Professional Documents
Culture Documents
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
WI Dept. of Military Affairs
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 4:07 PM
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
DMA/GuardWatch
The DMA/GuardWatch is a compilation of current news articles designed to keep you informed of open source articles that may be of interest to the
Wisconsin National Guard, Dept. of Military Affairs and/or Division of Emergency Management. This product is for your use and information. The
stories and opinions expressed are solely those of the publications and their writers and in no way express any official view/endorsement of the
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DMA Watch April12, 2011
Soccer: Crowley named state's top coach
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune:
[SFC] Derek Crowley is one of the best whim it comes to coaching youth soccer. The 36-year old Wisconsin Rapids man, who has
coached Rapids Kickers youth teams from the recreation to the competitive level for the past nine years, was named the Wisconsin
Youth Soccer Association girls coach of the year during a ceremony on March 19 at Legends at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Click for
full storv:
***
National Guard available for state emergencies
WXOW19
The Wisconsin National Guard will remain available to respond to declared state emergencies, regardless if a federal government
shutdown occurs at midnight tonight (April 8). While the National Guard is federally funded, state funds are used when the National
Guard is called to state duty for declared emergencies. Click for full storv:
***
Tornado and severe weather awareness week in Wisconsin
WCNN 1380
Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed April11 - 15, 2011, as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The
campaign is to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, fiooding and hail and to encourage citizens to
take protective safety measures. Last year, 46 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed were reported, injuring 22 people and causing
$30 million in property and crop damage. Click for full storv:
Ten tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin
WHBY
The National Weather Service says at least 10 tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin on Sunday, and that's one of the largest one-day
outbreaks in state history. While crews could document more tornadoes in the next few days, the 10 twisters already tied the single-day
record for April. Seven were recorded in the National Weather Service's Green Bay region, and that matches the overall record for
northeast and central Wisconsin. Lori Getter is a spokeswoman for the state emergency management department, and she says Merrill
was the hardest hit area. She says several hundred homes across Wisconsin suffered at least some damage. The one-day record for
tornadoes was set in May of 1988, when 24 touched down across the state. Sunday's tornadoes in Kaukauna and near Lake Poygan
registered as EF-1s. The twister that hit Merrill is considered at least an EF-2.
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21
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 5:30 PM
cullen.werwie@wi.gov
Subject: FW: reform
Attachments: 2.14.11 cost of public benefits.doc; 2.21.11 Collective bargaining.doc; 2.22.11 Collective
bargaining2.doc; 3.7.11 Collective bargaining3.doc; 3.7.11 Credit Rating.doc; 3.8,11
Collective bargaining4.doc; 3.8.11 StrangeButTrue.doc; 3.8.11Savingstoworkers.doc;
2.23.11Savings.doc
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 12:27 PM
To: Grimm, Tyler
Subject: RE: reform
Here's some of the stuff we put out on collective bargaining.
More importantly it allows us to balance our budget now and in the future and give local governments the tools to deal
with necessary reductions in aid (see savings release). And it improves government services and save jobs.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Grimm, Tyler
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 12:12 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: reform
Chris- when you get a second, can you send me the best/most comprehensive piece of literature you guys have about
the reform you enacted? I feel pretty comfortable with the details, but just want to make sure I have the whole story
straight before I brief staff/members tomorrow morning.
Thanks.
Tyler Grimm
Professional Staff
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
......... Chairman
18
19
February 14, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
Madison-In an effort to raise awareness about the cost of public sector employee benefits
today Governor Walker's office released the following fact sheet.
In 2001 taxpayers contributed $423 million dollars to state employee health insurance
premiums, while in 2011 taxpayers contributed more than $1 billion dollars. In 2011, state
employees paid $64 million toward their health insurance, or about 5.6% of the total cost.
(ETF Health Care Analysis}
From 2001 to 2010 taxpayers spent more than $8 billion dollars on state employee health
care coverage-over the same period of time state employees contributed about $398
million. (ETF Health Care Analysis}
Public employers contributed almost $1.37 billion to the state's pension fund in 2009, while
employees contributed about $8 million, or about 0.6%. (LFB paper 84 Wisconsin
Retirement System, Table 28}
From 2000 to 2009 taxpayers spent about $12.6 billion on public employee pensions, during
the same period public employees contributed $55.4 million. (LFB paper 84 Wisconsin
Retirement System, Table 28}
When looking at state operations, state employees account for about 60% of taxpayer
cost-77% of state operations for the UW are employees, 70% for corrections, 63% for
health services. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11}
Wisconsin taxpayers currently make nearly a 100% payment for the employee portion of
the public sector pension contribution. Illinois and Indiana taxpayers contribute the entire
employee portion as well, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio pay 0% ofthe employee
contribution. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11}
Public employees in Wisconsin are vested in the retirement system immediately, while in
Illinois it takes 8 years, 10 years in Indiana, 4 years in Iowa, 10 years in Michigan, 3 years in
Minnesota, and 5 years in Ohio. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11}
Survey data finds that private employer HMO plans in Wisconsin typically require a co-pay
of $18 per office visit, $45 per specialist visit, $75 per emergency room visit, or $175 in-
patient treatment. The average health insurance premium for these plans averaged $108
per month for single coverage and $261 for family. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11}
Taxpayers spent $733 million of general purpose revenue on fringe benefits for state
employees in fiscal year 2010. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11}
Fringe benefits made up 25.6% of school district expenditures in 2008-09. (State Budget
Office Memo 2-9-11}
Along with the release of this information Governor Walker's spokesman, Cullen Werwie,
released the following statement:
Wisconsin is in a fiscal crisis because past budgets, which were supported by members of both
political parties, used one time sources of revenue for ongoing operating expenditures and did
little to address the long-term financial challenges facing our state.
Both democrats and republicans know that state workers do great work. But unfortunately
many private sector workers who are also hard working, good people either lost their job, took a
pay cut, or saw their benefit package reduced as a result of the recent economic downturn.
Governor Walker's budget repair bill strikes a fair balance-asking public employees to make a
modest 5.8% pension contribution, which is about the national average, and 12.6% health
insurance contribution, which is about half the national average.
Governor Walker is going to engage in an honest discussion about the cost of our government.
He will continue to offer long-term budget reforms that fix Wisconsin's current fiscal disaster,
which will ensure sustainable delivery of the core services taxpayers demand.
###
February 22, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue Part 3
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released more specific examples to show
how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government.
