01/22/04 .... $82.92
..... 01/29/04 .... $13.82
Sincerely,
John Casper
7
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hello and good morning Mr. Alex,
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:45AM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
Re: Help
I have tried talking with them and they will not work with me. That is why I am coming to your office. I know we all have
our own issues, but Wendy and I are strugging. I feel for all the state workers who are protesting now, but try not having
health insurance with month to month bills.
You can call me at
-----Original Message-----
From: Alex-
To: danurfer
Sent: Tue,
Subject: RE: Help
Mr. Urfer-
Upon further clarification from the Department of Revenue, this issue is under the jurisdiction of Brown County. I tried
calling your home phone to inform you of the resolution.
Please feel free to contact us if you need more information or if something else arises.
Best Wishes,
Alex Hansen
Sent:
To: Hansen, Alex - GOV
Subject: Re: Help
Hello and good morning again Mr. Alex
The company I am working at does not offer health insurance till 6 months after my employment. I started here December
20,2010
So having said that we have no insurance and have not for over a year now.
Aacer Flooring is in chapter 128
From:
To: danurfer
Sent: Tue,
Subject: RE: Help
1
Hello-
Thank you for contacting Governor Walker. In order to process your inquiry, could you please provide us with your name,
address and phone number?
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Alex Hansen
From:
Sent: Monday, Fel>rwrv
To: GOV General
Subject: Help
, 2011 2:48 PM
Hello and good afternoon Mr. Governor Scott Walker,
I am a supporter of you.
I am in need of your help or direction.
I have a question. I have been a victim of the economy. For the last two years I have been on and off jobs and
employment. My question is, we received our property bill for 2010 and in Brown County we have the option to make two
payments. One by the end of January and the other half in July. So my questions is, because of my employment situation
over the last two years and happy to say I am working now but I was not able to pay the first installment, I now am being
charged a late fee and I am working on paying as soon as I get caught up on other bills. Any way that I would not be
charged the interest fee?
Thank you for your time and good luck in your new postion.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Alex,
Dave Swarthout
Wednesday, May
Hansen, Alex - GOV
Re: Property Tax Relief
Thank you for your attention to this suggestion. Perfect timing for this, would be to include it in the state budget.
This I believe would help to counter any of the criticism of other budget cuts, which are necessary and I approve of. It will
also offer a counter to those public sector employees that are opposed to the collective bargaining changes and are
retiring. Not to mention the support this would have amongst the senior community.
Please keep me informed. I would be happy to write letters to the various newspaper editors regarding this.
Sincerely,
Dave Swarthout
-----Original Message :----
Fronii Hansen; Alex- 136\J
To: Dave Swarthout
Sent: Tuesday, Apri126, 2011 2:59PM
Subject: RE: Property Tax Relief
Mr. Swarthout-
Thank you for writing to Governor Walker about property taxes.
As you are aware, property tax relief is a high priority for Governor Walker. We appreciate your shared concern for this
issue.
I have shared this correspondence with the Governor and our Policy Advisor on this issue. Furthermore, we will look into
Governor Perry's plan in Texas.
Please feel free to contact our office regarding issues of mutual concern. Thanks again for writing to Governor Walker.
Sincerely,
Alex Hansen
From: Dave
Sent: Tuesday, April 26,
Subject: Property Tax Relief
Governor Walker,
I have read your Property Tax Relief Op-ED and I support your efforts.
I would like for you to add to your plan the following;
1
Please check with Governor Rick Perry, Texas for confirmation and further detail. Texas freezes property tax for retires
65 and older for as long as they reside in their home. Texas .first reduces the value of the home by $15,000. and from
that amount, property tax is figured and then frozen. This is done as a thank for having been a productive and
contributing member of society. This benefit is available to all who come to Texas.
This program is beneficial to the state, for it keeps the retirees money in the state. And takes away the fear the senior
citizen has in regards to how long can they remain in their home if their property tax goes up every year and they are on
a fixed income.
With the number of baby boomers soon to retiree in this state, this would be a great program to keep many of them from
moving to states that have lower property taxes.
Footnote: I proposed this while running for the State Assembly 84th DiStrict in an interview with Wisconsin Eye. Watch
this interview and listen to the response Steve W a l t e ~ s had.
Respectfully,
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Sweeney, Matthew - DOR
Tuesday, Aprill9, 201112:25 PM
Hansen, Alex - GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Wagner, Michael W - DOR; Jablonski, Jack- DOR
RE: WI (lousyj electronic filing
Alex,
I just wanted to let you know that customer service staff have called and left several messages to the taxpayer listed
below but have not yet received a call back.
I will let you know if I receive word that they have connected.
Thanks!
From: Jablonski, Jack - DOR
Sent: Thursday, April14, 201111:01 AM
To: Sweeney, Matthew- DOR
Cc: Wagner, Michael W- DOR
Subject: FW: WI (lousy) electronic filing
From: Hansen, Alex- GOV
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 201110:51 AM
To: Jablonski, Jack - DOR
Hi Jack,
Can you please direct this message to someone at DOR who can help the constituent with his filing issue?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Alex Hansen
From: David Olive
Sent: Wednesday, 13, 201111:39 PM
Subject: Fwd: WI (lousy) electronic filing
Mr. Walker, has your efforts to strip teachers of bargaining rights caused your tax department to break down or
slow/stop work?
Why is it so hard to get my money back from you?
1
Please call me the same amount oftime you would return a call to one of the Koch brothers,
I assume if they had a tax problem they would get you on the phone promptly.
-David Olive
---------- Forwarded message----------
From: David Olive
Date: Wed, Apr 13, at
Subject: Re: WI (lousy) electronic filing
To: "efiling@revenue.wi.gov" <efiling@revenue.wi.gov>
Again, problem with submitting tax return. Went to enter it again. After 1.5 hours, all I get when clicking
submit return is a spinning wheel and an occasional error message saying adobe acrobat plug-in is
unresponsive, do I want to stop it. Well when i do that, you won't get my return? Is that right?????
I work during the day. How am I supposed to get this return in and get the $477 Wisconsin owes me??????
Especially when I never get a response to these emails.
Frustrated,
David Olive
On Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 8:01 PM, David Olive
I'm a contractor working in WI. My taxes were ele:Cttonicaiiy which worked fine for federal
and Ohio. But for WI, I had to go through your miserable efile system. After I finally finished, I attached my
federal return and clicked submit. I never got a confirmation message, and I don't know ifi wasted 2 hours
filling in your forms for nothing.
Why do you do this?
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mall transmission and any accompanying documents contain information belonging to the sender which may be
confidential and legally privileged. This information Is only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was intended. If you are
not the Intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the lnfonnation contained in this transmission Is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately contact the sender and delete the message. Thank you.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Jablonski, Jack- DOR
Sent:
To:
Thursday, Aprill4, 201111:01 AM
Hansen, Alex- GOV
Cc: Sweeney, Matthew- DOR
Subject: RE: WI (lousy) electronic filing
Yes. We will get somebody to reach to him. Of course, it could be a computer/connection on their end. Will keep you
posted.
From: Hansen, Alex- GOV
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 201110:51 AM
To: Jablonski, Jack - DOR
Hi Jack,
Can you please direct this message to someone at DOR who can help the constituent with his filing issue?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Alex Hansen
From: David
Sent: Wednesday, April13, 201111:39 PM
Subject: Fwd: WI (lousy) electronic filing
Mr. Walker, has your efforts to strip teachers of bargaining rights caused your tax department to break down or
slow/stop work?
Why is it so hard to get my money back from you?
Please call me
I assume if they
the same amount oftime you would return a call to one of the Koch brothers,
a tax problem they would get you on the phone promptly.
-David Olive
---------- Forwarded ll)e:ssa!;e
From: David Olive
Date: Wed, Apr 13,2011 at 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: WI (lousy) electronic filing
To: "efiling@revenue.wi.gov" <efiling@revenue.wi.gov>
Again, problem with submitting tax return. Went to enter it again. After 1.5 hours, all I get when clicking
submit return is a spinning wheel and an occasional error message saying adobe acrobat plug-in is
unresponsive, do I want to stop it. Well when i do that, you won't get my return? Is that right?????
1
I work during the day. How am I supposed to get this return in and get the $477 Wisconsin owes me??????
Especially when I never get a response to these emails.
Frustrated,
David Olive
On Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 8:01PM, David Olive wrote:
I'm a contractor working in WI. My taxes were via turbotax, which worked fine for federal
and Ohio. But for WI, I had to go through your miserable efile system. After I finally finished, I attached my
federal return and clicked submit. I never got a confirmation message, and I don't know if I wasted 2 hours
filling in your forms for nothing.
Why do you do this?
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic man transmission and any accompanying documents contain infonnation belonging to the sender which may be
confidential and legally privileged. This information is only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was intended. If you are
not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the Information contained in this transmission Is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please Immediately contact the sender and delete the message. Thank you.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Monday, February 07, 2011 9:19AM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
State Journal: Big cuts in blue states, too
Below is an Editorial that ran in the Wisconsin State Journal over the weekend ths,t recognizes the reality of state budgets .
and the opportunity for frugality
Big cuts in blue states, too
State Journal editorial I Posted: Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:00am
Cuts to public schools, state universities and health programs.
A 10 percent reduction in take-home pay for state employees.
As many as 10,000 layoffs.
Those aren't the actions of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker- at least not yet.
Those are the budget proposals from Democratic governors in states such as New York and California.
It shows how dire the finances of so many states have become, and how bipartisan the mood is to control
spending. Gone are the federal stimulus dollars that propped up pre-recession state spending. Gone is the public
appetite for tax hikes and new borrowing.
"There's no Democratic or Republican philosophical dispute here. The numbers have to balance, and the
numbers now don't balance .... It's painful, but it is also undeniable."
Those are the words of Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He just proposed a $1 billion cut to state
education aid, a 10 percent reduction to state agencies and as many as 10,000 layoffs if state worker unions
don't agree to concessions.
Even California's liberal Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed slashing welfare spending in half, cutting aid to
universities by almost 20 percent and reducing take-home pay for state workers by 8 percent to 10 percent.
It's not mean-spiritedness that's driving such proposals. It's financial and political reality.
Walker highlighted Cuomo's words during Walker's State of the State speech Tuesday night in Madison.
Cuomo is right, Walker said. What's needed is "swift, corrective action" to fix Wisconsin's $3 billion budget
gap. That will surely include reductions in most if not all major state programs.
In addition, Walker gave specific targets for state employee concessions. He wants to increase pension
contributions from "next to nothing" to just over 5 percent, which is about the national average. Walker also
1
wants state employees to double, from 6 percent to 12 percent, what they pay toward their health care
premiums. Twelve percent is about halfthe national average, he said.
Walker isn't singling out state workers. He's including them as part of a much broader budget solution. And he
was wise last week to tone down his campaign rhetoric, praising state workers for their efforts and ability to do
more with less.
It won't be easy or painless. But an honest and frugal budget fix is needed to move Wisconsin forward toward
better days and greater investment.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Fadness, Joseph F - GOV
Monday, February 14, 2011 2:54 PM
Hansen, Alex - GOV; Fuller, Luke - GOV; Wetzel, Jonathan - GOV; Novak, Nicholas B -
GOV; Bartel, Phillip J - GOV
Speak up for Middle Class Values at Scott Walker's House
February 15, 2011
5:15pm to 7:00pm
Tuesday, Feb 15 5:30PM- 6:30 Candle light vigil/picket in front of Governor Scott Walker's last known place of residence in
Milwaukee County.Gather 5:15-5:30 at Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Office, 6333 W. Bluemound Road 5:45 PM- Walk to 520 N. 68th
Street
Sponsored by Educators' Network for Social Justice and The Milwaukee Area United Education Professionals CNEAC affiliates)
This is in solidarity with the rally and vigil that will take place at the same time at the State Capitol in Madison. If you can go to Madison,
please do, but let's show opposition to Walker's plan here in Milwaukee as well.
Spread the word!
Add comment Februaty 14th, 2011
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Michael,
Dan Rossmiller <drossmiller@wasb.org >
Thursday, January 27, 2011 3:05 PM
Brickman, Michael - GOV
Lied I, Kimberly- GOV
Appendix--Collective Bargaining & Other Changes to Provide Flexibility.doc
Appendix--Collective Bargaining & Other Changes to Provide Flexibility.doc
Attached is a copy of the Appendix.
It does not include Med-Arb changes and our request for a "new QEO-Iike mechanism. If you want I can send you an
electronic copy related to those provisions.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Dan
1
I
APPENDIX
Collective Bargaining Changes to Provide FlexibilitY. Reduce Costs or Provide Relief from Mandates
Ensure that school districts have the ability to furlough employees as a cost-saving measure.
Adopt statutory language to provide that "no collective bargaining agreement can prohibit a
school district from furloughing staff."
Currently, districts can layoff, non-renew or dismiss employees but nearly all districts are
. prevented from furloughing employees by the "layoff clause" language in their collective
bargaining agreements. Layoffs and furloughs are different concepts and those clauses generally
prohibit temporary, across-the-board staff furloughs.
Some key differences between "layoffs" and "furloughs" are summarized below:
Layoff Furlough
Permanent or semi-permanent (no Temporary reduction in hours or days.
guarantee that employee will return to
work).
Employee generally may not continue to Employee generally may continue to
accrue vacation and sick days. accrue vacation and sick days.
Employer sets parameters of layoff. For Employee may be allowed to "customize"
instance, the employer may determine the furlough, choosing which days or
that a layoff will commence on a certain weeks to take off.
day, and the employee has no option to
change that day.
Employee is removed from the workforce. Employee continues to be part of the
workforce.
Employee may not apply vacation days or Employee may be allowed to apply
personal days to layoff. vacation days or personal days to furlough
time, thus continuing to receive
compensation.
Although the employee may choose to Employer continues to provide insurance
continue health insurance coverage and other benefits.
through COBRA, the employer does not
provide insurance or other benefits during
layoff.
*Source: Susan M Brazos, Furlough or Layoff: Is There a Difference?, available at http://labor-
emp/ovment-law.lawvers.com/Furlough-or-Lavoff-ls-There-a-Difference.html.
1
An issue may be raised by teacher unions that the general rule under the federal Fair Labor
Standards Act [FLSA] is that salaried exempt employees must receive their entire salary for all
workweeks during which they work any hours whatsoever, and that this would prohibit a
reduction in salary for teachers or other professional employees who were furloughed for part
of a week. The FLSA, however, specifically allows public employers such as school districts to
furlough salaried exempt employees for part of a workweek and to reduce their salaries
accordingly if the furlough is "budget-required."
Adopt statutory language to provide that collective bargaining agreements cannot require
that, in determining which employees shall receive layoff notices, length of service and
certification are the sole criteria that can be used. Require that locally determined
qualifications must be used as the primary criterion in determining which employees shall be
laid off or reduced in hours.
Seniority-driven layoffs--the system that exists in most districts--strike a nerve with many
taxpayers and education reform advocates because for many they exemplify the prioritization of
"what's good for adults" over "what's good for students."
