AFSCME Council 24 SEPAC

Two more Walker ex-aides charged - POLITICO.com Print View

2012-01-27T11:19:00.000-06:00

Two former aides to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker were charged Thursday with allegedly doing political fundraising while working on taxpayer time in the Milwaukee County Executive’s office when he ran it. The Milwaukee County district attorney announced Thursday that Kelly Rindfleisch and Darlene Wink, who both worked for Walker, who may face a recall election later this year, when he served as county executive, engaged in campaign fundraising during work hours.

Two more Walker ex-aides charged - POLITICO.com Print View

County touts tentative pact with unions, geared to save $1.9M

2012-01-27T11:18:00.000-06:00

Most Dane County government offices would shut down for three days in 2013 and county workers would see an effective 1.25 percent pay cut for the year in a series of moves designed to save $1.9 million, County Executive Joe Parisi announced Thursday. ….. The pay decreases will help the county avoid losses of staff and service to the public, said Andy Heidt, president of AFSCME Local 1871, which represents white collar workers.

County touts tentative pact with unions, geared to save $1.9M

State pension assets, earnings grew in 2010 | Reuters

2012-01-27T11:15:00.000-06:00

Bucking criticism about their financial performance, state retirement systems' assets grew in 2010, with investment earnings rising for the first time since 2007, the U.S. Census reported on Thursday. The pension funds' cash and investments totaled $2.2 trillion in 2010, up 10.7 percent, or $213.9 billion, from 2009, when their cash and investment holdings fell by $610.8 billion. … The Census found that total pension obligations were $3.2 trillion in 2010, compared with $3.1 trillion in 2009. Benefit payments in 2010 alone rose 6.2 percent to $63.5 billion. ….. In five states, including Wisconsin, where fights over public employee compensation have led to campaigns to recall elected officials and weeks-long demonstrations, they put in half or more of the contributions. The other four states were North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wyoming.

State pension assets, earnings grew in 2010 Reuters

Union Members Summary

2012-01-27T11:13:00.000-06:00

Have you recommitted to joining your peers and maintaining your Union?
https://wseu.wisconsinunionstrong.org

In 2011, the union membership rate--the percent of wage and salary workers who were members of a union--was 11.8 percent, essentially unchanged from 11.9 percent in 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The number of wage and salary workers belonging to unions, at 14.8 million, also showed little movement over the year. In 1983, the first year for which comparable union data are available, the union membership rate was 20.1 percent and there were 17.7 million union workers. ….. Public-sector workers had a union membership rate (37.0 percent) more than five times higher than that of private-sector workers (6.9 percent). …. Within the public sector, local government workers had the highest union membership rate, 43.2 percent.

Union Members Summary

Letter from Sen. Vinehout: Wisconsin Jobs -- Thank our Neighboring States | Pierce County Herald | Ellsworth, Wisconsin

2012-01-26T15:18:00.000-06:00

State employment numbers show 21,000 more Wisconsinites working this December than last December. Only 3,000 of these jobs were created in Wisconsin. The rest of our people had to go out-of-state to find work. The governors of our neighboring states were six times more successful than Governor Walker in creating jobs for Wisconsinites. We should thank them.

Letter from Sen. Vinehout: Wisconsin Jobs -- Thank our Neighboring States Pierce County Herald Ellsworth, Wisconsin

Letter: Voters finally noticing the damage Wisconsin governor and his ilk are doing | MLive.com

2012-01-26T15:16:00.000-06:00

It’s about time. Average folks are finally realizing the damage Scott Walker and his like-minded cronies in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are doing to their everyday lives. A huge number of voters have collected some 600,000 signatures for recall in record time.

Letter: Voters finally noticing the damage Wisconsin governor and his ilk are doing MLive.com

Ex-aides to Wisconsin governor charged with illegal fundraising | Reuters

2012-01-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

(Reuters) - Two former aides to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker during his term as the top elected official in Milwaukee County have been charged with political fundraising on public time, the Milwaukee County district attorney said on Thursday.

Ex-aides to Wisconsin governor charged with illegal fundraising Reuters

Protesters at State of the State

2012-01-26T15:08:00.000-06:00

Chants of “Recall Walker” again filled the Capitol rotunda Wednesday night as the governor delivered his State of the State address.

Protesters at State of the State

Walker says state headed in right direction   « The Daily Reporter

2012-01-26T15:07:00.000-06:00

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker said in his State of the State speech Wednesday that he kept his promises and now Wisconsin is headed in the right direction, even though opponents have mounted a historic effort to toss him from office less than midway through his term.

Walker says state headed in right direction   « The Daily Reporter

Protesters say Scott Walker has made his last State of the State speech

2012-01-26T15:02:00.000-06:00

A couple hundred people gathered at the Capitol Wednesday night for Gov. Scott Walker's State of the State speech. But the last thing they wanted to do was to actually hear it.

Protesters say Scott Walker has made his last State of the State speech

Jobs in focus as defiant Walker delivers State of the State speech

2012-01-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

Facing a recall and speaking over a loud and angry crowd outside the Assembly chamber, an unbowed Gov. Scott Walker delivered a State of the State address Wednesday that touted the successes of a difficult year and promised better days ahead. …. Security was tight Wednesday night as some 200 protesters gathered in the Capitol rotunda during Walker’s remarks. They loudly sang anti-Walker “solidarity” songs before his address. …. Walker announced the formation of a task force to curtail waste, fraud and abuse of government programs.