Example #1- The $150,000 Bus Driver
In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who eamed
$159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining
agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per
yearin 2009.
"That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chaitman Gary
Poulson.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 217110
Example #2 - $800,000 for "Free" Viagra
Milwaukee Public Schools attempted to drop from its health insurance plan coverage of
Viagra, saving $786,000 per year, enough to pay up to a dozen teachers. The teachers
union sued the district to regain coverage.
Source: ABC News, 8/12/10
Example #3 -A Year's Worth of Pay for30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches
can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year
period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care
payouts.
Source: WLUK-TV. 3/3/11
Example #4- $150,000 Correctional Officers
Conectional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice !mown as
"sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay,
and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime.
This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only
working 8 hours.
In pmi because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in
2009, despite emning base wages ofless than $60,000 per year. The officers received an
average of$66,000 in ove1iime pay for an average annual salary of more than $123,000
with the highest paid receiving $151,181.
Source: Department of Corrections
Example #5- 'Outstanding First Year Teacher' Laid Off
Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after
being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English
Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs
to be made based on seniority rather than merit.
Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have
required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of
course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14110
Example #6- Taxpayers Pay $68 Million for Union Health Insurance Monopoly
An updated review of a 2005 WPRI study concluded that school districts could save $68
million by switching from their expensive WEA Trust insurance plans to the state health
insurance plan. Switching to a competitively priced private sector plan would save more
money still. Collective bargaining agreements effectively give the teachers union a veto
over any effmi to change providers, however. As a result, WEA Trust insures about two-
thirds of Wisconsin's school districts.
Source: WPRI, WASB, ETF, DPI, WEA Trust
Example #7- Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher
A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing
pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in
tenninating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at
great cost to the taxpayers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08
Example #8- Taxpayers Pay 800 Government Employees to Conduct Union
Business
In 2010, the state allowed paid time off for 805 employees to conduct union business.
Total cost to the taxpayers was $433,333.
Source: Office of State Employment Relations
Example #9- Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program
As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county imnates to cut tbe grass in
medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a
grievance indicating it was the right of govermnent workers to cut the grass, even though
it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more.
Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12110
Example #10- $6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager
Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers
during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective
bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay each
week, whether tbey are paged or not.
For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can cost
more than $6,000 in additional compensation.
Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24
Example #11 -No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed
A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer fiom
serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and
serves everyday free of charge.
Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up
in the morning to come and help these kids in tbe neighborhood."
But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't tbat simple.
Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is needed,
then one should be officially hired by tbe city.
Source: WAOW-TV, 1/27/10
Previously the Governors office released these examples of the fiscal impact of
collective bargaining:
Paid-Time off for Union Activities
In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off,
fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the
fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent
over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities
such as collective bargaining.
Surrender of Management Rights
Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts
that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers
based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to
scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours
based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work
week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot
explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers money.
###
February 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released specific examples to show how
collective bargaining fiscally impacts government.
Example #1 WEA Trust
Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively
bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run
health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members
participating in this plan. If school districts enrolfed in the state employee health plan, it
would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts
had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the
state plan, additional savings would likely be realized.
Example #2 Viagra for Teachers
The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established
by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for
Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year.
Reference: http:l/abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers-
union-sues-discrimination/story?id=l1378595
Example #3 Unrealistic Overtime Provisions
On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in
sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision
that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to
taxpayers $4.8 million.
Reference: Attached department of corrections memo
Along with these specific examples illustrating why collective bargaining is a fiscal issue
Governor Walker's spokesman, Cullen Werwie, released the following statement:
Collective bargaining has a fiscal impact at all levels of government.
Two years ago Senate Democrats rammed through a billion dollar tax increase in 24
hours without a public hearing. Now it is reported they are hiding out at a Best Western
in !1/inois. While they are vacationing the taxpayers who are paying their salaries are
hard at work producing materials and providing services all while trying to make enough
money to pay their families' bills.
Instead of stimulating the hospitality sector of Illinois' economy, Senate Democrats
should come back to the Madison, debate the bill, cast their vote, and help get
Wisconsin's economy back on track.
###
March 7, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Collective Bargaining is a Fiscal Issue Part 3
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released more specific examples to show
how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective
bargaining can improve government.
No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed
A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from
serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and
serves everyday free of charge.
Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up
in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood."
But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple.
Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is
needed, then one should be officially hired by the city.
Source: WAOW-TV 1/27/10
$6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager
Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers
during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective
bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay
each week, whether they are paged or not.
For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can
cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation.
Source: 20Q8-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24
Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher
A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing
pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in
terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at
great cost to the taxpayers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08
'Outstanding First Year Teacher' laid Off
Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after
being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English
Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs
to be made based on seniority rather than merit.
Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have
required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of
course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other
teachers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10
Union Opposes Cost-Saving lawn Mowing Program
As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in
medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a
grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even
though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more.
Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10
A Year's Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teachers
can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year
period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care
payouts.
Source: WLUK-TV. 3/3/11
The $150,000 Bus Driver
In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned
$159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining
agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per
year in 2009.
"That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary
Poulson.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10
$150,000 Correctional Officers
Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as
"sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay,
and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-halffor overtime.
This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only
working 8 hours.
In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in
2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received
an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than
$123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181.
Source: Department of Corrections
Previously the Governors office released these examples of the fiscal impact of
collective bargaining:
Paid-Time off for Union Activities
In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off,
fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the
fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent
over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities
such as collective bargaining.
Surrender of Management Rights
Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts
that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers
based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to
scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours
based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work
week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot
explore privatization offunctions that could save taxpayers money.
WEA Trust
Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively
bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run
health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members
participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it
would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts
had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the
state plan, additional savings would likely be realized.
Viagra for Teachers
The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established
by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for
Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year.
Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers-
union-sues-discrimination/storv?id=11378595
Unrealistic Overtime Provisions
On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in
sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision
that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to
taxpayers $4.8 million.
###
February 23, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Governor Walker's Budget Repair Bill Would Save Local
Governments Over $700 Million Every Year
Madison -Governor Scott Walker announced today that his budget repair bill would
save local governments and school districts at least $724 million dollars annually ($1.44
billion over the biennium).
"Our budget repair bill will save local governments and school districts hundreds of
millions of dollars enabling them to maintain services even as the state grapples with a
$3.6 billion deficit," said Governor Scott Walker. "These savings, in addition to the
savings that local governments can realize through collective bargaining reform, are a
vital part of our budget repair bill. The Senate Democrats need to come do their jobs so
we can lock in savings at the local level and avoid thousands of layoffs."