Four main problems have been identified with seniority-driven layoffs. First, since less-senior
teachers make less money, the seniority-based system necessitates more layoffs to achieve the
same budgetary savings. Second, the seniority-based system is by definition quality-blind, so
districts are forced to let go of some promising young teachers before at least some less
effective teachers who have greater seniority. Third, since less-senior teachers are more likely to
teach high-demand subjects like math and special education, a strict seniority-based system
would results in more layoffs in the very areas that are hardest to staff. Finally, since less-senior
teachers within many districts are disproportionately in low-income, high-minority schools, the
seniority-based system results in an inequitable distribution of layoffs across a district.
A recent study using data from Washington State on which teachers received layoff notices
found that, all else being equal, a first-year teacher is over twice as likely to receive a reduction-
in-force (RIF) notice than a teacher in her 4th-6th years in the district, and teachers with more
than 6 years of seniority have close to a zero probability of receiving a layoff notice. Subject area
is also predictive of which teachers are targeted for layoffs, but the protections that appear to
accrue to those teachers holding an endorsement in a "high-needs area" (math, science, or
special education) are dwarfed by the impact of seniority. Finally, we find no evidence that
teacher effectiveness is considered in determining which teachers are placed on the chopping
block.
The study authors went on to simulate an alternative system where layoffs are driven by value-
added estimates of teacher effectiveness. Their findings mirrored many of the results of an
earlier study. First, they found effectiveness-based layoffs would result in a very different
2
population of laid off teachers: the overlap in teachers under the two different systems is only
16 percent. And, an effectiveness-driven versus seniority-based system would result in at least
10 percent fewer teacher job losses.
Restore school boards' managerial control over school employees during the school day as a cost-
saving measure.
Repeal the changes made by 2009 Wisconsin Act 34. 2009 Wisconsin Act 34, mandated
that a school district must bargain collectively with respect to time that teachers spend during
the school day, separate from pupil contact time, to prepare lessons, labs, or educational
materials, to confer or collaborate with other staff, or to complete administrative duties.
Prior to the change, so-called "preparation time" or "prep time" was a permissive subject of
bargaining and the Wisconsin Supreme Court ratified this interpretation. However, the new
statute passed by the Democratic legislature overturned the Supreme Court's decision and
made "prep time" a mandatory subject of bargaining, thus converting issues that the Court
had found are related primarily to educational policy and management into new a mandatory
collective bargaining right for teachers.
At the time this change was debated by the legislature, school boards did not dispute that
giving teachers to prepare is important. However, they voiced strong concerns about the
impact this change will have for school districts under revenue limits-such as driving up class
sizes and forcing program cuts that will limit educational opportunities, resulting in less
individualized attention for students, which is clearly contrary to the direction we should be
heading.
Making "prep time" a mandatory subject of bargaining forces school districts to bargain
collectively with respect to the amount of time for preparation-time apart from pupil contact
time- during the school day when a teacher does not have assigned teaching responsibility.
Because no specific duties are assigned or may be assigned during time for preparation, a
teacher may use this time as break time if he or she chooses. This time should not be
considered break time but should be used, for example, to prepare lessons, labs, or
educational materials, to confer or collaborate with other staff, or to complete administrative
duties.
In terms of providing flexibility to school boards and administration, 2009 Act 34 effectively
sanctions the right of teachers to bargain not to teach during the school day. Requiring school
boards to bargain with teachers over how much time they spend not teaching, in practical
terms, requires boards to bargain with teachers over how much time they do spend actually
teaching. As a result, boards will be required to bargain collectively over how any and all time
is spent during the school day.
3
This will, in turn, have wide-ranging impacts on the use of school facilities, class sizes, class
offerings, and the ability of administrators to schedule meetings to discuss individualized
education plans (or IEPs) for special education students or to work on curriculum
improvements. All ofthese matters have historically been considered primarily related to
educational policy and management, which could be, but did not have to be, bargained.
School districts have limited resources. If teachers teach fewer hours in favor of having more
hours during the work day for preparation, either there will be more students per teacher or
districts will need more teachers to teach the same number of students per class.
Given the current fiscal situation facing most Wisconsin school districts, school boards are
simply not in a position to hire more teachers or staff to fill in during any additional time for
preparation. The most likely result will be larger classes during the remaining hours the
teachers do teach. (Other likely results will be reduced program offerings, elimination of
enrichment opportunities, delayed maintenance and other cuts.)
Rulings of the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission and the Wisconsin Supreme
Court have consistently held that school boards are not required to negotiate over issues that
are primarily related to educational policy and management, including time for preparation.
School boards do, however, have a duty to bargain over the impact that any of their decisions
concerning educational policy or management, including preparation time, have on
employees' wages, hours and conditions of employment. This legal distinction has worked
well and protects teachers with preparation time provisions in their existing contracts against
economic loss from any changes to those provisions.
The long-standing legal rulings in this area had properly recognized that educational policy and
management decisions should be made by locally-elected school boards and not by mandated
bargaining or by arbitrators. Locally-elected school boards are in the best position to balance
the needs of their teachers concerning time for preparation with the needs of their students
as they relate to class sizes and curriculum offerings.
In conjunction with repealing Act 34, adopt statutory language to make "assignable duties
within the scope of employment" either a prohibited or a permissive subject of bargaining-
preferably prohibited.
In addition to repealing the changes made by 2009 Act 34, adopt statutory language to make
"assignable duties within the scope of employment" either a prohibited or a permissive subject
of bargaining-prohibited would be preferable. This would allow school districts to require that
teachers use "preparation time" to engage in things like grade-level or subject-matter team
planning, curriculum implementation, or require teachers to teach a given number of classes.
Currently, many teachers regard preparation time as time controlled by the individual teacher
(i.e., "free time" or "break time"). As a result, districts are unable to assign them duties during
"prep time." Making "prep time" either a statutorily prohibited or permissive subject of
4
bargaining would have the added advantage that it would also preclude the WERC from making
case-by-case determinations.
Provide school districts with management flexibility to reduce health insurance costs
Allow school districts unilateral authority to enroll individual employee bargaining units and
non-represented staff in a health care coverage offered by the state group insurance board without
bargaining if this change would reduce their costs. Further, allow districts that enroll their employees
in the state health plan the flexibility to opt out of the state plan if they choose. (This is essentially the
concept Gov. Walker proposed during the campaign.)
Note: In order to make this change work, current policy needs to be changed so that individual
bargaining units are able to move into the state health insurance plan. Current policies of the
state Group Insurance Board require that all bargaining units of a given municipal employer or
school district must move into the plan or none can. In other words, if the support staff (which is
one bargaining unit) wants to join the state plan, teachers (which are another separate
bargaining unit) can thwart this by refusing to join the state plan. That barrier, imposed by an
unelected board, must be changed.
(A similar proposal would grant school boards the authority to enroll (and un-enroll) their
employees in a state-sponsored health insurance plan or a plan deemed comparable by the
state Insurance Commissioner without negotiation over the switch. Senator Darling and then-
Rep. Vukmir introduced a bill last session, 2009 Senate Bill 430 that employed a similar
concept.)
Grant school boards unilateral authority to determine the health insurance provider(s) for
their employees while retaining the authority to negotiate over benefits (i.e., make specification of
the health insurance provider a prohibited subject of bargaining and give school boards the full
authority to make that selection).
The Kettle Moraine School District has been working on a proposal they have asked other school
boards to sign on to that would allow boards to bid out the carrier but would continue to
bargain benefit levels. This would be accomplished by having the Office of the Insurance
Commissioner define standards for benefits and cost sharing and then certify that plans met
those standards. Boards could switch between plans that met the standards. This proposal was
drafted last session (LRB 4743/P3) as a preliminary draft, but not introduced.
Make naming of the health insurance carrier a prohibited subject of bargaining.
(Districts that want to change from the WEA Trust, for example, to another carrier must
currently bargain this change with the union. Almost without exception, the union refuses to
agree to the change. If boards can get comparable coverage at a lower cost they should be able
to switch carriers.)
5
Provide school districts with management flexibility to contract for services to reduce costs.
o Allow school districts and other municipal governments to contract for services without being
required to collectively bargaining the decision to contract out.
o Give school districts flexibility in service delivery (i.e., flexibility to provide services in the
manner they determine to be the most cost-effective for their taxpayers) including sharing of services.
Districts could use this flexibility in many ways.
They could share a variety of support services such as food service, custodial service or
transportation. Among the many reasons for this is the desire to reduce OPEB liabilities. A
district, for example, with a high OPEB burden under its collective bargaining agreement might
choose to purchase (i.e., contract for) custodial s e r v i c ~ s from another district with lower OPEB
costs.
Districts could also use this flexibility to expand online (virtual) class offerings, for greater
cooperation with CESAs, or to offer four-year-old Kindergarten (4-K) through community-based
providers.
In the southwestern part of the state, where many small rural districts with declining enrollment
are located near to one another, some districts would like to use flexibility to share instructional
services with neighboring districts that are also struggling financially through a process called
whole grade sharing (WGS). They note that other states, including Iowa, have adopted laws that
allow whole grade sharing (WGS) as a way for small districts to coordinate services with each
other as an alternative to consolidation. (Whole grade sharing may not work in areas of the
state, like northern Wisconsin, where students would need to be transported long distances, but
it may hold promise in other regions.)
Whole grade sharing is a procedure used by school districts whereby all or a substantial portion
of the pupils in any grade in two or more school districts share an educational program for all or
a substantial portion of a school day under a written agreement.
Whole grade sharing may either be one-way or two-way sharing. One-way whole grade sharing
occurs when a school district sends pupils to one or more other school districts for instruction
and does not receive a substantial number of pupils from those districts in return. Two-way
whole grade sharing occurs when a school district sends pupils to one or more other school
districts for instruction and receives a substantial number of pupils from those school districts in
return.
Consider two adjoining school districts, each of which has 11 students in the first grade and 12
students in second grade. If these students could be combined into one first grade class of 22,
this would relieve one of the districts of having to hire a first grade teacher. First-grade students
6
from District X could be bused to District Y. Similarly, if students could also be combined into
one second grade class of 24, this would relieve one of the districts of having to hire a second
grade teacher. Second grade students from District Y could be bused to District X and use the
classroom that would otherwise been used for the first graders. The cost of bussing is likely to
be less than the cost of hiring teachers and the savings can be used to preserve or enhance
other educational programs.
Adopt statutory language to prohibit "exclusivity clauses" in collective bargaining agreements
so public employers such as school districts are not prohibited from sharing services or utilizing
outside vendors.
Tied to the idea of allowing districts to share services, provide that individual collective
bargaining agreements cannot inhibit the sharing of services between districts or CESAs by
requiring, for example, that all "instruction" of students in district X must be provided by
members of the bargaining unit that represents teachers in district X.
To foster sharing of services, districts need to be free of "exclusivity" clauses in many collective
bargaining agreements that provide unions with a monopoly on the provision of services. They
also need freedom from recent interpretations by the WERC that preclude districts from sharing
services (such as in the whole grade sharing example, above) or utilizing outside vendors.
Competition and negotiation should be encouraged. If members of a bargaining unit can provide
the services at a competitive cost, districts will want to negotiate with them and will likely use
their services in many cases; however, they should not be forced to utilize their services if the
district can find a less costly, more efficient provider.
Provide school districts with management flexibility to set the school calendar to reduce costs and
facilitate sharing of services
Adopt statutory language to allow school boards to set the days and dates of the school
calendar without being required to bargain the days and dates with labor organizations.
Allowing school boards to set their calendars could: help neighboring districts coordinate their
calendars to facilitate the sharing of services between districts; allow Union High School districts
and their underlying K-8 districts to align their calendars; and allow schools within a particular
athletic conference to align their schedules. This would also remove a significant irritant to
school boards and school districts. The school calendar issue is frequently used by teacher
unions to delay or hold up negotiations. Districts have an interest in getting information to
parents about the school calendar so they can make day care or other child care arrangements.
Parents naturally become upset because they are unable to finalize family vacation plans, child
custody/placement schedules, etc., and often the district (rather than the union) is blamed.
7
Make the Following Additional Changes to Collective Bargaining law:
Repeal changes to collective bargaining law enacted during the 2009-10 legislative session,
including those in the 2009-11 biennial budget (Act 28) that allowed multi-unit and multi-jurisdictional
bargaining units.
Repeal changes made by 2009 Wisconsin Act 21, which makes it a prohibited practice under
the Municipal Employment Relations Act (MERA) for a municipal employer, during a contract hiatus
(i.e., after a collective bargaining agreement expires and before another collective bargaining
agreement takes effect), to fail to follow any grievance arbitration agreement or fair-share agreement
in the expired collective bargaining agreement.
No evidence or testimony was ever presented of any problem with school district employers
refusing to honor fair-share provisions. If any school district has ever refused to honor such an
agreement during a contract hiatus-the period between the expiration of an existing collective
bargaining agreement and the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement between
the parties-it was undoubtedly in response to a union failure to perform to the contract.
Occasionally, a school district employer will refuse to honor a grievance arbitration provisions
during a contract hiatus. Usually, this happens when the alleged contract violation is based on
permissive contract language-language the district was not obligated to bargain over in the
first place.
In such instances, the law in place before 2009 Wisconsin Act 21 took effect, correctly
recognized that once a collective bargaining agreement expires, the parties to that agreement
should not be obligated to continue using grievance arbitration procedures to settle disputes
over the meaning of the expired agreement. Attention should instead be focused on reaching a
new agreement and on resolving any disputed issues at the bargaining table.
If an employer violates contract language that is a mandatory subject of bargaining (i.e., a
subject on which the employer has a statutory duty to bargain) during a contract hiatus, under
the union can contest this violation by filing a prohibited practice complaint under s.111.70
(3)(a)4, Wis. Stats., based on a refusal to bargain theory.
Such prohibited practice complaints (based on a refusal to bargain) were not available; however,
under the law in effect prior to 2009 Wisconsin Act 21 if the alleged contract violation
concerned permissive contract language (i.e., language concerning a subject on which the
employer has no statutory duty to bargain). This is because an employer cannot be found guilty
of refusing to bargain over a matter it has no duty to bargain over in the first place.
labor relations between employers and unions are generally self-governing. Generally, the
legislature has respected this. Historically, the "prohibited practices" the legislature has defined
under section 111.70 (3)(a), Wis. Stats., have related to employer actions that impair the free
8
exercise of essential employee rights, such as the right to form, join, or assist labor
organizations. When the Legislature expands the scope of "prohibited practices" beyond the
traditional boundaries, and defines new employee rights, as it did in enacting 2009 Wisconsin
Act 21, it is acting like the "nanny state" and overstepping its role.
Increase penalties for strikes and other job actions. Strikes and other job actions may become
more likely if other changes suggested in this memo are implemented. The penalties for strikes should
be increased. There should be greater penalties for labor organizations (unions) who engage in
prohibited job actions
Additional Comments
In general, school district employers would prefer that the statutes specifically spell out a list of items
that are permissive or prohibited, which is something they don't currently do. Iowa's statutes do this
and we think that might be a good model for making bargaining law changes that would strengthen
managerial rights while protecting taxpayers. (We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss this
further.)
Non-Collective Bargaining Changes to Provide Flexibility and Reduce Costs
Repeal the changes to the state's prevailing wage act made in the 2009-11 biennial budget
(Act 28).