Jobs in focus as defiant Walker delivers State of the State speech

Unions Make Democracy Work for the Middle Class

2012-01-26T14:57:00.000-06:00

On Friday the Department of Labor will release data on the union status of the American workforce. Unfortunately the data are likely to show a decline in the percentage of workers who are unionized because of the one-two punch of long-term trends—such as the escalation of aggressive employer campaigns against union representation—and political attacks such as Wisconsin’s new law banning public-sector collective bargaining. …. As our research and a number of academic studies find, unions strengthen the middle class and significantly reduce economic inequality. In fact studies indicate that the decline in union density explains as much of today’s record level of inequality as does the increasing economic return of a college education. This issue brief digs deeper into these findings by highlighting the critical role that unions play in making the political system work for the middle class.

Unions Make Democracy Work for the Middle Class

The Associated Press: Labor board chief to push union organizing rules

2012-01-26T14:56:00.000-06:00

The chairman of the National Labor Relations Board plans to push for new rules that would give unions a boost in organizing members, despite an outcry from Republicans and business groups who say the board is going too far. Mark Pearce said he hopes the board will propose the rules soon, now that it has a full component of five members. President Barack Obama bypassed the Senate earlier this month to fill three vacancies. …. Republicans in Congress are vowing to put more pressure on the agency, with at least two House hearings on the NLRB recess appointments planned next month before the education committee and the Judiciary Committee.

The Associated Press: Labor board chief to push union organizing rules

Why Swing State Republican Governors Will Get Obama Re-Elected - US News and World Report

2012-01-26T14:55:00.000-06:00

… Walker is the best known of a class of freshmen GOP governors whose conservative power grab might be Barack Obama's not-so-secret re-election weapon. … The 1 million signatures should send a chill up the back of Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich or whoever the GOP taps to bear its standard. Wisconsin is a key swing state and the progressive movement just flexed some awfully strong organizational muscle there, sparked by Walker's ham-fisted overreach. The recall election, likely to occur in the late spring or early summer, will serve as a perfect progressive dry run for the Obama re-election in the fall. …. And Wisconsin is not an isolated example. The Cook Political Report lists 10 states, with 142 electoral votes, as toss-ups. In that group, with 73 total electoral votes, are four states, including Wisconsin, where first-term Republican governors are foundering in the polls after their excessive policies spurred the kind of grass-roots movements that can be a huge boon to a presidential campaign.

Why Swing State Republican Governors Will Get Obama Re-Elected - US News and World Report

The Badger Herald: Falk highlights lengthy political career in campus visit

2012-01-25T19:29:00.000-06:00

Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who recently unveiled her plans to run against the governor in a possible recall election, addressed students on campus Tuesday about her 30-year tenure in government, highlighting issues likely to be at the forefront of the campaign.

The Badger Herald: Falk highlights lengthy political career in campus visit

Poll shows slightly more voters approve than disapprove of Wisconsin governor ahead of recall - The Washington Post

2012-01-25T19:27:00.000-06:00

MILWAUKEE — Slightly more Wisconsin voters approve than disapprove of the job Republican Gov. Scott Walker is doing as he prepares for an expected recall election, according to a poll released Wednesday.

Poll shows slightly more voters approve than disapprove of Wisconsin governor ahead of recall - The Washington Post

Press Release: New Lisbon Correctional Officer’s sharp eyes save a life

2012-01-25T13:58:00.000-06:00

January 25, 2012
Contact: Bob Allen
608 836-6666

New Lisbon Correctional Officer’s sharp eyes save a life

After working a long overnight shift at the New Lisbon Correctional Institution, Correctional Officer TinaCottingham could be forgiven if she drove right past what looked like nothing more than a pile of trash in the road.

But something about it didn’t look right to Cottingham. She decided to take a closer look. What she found was a disoriented and shivering elderly woman, curled up on the road and desperately trying to cling to warmth in the darkness of a cold January morning.

Once Cottingham saw what was actually in this bundle of black and gray, she ran back to her car and positioned it in the road with its lights shining on the woman to protect her from other traffic. “She easily could have been run over,” Cottingham said.

After calling 9-1-1, Cottingham began tending to the woman, who was freezing on an 18-degree morning. “I had a wool blanket that I wrapped her in. Then I let her lean against me for warmth,” Cottingham said.

Cottingham said a Sheriff’s deputy was soon on the scene, followed by an ambulance within about 10 minutes. But waiting for help to arrive was difficult. “It felt like forever,” she said.

Like any hero, Cottingham downplays her efforts on the morning of Jan. 7. “I would hope that anybody would do what I did,” she said.

But she is troubled when she remembers that at least two other vehicles rolled on by as if nothing was wrong during those first desperate moments when she was alone with the victim.

As of Jan. 23, the victim, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was recovering but still hospitalized. She suffered broken bones in a confused journey that apparently took her over rough terrain before she collapsed in the road about a half mile from her home.

For her efforts, Cottingham, who lives in Mauston, said she received letters ofthanks from the Juneau County Sheriff and warden at New Lisbon.

The lack of more significant recognition from her employer, the state Department of Corrections, troubles Marty Beil, executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. Cottingham is a member of WSEU Local 134.

“We are proud of Tina Cottingham. She risked her own safety to save the life of a citizen in great peril. This is a big deal. But the silence from the Madison bureaucrats is deafening,” Beil said.

“This is typical of the Walker administration, which is eager to devalue and demonize public employees. But they turn a blind eye to a crystal clear example of the kind of bravery and compassion our members bring to serving the public day in and day out,” he said.

END

Judge doubles time GAB has to review recall signatures - JSOnline

2012-01-25T12:38:00.000-06:00

Madison - A Dane County judge on Wednesday doubled the amount of time state election officials could have to review an unprecedented number of recall signatures filed against Gov. Scott Walker and five other Republicans.

Judge doubles time GAB has to review recall signatures - JSOnline

Republicans targeted for recall seek more time to challenge petitions

2012-01-25T10:24:00.000-06:00

Republican recall targets asked a Dane County judge on Tuesday for more time to challenge petitions ahead of a hearing Wednesday morning on the state elections agency's request for more time to certify recall petitions.