Under the Governor's budget repair bill, school districts would save $488 million ($976
million over the biennium). Municipalities would save $98 million {$196 million over the
biennium). Counties would save $64 million {$128 million over the biennium). Technical
colleges would save $58 million {$116 million over the biennium). Special districts would
save $15.5 million {$31 million over the biennium).
On top of these savings reforming collective bargaining would allow governments to
realize additional savings. For example, currently many school districts participate in
WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the
state to participate in this union run health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership
benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state
employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year.
In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off,
fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the
fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent
over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities
such as collective bargaining. The budget repair bill reforms would help counties, like
Milwaukee County, save on these costs.
###
March 8, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Collective Bargaining Has a Fiscal Impact Part 4
Madison- Today Governor Walker's office released more specific examples and new
details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how
reforming collective bargaining can improve government.
A Year's Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches
can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year
period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care
payouts.
At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $S1,355, this amounts to a daily
rate of pay of $1, 711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers
receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher.
Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/11
Teachers Receiving Two Pensions
Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public
School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one. The
contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher's salary, with the school
district making 100% of the contribution, just like they do for the first pension. This
extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year.
Source: February 17,2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins
Milwaukee Public Schools
Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing
While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for
work, the Madison Emeritus Program doesn't even require that. In addition to their
pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at
least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO
days of work.
When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required. Through collective
bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days.
Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website
Yesterday the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of
collective bargaining
No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed
A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from
serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and
serves everyday free of charge.
Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up
in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood."
But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple.
Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is
needed, then one should be officially hired by the city.
Source: WAOW-TV, 1/27/10
$6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager
Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers
during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations, Due to the collective
bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay
each week, whether they are paged or not.
For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can
cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation,
Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24
Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher
A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing
pornography on a school computer, The school district ultimately succeeded in
terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at
great cost to the taxpayers,
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08
'Outstanding First Year Teacher' Laid Off
Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after
being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English
Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs
to be made based on seniority rather than merit.
Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have
required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of
course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other
teachers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10
Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program
As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in
medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a
grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even
though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more.
Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10
The $150,000 Bus Driver
In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned
$159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining
agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per
year in 2009.
"That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary
Poulson.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10
$150,000 Correctional Officers
Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as
"sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay,
and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime.
This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only
working 8 hours.
In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in
2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received
an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than
$123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181.
Source: Deportment of Corrections
Previously the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of
collective bargaining:
Paid-Time off for Union Activities
In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off,
fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the
fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent
over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities
such as collective bargaining.
Surrender of Management Rights
Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts
that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers
based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to
scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours
based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work
week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot
explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers money.
WEA Trust
Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively
bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run
health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members
participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it
would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts
had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the
state plan, additional savings would likely be realized.
Viagra for Teachers
The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established
by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for
Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year.
Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers-
union-sues-discrimination/story?id=11378595
Unrealistic Overtime Provisions
On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in
. sick to collect overtime ifthey work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision
that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to
taxpayers $4.8 million.
###
March 8, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Strange But True Provisions of Collective Bargaining
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office released additional examples of how
collective bargaining impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can
improve government. The following are some of the items contained in collective
bargaining provisions:
1. Employer must provide bulletin boards to post information about union social
and recreational activities. The size and location of the board is subject to
collective bargaining.
2. When a local union meets the following conditions are subject to bargaining:
1. lighting,
2. vision care and examinations,
3. noise,
4. chairs,
5. desks,
6. footrests,
7. adjustable terminals and keyboards,
8. work environment design (wall cover, carpet, windows),
9. room temperature,
3. Starting of vehicles during cold weather is subject to collective bargaining.
4. Paid time off to donate blood.
Earlier today, Governor Walker's office released some specific examples and new details
to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming
collective bargaining can improve government.
A Year's Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work
Under the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches
can retire and receive a year's worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year
period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care
payouts.
At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily
rate of pay of $1, 711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers
receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher.
Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/11
Teachers Receiving Two Pensions
Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public
School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one. The
contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher's salary, with the school
district making 100% ofthe contribution, just like they do for the first pension. This
extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year.
Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins
Milwaukee Public Schools
Almost $10.000 Per Year for Doing Nothing
While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for
work, the Madisoh Emeritus Program doesn't even require that. In addition to their
pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at
least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO
days of work.
When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required. Through collective
bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days.
Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website
Yesterday the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of
collective bargaining
No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed
A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from
serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and
serves everyday free of charge.
Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up
in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood."
But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple.
Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is
needed, then one should be officially hired by the city.
Source: WAOW-TV 1/27/10
$6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager
Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers
during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective
bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay
each week, whether they are paged or not.
For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can
cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation.
Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24
Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher
A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing
pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in
terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at
great cost to the taxpayers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08
'Outstanding First Year Teacher' Laid Off
Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after
being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English
Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs
to be made based on seniority rather than merit.
Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have
required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, "Given the opportunity, of
course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other
teachers.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10
Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program
As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in
medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a
grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even
though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more.
Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10
The $150,000 Bus Driver
In 2009, the City of Madison's highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned
$159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining
agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per
year in 2009.
"That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary
Poulson.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10
$150,000 Correctional Officers
Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as
"sick leave stacking." Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay,
and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime.
This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only
working 8 hours.
In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in
2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received
an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than
$123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181.
Source: Department of Corrections
Previously the Governor's office releas,ed these examples oft he fiscal impact of
collective bargaining:
Paid-Time off for Union Activities
In Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off,
fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the
fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent
over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities
such as collective bargaining.
Surrender of Management Rights
Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts
that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers
based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to
scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours
based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work
week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot
explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers money.
WEA Trust
Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively
bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run
health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members
participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it
would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts
had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the
state plan, additional savings would likely be realized.
Viagra for Teachers
The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established
by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for
Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year.
Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers-
union-sues-discrimination/story?id=11378595
Unrealistic Overtime Provisions
On a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in
sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision
that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to
taxpayers $4.8 million.
###
March 7, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Wisconsin Budget Would Be Credit Positive
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office highlighted a recent report put out by Moody's, one
of the national bond rating agencies, which showed that adoption of the budget bills would
have a positive effect on Wisconsin's credit rating.