In many districts, local vendors who formerly bid on projects will no longer do so because the
record-keeping requirements under the prevailing wage are so burdensome. Often, local
vendors can do the job more quickly and easily because of travel time and costs, and buying
locally fosters goodwill between the district and the community.
Provide school districts with management flexibility to reduce unemployment benefit costs
Adopt statutory language to prevent teachers who are still under contract but have been laid
off or given notice of nonrenewal from drawing unemployment compensation until the first day after
the expiration of their individual teaching contract. Currently, these teachers could be eligible to draw
unemployment from June 1 even though they may still be drawing paychecks from the district.
9
Collective Bargaining Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MERA?
The Municipal Employment Relations Act (MERA) was passed in 1977 as a means to settle disputes after
divisive teachers' strikes occurred in the early 1970s. The MERA is codified in the Wisconsin Statutes at
sec. 111.70.
What are mandatory subjects of collective bargaining?
Mandatory subjects are those subjects that -primarily relate to the "wages, hours and conditions of
employment" of the employees of the bargaining unit. Neither party involved in the collective
bargaining process may refuse to bargain over a mandatory subject. Examples may include: the terms of
an early retirement program, hours of work and changes to those hours, the scope of insurance benefits
available to employees, job posting, criteria for layoffs, standards for discharge and non-renewal, and all
forms of discipline.
What are permissive subjects of collective bargaining?
Permissive subjects are those subjects that primarily relate to "educational policy and the management
of the school district." Either party involved in the collective bargaining process may refuse to bargain
over a permissive subject of bargaining without penalty. Examples may include: establishment of class
size, educational policies, a decision to establish a job sharing program, a contract provision that permits
a union to challenge whether a layoff is "necessary", the establishment of a night school program, and
the adoption or enforcement of a no-smoking ban.
What are illegal subjects of collective bargaining?
Illegal subjects are those which neither party can enforce in any agreement (i.e., a mutual agreement to
discriminate on the basis of race) or subjects a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction has prohibited
bargaining over, such as a closed shop.
What if there is a dispute regarding whether a subject of bargaining is mandatory or permissive?
In this situation, a party may file for a Declaratory Ruling with the Wisconsin Employment Relations
Commission. In the past, the WERC has applied a "balancing test," in which a "primarily related" theory
is applied to contested subjects of bargaining. For example, if a subject is "primarily related" to wages or
hours or conditions of employment, it is a mandatory subject of bargaining.
Does the board have to reach an agreement with the union once the union makes a proposal that
covers a mandatory subject of bargaining?
No. There is a statutory duty to bargain over all mandatory subjects of bargaining. The duty to bargain
does not require the parties to reach agreement on the matter. Rather, the nature of the duty to
bargain is that the parties are obligated to meet to hear and discuss any such issues/proposals with an
open mind.
School boards are not required to bargain over permissive subjects; and, provided that the board has
not bargained any contracts or agreements covering a permissive subject, the board generally retains
10
discretion to make changes in permissive subjects of bargaining even during a settled contract.
Significantly, school boards do have a duty to bargain over the impact that a change in a permissive
subject of bargaining has on wages, hours and conditions of employment. Thus, if the board decides to
change its class size limitations (a permissive subject), the teachers union may seek to bargain the
impact of that decision by making proposals for overload salary. The board would have an obligation to
meet and discuss the union's impact proposal(s).
What does the term "management rights" mean?
"Management rights" refers to certain rights that management asserts are intrinsic to the ability to
manage, and therefore are either (1) not subject to collective bargaining because they amount to
permissive subjects, or (2) subject to the duty to bargain as mandatory subjects, but over which the
employer attempts to retain as much discretion as possible. These rights are often expressly reserved to
management in the management rights clause of the collective bargaining agreement. Examples include
the right to create positions, to define qualifications for positions, to establish employees' schedules and
duties, to select new employees from a pool of candidates, and to discipline employees.
11
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 7:25 PM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV To:
LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
Representative Weininger's staff called re: the Office of Energy Independence and combined reporting
Senator Fitzgerald's staff inquired about a potential pitch to General Electric to come to WI
Rep. Tiffany's staff inquired about a disaster declaration from the recent storms
HEARINGS
Tuesday: Assembly Education to hear bills related to teaching license suspension, elimination of the
cap on choice schools and changes to choice
COMMERCE
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
o Next OECD meeting will be in late June
o Topics included:
1. Green Economy
2. Transportation/logistics
3. Innovation
4. Workforce
5. Global trade
TOURISM
Gas Prices
o Spoke to Nancy Christofferson of Ephraim Inn in Door County about the issue of rising gas
prices
o Ideas on the portions of state tax per $1/gallon
Indigenous Games for July
o Meeting set up with the Budget Office to discuss funding for this year's games
JOBSHotline
2 calls received
DNR
Council of Great Lakes Governors
o Met with two of the staff members from the Council.
o They will need to find funding for a long-term plan.
o They have a consolidation plan for a number of Great Lakes States entities.
The Great Lakes Commission
1
The Great Lakes Protection Fund
Council of Great Lakes Governors, including:
The Compact Council
The Regional Body
o Consolidation would-according to them-save the states money and provide accountability and
transparency.
o The consolidation would take care of their long-term funding problem.
Great Lakes Protection Fund
o Jason met with Rich Meeusen and Russell Van Herik aboutthe Fund.
Contact from former Sen. Bill Berndt regarding the Stillwater Bridge
Contact with Rep. Nygren's office regarding the US 41/I-43 Interchange Project in response to a letter
from the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Janesville Gazette. Numerous factors contributed to Janesville school budget
If all employees had to pay the retirement and health costs as Gov. Scott Walker has proposed, the
district would save $5.8 million in the coming year, Janesville School Board President Bill
Sodemann noted Union contracts keep that from happening.
But even before Walker was elected, the Janesville School Board knew teacher pay hikes would haunt
them. The board approved the teachers contract on the narrowest of margins, 5-4, on Sept. 22.
Sodemannpredicted at the time that the board would have to cut 80 or more jobs as a result of the
contract. Indeed, the administration was projecting a $10 million deficit before Walker turned
Wisconsin school finances on their head.
The increase in salaries and benefits for all employees next year is $3.86 million. Health insurance is
expected to increase another $2.6 million.
Marshfield News Herald. Wood County to consider ratifying contract
If approved, the contract freezes employee wages for 2011 and requires union members to pay 5.8
percent of their salaries toward the Wisconsin Retirement System, Reed said
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. County seeks deeper concessions
The givebacks include higher health care costs, employee pension contributions of 6% of salary, a pay
freeze and restrictions on overtime pay. They exceed concessions Walker had sought from the union
as county executive, a job he left after his election as governor in November.
The concessions applied to the AFSCME workers will save the county an estimated $13 million through
next year - assuming the state law is implemented by July, according to county figures.
The county would save nearly $1 million a month from the AFSCME concessions, though that figur.e
drops to a net of about $3 00, 000 this year because the county agreed to drop 13 unpaid furlough
days that otherwise would have been imposed
2
The county is also preparing to impose additional concessions on the union made possible by Walker's
law, including raising the retirement age from 60 to 64 and reducing future credit toward pensions
by20%.
Marshfield News Herald. State cuts worry city officials
But communities that have union contracts expire after the 2011-12 state budget don't have any of the
tools under Walker's plan to recoup the loss in state revenue, said Mary Jo Carson, mayor of
Wisconsin Rapids.
"It becomes challenging to understand the impact of all of this, " Carson said. Wisconsin Rapids public
employees' contracts expire after the July 1 start of the state budget year.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. County highway department lays off 17
MANITOWOC- Seventeen Manitowoc County Highway Department employees will be laid off as
scheduled, after county officials and AFSCME local units could not reach an agreement this week.
Modified terms submitted to the unions for consideration about a week ago included employee
contribution of 5.8 percent to the Wisconsin0.. Retirement System and reimbursement of the
contributions made by the county to employee health insurance coverage.
"What we asked them to agree to is only part of what will happen whenever that law becomes effective."
Ziegelbauer said. "And that could happen tomorrow. We were willing to make a commitment to only
accept part of it for the remainder of the year, so we were very disappointed they didn't see the
opportunity in doing that. "
Green Bay Press Gazette. Green Bay-area municipal employee salaries loom large in face of budget cuts
Gross pay among those workers in seven of the eight largest Green Bay area municipalities outside of
Green Bay has climbed an average 5 percent since 2008, according to a Green Bay Press-Gazette
analysis.
Ashwaubenon's payroll jumped the most in total dollars, from $6.5 million in 2008 to $7 million in
2010.
The addition of personnel in the village's Public Safety Department after several positions were not
filled in 2008 accounts for much of the surge. That's on top of a public safety budget already
saddled with growing salaries and additional pay escalators resulting in 11 officers earning six
figures.
Rising 21 percent between 2008 and 2010, Hobart's salaries, including overtime, saw the largest
percentage increase.
But overtime and other pay- including back pay, holiday pay, longevity, vacation payouts and pay
for performance on fitness tests- in some cases boost a public service officer's compensation by
nearly 50 percent of their salary.
Union contracts also provide opportunity for overtime. And unlike most public employees, public
safety officers are exempt from Walker's legislation that ends collective bargaining rights.
Health Care and Education
3
Cindy Polzin
Legislative Director
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Phone: (608) 266.7794
Email: cindy.polzin@wisconsin.gov
www.walk{r.wi.gov
4
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 5:57 PM
Representative Kaufert called to let us know that the Governor has been getting beat up in the media in
Northeastern Wisconsin for not going to Kaukauna after the tornado.
Senator Darling's Office called about an article on http://www.fightingbob.com/ that claims Senator Darling and
Governor Walker are working on a proposal to declare "FinanciaiMartial Law"
Commerce
Call to Ara Cherchian
o Sec. Jadin called Mr. Cherchian this afternoon to discuss tornado damage
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
o Will expand operations in its Darien, WI facility
o 127 jobs will be created
Taiwanese Delegation
DATCP
o Received a letter from Governor Junq-tzer Lin expressing regret not being able to make meeting and
dinner with Governor Walker
o He looks forward to when both governors will be able to meet in the near future
Rep. AI Ott question on dairy manufacturing facility investment tax credit change in the budget
Responed with Commerce's reason for including it
The provision allows cooperatives to compete evenly with other firms; Rep. Ott thought it gave coops an unfair
advantage over other firms
DATCP/DOT
Truck Weights
o Met with staff from both agencies to work out plans for increasing truck weights on certain Wisconsin
roads.
o Both agencies will do more research on the subject.
DOT will check into the practices of neighboring states on heavy-load trucks.
DATCP will collect input from agriculture industry partners to determine which roads will be used
at higher loads.
o DOT anticipates federal legislation which will allow states to OK higher weights on the Interstate.
This will require state action if and when Congress passes it.
o DATCP would like the exemption system modified from its current list format.
They want to see a simpler form that is only determined by weight, not cargo type.
Wolves
o US Fish and Wildlife today proposed to de-list the gray wolf.
o The Governor sent a letter of support for the move.
o USFW is looking for state input on their proposal; DNR will be looking into recommendations.
Walleye Bag Limits
o The Turtle Flambeau Flowage Association sent a letter to DNR about the decrease in bag limits for
walleye on the flowage.
o Each year DNR negotiates with the Lac du Flambeau Tribe on fish the tribe will take; this determines the
bag limit DNR sets on lakes in the area.
o The Association is asking DNR to renegotiate the agreement in light of their decreased bag limits.
o DNR will respond.
1
Domtar Biomass project
o On PSG calendar for April 28
o PCA and Thilmany concerned about project driving up the cost of the pulp across the state
Wind Siting
1. Sen. Lasee introduced legislation that would have a setback of Y. mile of wind turbines
2. Chairman Montgomery is scheduled to meet with the legislative leaders next week to discuss the issue
Financial Literacy Event
o Secretary Bildsten and Senator Hopper participated in two events in Oshkosh
Received draft response to NAACP concerns about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Secretary
Gottlieb to meet with Rep. Toles.
Sec. Gottlieb toured the Stillwater Bridge this morning and met privately with Commissioner Sorel.
Request from stakeholder for WisDOT to send a letter to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
regarding increase in federal limits on truck weight.
JOBSHotline
o 1 call received
Health Care and Education
NGA- Medicaid Task Force
Spoke with Lauren from Heineman's office who is drafting a letter from the Republican governors on the Task Force
outlining our bottom line on the Medicaid flexibilities. We will receive a rough draft on Monday for review. During today's
Medicaid Task t=orce conference call, Lauren reiterated our bottom line that she previously shared with Gregoire's office.
The Democrats on tile phone call said that their governors will not accept a final flexibility list that includes optional block
grant requests.
Education News
A new report shows the economic impact higher graduation rates would have in Wisconsin
Budget Deal Fuels Revival of School Vouchers (New York Times)
Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who overcame a siege of the State Capitol to enact a law narrowing collective bargaining
for public employees, mainly teachers, wants to expand Milwaukee's voucher program, the nation's oldest with 20,000
students. His plan would let any student, not just the poor, receive a voucher. Supporters say universal vouchers will
make the city more attractive to the middle class.
But critics say that even after 21 years of vouchers, students receiving them perform no better than those in public
schools on state tests of math and reading. Mr. Walker's proposal "takes a program that's supposed to be for low-income
and working-class people and turns it into a subsidy for rich people," said Howard L. Fuller, who was superintendent in the
program's early years.
"I will become an opponent of a program that I've fought 20 years of my life for," he added. "I've been called every name
under the sun for being a black person who would support, quote, the right-wing agenda."
Dr. Fuller recalled debating an Illinois state senator opposed to vouchers in 1998, Barack Obama.
New Berlin schools superintendent offered New York job (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Paul Kreutzer, superintendent of the New Berlin School District for the past four years, is in contract negotiations to
become the superintendent of a school system in New York ... Kreutzer recently made news by publicly supporting Gov.
Scott Walker's plan to roll back public-sector worker's collective bargaining rights. He could not be immediately reached
for comment.
Uncertain about future benefits. manv veteran teachers are retiring early (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
At a time when the governor's plan to eliminate most collective bargaining for teachers and increase state employees'
payments for health care and pension costs looms overhead, some school districts are seeing record numbers of senior
teachers such as Scharrer-Ericksen turn in their retirement paperwork.
Local Government:
We are working on 'Responsible Actor' funding options for local governments who may not have the ability to
absorb aid reductions as well as irresponsible communities; due to responsible pre-budget repair budget
decisions. We have some options that need final tweaking.
2
Janesville Gazette. State budget cuts roll downhill
But because of union contracts now in place. Janesville wouldn't be able to make up even 34 percent of state aid
reductions, Levitt said.
The 34 percent includes money the city would realize if unionized public works employees paid half of their pension costs.
Because the citv quick/v signed a contract with its public works employees after Walker's proposal, those workers won't
contribute to their pensions for at least two years.
Those pension payments and payments from employees not covered by unions would save the citv a total of $502,454.
Non-unionized city workers would pay $395,212.
Those cuts include $328, 000 in recvclinq funds. Levitt recently discovered the city could also lose another $128, 000 this
year, impacting the 2011 budget.
The total also includes a $72,000 cut for the transit system. For the 2011 budget, the council struggled to maintain service
and could do so only because of a retirement.