Gov. Scott Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, along with GOP Sens. Scott Fitzgerald, Van Wanggaard, Terry Moulton and Pam Galloway, wrote in court filings Tuesday that the 10-day period they are allowed under state law won't be enough time to review the recall petitions and challenge signatures they believe to be invalid.

Republicans targeted for recall seek more time to challenge petitions

Big donors fuel Walker’s record-breaking numbers

2012-01-25T10:09:00.000-06:00

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin's polarizing governor is fighting attempts to recall him with money from out-of-state donors, who helped him bring in more than $12 million since last year.

An Associated Press analysis of campaign finance reports Republican Gov. Scott Walker filed Monday showed 61 percent of the $4.1 million he raised during the five-week reporting period came from out of state. Read more: http://www.journaltimes.com/article_c1030910-46bc-11e1-805c-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1kUGSfmTo

Big donors fuel Walker’s record-breaking numbers

State Rep. Dick Spanbauer cites broken system, 'extremism' on both sides in decision not to seek reelection | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com

2012-01-25T10:08:00.000-06:00

State Rep. Dick Spanbauer, R-Town of Algoma, decided not to seek a third term in the Assembly citing his lack of desire to continue serving in a system he said values political points more than the people of the state.

State Rep. Dick Spanbauer cites broken system, 'extremism' on both sides in decision not to seek reelection The Oshkosh Northwestern thenorthwestern.com

State of the State speech marks end of tumultuous first year for Walker

2012-01-25T09:54:00.000-06:00

The State of the State Speech begins at 7:00pm CST. Check your local TV guide for a viewing channel.

This year, Walker comes into the speech a wounded politician. His poll numbers are low, his signature legislation has divided the state and sparked a recall effort, and his efforts to improve the business climate have not yet turned the tide on job losses.

State of the State speech marks end of tumultuous first year for Walker

Gov. Walker to deliver speech amid recall turmoil

2012-01-25T09:40:00.000-06:00

Gov. Scott Walker was set to deliver his State of the State speech Wednesday night in the face of a massive effort to recall him from office and continued uneasiness about the condition of Wisconsin's economy. …. Walker campaigned in 2010 on the promise that given four years in charge, 250,000 more people would be put to work in the private sector. But after one year on the job the state has added just 13,500 jobs and losses have been reported each of the past six months.

Gov. Walker to deliver speech amid recall turmoil

Wisconsin Governor Fights Recall with Out-of-State Cash

2012-01-25T09:39:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin's polarizing governor is fighting attempts to recall him with money from out-of-state donors, who helped him bring in more than $12 million since last year. An Associated Press analysis of campaign finance reports Republican Gov. Scott Walker filed Monday showed 61 percent of the $4.1 million he raised during the five-week reporting period came from out of state. …. The Democratic Party and United Wisconsin, which worked together on the petition drive, reported raising $480,000 collectively since Dec. 11.

Wisconsin Governor Fights Recall with Out-of-State Cash

Indiana’s Daniels: Opponent of Working People | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

2012-01-25T09:36:00.000-06:00

Indiana’s Gov. Mitch Daniels, who gave the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address last night, represents all too well the sad decline of the national Republican Party. As suggested by the Twitter hashtag #MitchFail, Daniels was an improbably bad choice to represent a party already facing questions about its commitment to the 99 percent.

Indiana’s Daniels: Opponent of Working People AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Trumka: Obama Showed He Hears People Not Heard by 1% | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

2012-01-25T09:35:00.000-06:00

President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address tonight made clear that he hears the people who aren’t being heard by the 1 percent, says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Obama’s speech showed he “listened to the single mom working two jobs to get by, to the out-of-work construction worker, to the retired factory worker, to the student serving coffee to help pay for college.”

Trumka: Obama Showed He Hears People Not Heard by 1% AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Super PAC says it's leveling playing field; unions disagree - CNN.com

2012-01-25T09:33:00.001-06:00

… The labor unions that invested the most in the 2010 elections say they collectively spent $177 million on political activities (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees: $93 million; the Service Employees International Union: $44 million; the National Education Association: $40 million). In the same cycle, the top three Republican outside spending groups spent $147 million on political activities (American Crossroads and GPS: $71 million; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: $50 million; the American Action Network: $26 million). …. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees political director Larry Scanlon said, "Karl Rove has taken advantage of campaign finance loopholes to create a shadowy network of front groups that can raise and spend unlimited, undisclosed funds to promote anti-worker candidates and an issue agenda that attempts to silence the political voice of working people.

Super PAC says it's leveling playing field; unions disagree - CNN.com

Mitch Daniels, the State of the Union address and deficit realities | The Colorado Independent

2012-01-25T09:33:00.000-06:00

… The national public employees union– the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees– has released a video spotlighting Daniels’ years as Bush budget director and his recent decision to try and strip state workers of collective bargaining rights. The video is sure to play well with Democrats enraged at the virulent union busting and budget deficit hypocrisy of contemporary GOP politics.

Mitch Daniels, the State of the Union address and deficit realities The Colorado Independent

AFSCME | AFSCME Calls for Congress to “Stop Their Games and Get to Work”

2012-01-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address: “President Obama has a plan to move our country forward, create jobs and find real solutions. The choices Congress makes in 2012 will determine whether we save the middle class. We can do that by enacting President Obama’s jobs agenda. Or we can focus on misguided policies that do nothing but give more tax breaks to Wall Street financiers.

AFSCME AFSCME Calls for Congress to “Stop Their Games and Get to Work”

Researcher: There are hidden costs to privatization

2012-01-24T12:17:00.000-06:00

The current rush toward privatization of government services requires a reality check, says a former journalist now with a Milwaukee-area research organization. The gains touted don’t always materialize and might do more harm than good for local communities, said Jack Norman, director of policy research and development for the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. Before joining IWF in 2000, he was a business and local news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal and then the Journal-Sentinel. ….. The area League of Women Voters hosted Norman as it begins a local privatization study that mirrors a similar national league effort.