Specifically Moody's stated, "If enacted the budget will be credit positive for Wisconsin by
bringing the state's finances closer to a structural budgetary balance ... Enactment before the
end of the current fiscal year would be credit.positive."
In response to this information Governor Walker released the following statement:
Our budget plan helps get Wisconsin back on sound financial footing. Showing investors, bond
rating agencies and others that we are serious about balancing the state budget will go a long
way to help lay the foundation for ensuring Wisconsin has a business climate that allows the
private sector to create 250,000 new jobs by the end of my first term.
Acting on legislation that will have a positive credit effect, which the budget bills will do when
they are passed, ultimately benefits our children and grandchildren by leaving them with a
better economic outlook.
This is another reason why the budget repair bill needs to be passed. Unfortunately, Senator
Miller seems to care more about the union bosses than he does about the next generation.
Attached is a copy of the report from Moody's.
###
March 8, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
Government Workers Could Save Over $72 Million Through
Governor Walker's Budget Repair Bill
Madison- Governor Scott Walker's office today released an estimate of how much
money government workers could save through the governor's budget repair bill. A
conservative estimate would mean government workers could save at least
$72,150,000.
Although the budget repair bill asks government workers to contribute a modest
amount to their pensions and healthcare premiums (well less than the national
average), workers could make up much of the increased costs because their union dues
would be optional.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel most of the 23,000 state workers who are
members of AFSCME pay $420 a year in union dues, though some pay as much as $492.
Using the $420 figure these workers would see potential savings of at least $9,660,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of AFT-Wisconsin who make
more than $34,000 a year pay $510 each year in dues. AFT represents 17,000
government workers. Using the $510 figure savings for these workers would total
$8,670,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of the Professional Patient Care
Unit ofthe SEUI pay $192 to $864 or more each year in union dues. There are 15,000
members of this union. Using a figure of just $250, would mean a total savings of
$3,750,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Public Schools Teachers pay
$995 annually in dues. The teacher's union in Milwaukee represents 6,000 teachers
making the potential savings $5,970,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin teachers pay $450 per year for
the state and national portions of their dues, on top oftheir local dues. WEAC says it
represents 98,000 employees. If each represented employee pays $450 in dues a year
there are potential savings of $44,100,000.
Downing, Karley - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Hi Seth,
Jason Stein <jstein@journalsentinel.com>
Tuesday, April12, 2011 6:30 PM
Boffeli, Seth M - DHS
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Marley, Patrick; Raquel Rutledge
FW: Response to your open records request
Gov BRB Emails (Feb 17-Mar 8).pdf; Marley, Patrick- Gov. BRB emails (04-06-ll).pdf
I'm writing again about the Food Share program. We're looking at doing a story for the weekend about the fact that there
was an audit approved of the program as well as several other issues raising questions about the integrity of the program:
1) March 2 MJS story about an investigation into the program (see below)
2) Briefing to governor about investigation into the program and possible DHS employee involvement (See below
and attachment)
3) Data released late last year to MJS detailing surprising patterns of cards being lost (sending you that email again)
We'd like to speak to someone at DHS about possible fraud in the Food Share program by Thursday. I'll also be reviewing
the comments today to the audit committee. Thanks, J
1) Food stamp scheme investigated I Sheriff's officials tracking state workers, use of bogus cards I
BRUCE VIELMETTI, bvielmetti@journalsentinel.com Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Publication Date: March 2, 2011 Page: 01 Section: B News Edition: Early
Milwaukee County sheriff's officials are investigating at least a half-dozen current or former state employees
suspected of involvement with an ongoing food stamp and disaster relief fraud scheme, court records show.
Search warrants have turned up more than 500 names and Social Security numbers, plus fraudulently obtained
Department of Health Services documents. A single "Quest card" -the electronic benefits transfer card that
replaced paper food stamps -wrongly issued in the name of an Illinois man has cost taxpayers more than
$11,500, according to records, and one person told investigators she routinely bought the cards for 50 cents on
the dollar from others who needed the cash to pay their utility bills.
The Illinois man told investigators an old friend who worked for the Department of Health Services told him to
apply for Milwaukeearea disaster relief in 2008 since "FEMA was giving out free money" because of recent
floods. He declined, but a relief payment of $975 went out in his name soon after, to an address in Milwaukee.
Those aspects and an outline of the fraud investigation are revealed in a detective's affidavit that supported a
search warrant request. On Thursday, Milwaukee County sheriff's office detectives seized names with
personally identifiable information, along with DHS documents and fraudulent food stamp cards, from a home
and car in the 6900 block ofN. 40th St. belonging to Teri L. Sloans, identified in court documents as a recently
fired DHS employee.
An official with DHS alerted sheriff's investigators earlier in February that Sloans, 50, had created a fraudulent
Quest card for an Illinois resident. According to records, Sloans had been hired in 1988 by Milwaukee County
as an economic support specialist with the county's Department of Health and Human Services, part of the
collection of aid programs to the poor taken over by the state Department of Health Services in 2009. That year,
she was paid $39,559, according to Milwaukee County controller's office records. According to the affidavit,
the DHS official told investigators two other county employees - Sharon A. Williams, 50, and Rosa E. Ordonez,
46 - assisted Sloans in creating the bogus card for the Illinois man. Neither they nor Sloans could be reached
16
Tuesday for comment. County officials said Williams and Ordonez still show as county employees in the state-
administered programs. Using a purchase record of a Quest card that was used suspiciously at a Franklin Wal-
Mart and a Milwaukee Piggly Wiggly on Christmas Eve, detectives obtained video surveillance from each store
that showed two women, one of them using the fraudulent card along with a third person's Piggly Wiggly card
at that store.
Detectives traced the store card to a Milwaukee address, and a woman who lived with that card's owner said she
had been shopping on the video with another woman. That woman admitted to investigators that she had used
the fraudulent Quest card, which she'd gotten from Sloans, her neighbor, and had gotten as many as 20 such
cards from her over the years.
The woman acknowledged she didn't qualify for DHS benefits but thought she was helping out someone else by
buying the cards- good for about $200 of groceries- for $100.
Detectives then obtained a warrant to search Sloans' home and car.
A spokeswoman for the Milwaukee County sheriff's office said no one could comment on an ongoing
investigation.
A spokeswoman with the state Department of Health Services said Tuesday that officials who could comment
on the fraud investigation were busy with Gov. Scott Walker's budget address.