Walker's proposal to freeze propertv taxes means the citv couldn't raise revenue, which is essentially another cut, Levitt
said. The city could raise fees, however.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Editorial: Overturning a bad idea
Milwaukee voters placed a risky bet in 2008 when they approved an ordinance requiring businesses to provide paid sick
leave. Although on its face, the measure sounded good, the unintended consequences of this ordinance would deal a
blow to job growth and economic development at a time when the city can ill afford it.
The state Legislature sent a bill to Gov. Scott Walker this week to correct that error. The governor said he is likely to sign
it. He should do so.
Janesville Gazette. Williams Bay School Board approves layoffs
WILLIAMS BAY- The Williams Bay School District expects to save about $400, 000 through teacher cuts and layoffs
approved Monday, but administrators say more reductions are on the horizon to address the district's ballooning deficit.
The cuts and fee hikes are partly related to November's referendum in which the district sought to exceed the revenue cap
by nearly $500,000 this year and next. The district then wanted a recurring increase to $890,000 each year after.
Reuters. Detroit to send layoff notices to all its public teachers
(Reuters) - The emergency manager appointed to put Detroit's troubled public school system on a firmer financial footing
said on Thursday he was sending layoff notices to all of the district's 5,466 unionized emplovees.
The district is unlikely to eliminate all the teachers. Last year, it sent out 2, 000 notices and only a fraction of employees
were actually laid off. But the notices are required by the union's current contract with the district. Any layoffs under this
latest action won't take effect until/ate July.
In the meantime, Bobb said that he planned to exercise his power as emergency manager to unilaterally modify the
district's collective bargaining agreement with the Federation of Teachers starting May 17, 2011.
Under a law known as Public Act 4, passed by the Michigan legislature and signed by the stale's new Republican
governor in March, emergency managers like Bobb have sweeping powers.
They can tear up existing union contracts, and even fire some elected officials, if they believe it will help solve a financial
emergency.
"I fully intend to use the authority that was granted under Public Act 4," Bobb said in the statement.
3
He was appointed emergency financial manager for Detroit's schools two years ago by then-Governor Jennifer Granholm,
a Democrat, to close chronic budget deficits brought on by declining enrollment in the city. Over just the past year,
Detroit's population has dropped 25 percent, according to census data.
Bobb has closed schools, laid off workers and taken other steps to cut spending but the district still faces a $327 million
budget deficit.
Legislator Meetings:
I talked to Knodl's and Vas's offices about WIJIS and aGitations. They were hearing concerns about the
continuation of aGitations and BadgerTraGs. I gave them the history and some options for continuing 'only'
aGitations which we need to stay within federal requirements.
Emergency Management:
I attended a briefing at WEM on disaster declarations and the process the Governor needs to know. WEM will
also call Senator Lassa and the Mayor of Kaukauna about the tornados and explain the process because they
were complaining. It is highly unlikely this even will rise to the level needing a Governor's declaration.
4
Cling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Thursday, March 24, 2011 7:21 PM
Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Contacted by Senators Harsdorf, Wanggaard, and Kedzie regarding what federal employees can collectively
bargain over.
Contacted by Senator Harsdorfs Office about the deletion of their Byrn Grant funded ADA position and the
deletion of their Justice Information Fee ADA position.
Contacted by many Senators' Offices requesting a copy of the presentation given to the caucus on Tuesday.
Assembly Committee on Elections held an information hearing on election reform.
DOT
Information provided on change in statutory language for Eminent Domain
Update regarding the Raw Forest Products Permit and Frozen Road Declaration.
Update on details on the Zoo Interchange ramps.
Expressed desire for the Transportation Policy Committee to meet two times in 2011.
Twitter updates for accidents statewide are now available
Jobs Hotline
2 calls received
Call from Laurie Spencer from Baraboo Ambulance who is seeking grant assistance for expansion of their
"Community Paramedic" program.
Commerce
Transfer of Housing
o WHEDA and Commerce continue meeting to plan the transition of housing functions
Venture Capital
o Ryan and Jason met with Jeff Craver of Advantage Capital
Health Care
Met with WI FamilyCare Association: Wondered what the state's intentions are for FamilyCare; highlighted how
FamilyCare allows for a streamlined, more cost-effective, consumer driven system rather than a provider-driven one.
Met with Kara Slaughter (WI Farm Union): Discussed farm families' concerns with BadgerCare; concerned with the
power that DHS will gain in the budget and the budget repair
Today, there were picketers outside the State Office Building in Milwaukee protesting a specific case in the Wisconsin
Shares program that DCF lost.
Education
Met with Katy Venskus from Democrats for Education Reform to review their agenda. She and her group are very
supportive of much of our agenda but worry about legislative support from Democrats in the current political
environment. Katy brought our attention to the development by Howard Fuller, MMAC, and others of a "Common Report
Card" for all schools in Milwaukee.
Met with Steve Lyons and Mike Rogowski from WEA Trust who assured us that WEAC does not benefit financially from
their insurance company and that the company wishes to compete with other carriers.
1
Education News
Madison teachers given until Apri115 to rescind fake doctors' notes (Wisconsin State Journal!
Madison teachers who missed school last month to attend protests and turned in fraudulent doctor's notes have been
given until April15 to rescind those notes, officials said Thursday.
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
I met with Craig and Ara today to talk about suggestions and for them to meet Fay Simonini from DCF. She has
suggestions for millions in savings if we put some money into pursuing fraud claims. Craig and Ara were very
excited.
Local Governments:
La Crosse Tribune. Editorial: Recycling changes make little sense
According to the State Journal, Sens. Michael Ellis, R-Neenah, and Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, wrote a letter to
constituents last week stating: "We have long opposed unfunded mandates on local governments by the state. The
elimination of recycling grants while still prohibiting certain materials from landfills effectivelv constitutes an unfunded
mandate."
They argued that the Walker plan 'Just doesn'tmake sense and should be taken out of the budget."
They're absolutely right.
Our environment and its future would be better served if the governor would listen.
Wisconsin State Journal. Natural Resources Board urges Walker to reconsider rollback of phosphorus rules
Moroney said Walker's goal is to ease any financial burden on local governments and on businesses faced with paying
more for increased water treatment.
"I think the governor is sensitive to municipalities and is looking for a way not to force additional expenses on them,"
Moroney said.
Oshkosh Northwestern. School board approves teacher, staff contract extensions
The average teacher- who earns $50,426- will see their take-home pay reduced by as much as 8 percent due to the
concessions. That amounts to $3,9851ess take-home pay annually or $332 less per month. Most of that monev. while felt
as a loss of income. is being invested in their pensions.
Key provisions in new Oshkosh school labor union contracts
-Total wage freeze, saving $1.2 million
-Employees pay 12 percent of health insurance instead of 5 percent, saving $1 million.
-Employees pay 5. 8 percent of salary toward pension, saving $2.9 million.
-District administration allowed to seek cheaper health insurance providers without negotiating.
-Teacher no longer receive 90 sick davs per year. Instead, they receive 10 sick days per year that can accumulate up to
90days.
-Seniority rules no longer apply to paraprofessionals and non-teaching employees when filling vacancies or giving
promotions.
La Crosse Tribune. City officials set to meet on workers' contracts
They will pay 10 percent of monthly medical insurance premiums in 2012 if participating in a health risk assessment, 12.6
percent if not. That share rises in 2013 to 12.6 percent for those in health risk assessment and 16 percent for
nonparticipants.
2
This article is riddled with inaccuracies which I underlined. It is interesting to note that the mayor thinks she will
save less because people retired. No mayor, you will save more because you don't have those salaries or fringe
benefits anymore, not just the pension savings.
The Chippewa Herald. City official: Walker's figures don't add up for Chippewa Falls
"The reason the $154,920 number is wrong is because the state calculated what we could potentially capture in retirement
contributions from emplovees," Bauer said.
"The $230,000 they have used is overestimated."
Instead of gaining savings, she figures the city will lose $124,656 in shared revenue, $101,471 in general transportation
aids, and potentially another $60,000 in recycling funding.
Plus the city has to consider what will happen if it loses $347,000 in library funding and another $212,000 in what the state
calls expenditure restraints.
"The city is going to be preparing for a worst-case scenario," she said.
She said Walker office's savings estimate is wrong because it takes the city's 2009 year-end total payroll and uses that
amount in its calculations. Part of that was monev for eight citv workers who took early retirement.
"As we have not filled those positions, by using that payroll figure, they have used an inflated number and therefore
overestimated what we could capture," she said.
Then the governor's office assumes the city will save $166,000 for insurance. Only, the city is not on the state health plan.
What the city is looking at saving on health insurance under its contract with AFSCME for 2011 is $18,000. Bauer said the
savings figure for 2012 isn't known yet.
Other savings expected by the city this year include:
-- The workers increasing their pension contribution to 5. 8 percent. saving $24,000 for 2011 and $48,000 for 2012.
-- Reducing the longevity payout will save $30,000 for 2011.
--Reducing the sick leave annual payout will save $22,000 for 2011. The total annual budget for this item for all
employees is $62,000.
--Saving about $16,000 in dental insurance in 2012.
--And saving $16,000 in pension contributions for management workers this year.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 6:47 PM
Representative Stone inquired about dogs and research labs in the budget
Senator Vukmir's office inquired about school and municipality relief
Representative Kooyenga inquired about the GAAP Accounting Deficit and a constitutional amendment
Representative Loudenbeck inquired about the expired development oppottunity zones in the budget.
Committee Actions
Secretary Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections 3-0.
AB 38- creating retail TIF district in Brookfield was passed out of Assembly Committee on Jobs,
Economy, and Small Business 14-1 (Krusick)
AB 8- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF district was passed out of the Assembly Committee on
Ways and Means 11-0
Senate Session
Secretary Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate; 19-0
Assembly Session
SJR 3- commending the Whitewater football team concurred in
SJR 13- naming Bob Uecker Day concurred in
SJR 7- commending UW- Madison football team concurred in
AB 4- repeal of auto insurance passed 61-34 (Dem support from Danou, Fields, Molepske, Radcliffe)
SB 21- creation of a retail TIF in Brookfield concurred in
SB 11- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF concurred in
DATCP
ATCP Board Meeting
o The majority of the time was spent on public appearances, all nine spoke in favor of the PACE
program.
o The board requested that the Secretary notify those who testified how they should pursue their
agenda of supporting working lands-via AB 34 and SB 24.
o The Secretary gave the Board an update of the state and federal budgets.
DBA
o DBA President Jerry Meissner sent in a letter of support to the Governor
1
DOT
Legislation regarding Abolishing RTA's (authors: Nass/Grothman)
o Communicated the governor's office position on RTA's to DOT
o DOT will not register a position on legislation
Hiawatha Line
o MMAC supports upgrades to train line
o Communicated the Governor's support for the Hiawatha line to Reggie Newson
o Told Reggie Newson that DOT should seek federal funds to help fund train line
General Transportation Aids and Transit Funding
o DOT put talking points together to brief the following stakeholders regarding GTA and Transit
funds: WI Towns Assoc., League of WI Munic., WI Counties Assoc., WI County Highway Assoc.
American Council of Engineering Companies
o Secretary Gottlieb to address the group tomorrow
Venture Capital
Fund-of-Funds
PSC
o Researched and reported info on three fund-of-funds models (Utah F-o-F, Alberta Enterprise-
Alberta, Teralys Capital- Quebec)
D Block Issue
o Spoke to Tom Fonfara, and he sent me the groups who are in support and against the commercial
auction of D Block
JOBS Hotline
1 call received today, forwarded to Commerce
Education and Health Care Policy Team
Health Care
Office of Free Market Health Care: Met with OCI and DHS on the formation of the health care exchange.
Secretary Smith will be holding a department "Town Hall Meeting" tomorrow, Wednesday, March
9th from 1-Spm.
1. The purpose is to collect thoughts on cost savings, efficiencies, and overall operational
improvements on DRS programs
a. Will forward ideas to the Governor's Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission
2. Discussions will be had on BadgerCare Plus; FamilyCare, Long Term Care, and IRIS; SeniorCare;
State Facilities and Dept Admin
Met with DCF, DWD, and our legal staff on the elimination of the daycare provider collective
bargaining provision to ensure that we're taking the proper actions to reduce the likelihood of a
lawsuit. The consensus is to have the Governor issue an Executive Order repealing Doyle's EO 172
when the budget repair bill passes. DCF is required to issue a letter on the matter as well.
Education
DPI will have a Request for Information (RFI) for the Wisconsin Student Information System for our
review by early to mid April. They noted that there is not language in the budget requiring districts to
implement this system. **This must be required of districts or the system may not prove worthwhile.**
Health Care News
Report finds room for improvement in licensing kinship foster parents (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
2
Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics (I'he Capitol
Times)
Education News
With Governor Wall{er's Proposal, Wisconsin Once Again Leads the Nation in Education Reform
(Heritage Foundation)
In 1990, Wisconsin set an education reform example for the nation with the passage of the Milwaukee
Parental Choice Program (MPCP). Twenty years later, Governor Scott Walker (R) has identified the
obstacle that keeps more children in his state and across the nation from similarly benefiting from
parental choice in education: union collective bargaining power protecting their interests rather than the
needs of children.
Fenty backs Gov. Scott Walker in Wise. union fight (Washington Post)
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker this morning got some rare Democratic support for his high-profile push
to eliminate most state workers' collective barganing rights -- from former D.C. Mayor Adrian M.
Fenty ....
When discussion turned to Walker's anti-union push, Fenty jumped right in. "This is kind of what I faced
in four years as mayor," Fenty told hosts Mike Barnicle and MikaBrzezinski.
Voucher numbers might not soar initially (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
For Milwaukee Public Schools officials, envisioning a potential cut of more than $74 million in next
school year's budget is troubling. But picturing what that cut means alongside the potential expansion of
a main district competitor - private schools that attract publicly funded Milwaukee students - adds
another level of concern.
Local Governments:
Andrew Pederson called from the Village of Bayside concerned about levy limits and debt. I informed
him that there are no limitations on debt or the ability to levy to pay it back. I also had a good
conversation and he may provide more information for the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission to
rev1ew.
James Tipple of Wausau sent a letter opposed to the collective bargaining being in the budget repair. A
letter response has been drafted and is in approval.
Justice:
Racine Journal Times. More people qualify for public defenders under budget
The budget includes a measure that, for the first time since 1987, raises the income limit to qualifY for a public
defender. State Public Defender's Office estimates say their case load could increase by 13,000. To help handle
that influx, the governor provided funds to boost their staffing levels.
Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission:
3
The next hearing of the WFA Commission is set for Friday at lOam at DOA. Craig is excited to get
moving and even coming to Madison a day early to meet with Cindy Archer and Jan Mueller ofthe
Audit Bureau.
Corrections:
Wausau Daily Herald. Lincoln Hills expansion good for state
Amid lots of bad news for local municipalities, school boards and state employees, Gov. Scott Walker's budget
proposal last week contained at least one piece of great news for Lincoln County: Lincoln Hills School not only
will remain open, but it will expand.
4
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 6:49 PM
To:
Cc:
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA;
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Eberle, Ed -
LTGOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon- GOV; Liedl, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta,
Jason - DOA; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Contact with Legislative Offices
Representative Jim Ott's office plans to move forward with a bill to repeal wind siting legislation from
last session.