Researcher: There are hidden costs to privatization

Reality Check: Looking Back At Walker's 2011 State Of State Address - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

2012-01-24T12:16:00.000-06:00

The governor did say that he would ask public employees to pay 5 percent to their pension and 12 percent to their health care costs. What he did not say was how he would arrive at that savings by taking away nearly all collective bargaining rights from most public employees.

Reality Check: Looking Back At Walker's 2011 State Of State Address - Politics News Story - WISC Madison

Trumka to Justice Dept.: Investigate Banks | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

2012-01-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka is urging the Justice Department to lead a comprehensive investigation with state Attorneys General to prevent banks from engaging in future unlawful and deceptive practices that could exploit homeowners and put the economy further at risk.

Trumka to Justice Dept.: Investigate Banks AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

AFSCME’s Newtron bomb | Power Line

2012-01-24T12:10:00.000-06:00

Hugh Hewitt draws attention to the astounding news that the AFSCME arm of the AFL-CIO has bought $800,000 worth of television time to run this ad attacking Mitt Romney’s tenure at Bain. (Hugh credits Conn Carroll for the inside dope.) AFSCME’s ad gives voice to some of the same sort of high-minded concerns about Romney’s work at Bain that Newt has voiced. The ad will run throughout the state of Florida through the primary on January 31. AFSCME wants to help Republicans do Democrats the favor of serving up Gingrich to run against President Obama in the fall. …. I can’t think of a single thing that AFSCME supports that people of good judgment shouldn’t oppose, and I seriously doubt that this is an exception.

AFSCME’s Newtron bomb Power Line

Unions to run ads after Gov. Daniels’s State of the Union response - TheHill.com

2012-01-24T12:09:00.000-06:00

A union-backed group will run a television ad critical of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) Tuesday after he responds to President Obama’s State of the Union address.

Unions to run ads after Gov. Daniels’s State of the Union response - TheHill.com

Dems fear union cash drain in Wisconsin - TheHill.com

2012-01-24T12:08:00.000-06:00

Organized labor’s plans to spend heavily to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has sparked angst on the left that the effort will come at the expense of Democrats in other states.

Dems fear union cash drain in Wisconsin - TheHill.com

Wisconsin continues to face state budget challenges - WSAU News/Talk 550AM 99.9FM

2012-01-23T19:40:00.000-06:00

(WSAU) Governor Scott Walker has told Wisconsinites for months that the new state budget is balanced. But his administration secretary recently told federal officials that the state still has a deficit. So who's right? Both are.

Wisconsin continues to face state budget challenges - WSAU News/Talk 550AM 99.9FM

Barrett mum on possible gubernatorial run - JSOnline

2012-01-23T19:38:00.000-06:00

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said Sunday he's been asked to run for governor if the effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker is successful - but Barrett wouldn't answer whether he plans to run.

Barrett mum on possible gubernatorial run - JSOnline

Jim Worth: Governor Walker's Day Has Come

2012-01-23T19:37:00.000-06:00

The State of Wisconsin is recalling it's acerbic Governor.

Jim Worth: Governor Walker's Day Has Come

More charges expected against ex-Walker staffers, sources say - JSOnline

2012-01-23T12:48:00.000-06:00

A new round of criminal charges is coming soon against at least a couple of Gov. Scott Walker's former county staffers for doing extensive campaign activity while on the taxpayers' dime, sources say. The charges - which should be filed by District Attorney John Chisholm's office in the next week or two - will be part of the long-running John Doe investigation of Walker's aides and associates during his tenure as Milwaukee County executive.

More charges expected against ex-Walker staffers, sources say - JSOnline

Watertown Daily Times | Wisconsin recall

2012-01-23T12:45:00.000-06:00

Some Wisconsin citizens are serious about recalling their governor, Republican Scott Walker. The governor’s opponents say they have gathered far more than the 540,028 signatures needed to force an election against both Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, also a Republican. …. Democrats opposing Mr. Walker have not named anyone to run against the governor in a special election. Yet his detractors say that was part of the plan. “It forced Walker and his minions to run on their record and issues rather than to run against an announced Democratic candidate,” said Marty Beil of the Wisconsin State Employees Union.

Watertown Daily Times Wisconsin recall

Lockouts, Once Rare, Put Workers on the Defensive - NYTimes.com

2012-01-23T12:42:00.000-06:00

America’s unionized workers, buffeted by layoffs and stagnating wages, face another phenomenon that is increasingly throwing them on the defensive: lockouts. …. The number of strikes has declined to just one-sixth the annual level of two decades ago. … Lockouts, on the other hand, have grown to represent a record percentage of the nation’s work stoppages, according to Bloomberg BNA, a Bloomberg subsidiary that provides information to lawyers and labor relations experts. Last year, at least 17 employers imposed lockouts, telling their workers not to show up until they were willing to accept management’s contract offer.

Lockouts, Once Rare, Put Workers on the Defensive - NYTimes.com

Groups Lobbying for a Shoutout in the SOTU : Roll Call Lobbying & Influence

2012-01-23T12:39:00.000-06:00

The White House has been reaching out to unions, interest groups and other downtown stakeholders for the past few weeks, soliciting data points and political feedback as it puts the finishing touches on Tuesday’s State of the Union address. …… The State of the Union will help set the debate in Congress this year and has far-reaching political ramifications for the upcoming elections. “We’ve had a number of meetings with various White House officials over the course of the last couple weeks,” said Chuck Loveless, director of legislation for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “They wanted to hear what we have to say.” …. Loveless said his union would like to see Obama build on the “income inequality” theme of a major speech he gave in December in Osawatomie, Kan. “He framed an economic populist message,” Loveless said. “We would like to see the president renew and build upon key provisions of the American Jobs Act.”