2) Item on page 59 of the attached doc. It's a March 2 briefing to the governor which we obtained yesterday through an
open records request. Here's the line in it:
"There is an ongoing investigation regarding possible fraud in MiLES program linked to Food Share. There
could be a possible link to someone at DHS."
From: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV [mailto:Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2011 9:09AM
To: Patrick Marley; Jason Stein
Subject: Response to your open records request
Attached please find the response to your open records request.
Thanks,
Cullen Werwie
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Press Office: (608} 267-7303
www. walker. wi.qov
17
April 6, 2011
Patrick Marley
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Dear Mr. Marley,
SCOTT WALKER
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF WISCONSIN
P.O. Box 7863
MADISON, WI 53707
This letter is in response to your public records request dated March 9, 2011 for the following:
all e-mails to, from or copied to Gov. Scott Walker regarding the budget-repair
bill and/or collective bargaining. This request is to cover the period Feb. 15, 2011,
to March 8, 2011. This request is for the e-mail account actually used by the
governor in his official capacity, and not the govgeneral@wisconsin.gov account.
After reviewing our initial response to this request with records from February 15
1
h and 16th, you
nanowed your request to all emails not including Twitter and Facebook messages and not
including the daily news updates. The Govemor has now completed a search of his email for
responsive records, and we have prepared 141 pages for release to you.
Not included in these records are drafts of the Governor's fireside chat and budget address.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.32(2), these are not records under Wisconsin's public records law.
All identifiers of the non-public direct email address for the Governor have been redacted
pursuant to the Wis. Stat. 19.35(1)(a) balancing test. The Governor holds the most important
executive position in state govemment, with numerous and significant official responsibilities.
Given the existence of other publicly available telephone numbers and email addresses through
which to contact the Governor's staff at the Governor's Office, I have determined that the public
interest in avoiding potential disruption to the Governor's ability to carry out his
important official responsibilities without unnecessary intermption if his direct email address
became common knowledge outweighs any public interest in disclosure of his direct email
address.
Furthermore, the public interest in protecting the privacy of the Governor's direct email address
is recognized in Wis. Stat. 19.36(11). Although Wis. Stat. 19.36(11) on its face applies to the
home email addresses of individuals holding state public office, I have determined that the same
underlying public interest applies to the non-public direct email address of the Governor. I
therefore have determined that the public interest in protecting the non-public direct email
addresses of individuals holding state public office outweighs the public interest in disclosure of
those addresses for two reasons: to avoid potential disruption of important official duties and to
protect the privacy of state public officials.
WISCONSIN IS OPENFORBUSINESS
WWW.WISGOV.STATE.WI.US (608) 266-1212 FAX: (608) 267-8983
Certain personal contact information, such as, telephone numbers and email addresses have also
been redacted from the records. In applying the balancing test required by Wis. Stat.
19.35(l)(a), I determined that the public interest in disclosure of this information is outweighed
by the public interest in privacy on the part of individuals in their home telephone numbers,
personal cell phone numbers, and email addresses. Legislative recognition of this public policy
is evidenced by Wis. Stat. 19.36(10)(a), prohibiting disclosure of similar information about
public employees in records maintained by their employers.
WISCONSIN IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
WWW.WISGOV.STATE.WI.US (608) 266-1212 FAX: (608) 267-8983
Werwle, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Friday, April 01,201110:57 AM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Hagedorn,rlan K---GQV
Subject: FW: Wisconsin Budget Would Be credit Positive
Attachments: 3.7.11 Moodys report. pdf
From: GOV Press
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 3:SS PM
To: GOV Press
Subject: Wisconsin Budget Would Be credit Positive
March 7, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: CunenWerwie;GoS-267-7303
... Wisconsin Budget Would Be Credit Positive
Page 1 of2
Madison-Today Governor Walker's office highlighted a recent report put out by Moody's, one ofthe
national bond rating' agencies, which showed that adoption ofthe budget bills would have a positive
_, _ .. -' c :: .,,::: .. .: :". .. : .... -.;.:-- .' . . :--- ... _ . ...
Specifically Moody's stated, "If enacted the budget will be credit positive for Wisconsin by bringing the
. state's closer to a structural budgetary balance ... Enactment before the end oftHe current
fisc;li year would be credit positive,"
In response tothls Information Governor Walker released the following statement:
Our budget plan helps get Wisconsin back on sound financial foo.tlng. Showing Investors, bond rating
agencies and others that we a're serious about balancing the state budget will go a long ,way to help lay
the foundation for ensuring Wisconsin has a business climate that allows the private sector to create
250,000 new jobs by the end of my first term.
Acting on legislation that will have a positive credit effect, which the budget bills will do' when they are
passed, ultimately benefits our children and grandchildren by leaving them With a better economic
outlook.
. .
This is another reason why the budget repair bill needs to be passed. Unfortunately, Senator Miller
seems to care more about the union bosses than he does about the next generation.
Attached Is a copy oft he report from Moody's.
...
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Page2 of2
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SECTOR COMMENT
Analyst Contacts:
NEW YORK 1.212.553.1653
Kimber[y lyons 1.212.553.4673
Assis-tant Vice President -Ancl{Yst
Kimberly ..LyonS@moodys.com
What i$ Moody's Weekly Credit
Outlook?
Moody's Weekly Credit Outlook provides our
research clients with timely opinions on
brealdng credit market developments and
trends. Published every Monday morning,
the newsletter will help you start your week
informed of Moody's latest opinions from
across the organization .
Wisconsin Budget Would Be Credit Positive;
Adoption Stymied by Dispute
Extracted from "Moody's Weekly Credit Outlook", dated March 7, 2011
LaSt Tuesday, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a Republican, proposed a $28.7 bilUon
fiscal two-year budget for 2012-13 that latgely relics on spending cuts to dose a projected
$3.6 billion gap. If enacted, the budget will be credit positive for Wisconsin (general
obligation Aa2 stable) by bringing the state's finances closer to a structural budgetary
balance.
However, passing the budget will be no easy fear. The governor objects to new or increased
taxes
1
has proposed eliminating collective bargaining dghts fo1 public-sector employees, -and
is determined to reduce government spending. state staunchly
opposed to the elimination of collective bargaining rights as weU as the significant cqts in the
have fled Wisconsin. Their absence legally prevents the state from taking action on
any fiscal legislation.
Local government tmits fdcing burden of spending cuts and tax: constraints. The state's
$3.6 billion budget gap, at 13% of spending, is about average for states for fJScal year 2012.