Representative Loudenbeck's office called concerning the possibility in Medicaid payment delays if the
budget repair bill does not pass soon
Representative Murtha's office called concerning family planning cuts
Representative Weininger called with questions concerning how the parole system works
Tomorrow's Senate Session
SR 4-SR 17: imposing penalties and costs on Dem Senators for being absent without leave
Tomorrow's Assembly Session
SB 7- auto insurance repeal (final passage)
SS AB 8- rules bill (final passage)
SJR 3- commending the UW-Whitewater football team
SJR 13- naming Bob Uecker Day
Tomorrow's Committee Meetings
Secretary Gottlieb will have a public hearing and exec on his corifirmation in the Senate Committee on
Transportation and Elections
AB 38- creation of retail TIF district in Brookfield will have an exec in the Assembly Committee on
Jobs, Economy and Small Business
AB 8- delayed filing of certain forms in Milwaukee TIF will have an exec in the Assembly Committee
on Ways and Means
DNR
EPA recommendations
o DNR is putting together a list of EPA regulations that place a burden on entities within WI
o EPA requested this information in order to avoid needless burdens that stunt economic growth
1
DOT
Transportation Legislative Proposals
o Meeting with Rep. Petrowski's office on Wednesday to go over the proposals he would like to
introduce on the Assembly Committee on Transportation
o Waiting to hear back from Sen. Lazich's office regarding her interests on what proposals to
introduce during committee
RTA's Sales Tax Authority
Tourism
o Meeting on Tuesday with Greg Hubbard of Hertz to go over the tax referendum language
regarding SERTA's authority on the sales tax
Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism (3/6-3/8)
o Governor Walker gave opening address today kicking off the conference sharing his vision for
the state's tourism industry
o Spoke to Secretary Klett, who said the conference is going very well and the enthusiasm of the
attendees is very high
JOBS Hotline
1 call received today, however individual did not leave contact info
Education and Health Care Policy Team
NGA Update
With recent discussions of health care and Medicaid implementation, the NGA (Governors Gregoire and
Heineman) have formed the NGA Medicaid Task Force.
Members of the task force will include: NGA Executive Committee members, HHS Committee Chair
and Vice-Chair.
The taskforce will prioritize and refine a list of potential program changes to be proposed to the Obama
administration and Congress.
Education
Glenn Grothman is upset with the funding levels for low spending school districts in the budget bill. He thinks
that they should be penalized less since they have less money that they can recoup to cover the cuts. He is
threatening to not support the budget bill if this isn't changed.
March 31st education conference with the George W Bush Institute: We are finalizing the list of participants
and agenda for the day-long conference. We will brief you on the final details soon.
News
Keep, tweak child care ratings (Wisconsin State Journal)
"As the state budget debate proceeds, Walker should keep an open mind on ways to roll out YoungStar with
greater incentives for improvement."
Local Governments:
2
140 teacher retirement requests approved
"GREEN BAY- The Green Bay School Board has approved a large number of retirement requests from
teachers and administrators.
With the future of the state budget uncertain, 140 teachers and 15 administrators asked to join the emeritus
program. That works out to about 1 out of every 12 teachers in the district.
The emeritus program gives one fUll year's salary paid over three years. That is in addition to pension benefits.
In return, the retiree provides 10 days of service to the district each year during that time. The emeritus
program is something that has been negotiated into the teachers' contract through collective bargaining.
Last year 26 teachers and staff members applied for the program.
Several other area school districts (many who do not have the emeritus program) have reported rises in
retirement filings as well. "
An average teacher's salary at Green Bay is $51,355. If this is the teachers salary at retirement, that puts the
cost of this emeritus program at $1,711.83 per day of work. However, the salary used to calculate this benefit is
the highest salary the teacher ever earned. This would make the per day cost likely much higher.
In Madison, they have an emeritus program in which the teachers don't have to work at all to qualify for the
benefit. The Madison teachers get 19 percent of their highest salary for three years after retirement. At the
Madison average teacher salary of $52,022, this would equate to a monthly payment of $823.68 for no days of
service at all to the district.
Essentially, you get paid almost one thousand a month for three years for nothing. This amount is likely
conservative because retired teacher salaries are likely higher than the average salary.
The Milwaukee teachers union has a second pension above and beyond the WRS that cost the district
$16.6 million in FY11. This pension is 4.2% of salary.
Justice:
Tami Jackson of OJA want the acting director, Darcey Varese to be named 1033 Federal Property
Program and the IT contact for the state. I have DOA reviewing these requests.
Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission:
We have scheduled the next WF A commission meeting for this Friday at 1 Oam. We will have a
presentation by DOA similar to the presentation at the Governor's retreat. Also, public comments
submitted via the Governor's website will be distributed to the commission members.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 7:22 PM
To:
Cc:
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Eberle, Ed -
LTGOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon- GOV; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta,
Jason- DOA
Legislators' Office Contacts
Representative Petryk's staff contacted us regarding education changes in the budget. The Representative was
meeting with his local school boards to discuss the budget provisions.
Senator Galloway's office inquired about BadgeCare
Representative Loudenbeck inquired about the amount of hits to her school and communities
Rep. Pridemore's office inquired about the civil service system
Rep. Tranel is concerned about how many people in his district will be laid off
Rep. Kramer's office inquired about the dogs being moved shelters to research labs in the budget
DATCP
Received a letter from the USDA Sec. regarding the 2008 Farm Bill.
Includes definition of "disaster county" and outlines requirements to attain declarations from the USDA Secretary
(rather than the President).
DATCP has this information.
DNR
Working with DNR on response to City of Chippewa Falls regarding silica particulates.
The City asked for a circumvention of normal procedures for what they saw as a pressing matter.
o DNR is currently conducting a silica study, will continue as per normal procedure.
PSC
Broadband Service
DOT
o Maine Governor LePage wrote a letter to the FCC in support of the commercial allocation of 700 MHz D
Block of broadband service, instead of allocation straight to public safety
o Dan Leary ofT-Mobile would like to Governor Walker to write a letter to the FCC in support as well
Eminent Domain
o Governor's Office met with Reggie from DOT and ATC rep to discuss their eminent domain proposal
o Currently, trial attorneys are gaming the system and collecting immensely high attorney fees, which affect
the rate payers of the utilities, DOT (taxpayers) and local municipalities
o DOT Proposal: Change statutes to ensure good faith negotiations by governmental entities and property
owners during real estate acquisition for highway and infrastructure projects and to reduce litigation costs
during negotiations and mitigate disputes over fair market value
Would like to place a cap on how much th!3 trial attorneys can recoup in attorney fees (last
session, cap proposal from Gov. Doyle was $5,000, but JFC removed at Gary Sherman's
request)
ATC would like to place this in the state budget as part of the JFC process
1
Commerce
DOT EA Reggie Newson, Commerce EA Dave Volz, and Jason met with some Verona- and Shanghai-based
Chinese business leader
They would like to help arrange a trip by the Govenor to China to promote economic ties
As a first step, they would like the Governor to meet with General Counsel from the Consulate in Chicago, who
will be visiting Madison in April
Commerce is working on scheduling this with Dorothy
An international company is looking to locate to Waukesha County and bring 120 good-paying jobs
o Alerted Dave Volz and he will contact
The Town of Brookfield TIF (proposed Von Maur department store) is being opposed by the owners of Brookfield
Square, a national firm called CBL
CBL contests the need for this leigslation and says the develops are poaching existing retail clients from
Brookfield Square for this new development
The vice chair and CFO of CBL, Michael Lebovitz, is willing to fly here from Chattanooga to meet with
the Governor and discuss this further
Health Care
Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center Tour: Visited units for Ch. 980 persons committed under Wisconsin's sexually
violent persons law.
Attendees: Secretary Smith, Deputy Secretary Rhoades, EA Kevin Moore, Kimber & Becky
1. Staff pleased with the funding level in the budget.
2. The facility is nationally renowned for treatment associated with their patients. They frequently receive requests
from other states to tour their facility and contract out doctors and specialists to discuss the treatment programs
they utilize.
3. The program consists of several phases with multi-disciplinary achievements. The length of time in treatment is
dependent upon the success of program completion and by the patient's mastery of self-management skills.
DCF is terminating its contract with Controltec, which was hired by the past administration to develop and implement the
finger scanning system for children in WI Shares. Our DCF team has found that the technology isn't available for small
children under 4 years old, since their fingerprints change over time due to growth. Controltec had a Feb 1 '
1
due date
which they haven't met. DCF plans to stop wasting money on the contract and pursue other (realistic) options to eliminate
WI Shares fraud.
Education
Met with Mike Thomas who represents School Specialty, Inc. His group believes it can help districts save significant
amounts of money through efficiencies outside of the classroom and without additional impact on pay and benefits. One
way they feel they can save is to consolidate services statewide (like we are doing with the Student Information
System). They consider transportation and food service to be especially good targets.
Newsworthy Information
Politifact: The Maciver Institute says average annual salary and benefits for Milwaukee Public Schools teachers
tops $100,000 (TRUE)
The conservative think tank said the average annual compensation for a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher would exceed
$100,000 in 2011. As of July 1, 2011, according to the school district, that figure will be $101,091.
Maciver's claim is true due to the double pensions that the teachers receive.
Local Governments:
2
Green Bay Press Gazette. Green Bay City Council committee declines to support public employee unions
The City Council's Advisory Committee voted 4-2 against the resolution, which stated that the city "stands in solidarity with
the hard-working men and women of the public sector."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Ozaukee County Board backs Walker repair
The board approved the resolution Wednesday on a 21-5 vote, with three supervisors abstaining. Two supervisors were
absent.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Waukesha County Board to vote on resolution backing repair bill
According to the proposed Waukesha County resolution, Waukesha County's employee benefits are rising at a five-year
average of 4.1% per year and represent 30.2% of personnel costs in the 2011 budget.
Hutton's resolution calls for support of Walker's bill and urges state representatives to pass it "so that employees' benefits
will no longer be a mandates subject of collective bargaining."
Janesville Gazette. Reopening contract would put members at risk, leader says
One of the Janesville School District's employee unions is saying, ''f'1Q," to the school board's invitation to reopen its
contract.
AFSCME Local 938 will not reopen because that would put members at risk, said Ed Sadlowski, field representative for
AFSCME Council 40.
Janesville Gazette. Edgerton, Milto.n teachers want to talk
Gallup said the union plans to offer concessions in benefits, including savings in health insurance of up $3,000 per
teacher. The union now has health care coverage under the WEA Trust.
Justice:
I spoke to Chief Kevin Wilkinson of the Neenah Police Department and he said the Chiefs are concerned that the
budget repair exempts covered police and fire but not those nonunion employees. He would like to see both
exempt from paying into the pension or health insurance
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2011 7:10 PM
To:
Cc:
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Eberle, Ed- LTGOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris-
GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV; Liedl,
Kimberly- GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA
Legislative Team
Rep. Tiffany staff inquired about revenue limits in proposed budget
Rep. Marklein staff inquired about school choice changes in budget
Rep. Kramer staff inquired about changes to 4K in budget
Rep. Molepske inquired about potential incentives for Joerns Health Care to stay in Stevens Point
Rep. Knudson inquired about the reasoning for including meat inspectors in the budget- will be setting up a mtg
for him and DATCP
Committee Actions
SB 23- preemption of ordinances concerning employees health, medical, or family leave passed the Senate
Committee
AB 2- creation of 4 rur<tl enterprise zones was passed out of the Assembly Committee on Rural Development
Senate Session
Secretary Klett was confirmed by the Senate 19-0
Secretary Stepp was confirmed by the Senate 19-0
SJR 3- creates rule fining legislators absent from session $100 was passed 19-0
Tomorrow's Committee Meetings
AB 38- creation of a TID in Brookfield will be heard by the Assembly Committee on Jobs.
Tomorrow's Senate Session
SB 4- creation of 4 rural enterprise zones
Confirmation of Secretary Perez
SB 23- preemption of ordinances concerning employees health, medical, or family leave
AJR 5- commending Reince Priebus on his election as chairman of the RNC
Commerce
Planning for the WEDC is moving ahead
o Ryan and Jason met with Mike Klonsinski and Dave Volz
o They are still looking for a list of potential nominees to the WEDC Board
o The WEDC will coordinate with the regional economic development groups with:
Coordinating branding among all 7 regions
Developing a common computer/IT system among the regions and the WEDC so information can
be shared rapidly
Establishing a consistent set of core capabilities among the regions
o Five divisions are planned for the new Corporation
1
Business Development
Industry Development (clusters)
Marketing Research
Business Climate (identifying barriers to economic growth)
Administration
A state Economic Development Council meets monthly comprised of DWD, DOR, and Commerce
o Economic information is shared among the agencies at an early stage
o The Governor's office will be invited to the next meeting
DNR
Submitted information on Great Lakes watershed restoration funding by WI agencies to OMB.
o DNR, DATCP and DOA-CMP all contributed
o Great Lake states provide this information once a year.
o Currently, DNR is trying to work with other states to gather more useful data.
PSC
Chris LaRowe of WSTA called about the library aid provision in the budget
o WSTA would like to see the Universal Service Fund SEG support of library aids replaced with other
funding
o The budget cuts library aids by 10%, but does not reduce the USF fee by a corresponding amount
JCRAR's repeal of the PSC wind siting rule
o Speaking with Sen. Vukmir's office, the committee intends to introduce legislation to guarantee repeal of
the rule
o The committee's intention is for PSC to re-write the rule and re-submit it to the Legislature
Health Care
Mendota Mental Health Institution Tour: Visited units such as the Adult Program, Forensic Program, Juvenile
Treatment Center, and Civil Treatment
Attendees: Secretary Smith, Deputy Secretary Rhoades, EA Kevin Moore, Kimber & Becky
1. Staff are pleased with the funding increase in the budget
2. The Juvenile Treatment Center has been in operation for 15 years, utilizing proven treatment methods that are
nationally recognized for their rehabilitation success. Most boys come from backgrounds with broken homes,
abuse, and little family/church/school support. Leads to the question of whether different strategies should be
pursued with foster care, teen sexual education/teen birth rate reductions, child and family mentoring, and basic
family support agendas.
Weekly Meeting with Kevin Moore (DHS)
I. Secretary Smith and Deputy Secretary Rhoades will hold town hall meetings throughout WI on DHS changes in
the budget in mid-March
a. Planned stops will include Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Wausau
2. **There is an ongoing investigation regarding possible fraud in the MiLES program linked to Food Share. There
could be a possible link to someone within DHS. **
3. Enrollment has increased in state healthcare programs for the month of February.
Education
Met with Mark Levine (Wisconsin Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)
o Would like to see financial aid follow students rather than being distributed as a block grant to each
campus
o Wants our HEAB appointee to be someone with financial aid experience
Sen. Olsen will be offering an amendment to Sen. Darling's charter school bill that would, among other things, allow
districts to run charter schools in lieu of- rather than in addition to- its traditional public schools.
2
Budget cuts $834 million from schools (Milwaukee Joumal Sentinel)
State and local funding for general Wisconsin public school operations would drop 5.5% in 2011-'12 while Milwaukee's
private-school voucher program could be poised for a massive expansion under Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal, one
that slashes $834 million in state K-12 education spending over the next two years.