Groups Lobbying for a Shoutout in the SOTU : Roll Call Lobbying & Influence

Finally, An Honest Voice Enters the GOP Race: AFSCME | The Nation

2012-01-23T12:35:00.000-06:00

AFSCME, which has been a key player in the struggle to defend state and local workers against the anti-union juggernaut launched by newly elected Republican governors and legislators, has long been at odds with Newt Gingrich. When the former House Speaker decided that the fundamental challenge facing the American economic system was the persistence of child-labor laws, AFSCME pushed back with a muscular campaign that asked: “Really, Newt?”

Finally, An Honest Voice Enters the GOP Race: AFSCME The Nation

Union Goes Up With Anti-Romney Ad in Florida - NYTimes.com

2012-01-23T12:34:00.000-06:00

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the giant public employees’ union, will begin airing a 30-second video ad in Florida on Saturday attacking Mitt Romney for making what it said was a $473,000 profit from his firm’s investments in a medical company that admitted engaging in Medicare fraud. …. Larry Scanlon, the union’s political director, said this was the first time that his union, which overwhelmingly backs Democrats, was running an ad in a Republican primary fight. He said the union was spending nearly $1 million to run the ad on broadcast and cable television as well as the Internet. “We have a great interest in who the next president of the United States is,” Mr. Scanlon said in an interview.

Union Goes Up With Anti-Romney Ad in Florida - NYTimes.com

Wisconsin High Court Judge Won’t Step Back From Union Case - Businessweek

2012-01-23T12:11:00.000-06:00

(Bloomberg) -- Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael J. Gableman rejected a state prosecutor’s request he recuse himself from a lawsuit challenging legislation that curbed public employees’ collective bargaining rights.

Wisconsin High Court Judge Won’t Step Back From Union Case - Businessweek

Is the union movement making a comeback? - CNN.com

2012-01-23T12:08:00.000-06:00

(CNN) -- In a stunning achievement for unionists and Democrats, critics of the Wisconsin governor Scott Walker marshaled over a million signatures for a petition that has made it possible for Walker to lose his office in a recall election this spring. If so, that would be the first successful gubernatorial recall in Wisconsin history and only the third in that of the United States.

Is the union movement making a comeback? - CNN.com

Biz Beat: Proposal would let new UW staff opt out of state retirement system

2012-01-21T17:39:00.000-06:00

New hires at the University of Wisconsin could opt out of the state retirement system under a proposal being floated in the Assembly, though it's not clear that they would want to.

The measure would allow the UW System to let covered employees select a defined-contribution plan — like a 401(k) — rather than participating in the state pension system.

Biz Beat: Proposal would let new UW staff opt out of state retirement system

WisPolitics DC Wrap: DCCC chairman expects three Wis. challengers to be among top pick-up opportunities

2012-01-21T17:37:00.000-06:00

Democratic Campaign Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Israel said Friday that Green Bay business consultant Jamie Wall is "now considered one of the most competitive candidates in the country" by the group, and that he expects two more Dem challengers in Wisconsin to join him on that list later this year.

WisPolitics DC Wrap: DCCC chairman expects three Wis. challengers to be among top pick-up opportunities

WisPolitics.com: Gableman refuses requests to recuse himself from three cases

2012-01-21T17:36:00.000-06:00

Justice Michael Gableman today rejected motions seeking to force him off three cases before the state Supreme Court, writing they were "neither justified nor warranted."

WisPolitics.com: Gableman refuses requests to recuse himself from three cases

ACLU Raises Concern About Petition Verification Process - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

2012-01-21T17:35:00.000-06:00

MILWAUKEE -- The American Civil Liberties Union is raising a concern with the ongoing recall petition verification process in Madison, saying that it could potentially jeopardize domestic violence and stalking victims.Read more: http://www.wisn.com/politics/30255347/detail.html#ixzz1k8gXIOzN

ACLU Raises Concern About Petition Verification Process - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

WisPolitics.com: GAB: Recall petition update 2

2012-01-20T23:54:00.000-06:00

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Justice today filed a motion in Dane County Circuit Court seeking an extension of the time the Government Accountability Board has to review the petitions.

WisPolitics.com: GAB: Recall petition update 2

Kleefisch speaks to supporters in county - Watertown Daily Times Online : News: rebecca kleefisch,

2012-01-20T23:51:00.000-06:00

Held at Hi-Way Harry’s restaurant and lounge on Interstate 94, the event was kept hush-hush in terms of pre-publicity by organizers from Scott Walker’s Jefferson County supporters, their concern being the event could be spoiled by protesters during this turbulent political time in state history.

Kleefisch speaks to supporters in county - Watertown Daily Times Online : News: rebecca kleefisch,

Gundlach to head central labor council

2012-01-20T23:39:00.000-06:00

Kevin Gundlach has been elected president of the South Central Federation of Labor, 1602 S. Park St.

Gundlach to head central labor council

Machinists end 2-month-old strike at Manitowoc Co. - JSOnline

2012-01-20T15:20:00.000-06:00

The 2-month-old strike at Manitowoc Co. has ended with machinists voting to accept a four-year contract that allows them to drop out of the union but still get the same pay and benefits.

Machinists end 2-month-old strike at Manitowoc Co. - JSOnline

Accountability Board seeks more time to review recall signatures - JSOnline

2012-01-20T15:01:00.000-06:00

The state Government Accountability Board plans to go to court next week to ask for more time to review the 1.9 million signatures turned in this week in the recall attempts against Gov. Scott Walker and other public officials.

Accountability Board seeks more time to review recall signatures - JSOnline

4 GOP senators have $734k for recall - Wanggaard has $112,000

2012-01-20T14:59:00.000-06:00

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The four Republican Wisconsin state senators targeted for recall said Thursday that collectively they have about $734,000 in the bank to fight efforts to remove them from office.