Many states are struggling to adopt balanced budgets while dealing with the phase-out of
federal stimulus weak revenue growth, and significant spending pressures. The
governor's biennium budget proposal incorporates spending reductions in school aid ($749
million), Medicaid ($500 million), higher education ($250 million), and local government
aid ($96 million). The cuts in primary school aid and local government aid are accompanied
by measures that severely limit local entities' ability to .increase local property taxes. The
limitation 011 raisii1g property raxes redu.ces local governments' and school districts' ability to
offset the proposed cuts in state aid, but is mitigated by the governor's controversial call for
increased public employee contributions to pension and .retiree hcalthcare plans.
Under Governor Walker's budget, certain public employees will be required to contribute
5.8% of their salary to the pension system and 12% of their salary to the retireehealthcare
system; currently, public employees contribute a significantly lower amount to both the
pc11sion and retiree healthcare plans, although the amounts differ among various ttnions.
Governor Walker's proposal would equalize the contributions, increasing all of them.
. . . . . . " ' . ' ..... ' . ' ........ " ' ...... " . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ' ..... " ...... ' . ' . ' ........ ' ..... ' .. ' .. " ... '.' ..... " .. ' . . ' .. '' ...... .
.... , .. ' ......... , ........ ............. '. ... ''' ......... ,, ................... .................. ,. '' ..... .
... . ... .. .. . ... .. . . ............ .......... ' ...... ,, .... .................. ' .... ..... , .......... ''
.................. ' ............................. ............ , .......... ' ................ '' ,, ........ ....... .
z MARCH 1, 2.011
U.S. PUBLIC FINANCE
The increased contributions arc projected by tl;e governor to bring an additional $300 million in
savings to th.e state general fund. Additionally, the increased contributions would give local
govemmcnts and school districts budget savings, alleviating spending pressure ott local governments
and making it easier for schools and municipalities to absorb the state aid cuts without increasing
property taxes.
Wisconsin experienced significant revenue declines during the recession, made worse by rising
expenditure costs, primarily in Medicaid. In the current fiscal 2009-11 biennium, the state resolved a
$6.3 billion budget gap with a mix of 1evenue increases, spending reductions, and federal stimulus
funds. With just tlll'ee months remaining in the current biennium, the state has to close a budget gap
of $137 million. The governor previously proposed a budget repair bill that authorized a debt
reftmding to achieve $165 million in budger savings immediately. The budget repair bill has not been
approved by thelegislature because a provision in the bill would eliminate collective bargaining fOr
cc1tain public employees, which Wisconsin's Democratic state legislators strongly oppose. At this time,
the governor's fiscal 2012" 13 budget proposal incorporates solutions for the current year $137 million
gap.
Enacttnent befOre the end of the current flscal year would be credit positive. A budget resolution (at least
fOr the current-year gap) has to be made before the end of the current fiscal year on 30 June, While the
new fiscal year begins on I July, the srate has a hlstoty oflate budget adoption and given the difficult and
contentious fiscal and political environmettt, budget adoption is lil<ely to be delayed again.
SECTOR COMMENT: WISCONSIN llUDGETWOUlO BE CREDIT POSITIVE; AoOt>TION S T Y M I ~ D BY DISPUTE
MoODYS
INVESTORS SERVICE
3 MARCH 7, Z011
Number: 131580
Author
l<lmberty Lyons
Senior Production Assodat0
Wing i:han
U.S. P USLIC FlNANCE
2011 Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and/or itslkellSO!'S and affiliates (wUectivety, "MOODY'S"). All rights resetved.
CREDIT RATINGS ARE MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S CURRENT OPINIONS OF THE RELA'I'IVE FUTURE CREDll'
RISK OF ENTITIES, CREDIT COMMITMENTS, OR DEDT-LIKESECUI\ITJES. CREDIT RISK AS THE RISK THAT
AN ENTITY MAY NOT MEETITS CONTRACTUAL, FINANCIAl OBLIGATIONS AS THEY COME OUEAND ANY ESTIMATED
FINAJ':.ICIAL LOSS IN THE EVENT OF DEFAULT. CREDIT RATJNGS DO NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER JUSK, INCLUDING PUT NOT
LIMITED TO: liQUIDITY RISK, VAlUE RISK, OR PRICE VOLATILITY. CREDIT RATINGS ARE NOT STATEMENTS OF
CURRENT OR HISTORICAl FACT. CREDIT RAliNGS DO NOT CONS'fi1UT INVESTMENT OR FINANCIAl ADVICE, ANt> CREDIT
RATINGS ARE NOT II;ECOMMENDATIONS TO I>URCHASE, SEll, OR HOLD PARTICULAR SECURITIES. CREDIT RATINGS DO
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SECTOR COMMENT: WISCONSIN BUDGT WOULD BE CREDIT POSITNE; ADOPTION STYMIED B'{ DISPUTE
Page 1 ofl
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From:
-
Sent: Friday, April 01,:201112:17 PM
To: WeiWie, Gullen J - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
on Assembly Passing the Budget Repair Bill
C:chrimr1f. Chris - GOV
l"Ahorr"'"' 25
1
2011 7:31AM
Statement on Assembly Passing thlil Budget Repair Bill
. Governor Walker Statement on Assembly Passing the Budget Repair Bill
Madison- Governor Walker Issued the following statement on the Assembly passing the budget repair
that will balance Wisconsin's budget and prevent thousands of workers from being laid off.
"Day after day Assembly Republicans and Assembly Democrats showed up and did the jobs they were
elected to do. After an unprecedented amount of debate, they continued to dothelr jobs by casting
their votes. Republicans should be commended for their .willingness to cast a vote that will fix this
budget and future budgets. Democrats should also be commended for coming to work every day and
giving their constituents a voice at the State Capitol. Now all the attention on the Senate. The .
-, .... tacome home.amLdo.their>hs, just 1i11e the,Assernbly-Dem9uat-."' .. -::
. -d(C.'; -. . . .. . ..... :. . .. -. ...: ... - -. "'. - .: . . .. . . ... :. -
.Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Goyernor
Press Office: 608"2677303
Email: chrls.schrimpj@wlsconsin.gov
###
Werwie, Cullen .J - GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 10:55 AM
To: WeJWie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc: -GOV
Subject: FW: Dally Polley and Legislative Briefing
Froin: Murray, Ryan M -. GOV .