Proposed Budget Will Improve Educational Options, Raise Standards (Maciver Institute)
The state's K-12 reforms appear to have been influenced by Florida's sweeping changes from a decade earlier- a
buckshot approach that created significant improvements in the state. Items such as a reading initiative to ensure that
students can read before graduating to fourth grade, expansion of chatter and virtual school legislation, and a greater focus
on school choice mirror some of the developments that reversed the downward trend of educational achievement that
Florida faced as the new millennium dawned.
Senator Van Wanggaard wants to amend the budget to allow local communities of opting into the state health
insurance plan even if they are not in the WRS.
Local Governments:
Janesville Gazette. Editorial: Local contracts spell trouble with budget plan
Finally, an editorial board gets it.
The City of Wausau council member Sheri Abbotts called upset about transit aids. Our position was relayed to
her and also assured her that if the potential was out there we would address it at that time.
Stevens Point Journal, Almond-Bancroft teacher contracts settled
After nearly two years of negotiations, the School Board unanimously accepted the agreement. The contract expires June
30, 2011, and all payments and financial implications will be retroactive.
The 4 percent total package increase is broken down into a 2. 61 percent salary increase and a 1.39 percent benefit
increase retroactive for the 2009-10 year, District Administrator Dan Boxx said. In 2010-11, there is a 2.38 percent
increase in salary and a 1.62 percent increase in benefits.
The teacher base salary of $30,200 was increased to $30,800 for 2009-10, and then to $31,330 for 2010-11.
"We have had a traditionally low base salary, so now we were able to increase our base salary to be a little bit competitive
with surrounding school districts," he said.
There were no surprises in this contract, Boxx said, and he built his budgets assuming a 4 percent total package increase
for each year.
In return, the teachers agreed to pav 3 percent of the insurance premiums for the 2009-10 school year, and 6 percent for
2010-11. Before this agreement, the district paid 100 percent.
Racine Journal Times. City approves more union contracts in advance of budget bill
According to the approved 2011-2012 contracts, the four unions agreed to start paying the employee portion of the
pension contribution that the city currently pays, half of 11.6 percent of their payroll, beginning March 13. However,
offsetting that impact would be a 2.9 percent pav raise a/so effective March 13, which is the start date proposed for
employee's pension contributions under the bill.
Wausau Daily Herald. Mayor Tipple halts union negotiations
Tipple was out of town this week and unavailable for comment. But Joe Blair, president of the AFSCME Locals 1287 and
1287CH, said the two unions agreed to "major changes" in contracts regarding insurance payments, pension and
3
compensation. He declined to offer specifics about the concessions unions made, and said Tipple's moratorium wasn't
expected.
Veterans:
Veterans board chair, Dan Naylor called upset about the budget. Specifically, he is concerned about how the $13
million surplus at the end of the biennium in nursing homes and the VTF was calculated. He was told it is due to
the budget repair bill compensation savings. Also, he was concerned about the veterans department
reorganization. He was told it was moving the State Approving Agency to the new DRL to improve efficiency.
WDVA
Some of the VSO's contacted me upset about the department's negative press release (link above} on the budget. The
VSO's are supportive of the budget and are thinking about doing a joint release in support soon.
Justice:
Tami Jackson from OJA called to inform us that some of the groups who received earmarks from the federal
Byrne Justice grants are upset they will now have to compete and show results to receive them.
4
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 7:11 PM
To:
Cc:
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA;
Archer, Cynthia - DOA
Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Matejov, Scott
- GOV; Eberle, Ed - LTGOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Culotta,
Jason - DOA; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Subject Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Update
Representative Loudenbeck called inquiring about the amount of shared revenue cut for the City of Beloit.
Representative Wynn's office called asking what other options are available to the state if we are unable to see
the potential savings from the refinancing of debt.
Tomorrow's Committee Actions
Secretary Stepp is scheduled to receive her hearing and exec in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources
JCRAR is scheduled to take up a motion to suspend the wind siting rules
Secretary Klett and Secretary Perez are scheduled to receive their hearings and exec's in the Senate
Committee on Workforce Development, Small Business, and Tourism
SB 12- allowing retailers offer discounts equal to the sale tax is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate
Committee on Workforce Development, Small Business, and Tourism
Economic Development and Requlatorv Reform Team
Tourism
Tourism Promotion Funding
o Spoke with Chet Gerlach of Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions
o Stressed importance of promotional funding in tourism
DOT
Eminent Domain
o DOT and American Transmission Company discussed potential legislation
o DOT, ATC and Governor's Office to meet on this issue Friday
DOT Legislative Proposals
o Sen. Lazich and Rep. Petrowski to get back to the Governor's Office on which legislative proposals they
each would like to introduce in their respective committees
Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
o Rep. Petrowski's Office had concerns with this issue, and was referred to Reggie Newson at DOT and
their attorney to discuss legalities and federal funding process
Highway 41 Interstate Conversion
o Secretary Gottlieb would like to know the governor's stance on this issue for when he meets with U.S.
Rep. Petri during this week's D.C. delegation meetings
o If we were ready to go ahead with the project, DOT would be ready to make an announcement this fall. ..
o ... Probably put signs up by 2013
o Business community in the area is behind this project
1-94 East-West Resurfacing Project
o Website: http:Urepave94.org/
Federal Airport Funding
o LFB called DOT regarding the potential impacts as a result of a loss of collective bargaining of those
mainly of firefighters, but also all support employees airports
1
DNR
o DOT says that there does not appear to be any potential loss of funds associated with the loss of
collective bargaining for the aforementioned employees
o DOT would like to promulgate rule that would bring compliance with Fed. Regulations
Changes include:
Adding several definitions
Modify land-use category descriptions
Redefine local citizen and governmental participation requirements for determination
whether or not barrier construction is desired by public
Non-compliance may result in loss of federal funding for certain airport projects
Dairy Business Association is meeting with Sec. Stepp on Thursday
o Silage leachate and air permits for manure digesters are some of the issues the industry would like to see
addressed
Recommendations for the Natural Resources Board
o Several names were forwarded to Eric Esser the DNR executive leadership team
WHEDA
WHEDA came to agreement with the Bankers Association on several legislative proposals
o Waiting on Wyman Winston to share the agreed aras for me
Local Governments:
Fond du Lac Reporter. County expects to OK four union contracts this week
1. Employees will contribute 5.8 percent of their retirement and county workers already are contributing 12-
15 percent of their medical insurance costs.
2. The higher premium is for those employees who do not complete a health risk assessment.
3. Salaries would have a zero percent increase for 2011 and would be capped at the consumer price index
(up to 2 percent) for 2012.
Fond du Lac Reporter. Waupun Board extends teacher contract
1. A two-year salary schedule freeze with no lane movement.
2. A 50 percent contribution to the retirement system (currently 5.8 percent).
3. A 10 percent reduction in health insurance costs with the district paying a fixed monthly premium rate of
$640 for single coverage and $1.425 for family coverage for a plan in which: the employee may elect the
current plan or similar and pay the premium difference; the employee may elect a plan at the district-
reimbursed cost; or the employee may elect a less-expensive plan and receive payment for the
difference.
4. This will be a giant step in assuring the financial stability of the district, Childs said. While the governor's
proposal would reduce district costs by some $850,000 over two years, the new proposal would reduce
costs by $1.405.000 over that same period, he points out.
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. Nekoosa teachers agree to contract
Justice:
1. The deal, which backdates to July 1, 2009, includes a salary base increase of 0.23 percent for the 2009-
10 school year for teachers, and a 0.11 percent base increase for the current school year. The agreement
also includes forming a teacher appraisal committee that will use student test scores as part of the
teacher evaluation system.
2
I met with Wynn Collins, Kent Lovern (Milwaukee), Melinda Tempelis (Outagamie), and Adam Gerol (Ozaukee) of
the WDAA to discuss the budget. I let them know that in keeping with the Governor's promises pay progression
would be in the budget, but increased positions would not. I told him that request would hopefully be chipped
away at in the next budget. They hoped to meet with the Governor and other law enforcement stakeholders on a
regular basis. I said I would work with Wynn to try to make that happen.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:33 AM
To:
Cc:
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Eberle, Ed- LTGOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris-
GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta,
Jason- DOA
o Senator Zipperer, Representative Nerison, Representative Wynn, and Representative Jacque reached out to our
office with specific questions regarding the Budget Adjustment Bill
Committees
o SB 15- repeal of data collection bill- had a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Safety and
Urban Affairs
o JFC plans to vote on the Budget Adjustment Bill later tonight
Economic Development and Regulatorv Reform Team
Commerce
o Centergy - Central Wisconsin Alliance for Economic Development
DATCP
o Spoke to Barb Fleisner- Executive Director about her group wanting to set up a meeting with the
governor and business leaders
o Dorothy and scheduling is aware and has received the group's request
o Spoke with Jeff Lyon on the three WHEDA ag lending proposals
DOT
1. Sec. Brancel will verify with us tomorrow whether they're ready to share with legislators or need
modification
o Met with a representative of the State Engineers Assn.
o They have a study showing at least $5 million Trans Fund SEG could be saved by using fewer
consultants
o Will pursue the matter with Reggie Newson
o Former (D) Senator Goyke is working with Sen. Erpenbach on the State potentially losing FED transit
funding as a result of the of eliminating collective bargaining rights
o We have the opinion .that the Fed is wrong on this issue and the Budget Repair Bill is compliant with
federal code
o SB 15 and AB 18: Data Collection
o State Patrol to testify on informational basis only during Friday's committee hearing
o DOT and State Patrol will not pub/ically or privately oppose a potential amendment that would eliminate
the primary seatbelt enforcement provision
o Hwy 23 reconstruction detour in Princeton, WI
o Business owner from Princeton working towards a "Citizens Preferred" detour, instead of the original
proposed by DOT
o Sent information to Reggie Newson to make him aware of situation
JOBS Hotline
1
First
Name Last Name Description of Call Comments
says he is losing his job as a teacher because
of the budget repair bill; as a result he is also Contacted by
closing his business because he needs to find a GOV; left a
Paul Craig new job message
Contacted by
GOV; forwarded
to Nate Yahn for
Ken Pierson called J H earlier; has not heard from Commerce Commerce action
NGA Update
2013 Annual Meeting Location Search
l. We will submit a letter suggesting Milwaukee as the Host City (**Deadline: Feb. 25'")
2. This is only a letter of intent. No additional materials are needed at this time.
3. Prior to the 20 II Annual Meeting, all states will be notified by NGA as to additional materials that are required
for consideration. (Videos, additional letters, brochures, etc.)
4. The 2013 location decision will be made shortly after the 2011 Annual Meeting after a site visit is completed.
a. **Governor Walker should lobby the executive committee at the Annual Meeting in July to have
Milwaukee be the host city for 2013. **
Health Care Meetings
American Cancer Society (Gail Sumi):Senator Darling and Rep. Strachota will be authoring legislation iprohibiting
state-regulated health plans from requiring patients to pay a higher copayment,
deductible, or coinsurance for oral chemotherapy than is required for injected or intravenous chemotherapy. WI would
become the 12th state in the nation providing this access.
Theda Care: Jeffrey Remsik & Tony Driessen (DeWitt Ross Stevens):_ThedaCare is a regional hospital system in the
Fox Valley affiliated with 5 local hospitals. They have implemented "Lean Methodology" which has helped reduce costs
by more than $27 million and has improved health care quality. They want to help us implement more performance-driven
reimbursement for Medicaid.
News
Federal education secretary to talk with Gov. Walker (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is expected to call Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday, a spokesman for
the federal agency said.
UW-Madison head supports split from UW system (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
"I'm hopeful that when Gov. Walker introduces his budget next week that he'll include flexibility for UW-Madison and
other UW institutions in some form," UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin said in a statement.
Local Governments:
The Wisconsin Counties Association contacted the Governor's and leadership offices to express concerns over
extending civil service protections to county employees. They were contacted by Ryan Murray to address their
concerns.
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse:
2
Just a couple of the supporters of the budget adjustment bill contacting through the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
webpage:
W!lSte, Fraud Abuse Commission Comments
I think Governor Walker's proposal to reduce spending and lessen the power of the unions is wonderful. We need to do
things like this to help cut spending and to balance the budget with out raising taxes.
benjamin.moyes@gmail.com
Re: Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission Comments
Kill the Union's stranglehold they have on Tax Payer's funds! Good on ya Govenor. Balance the budget and restore
individual's liberty to protect themselves in this state. Keep up the good work, I know it's not easy but you have more
support for this reform than the media will lead us to believe.
Corrections:
Wausau Daily Herald. Editorial: State should retain Lincoln Hills School
"A panel appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle to study the issue punted on the decision, failing to reach the number of votes
needed to offer an official recommendation. But the panel voted 5-3 in favor of closing Ethan Allen, and in its final report, it
made clear that if the state were to close one of the two facilities, the state would be better served by keeping Lincoln Hills
open."
"Ethan Allen inmates filed twice as many complaints in 2009 as Lincoln Hills kids. And staffers filed 109 grievances with
Ethan Allen, compared with zero at Lincoln Hills."
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 8:18 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Archer, Cynthia - DOA;
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; WeiWie, Cullen J - GOV; Polzin, Cindy
M - GOV; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV;
Matejov, Scott - GOV; Eberle, Ed - L TGOV
Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Talked with Representative Jacque who had questions with regard to how the BAB will affect local contracts that
have been recently signed
Representative Kooyenga is trying to help Milwaukee Electric Tool create 80 jobs in Wisconsin. Currently working
with both Economic Development Team and Commerce to facilitate
Representative Bies and Representative Stein eke have both reached out to our office regarding BAB. May need
further attention
Contacted supporters of SS AB 5- 2/3rds vote needed for tax increase- to inform them of postponement of bill
signing
SS AB/SB 11- BAB update
The Joint Committee on Finance had a public hearing on SS AB/SB 11- BAB that will continue into the night. JFC
plans to vote on the bill tomorrow.
Retirement system changes included in SS AB/SB 11 were ok'd by the Joint Survey Committee on Retirement
Systems
Commerce
Spoke to Dave Volz about contacting Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
DOT
o VP/CFO of company contacted Brookfield's Economic Development coordinator, who then contacted
Rep. Kooyenga
o Would like to speak to Commerce about state assistance that would aid in the expansion of jobs currently
in-and-out of the state
Met with Scott Tyre, Mick Foti, and American Transit Solutions
o They would like to introduce a JFC amendment allowing cameras to be used at intersections and in
construction zones to fine speed violators
o This could be used to help supplement local governments' finances
o Would be a civil forfeiture; law enforcement would issue the citation, but a vendor would monitor for
offenses.
o They are talking to Sec. Gottlieb and Tom Howells at the Motor Carriers Assn about this; AAA and the
League of Municipalities support this.
Discussed course of action to resolve the NHTSA Section 164 issue with Reggie Newson and DOT
attorney
o DOT has the following recommendations:
Appeal to NHTSA and illustrate why WisDOT is in compliance with Section 164.
Set up a conference call with NHTSA and FHWA to get guidance to how WisDOT could become
compliant with Section 164.
1
Request congressional assistance to ask NHTSHA to reevaluate their interpretation of Wisconsin
state statue.