4 GOP senators have $734k for recall - Wanggaard has $112,000

Many Tossing Hats In Walker Recall Ring | Ashland Current

2012-01-20T14:58:00.000-06:00

A day after organizers turned in more than a million signatures in an effort to recall Governor Scott Walker, the move sets up a likely Democratic primary.

Many Tossing Hats In Walker Recall Ring Ashland Current

Unions & Wisonsin’s recall—Christian Schneider - NYPOST.com

2012-01-19T10:49:00.000-06:00

Opponents of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker have now succeeded in collecting over 1 million signatures for mounting a recall election, which now appears certain to take place later this year. Will the enemies of reform succeed in removing him? They’ll have plenty of outside money for that cause. The state is the focus of the national battle to rein in the power of public-employee unions. And Wisconsin is a must-win swing-state for President Obama this fall, so Democrats want to start rolling back the wave that put Walker, a Republican, in office.

Unions & Wisonsin’s recall—Christian Schneider - NYPOST.com

WUWM: News - Expert: Unions Influential Despite Collective Bargaining Changes

2012-01-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin’s largest public employee union has begun vetting potential candidates for governor. An executive of AFSCME – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says it hopes to endorse someone by mid-March. The state may know by then whether Republican Governor Scott Walker will face a recall election.

WUWM: News - Expert: Unions Influential Despite Collective Bargaining Changes

Public employee union interviews five Dems for Walker recall - JSOnline

2012-01-19T10:45:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin's largest public employee union recently sat down individually with three Democrats - and interviewed two more by phone - in its quest to back a candidate to challenge Gov. Scott Walker in a potential recall race. Meeting face to face with officials from Wisconsin's three district councils of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees were former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, former two-term U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen of Appleton and state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout of Alma. Richard Abelson, executive director of AFSCME's Council 48 in Milwaukee, said the labor group also conducted endorsement interviews by phone with two more Democrats: Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha and state Sen. Tim Cullen of Janesville. … Other union officials and insiders have repeatedly said Falk is the front-runner to win AFSCME's backing.

Public employee union interviews five Dems for Walker recall - JSOnline

Obama Fights Back Against Koch Brothers in New Ad - NYTimes.com

2012-01-19T10:43:00.000-06:00

Facing attacks on his character from some particularly aggressive and well-financed opponents, President Obama will begin running the first broadcast television ad of his presidential re-election campaign on Thursday.…… Without mentioning them by name, it takes on Charles and David Koch, the wealthy conservative businessmen who have opposed Mr. Obama through the political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity.

Obama Fights Back Against Koch Brothers in New Ad - NYTimes.com

AFL-CIO chief Trumka rejects White House jobs council report - TheHill.com

2012-01-19T10:42:00.000-06:00

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Wednesday offered a stinging rebuke of the the White House jobs council’s latest report.

AFL-CIO chief Trumka rejects White House jobs council report - TheHill.com

1 Shareholder Takes On 21 Big Targets (JPM)

2012-01-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees' AFL-CIO Employees Pension Plan is filing shareholder proposals at 21 major companies.

1 Shareholder Takes On 21 Big Targets (JPM)

Polling favors Barrett; union leader dismisses candidacy - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

2012-01-18T23:37:00.000-06:00

New public opinion polling shows Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett as the favorite if a primary election is held in the recall election of Governor Scott Walker. But AFSCME Council 24 president Marty Beil dismissed Barrett's potential candidacy. "Tom Barrett's a non-starter." Beil cited Barrett's adoption of elements of Walker's public union collective bargaining limits and give-backs in Barrett's agreements with city of Milwaukee workers.

Polling favors Barrett; union leader dismisses candidacy - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports

Daily Kos: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stuck hearing that 'Dr. King would have been on the side of workers'

2012-01-18T23:36:00.000-06:00

"We know that Dr. King would have been on the side of workers struggling to receive a fair wage and decent working conditions. We know this ... we know this ... we know this ..."

Daily Kos: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stuck hearing that 'Dr. King would have been on the side of workers'

Public unions: What's the big deal? - latimes.com

2012-01-18T23:32:00.000-06:00

…. Lately, critics of public sector unions are fond of alleging that Kennedy's extension of union rights to government was a mistake. They claim that collective bargaining by government is responsible for today's budget deficits; that public sector unions, in league with allies in the Democratic Party, are lining the pockets of their members at taxpayers' expense. The facts don't support these allegations. There is little correlation between states that have public sector collective bargaining and states with large deficits. …. Reviewing the history of the last 50 years gives the lie to those who have persistently argued that public sector collective bargaining inevitably corrupts the political system. No such debasement has occurred. Rather than serving as an instrument of plunder, public sector collective bargaining has proved to be a bulwark of an important sector of the American middle class.

Public unions: What's the big deal? - latimes.com

Webcam set up for Walker recall signature review

2012-01-18T23:12:00.000-06:00

The Government Accountability Board is live streaming the review process via a webcam. A single camera is focused on employees reviewing and scanning documents.

Webcam set up for Walker recall signature review

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he wants recall election soon | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

2012-01-18T22:51:00.000-06:00

MADISON — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he believes petition circulators have enough valid signatures to force a recall election against him, and he wants it to happen sooner rather than later.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he wants recall election soon Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

WisPolitics.com: Falk Campaign: Kathleen Falk will run for governor

2012-01-18T22:44:00.000-06:00

“One million Wisconsinites signed recall petitions in an unprecedented and inspiring show of solidarity and determination: things are not working here and we must, we can, and we will do better,” Falk wrote.

WisPolitics.com: Falk Campaign: Kathleen Falk will run for governor

Channel3000.com - Survey Popup

2012-01-17T22:37:00.000-06:00

Do You Support Recalling Scott Walker? Please Vote!