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 6:47 PM
To: Murray, Ryan M GOV
Subject: Daily Polley and Legislative Briefing
. ' .
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts
Representative Stone inqui1ed about dogs rese-arch labs in the budget
Senator Vukmir's office inquired abo].lt school and municipality relief
Page 1 of4
Representative Kooyenga inqui1ed about the GAAP Accounting Deficit and a constitutional
amendment
Representative Loudenbeck inquired about the expired development opportunity zones in_the
budget.
Committee Actions
.,. .. ..... ... ,.. 1. :J ... ,. ..... -.- ,\.-.;; )>, ''"":!-" ..... .;.--= '""'1!: '' .,- .. '"p ,=:::_ <.(;. ':'-" ... __ .... -.:-;o..\_- .... "'
-
Secretary Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate Coirunittee 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-l (Krusick) _
,AB 8- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF district was passed out of the Assembly
Committee on Ways El!ld Means 11-0
Senate Session
Secretary Gottlieb was confitmed by the Senate; 19-0 .
Assembly Session
SJR 3- commending the Whitewater footb)llHeam concurred in
SJR 13--nruning Bob Uecker Day conculTed in
SJR 7- commending UW- Madison football team concur:t!ed in
AB 4- repeal of auto insurance pass'ed 61-34 (Dem from Danou, Fields, Molepske,
Radcliffe)
SB 21- creation of a retail TIF in Brookfield concntTed in
SB 11- filing of ce1iain fmms for Milwaukee TIF .concurred in
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Page2of4
DATCP
A'i'CP Board
. o The majority of the time was spent on public appearances, all niiJ,e spoke in favor of the
PACE progl'am. .
o The board-requested that the Secretary notify those who testified how they should pmsue
their agenda of suppotting W<?rking larids---via AB 34 and SB 24. .
o The Secretary gave the Board an update of the state and budgets.
DBA
o DBA President Jerry Meissner sent m a letter of support to the Govemor
DOT
Legislation regarding Abolishing RTA's (authors: Nass/Grothman)
o Conmmnicated the govemor'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 Conununicated the Govemor' s support for the Hiawatha line to Reggie Newson
o Told Reggie Newson that DOT should seek federal funds to help fund train line
Geneal Transportation and Transit Funding .
o DOT put talking points together to briefth!'l following stakeholders regarding GTA and
. Transit funds: WI Towns Assoc., League of WI Munic., WI Cdimties Asso.c., WI County.
Htghway As8GC.
American Council of Engineering Companies
o Secretaty Gottliel) _to address the group tomorrow
Venture Capital
Fund-of-Funds
... o Researched and-reported info on three fund-of.:funds models (Utah F-o-F, Alberta
Enterprise - Alberta, Teralys Capital- Quebec)
. D ... __ , . .... .. .... , , . .. .._. . .. ...... - .... , .. .--.... '" . ... ,.
o Spoke toTom Fonfara, and he sent me the groups who are in support and agaiJ;Jstthe
conunercial auction ofD 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 crue
-exchange.
Secretary Smith will be holding a department "Town Ball Meeting" tomolToW, Wednesday,
March 9th from 1-5pm.
1. The purpose is to collect thoughts on cost savings, efficiencies, and overall operational
improvements on DHS progl'mns
a. Will fotward ideas to the Governor's Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission
2. Discussions will be had on BadgerCrue Plus; FrunilyCare, Long Tenn Care, and IRIS;
SeniorCare; State Facilities and Dept Admin
Met with DCF, DWD, and om legal staff on the elimination of the day care provider collective
bargainingl1l'ovision to ensure that we're taking the proper actions to reduce the likelihood of a
. ..
Page 3 of4
lawsuit..T.he consensvs is to have the Governor issue an Executive Order repealing Doyle's EO
.. :w.h\ln..thc;l .\?).l<jg,e.t!eP!lir pi)J .. P9f. is !JS .. .. ---...............
Education
. DPI will have a Request for Infmmation (RFI) for the Wisconsin Student Information System for
. otir review ]Jy early to mid April. They noted that there ls not language In t11e bmlget requiring
districts to implement this system. **This must be required of distdcts or the system may not
prove worthwhile.**
Health Care News
Report finds room.for improvement in licensing kinship .foste1 parents (Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel)
Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics (The
Capitol Times)
Education News
With Governor Walker'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
MiJwaulcee Parental . .Choice Program (MPCP). Twenty years later, Governor Scott Walker (R)
has identified the obstacle that keeps more children in hls state md across the nation from
similarly benefiting from parents! choice in education: union collective bargaining power
protecting their interests rather thm the needs of children ..
Fenty llacl.s Gov. Scott Walker in Wise. union fight (Washington Post)
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Wallcer t:hls morning got some rare Democratic support for his higb,-
profile push to eliminate most state workers' collective barganing dghts --from former D.C.
MayorA.driarl.M.Fenj;y .... ,.-., . ""''" . . .. _: _: "'. .. .. - .' .: , .:,,: . ..
.. , .. , . .. : . , .. , ...... : . .'. ....... : I"
When discussion turned to Walker's mti-union push, Fenty jumped right in. "This is kind of
what I faced in four years as mayor," Fenty told hosts Mike Barnicle and Mika Brzezinski.
Vouchelnumbers might not soar initially (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
For Public Schools officials, envisioning a potential cut of more than $74million in
next school year's budget is troubling. But picturing what that cut means alongside the potential
exparlSion of a main district competitor- private schools that attract publicly funded Milwaukee
students - adds another level of concern.
Justice and Local Govermnents Team
Local Governments:
Andrew Pederson called from the Village of Bayside concerned about levy limits and debt. I
infonned him that there are no limitations on debt or the ability to levy to pay it back. I also bad
a good conversation and he may provide more information for the Waste, Fraud and Abuse
Conunission to review.
James TippleofWausau senJ; a letter opposed to the collective bargaining being in the budget
repair. A !etterresponse has been drafted and is in approval.
...-.-,
Page 4 of4
Justice:
. . . . '
Racine Journal Times. More people qualil'ffor public defenders under budget
The budget includes a measure that, for the first time since 1987, raises the income limit to qualifY for a
publicdefender. State Public Defonder 's Office estimates say their case load could _increase by 13, 000.
To help handle that ivflux, the governor provided funds .to boost their st(lfjing levels..
Waste. Fraud and Abuse Commission:
. .
The next hearing of the WF A Commission is set fol' Friday at 1 Oam at DOA. Craig is excited to
get moviog andeven coming to Madison a day early to meet with Cindy Archer and Jan Mueller
of the Audit Bureau.