DOT Recertification of 23 CFR Section 164 and,
Short-term, continue to be non-compliant and administratively transfer highway dollars that have
been redirected to highway safety program. (Status quo)
o Until told otherwise, WisDOT will not be requesting administrative rule or statutory changes to
reconcile the difference in state vs. federal interpretation of Section 164 (reserves right to
introduce language sometime in future)
o Currently, nothing has been done with Section 164 sanction transferred funds (WisDOT cannot do
anything until official sanction notification letter is received from FHWA)
o Note: Feds have already moved $7.3M from the $15M allocated for highway programs into tfie safety
program fund, which is contradictory the process that the Fed's established, as a result of no official
ruling/decision on this issue has been made yet
Budget Repair Bill -potential issue
o Dan Kannien, former Doyle legislative director and current White House policy staff, contacted Fiscal
Bureau
o Has opinion that it is illegal for the state to eliminate collective bargaining rights for county transit workers,
based on current federal code
o If illegal, could affect state's ability to receive federal transit dollars ($60-80M)
NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee Conference Call
o Discussed President's new budget and highlights of surface transportation funding
DNR
Spoke to Town of Hubbard Chairman in Rusk County about issue they are having with flood plain mapping done
by DNR and used by FEMA.
They are hoping to resolve the issue before the risk of flooding is at spring-time high.
Will work with DNR on possible resolution.
WHEDA
Spoke with the Curt Witynski of the League of Municipalities on Director Winston's WHEDA TIF proposal.
They have signed off on the concept and we will share the concept with interested legislators
Legislative Meeting
Met with Rep. Kapenga on K-12 issues:
* Repeal2009 Act 134 (funding Planned Parenthood/sex education)
* Wants teacher accountability and tenure reform
* Wants funding based on graduation rather than enrollment
Education Meetings
Met with DPI to discuss creation of a Wisconsin Student Information System (WSIS). DPI is very excited to be
moving forward with this project and would like to put as many pieces in place as possible before the budget passes. To
make that happen, we will have to consider the following issues, among others:
o How much time do we allow districts .to get on board?
o How can we encourage DOA to move this process along?
o Many districts are currently signed with a Wisconsin vendor; will this cause backlash if a non-Wisconsin
vendor is ultimately selected for the statewide system?
Met with members of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. They wondered why Wisconsin state agencies aren't
participating in the IT procurement consmtium with the other 11 member states. They believe that it could provide a
significant cost savings to the state. Another option for potential cost savings is with property insurance benefits with
universities if their insurance wasn't pooled with the other state properties.
Legal Reform:
2
Met with Andy Cook of the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council and Brian Hagedorn to talk about another legal reform
package. This would include loser pays, punitive damage changes, etc ...
Corrections:
Met with Pete Christianson, Forbes Mcintosh, Mental Health Management and Secretary Hamblin regarding
contracting out mental health services at corrections to save cost. Secretary Hamblin and his staff are reviewing
the idea to determine if it is worth pursuing. MHM offered to consult at no cost to the state.
Secretary Hamblin is planning on announcing the closure of Ethan Allen and SOGS on Tuesday of next week
because the staff will know when the budget language is released.
Military Affairs:
Dept. of Military Affairs. Wisconsin National Guard always ready, always there
Local Government
Mayor Bauer from the City of Durand stopped by to talk about the budget adjustment. He supports it and feels
the teachers union has destroyed the Durand school. He also brought up an issue with WHEDA over the
approval of a loan guarantee to build a radio tower. I contacted Deputy Winston and McCoshen to check on it.
Mayor Bauer would also like the Governor to be at Volk Field when his son returns from Iraq. I contacted General
Dunbar to see if he has the time they are to return so I can get it to Dorothy if it works on the Governor's
schedule.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. GMC proposes downsizing for county government. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
(Editorial).
"Milwaukee County government would get downsized under a plan announced Monday by the Greater Milwaukee
Committee, with parks, transit and the airport spun off to two new special districts and unspecified human services turned
over to the state."
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 6:24 PM
To:
Cc:
Jensen, Jodi - DOA
Matejov, Scott - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K
- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Polzin,
Cindy M- GOV
Policy and Legislative Daily Briefing for Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Legislative Liaison Update
Legislator Meetings
Met with Amy Louden beck regarding the Rules bill -concerning legal process & expansion of choice/charter in
Beloit- does not want expansion there just yet
Met with Mary Williams regarding Prevailing Wage and goals of working group
Met with Pam Galloway staff regarding Prevailing Wage and goals of working group
Met with Neil Kedzie, John Gard, Paul Kent, et al regarding the Wetlands Bill and answered all questions and
concerns he had to move forward. Hearing next week.
Met with Luther Olsen regarding Rules bill and exempting DPI & DOJ, the FMLA, open enrollment, and
BadgerNet.
Met with Representative Marklein and Senator Schultz on their request to include $1 million in the budget to assist
Sauk City in costs associated with updates to Highway 12.
Met with Representative Zamarripa who was mainly concerned with anti-immigration and anti-Planned
Parenthood legislation potentially.
Executive Sessions- Thursday. 1/27
Assembly Jobs Committee - WEDC
Senate Econ Development Committee- WEDC
Assembly Natural Resources- Wetlands
Assembly Judiciary- Rules Bill
Confirmation Executive Session -" Thursday. 1/27
Senate Labor, Public and Urban Affairs- Secretaries Gary Hamblin and Dave Ross
Senate Session- Thursday, 1/27
Special Session Bill 7- Small Business Tax Credit
Secretaries Mike Huebsch and Paul Jadin final confirmation
Stakeholder Meetings
WI Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Assoc (Matt Hauser)
WI Automobile and Truck Dealers Assoc (MaryAnn Gerard)
Ron Kuehn on behalf of Herzing University, ASP and WI Blue Line Assoc
WI Bicycle Federation (Greg Hubbard)
WSTA (Bill Esbeck, Chris LaRowe)
Credit Union League (Tom Liebe)
Energy Center of Wisconsin
Alliant Energy (Bill Jordahl)
1
o Support an "economic development rate" legislation proposal (will promote economic development and
industry expansion, and reduces per unit costs for customers overall by spreading energy utilities' fixed
costs over greater# of sales)
Working with Speaker Fitzgerald's office on drafting legislation
Met with WISPIRG
Focused and interested in transparency in government
o WISPIRG has point-of-view that creation of the WEDC lacks transparency and that implementing 2007
Act 125 standards is not transparent enough
Assembly Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Rep. Ballweg held an informational hearing with invited guest to speak. DWD Secretary Perez gave a brief presentation
on !lie services the agency has available to the job seekers and employers of Wisconsin. AFL-CIO also spoke on how WI
needs to create jobs and not just look for jobs in other states to steal.
Met with Rep. Weininger on UW-GB Entrepreneurship Proposal
Proposes $1 OOk in seed money to be matched by private foundations that promote business & entrepreneurship. Rep.
Weininger feels the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is affordable and would be well received with the
business community in NE Wisconsin.
Received Proposal From DPI for a Statewide Student Information System (SIS!
Currently each district contracts out for its own SIS. Each district pays for licensing and, in most cases, the cost of
manually reentering data into the correct format for state and federal reporting requirements since none of the systems
are compatible with each other or with the stale's systems. Statewide this costs an estimated $38 million annually. Such
a system would be the foundation for many of the efforts outlined in the governor's education plan including teacher
performance pay, grading schools, and ending social promotion for third graders who can't read at a basic
level. Milwaukee, Kenosha, Waukesha, and Green Bay will all require new SIS in 2012 so development of such a system
would need to be done sooner rather than later. DPI estimates the development and implementation of such a system
would cost roughly $15 million and cost $8 million annually.
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission:
Met with Brett Healy from the Mciver Institute. He offered his staff to assist in identifying waste, fraud, and abuse
and gave us some ideas such as MPS substitute teacher pay, WI Shares, and local government consolidation
incentives.
He also said they may testify if we asked them to.
Automobile Insurance Repeal:
Automobile insurance repeal is scheduled to be voted on in both Senate and Assembly committees tomorrow.
Voter ID:
The Senate Committee held a hearing on the Voter ID bill authored by Senator Leibham. II was well attended
and no surprises came up. The working group to iron out differences between the Assembly and the Senate has
not met.
ACLU. Opposes voter ID proposal
GAB. Information about voter photo ID
One Wisconsin Now. Diverse voices register opposition to unneeded voter ID bill
DOJ. Van Hollen testifies in favor of bill to require photographic identification to vote
RPW. Photo ID bill deserves support
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Veterans:
Met with various VSO's to discuss budget ideas and get their feedback. They were also informed that
Representative Petersen will be drafting a bill to reorganize the board. They seem to approve of this idea and just
want to stay informed. I will relay this to Petersen.
I spoke to David Kurtz (Legion) and Anthony Hardie (DAV) about budget issues surrounding the VTF and the
board changes. They both seem approving.
2
Special Session:
Patrick Marley is scheduled to release a column regarding tort reform to coincide with the bill signing tomorrow. A
statement from the Governor is supposed to be approved by our legal counsel addressing the open records issue
related to DHS reports and included in the column. After speaking to Kevin Moore at DHS and WHA, we believe
that nothing will change at DHS regarding these misconduct incident reports or whether they are subject to open
records. WHA even prepared a memo laying out why this is the case.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:54 PM
To:
Cc:
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Jensen, Jodi - DOA;
Schutt, Eric - GOV; Matejov, Scott - GOV
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Polzin, Cindy
M - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Policy and Legislative Daily Briefing for Tuesday, January 18,2011
Legislative Liaison Update
Committee Update
Joint Finance passed three special session bills (HSAs, relocation credit, & econ. dev. tax credit) today on party
line votes. Joint Finance will hold exec on Thursday for the small business tax credit bill.
JFC passed an amendment from Sen. Jauch on the relocation credit, requiring passive review from JFC before
releasing the extra $25 million.
Both the Senate at-large and Assembly Judiciary passed the tort bill today (both party line). Discrepancies
between the bills are being addressed.
1. Bills have been amended to reflect the punitive damage cap, with an exemption for OWl. They were also
amended with technical changes to better protect paint companies from frivolous suits and to simply
federalize the expert witness changes. Our office agreed to all changes.
Legislator Meetings- Assembly
Met with Representative Tiffany today to discuss the federalizing of forestry rules, the possible closing of a
juvenile detention facility in his district, and the special session rules reform bill. Was given language of the rules
bill that not only deletes wetlands and wind-siting provisions, but increases power of the Joint Committee for
Review of Administrative Rules to influence rules (LRB 1060/1 ).
Met with Representative Wynn about a variety of issues including capping interest rates for payday loans,
prevailing wage repeal, and the WEDC bill.
Legislative Meetings for Wednesday
Majority Leader Fitzgerald & Speaker Fitzgerald
Rep. Spanbauer
Rep. Petersen
Confirmation Hearings
Sec. Brancel had his confirmation hearing today in Senate Ag, Exec on Thursday.
Sees. Huebsch and Jadin confirmation hearing will be Wednesday in Senate Judiciary at 11 a
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform
Quad/Graphics Meeting (w/ Eric Schutt, Nate Yahn}
1. Met with Andy Schiesl (VP/Chief Legal Counsel) and Patrick Henderson (Director of Gov't Affairs)
2. Concerned about harmful regulatory laws that are being administered by the PSG and by the DNR .
1. Provided proposals that would reform the mentioned regulatory laws, which would help
Quad/Graphics grow jobs, and in general, make Wisconsin look much more "business-friendly"
Legislative Committees
15 meetings scheduled with committee chairpersons (for the rest-of-the-week and next week)
DOT
Jason met with the DOT Sec., Dep. Sec., and EA today. They have the following issues to share:
1
Some outstanding obligations on the passenger rail bonds will preclude the use of the $73 million in leftover
bonding authority from being used for freight rail. DOT is working on telling how much will still be needed to close
out the proposed Madison-Milwaukee line, but it will exceed $13 million. In addition, DOT received a $14 million
stimulus grant for the Hiawatha to upgrade a crossing near the state line in Pleasant Prairie and extend the size of
the Mitchell Airport Station; some funds will be left over from these projects to apply toward the dead train line's
obligations.
Local Aids Administration -- by requiring local governments to pay the share of administering aid programs out of
their grant money rather tha'n from DOT's operations money, some additional savings can be realized to the
Transportation Fund.
Fox Cities and Green Bay Transit- reminded us that both systems will lose federal funding because their
metropolitan populations are too large to continue receiving FED operating assistance.
***ACTION ITEM- RTA language in statute- DOT is wondering what direction the Governor will go pertaining to
the existing statutes and rental car fee.
Mirror Lake Bridge on 1-94- following yesterday's semi accident, DOT today signed a $170,000 emergency
contract for repairs. One lane will stay open, the second will be closed until the completion of the repairs in a few
weeks.
***ACTION ITEM - FED earmarks- Sen. Kohl's office asks DOT for a list of earmark requests annually. Is this
something WisDOT should submit this year? They would like direction from the Governor
Transportation Projects Commission- convened in October to recommend enumeration of four projects: Hwy
441/41/10 interchange (Menasha), Hwy 38 (Racine- Vos' district), Hwy 39-90 (Rock County), and Hwy 15
(Greenville to New London). All four projects must be enumerated in the budget so that further work on the
projects can continue. DOT would like these included for enumeration in the 2011-13 budget.
Education Meetings
Met with Kathleen Cullen from WTCS on a $200,000 Bill and Melinda Gates grant due in early Feb with potential
for a $1.6 million granUyr for the next 3 years. Grant targeted at Adult Basic Education.
Met with UW-System on their Authority proposal. We will brief you on it tomorrow. They tried to sell the proposal
as a $500 million GPR savings over 4 years. In reality, it is not a cut to base, but a reduced increase of the bigger
increase they were going to ask of the state.
Met with Jeff Spitzer-Resnick from Diabilities Rights WI on special education. He stressed the importance of the
Governor addressing the importance of special education when discussing education issues. It means a lot to
families with special needs children.
Health Care Meetings
Met with Leah Robbins from Daycare Provider Jewish Beginnings Milwaukee. Discussed her ideas on how WI
Shares could be retooled to eliminate fraud and provide higher quality child care.
Met with Liz Buchen from Lutheran Social Services. She would like to repeal the 2009 budget item that child
welfare rates are decided by DCF. Prior to the 2009 Act 28, providers set rates based on costs, and the rates
were published annually to show that all purchasers are charged the same rate (Market Rate).
o With the Doyle change, all provider rates for 201 0 have been frozen at 2009 payment levels
o With in 2009 Act 28, the Governor set up a "Rate Regulation Committee" This is not needed to establish
the rate if the language is repealed
Education News
Tomorrow, MPS will receive a $20 million grant over 5 years from GE to improve math and science scores. The Lt
Governor is helping to present the award.
Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission:
Working with DOA to update the Governor's website to include a Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission webpage
to post agenda's, meeting minutes, and to solicit recommendations and/or comments from the public.
The DOA IT folks have been told this must be done by Thursday to fulfill a promise and to send out a press
statement about the webpage launch on that day.
AFLCIO. Opposition to Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Grocers Association. Vote in support of Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Civil Justice Council. Employers unite behind Wisconsin lawsuit reforms.
2
WMC. Urges Senate passage of lawsuit reforms.