Channel3000.com - Survey Popup

Democrats to file 1 million signatures for Walker recall - JSOnline

2012-01-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

Madison - Democrats and organizers will file petitions with more than a million signatures Tuesday afternoon as they seek to force a recall election against Gov. Scott Walker, a massive number that seems to cement a historic recall election against him for later this year.

Democrats to file 1 million signatures for Walker recall - JSOnline

Governor gets boos, cheers at MLK event (SLIDESHOW)

2012-01-17T11:02:00.000-06:00

Professor Sherrilyn Ifill, University of Maryland School of Law, is the keynote speaker at the ceremony remembering the slain civil rights leader. “We know that Dr. King would have been on the side of workers struggling to receive a fair wage and decent working conditions.”

Governor gets boos, cheers at MLK event (SLIDESHOW)

Elections officials to ask judge to schedule all recalls on the same day - JSOnline

2012-01-17T11:01:00.000-06:00

Madison - As Democrats plan to submit more than a million signatures Tuesday to recall Gov. Scott Walker and five other Republicans, state election officials are preparing to go to court this week to try to ensure any elections are scheduled on the same day.

Elections officials to ask judge to schedule all recalls on the same day - JSOnline

Dems still searching for Walker opponent « The Daily Reporter

2012-01-17T10:58:00.000-06:00

Recall organizers say they have gathered far more than the 540,208 signatures required to force the election against both Walker and GOP Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, and submitted their petitions Tuesday.

Dems still searching for Walker opponent « The Daily Reporter

Next phases of recall process likely to be more difficult

2012-01-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

The Democratic Party said it will deliver more than 3,000 pounds of petitions to GAB at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The agency officially has 31 days to sign off on the signatures.

Next phases of recall process likely to be more difficult

WisPolitics.com: Wisconsin AFL-CIO: Machinists members overwhelmingly reject contract proposal

2012-01-15T17:06:00.000-06:00

(Manitowoc, WI) - International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 516 members at Manitowoc Cranes have overwhelmingly rejected a contract proposal that contained many union-busting provisions.

WisPolitics.com: Wisconsin AFL-CIO: Machinists members overwhelmingly reject contract proposal

Signature drive to recall Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, other Republicans, wraps up | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com

2012-01-15T17:05:00.000-06:00

Saturday was the last day for collecting signatures. The forms must be turned in to the Government Accountability Board on Tuesday. And while no totals have been given out, it seems clear they have all collected enough. Recall organizers have even planned a big media event for that day, complete with a party for volunteers.

Signature drive to recall Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, other Republicans, wraps up The Oshkosh Northwestern thenorthwestern.com

Deputies join unions' suit over benefits | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazette.com

2012-01-15T17:03:00.000-06:00

The Brown County sheriff's deputies union has joined a lawsuit by Green Bay police and firefighter unions against the city of Green Bay, and Brown County soon will be added as a defendant, a lawyer says.

Deputies join unions' suit over benefits Green Bay Press Gazette greenbaypressgazette.com

Wisconsin's Senate race on US radar | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com

2012-01-15T17:01:00.000-06:00

Now, the race for Wisconsin's open Senate seat is very much on the national radar. And in modern-day campaign politics that means Wisconsinites can expect to see a lot of energy and money devoted to the race from groups and individuals outside the Badger State.

Wisconsin's Senate race on US radar Appleton Post Crescent postcrescent.com

Redistricting problem means thousands are listed in wrong district - JSOnline

2012-01-15T17:00:00.000-06:00

Madison - State election officials said in a memo Friday that they could not entirely follow a new law that sets legislative boundaries - meaning that some voters are not actually in the districts where lawmakers intended them to be.

Redistricting problem means thousands are listed in wrong district - JSOnline

Former supporter challenges Fitzgerald to debate; Senate Majority Leader recall may be reality | Dane101

2012-01-13T15:16:00.000-06:00

An independent group seeking to recall Wisconsin State Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-13) announced this morning they had enough signatures to trigger a recall. Although they wouldn't say how many signatures had been gathered We Are Wisconsin Executive Director Kristen Crowell suggested in her comments that Wisconsinites would be "surprised" when the signatures are submitted to the Government Accountability Board on Tuesday.

Former supporter challenges Fitzgerald to debate; Senate Majority Leader recall may be reality Dane101

Wisconsin governor determined to survive recall threat - HUMAN EVENTS

2012-01-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

MADISON, Wisc. -- Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker told HUMAN EVENTS that an election to recall him is looming “because I made promises of reform and have kept them” and that any special election to determine his fate as chief executive of Wisconsin will be about the “future and not the past.”

Wisconsin governor determined to survive recall threat - HUMAN EVENTS

Editorial: Public sector unions -- why won't Walker finish the job?

2012-01-13T14:01:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told Newsmax he’s not afraid of “the national big government union bosses.”

Oh yeah? What about union bosses who represent police and firefighters?

Walker made national news last year with a controversial proposal that ended collective bargaining for most unionized government employees. Note the word “most.” The bill, Act 10, exempted police and firefighters from the change.

Editorial: Public sector unions -- why won't Walker finish the job?

Biz Beat: State pension checks to fall at least 4 percent

2012-01-13T13:57:00.000-06:00

Retired public employees in the Wisconsin Retirement System will get smaller checks when the new payouts begin on May 1. Preliminary estimates from the Department of Employee Trust Funds shows that participants in the "Core Fund" will see a 4 to 4.5 percent reduction in their monthly payout through April 2013.

Biz Beat: State pension checks to fall at least 4 percent

Transit union settles; deal includes pension payments, pay freeze - Beloit Daily News: News: beloit, transit union, will o'brien, settlement, willowbrook road

2012-01-13T13:56:00.000-06:00

The contract covers 2012 and 2013 and calls for a full payment of the employees' share of the WRS contribution rate as determined by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. It also increases deductible, maximum out-of-pocket costs, and prescription drug co-pays. And finally, the contract calls for a two-year wage freeze followed by a salary increase of 2.5 percent effective Dec. 16, 2013.