Wisconsin Economic Development Association. Special Session SB1.
Wisconsin Restaurant Association. Support for Special Session SB 1.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Wisconsin Legislature set to take action on Gov. Scott Walker bills.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:45 PM
Sent:
To:
Bills Passed Today in Senate Session
SB 93- concealed carry (25-8). (Dem support: Holperin, Jauch, Lassa, Taylor, Vinehout, Wirch)
SB 107-landlord CCAP usage preemption (18-14). (No Dem Support)
SB 109- increases in penalties for soft tissue injuries to law enforcement officers (Voice Vote).
AB 148- bill to pay the bills. The Senate is expected to give final passage to this legislation at some point tonight.
It will then be ready for action by the Governor.
Assembly Session
The Assembly is scheduled to begin debate on the 2011-2013 biennial budget later this evening.
Commerce
WiscNet
o Tom Still from the WI Technology Council contacted our office in opposition to the JFC's action restricting
WiscNet
BioGenesis
DATCP
o Jason, Nate, Commerce and DNR met with BioGenesis reps about a company contract situation with the
EPA and their interest in having operations at the Milwaukee Harbor
o Gave them some suggested contacts of organizations throughout the state, as well as DOT, DNR, and
Commerce contacts
o BioGenesis removes the pollutants from dredged material and sells the cleaned material as topsoil
o The firm is based in Milwaukee and owned by an Iranian scientist who fled that country when the Shah
was overthrown
o Raw Milk Enforcement Action \./
DOT
o This morning DATCP executed an enforcement action against a farmer in Racine County who was selling
raw milk illegally to Illinois.
o The owner admitted to operating the illegal racket
o Ashley Furniture TEA Grant in Whitehall
o DOT has not heard from the Village of Whitehall regarding the TEA grant we had discussed earlier
o DOT is reaching out to the Village to see if there is interest in starting the application process
PSG
Wind Siting Working Group
o PSG received a response from the WI Realtors Assn.
o There remain great differences among the parties involved in these talks
Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association
o Named new President, will send congratulatory letter from the governor
1
Feedback from the DHS budget town halls will be posted by the end of the week on the DHS website. A new addition on
the homepage will be Medicaid data that will be updated weekly. The Office of Integrity will be up and running with a start
date of September 1 '
1

Meeting with Forbes Mcintosh and Jeff Schoenfeldt: Discussed suggested vetoes and language that they would like
kept in the budget. Passed notes to Schutt and Murray.
DWD:
Secretary Scott Baumbach was confirmed by the Senate 30-1-2.
Education:
Met with SE WI Schools Ass'n today in Milwaukee. We addressed questions from roughly 30 members on
everything from choice to school finance.
1. They would like to hold small workgroups with our office and education stakeholders on specific issues.
2. Another specific suggestion was to share your long-term education policy platform. They are one of many
groups that have wanted to know what your education vision is for the next 4 years. They asked how our
various education initiatives fit into your broader plan for education in Wisconsin. We may want to discuss
this further to review our education messaging and see if we should expand on how certain education
initiatives (such as the SIS, school grading, Read to Lead, etc) fit together.
DHS Newsworthv:
GOP Governors ask Washington to give states more flexibility on Medicaid (fox News)
Frustrated with the rising costs of providing health care to their poorer constituents, Republican governors from 29 states
sent a letter to lawmakers in Washington on Monday demanding greater flexibility in administering Medicaid dollars.
DWD Newsworthy:
ManpowerGroup survey: Local employer hiring to be brisk (The Business Journal)
Milwaukee area employers expect to hire at a "brisk pace" during the third quarter and make the region the third-best job
market in the nation, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.
Education News:
Martin wasn't forced out. Reilly says (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin was not forced out of UW, despite being embroiled in
a high-profile battle for flexibility in the face of state funding cuts, according to UW System President Kevin Reilly.
Martin, who led an unsuccessful effort to split UW-Madison from the rest of the UW System, announced Tuesday she is
leaving her post at UW to be the president of Amherst College.
Opinion: "Waivers" Are Fine ... Back-Door Legislating Via "Strings"? Not So Much (Education Week)
By Rick Hess
There seems to be some confusion about the problem with our earnest Secretary of Education's chest-thumping promise
to take things into his own hands if Congress doesn't fix NCLB by August. The problem is not that he's pledging to waive
some of the law's goofy provisions. No one is disputing that he's empowered to do so (see, for instance, Mike Petrilli's
take here).
So, what is the problem? It's that Duncan has said that he plans to attach "strings" to those waivers, so that states will
have to adopt his priorities in order to gain flexibility. He has clearly signaled that he regards this as a back-door
opportunity to promote his preferred approach to teacher evaluation, the Common Core, and such with or without
Congressional permission. This is what has so infuriated observers.
Duncan Warns Schools on Banning Gay-Straight Clubs (Education Week)
On Monday night, the school board in West Bend, Wis., agreed to allow students at West Bend High School to form a
gay-straight alliance if students who had been previously barred from doing so dropped a federal lawsuit against the
school district.
Mr. Duncan's letter to school districts was accompanied by legal guidelines from the Education Department's General
Counsel Charles P. Rose. It follows an October 2010 letter to districts about how bullying, in particular of students who are
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, may violate students' civil rights. ("Bullying May Violate Civil Rights, Duncan
Warns Schools;" Oct. 26, 201 0.)
2
Local Governments and Property Taxes:
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Ziegelbauer in favor of proposed budget
Ziegelbauer believes the collective bargaining changes- that Assembly leadership said will be put into the 2011-13
budget, if necessary- and other fiscal changes "will put us back on the path to prosperity almost immediately.
"(They will) get our financial system back under control without raising taxes and creating the kinds of incentives that will
stimulate economic activity in Wisconsin, especially compared to other states."
Stevens Point Journal. Stevens Point Area School District budget could change
Though taxes in the Stevens Point Area Public School District would drop under a preliminary 2011-12 budget passed
Monday, district leaders cautioned the numbers are in flux and will change somewhat before the budget is finalized.
The Stevens Point Area Public School Board approved the preliminary budget by a vote of 8-0. Board member Lisa
Totten was absent.
The district's levy would drop by about $1.7 million under the budget, lowering the corresponding mill rate by 44 cents to
$7. 93. That means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay $793 in school taxes.
Appleton Post Crescent. Appleton teacher contract extension on hold
The current contract, which was approved in March, expires June 30. The contract extension would cover the 1,050
educators represented by AEA July 1 through June 2012.
"It has to do with the insurance carrier decision-making process," Hietpas said of the sticking point for both sides.
"Otherwise we're pretty well in alignment."
Appleton's current carrier is WEA Trust.
When the AEA and the school board met two weeks ago to exchange proposals for a contract extension, the union
offered to have educators pay 12 percent of their health insurance premiums starting Sept. 1., as well as a 5.8 percent
contribution toward their retirement benefits.
Chris Heller, AEA negotiations chairman, told the board Monday that he had been authorized by union leaders to "offer
economic concessions that will more than close the gap in regards to next year's budget concerns."
Appleton anticipates an $8 million reduction in revenues next school year.
Wausau Daily Herald. Firefighters reach deal on union contract
The agreement gives a 1. 75 percent wage increase to the union's roughly 50 members, retroactive to Jan. 1. It does not
increase firefighters' insurance contribution from 10 percent to 12.6 percent, nor does it require union members to pay 5. 8
percent toward their retirement.
The city's Human Resources manager, /Ia Koss, said the city asked for both the police and firefighter unions to contribute
toward pensions, but the firefighters union "would not change the language" from the 2010 contract.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Kitzman, Nick- GOV
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 5:42 PM
To: Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Brickman, Michael - DOA; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Eberle, Ed -
LTGOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Himebauch, Casey- GOV; Hogan,
Pat - DOA; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Kikkert,
Becky- DOA; Kitzman, Nick- - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV;
Polzin, Cindy M - GOV; Roetker, Patrick - DOA; Schrimpf, Chris -
GOV; Schutt, Eric- i Cullen J - GOV; Yahn, Nate - DOA
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Joint Committee on Finance
The Joint Committee on Finance held a public hearing in Superior today.
The Joint Committee on Finance will be holding a public hearing in West Allis on Monday.
Completed prep work for the Governor's legislative budget luncheon on Monday.
Tourism
Room Tax
o Met with WI Hotel and Lodging Assoc. and WI Association of Conventions and Visitor Bureaus
o Discussed proposal with Secretary Klett and Deputy Secretary Pantle
WHEDA
Modernization Bill
o Sent two proposals over to LRB
JOBS Hotline
2 calls received
DOT
Contact from business group regarding the weight limit on state highways.
Inquiry from Rep. Richards regarding Hoan Bridge
Sec. Gottlieb will tour the Stillwater Bridge on April 15
DNR
Waterfowl Stamp
DATCP
o WI Waterfowl Association and Ducks Unlimited met with us to discuss their proposal to increase
the amount paid for waterfowl stamps.
o They have a number of legislators they will be approaching to introduce an amendment to the
budget.
PACE
o Representative Shilling sent a letter to the PACE Council supporting the program.
1
Health Care Team
Health Care
Health Care Policy Team is in Salt Lake City attending the NGA Health Care Regional Meeting
Local Government:
Wisconsin State Journal. Report: Cities will lose money under Walker budget
"The governor's methodology simply overestimates the amount of savings, especially in the area of insurance
premiums," said Dan Thompson, the League's executive director.
But Walker spokesman Cullen Werwie said Thursday the League did not take into account that cities could
offiet cuts with additional increases in health care contributions, switching to a lower-cost plan, and limiting
overtime. The study also failed to account for Walker's elimination of storm water mandates.
League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Proposed local savings only cover 61% of state funding cuts
Appleton Post Crescent. Kimberly schools OK 23 layoff notices
KIMBERLY- The Kimberly Area School District sent layoff notices to 23 full- and part-time paraprofessionals
Monday to help close an estimated $1.7 million budget shortfall.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Gov. Walker says benefit changes could go beyond proposal
Walker has stated those measures would more than offiet reductions in state shared revenue to municipalities
and school districts. But Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels' budget analysis shows cuts in state fonding equal
$1,149,462 while savings to the city in pension and health insurance payments come to $395,039- a net deficit
of$754,423.
The vast mqjority of city workers already pay 10 percent of their health insurance premiums.
Walker told reporters prior to taking a tour of the foundry that cities could have employees pay "13, 14, 15 or 20
percent of their health insurance and still be well below most people in the private sector. "
Sheboygan Press. Sheboygan transit workers reject contract proposal
That means city transit workers will continue to work under their current contract, which runs through Dec. 31
this year.
The proposed extensions would have frozen workers' wages through 2013 and required that they contribute 5.8
percent of their pay toward their pension and 12.5 to 15 percent of their health insurance premiums. The wage
freeze would have meant their forgoing a 1 percent pay raise they are due to receive in July.
Ryan at the time hailed the agreement as being "in the best interests of the city and the union" and that it
"serves as a template for future negotiations with the city's unions."
The contract extension also would have staved off the possibility of the city losing more than $1.4 million in
federal transit funding because Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill ends most collective bargaining
privileges for most public employees. Federal rules require that transit employees work under a collective
bargaining agreement whenever federal funds are used to operate a transit system.
2
Oshkosh Northwestern. City, county moving on union worker contract extensions
Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris said the contracts aim to preserve the union's right to bargain with
the county through 2012 in exchange for taxpayer savings.
The proposed 2010-2012 contract for the AFSCME Local1903, which represents Highway Department
workers, includes no raises except a 1. 5 percent increase this year, a change in how overtime hours are
calculated, a requirement that employees contribute 5. 8 percent of pay toward their pensions as soon as the
new law takes efftct and an agreement to adopt the county's health insurance program.
Fitzpatrick also said the contract extension discussion grew out of concern the city could lose $1.5 million in
ftderal transit aid for the Oshkosh Transit System should transit workers lose their collective bargaining rights.
Fitzpatrick said transit staff belong to Local 796, but the other two chapters--796-B represents clerical staff and
796-C represents pro fissional staff-have been included because cuts to transit funding would likely have a
ripple effect on other city operations.
Justice:
Sheboygan Press. Editorial: Keep record-sharing funds in budget
The Office of Justice Assistance first put the system in operation in 2006. Some of the startup money came from
the Department of Homeland Security and other ftderal justice grants. The $2 million he Office of Justice
Assistance is seeking to maintain the system is not a lot of money under normal circumstances, -and every
dollar saved is important when trying to close a $3.6 million gap.
3
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
d'la.dJin.e cfien."'f}
Assistant Director
State of Wisconsin
II5 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707
(6oS) z66-mz
(6oS) z66-79IZ
From: Steve Cornwall mailto.
Monday, March 07, 2011 2:41 PM
Colvin, Alan R - GOV
FW: collective bargaining
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 8:02AM
Subject: collective bargaining
You are a morally bankrupt scum coated idiot.
Woburn. MA 01801
1
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From: Henry, Madeline - GOV
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 3:50 PM
To: 'Fred Henry'; 'David J. Henry'; 'Richard HPnrv
Subject: FW: Disappearing car prank.
d'f.adeli.n.e cften."'J.
Constituent Seryices
Assistant Director
State of Wisconsin
II5 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53704
( 6o8) z66-rzrz
(6o8) z66-79rz
From: Ploessl, Rodney W - DHS
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 3:39 PM
Subject: Disappearing car prank.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE SITE BELOW. THIS IS HILARIOUS. BE CAREFUL IF YOU'RE
AT WORK, THERE'S MUSIC!! :-)
http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/
1
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Henry, Madeline - GOV
Friday, June 10, 2011 3:50 PM
'Madeline Henry'
rfla.delln.e cfien!'i
Assistant Director
State of Wisconsin
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 5370Z
(6o8) z66-IZIZ
(6o8) z66791z
From: Ploessl, Rodney W- DHS
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 3:39PM
Subject: Disappearing car prank
AT WORK, THERE'S MUSIC!! :-)
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Subject:
Ploessl, Rodney W - DHS
Friday, June 10, 2011 3:39 PM
FW: Disappearing car prank.
Subject: Disappearing car prank.
AT WORK, THERE'S MUSIC!!:-)
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Alan Colvin
608-266-1212
alan.colvin@wisconsin.gov
From: Heidi c-.--
Sent: Thursday,
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 3:09 PM
Henry, Madeline- GOV
FW: Federal funds for city busying
Cc: 'MARC STOLT, SENTRY INSURANCE AM'
Subject: Federal funds for city busying
To whom it may concern;
I contacted your office yesterday and spoke to Tristan by phone in response to a local newspaper article which stated
federal funding would be lost due to the removal of collective bargaining under the current budget proposal. He told me
that it would not in fact be impacted b/c some collective bargaining for salaries is still in place (monies were not
guaranteed b/c of federal budget issues but w/current budget bill WI in compliance to receive these monies if
availalbe). In speaking to the Stevens Point Mayor, Andrew Halverson, this morning, who was quoted in the article that
promoted my call, I was told that according to Federal Law the bargaining rights have to be the same as when the monies
were allocated to the state so therefore the monies would very likely be withdrawn. PLEASE clarify this for me.
Thank you,
Heidi Stolt
1

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Downing, Karley - GOV

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