Transit union settles; deal includes pension payments, pay freeze - Beloit Daily News: News: beloit, transit union, will o'brien, settlement, willowbrook road

GOP Anti-Labor Zealotry | The Nation

2012-01-13T13:45:00.000-06:00

Why is unionbashing so central to today’s Republican Party?

GOP Anti-Labor Zealotry The Nation

Lee A. Saunders: Killing Pensions to Benefit the 1 Percent

2012-01-13T13:43:00.000-06:00

The typical AFSCME member -- men and women who plow our streets, care for the sick, protect our children, clean our buildings and keep our communities safe -- receives a pension of approximately $19,000 a year after a career of public service. The employees have earned and paid for these pensions. Employee contribution rates commonly amount to 3 percent to 10 percent of their paychecks. These contributions, combined with investment earnings, usually account for 75 percent or more of all pension benefit funding.

Lee A. Saunders: Killing Pensions to Benefit the 1 Percent

Democratic legislator seeks Gableman's ouster - JSOnline

2012-01-13T13:27:00.000-06:00

Madison - A Democratic legislator circulated a resolution Wednesday to remove state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman from office because he ruled on cases involving a law firm that provided him legal services without charging him for them.

Democratic legislator seeks Gableman's ouster - JSOnline

Marathon County Democratic Party chairman steps up to challenge Galloway | Wausau Daily Herald | wausaudailyherald.com

2012-01-13T13:25:00.000-06:00

Johnson, a retired probation and parole agent and former member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said changes in state law approved in 2011 to limit public employees' collective bargaining powers is a big part of why he is running for office. But he also cited a "total breakdown of the legislative process" and said legislators should be forced to explain and defend, if necessary, the bills they sponsor or support.

Marathon County Democratic Party chairman steps up to challenge Galloway Wausau Daily Herald wausaudailyherald.com

Scott Fitzgerald says recall petition deadline is today

2012-01-13T13:24:00.000-06:00

MADISON - Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald filed a complaint Thursday challenging the end date for collecting recall signatures.

Scott Fitzgerald says recall petition deadline is today

Walker, Texas (Money) Ranger: Can Lone-Star Cash Save Anti-Labor Governor? | The Nation

2012-01-13T13:21:00.000-06:00

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is scared, so scared that he is calling in a posse of Texas billionaires to try and save his political skin.

Walker, Texas (Money) Ranger: Can Lone-Star Cash Save Anti-Labor Governor? The Nation

Accountability board to create recall petition database, request more time - JSOnline

2012-01-13T13:15:00.000-06:00

Madison - State elections officials plan to enter the names of all those who sign recall petitions into a new database - a policy that will add to taxpayer costs and delay until summer when any recall elections would be held.

Accountability board to create recall petition database, request more time - JSOnline

Government workers file record number of retirement applications - JSOnline

2012-01-13T12:58:00.000-06:00

The state pension fund received nearly 18,800 retirement applications last year from employees of state agencies, school districts and local governments. That compares to an average of about 10,500 in each of the previous seven years.

Government workers file record number of retirement applications - JSOnline

POLL: Do you approve of the job Gov. Walker is doing?#pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768#pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768#pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768#pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768%23pd_a_4647768

2012-01-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

POLL: Do you approve of the job Gov. Walker is doing?

Government Accountability Board wants all recalls on same date

2012-01-12T18:44:00.000-06:00

The Wisconsin board that oversees elections hopes to hold any recalls that qualify for the ballot on the same date.

Government Accountability Board wants all recalls on same date

GAB: Signature Review For Walker Recall Will Take Longer Than Planned - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

2012-01-12T18:43:00.000-06:00

The review of signatures submitted on petitions seeking a recall election of Gov. Scott Walker will take longer than the 60 days originally planned.

GAB: Signature Review For Walker Recall Will Take Longer Than Planned - Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee

Sen. Grothman introduces bill to eliminate campaign donation disclosure rule | Dane101

2012-01-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Allegations that Gov. Scott Walker improperly reported campaign contributions over 1,000 times since 2009 have come back into the spotlight with the introduction of SB 292, legislation that would eliminate the current requirement that anyone donating more than $100 a year to a political campaign disclose the name of their employer.

Sen. Grothman introduces bill to eliminate campaign donation disclosure rule Dane101

Political Battle Brewing Over New Voter ID Laws : NPR

2012-01-12T15:20:00.000-06:00

As the presidential campaign kicks into high gear, a fight is brewing over stricter voting laws that could affect turnout and influence general election results in battleground states.

Political Battle Brewing Over New Voter ID Laws : NPR

Op-Ed: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker doesn't like it both ways

2012-01-12T15:18:00.000-06:00

Scott Walker doesn’t like it when Democrats get out-of-state money to campaign, but when he $2.4 million from out-of-state sources it is okay, because he needs to do it to fight the evil unions that want him recalled.

Op-Ed: Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker doesn't like it both ways

AFSCME Launches 'Political Match Game', Highlighting Anti-Worker Positions of GOP Presidential Candidates | Crooks and Liars

2012-01-12T11:50:00.000-06:00

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union launched a fun interactive game Monday test people's knowledge of the anti-worker sentiments of the top Republican presidential contenders. The game is a great use of low-level technology to make a clear point about the candidates. Using only YouTube clips with embedded links, they achieved a technological feat that in the past would've required much higher level tech skills and programming. This is a tool that has a lot of potential use for campaigns and interest groups in the future.

AFSCME Launches 'Political Match Game', Highlighting Anti-Worker Positions of GOP Presidential Candidates Crooks and Liars