Corrections:
Wausau Daily Herald. Liocoln Hills expansion good for state
Amictlots 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 willremaln open, but it will expand.
""'. =_... .... .... ... ... ..
'
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, 01,201112:30 PM
To: Welwie, Cullen J GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
Subject-: FW: Poll
From:
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 20115:58 PM . .
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; WeiWie, Cullen J - GOV; Gilkes, Keith GOV; Murray; Ryan M GOV
Subject: Poll .
fJPolls.
. Page f ofl
State legislators get to cast their vote on Gov. Walker's budget
repair billtoday. How-would you vote?
. .
Gov. Scott Wall<er's bill to strip almost all union rights for public workers adva.nced out of committee
Wednesday just before midnight, up a pivotal floor vote in the Senate that Is expected for Thursday
amid. massive demonstrations.
Approve it (56%)
Kl!l it (44%} _
,.j ... : [@ .. ,. . . . .... ... -' ,.-... _ ... .... '"-:r.V';''"d" ...,.,.,... ... ..... ..... --.""' ... .,...... --,
Total Responses: 43220
htto://www, jsonline.com/polls/116392154. htinl?results"'y&mr=1 &pid=116392154&cid=8500544
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
- h
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01,201112:26 PM .
To: Werwle, Gu!len J - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K . ..: GOV
Subject: FW: teacher residency issue
Sent: March 02, 2011 2:34 PM
To: We!Wie, Cullen J GOV; Schrimpf, Chris GOV
Subject: Re: teacher residency issue
Good.
From: We!W!e, Cullen J GOV
Sent: Wednetday, 02, 2011 02:31 PM
To: , Schrimpf, Chris GOV
Subject: RE: teacher nasidency Issue
Governor-
Page 1 of2
. . ...... . - .. . '
Keith said you should look at my response below before I send It out. MKE offlciqls are criticizing the elimination
of the residency requirement for teachers.
Tom-
. . . . .
\ ..... :: :--- A ., .... ..... ;:_.:_,.,. '""""'" "'"a' .., . .. -,: s .. -- '";
-Here(s a statement you can-attribute to me in response to someofthe coinments:You pointed out to me earlier:
. .
Governor Walker wants to make sure students have access to high quality teachers regardless of geographic
boundaries. Eliminating tlie residency reijuirement will help children get the best possible education, regardless
of the zip code or specific geograp hie region they live in.
Thanks,
.Cullen Werwle
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Press Office: (608) 2677303
Email: cullen. Werwle@ WJ.Gov
1.!1 . 0
www.walker. wi. qov
From: Tom Tolan [m<l!lto:
Sent: Wednesday, March 02,
Toi Werwle, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: teacher residency Issue
Pa!fe2 of2
Cullen, I left a message with Stacey In your press office, but here It is again In an email: .
- .................. . .......... _ .... . . ......... ,. .... _ _._.., _____ .............. ...... ,.,,
. .... ....
. . . . .
I'd love to talk for a few minutes on the governor's plan on teacher residency. The only line we could find In the
budget proposal was on page four: "In addition, teacher residency requirements are removed." we.;lssume this
applies to Milwaukee Public Schools teachers- right? Are there any other schooi.dlstrlcts wtth teacher residency
requl_rements that would be affected? I believe the residency requirements are In the contracts
between the Milwaukee school board and the teachers union. For this to go into effect, I'd assume you'd need to
pass the measureln the budgel repalr'liill remoVIng.most public employees' bargaining rights. Could this p(oposal
still take .effect without that? The teachers now have a contract good Into 2013. Would the residency requirement
be remov'ild when that contract expires?
i also have some commenis by Mayor Barrett and a couple of Milwaukee alderman on this issue that I'd like to
give you a chance to resp.ond to.
Thanks verymuch.
Tom Tolan
Tom Tolan
.. ...
.<;'!;
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Page 1 of2
Werwle, Cullen J GOV
r 0 U -- - ' 0 o - - 0 ... -
0 00 , " ..
0
,, '- > o 0 00 0 00 . '. .,,.; .. . . . " ... - ., . --,., ............ .
From:
Sent: Friday; April 01,201.111:58 AM
To: WeiWie, Cullen J - GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
FW! ICMl: McRynoJds
From: GOV Press
Sent: Monday, February 28, 201110:02AM
To::Gov Press
Subject: ICYMI: Statement of Racine County Executive William McReynolds
ICYMI: Statement of Racine County Executive William McRe.ynolds
NEWS RELEASE
. ,... ,.
. ..
RACINE
COUNT'i.
Office of the Count)
WILLIAM L,
McREYNOLDS
:730.Wisconsin,il.venm . "
Racine, WI 5340<
. 262-636-327:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2011
Geoff.Greiyeldinger@goRacine.org
RACINE COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMENTS ON BUDGET REPAIR B_ILL
Racine,... Racine County Executive Bill McReynolds today co1mnented on Governor Scott Walker's.
Budget Repair Bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 11, in the Janumy 2011 Special Session. The following is the
text of his statement:
April, I will conclude nearly 40 years of public service-as a higJ: school teacher, de1mty sheriff,
sheriff and county executive. I am proud to serve with Racine County public employees; I'll stack them
up against employees of any county in Wisconsin. And I want .to publicly acknowledge.the fact that
Racirie CoUllty employees have stayed at their jobs, serving the people of our county, when other public
employees have been advancing their personal interests in Madison.
"But, regardless of my genuine for our people and the 'effort they consistently deliver, I'm an
elected official who has had to fight to balance a budget eight years in a row. In tough economic times,
meeting, increased setvice needs while keeping taxes down requires flexibility. Wisconsin's municipal
. . .
Page2of2
collective bargaining law too often stands in the way of flexibility. I know that and so do many of my
...... ,. __ , .. _ ..... , ......... ,_,_ .... ., . .............. ... ... ...... , --- ,._, .. ,_, ... "
"As passed by the AB 11 'p.etmits public to join unions,_ to bargain for wage
increases that protect them from inflation, and to seek redress on matters of discipline, termination, and
workplace safety. But it also assures state and local govermnent1-and the people who pay the taxesto.
support those governments-that they will have the flexibility to deliver essential services in tl1e most
cost-effective manner.
"I strongly support AB 11. I Governor Walker for proposing this bill; and I encomage state
senators to debate this bill \illd act upon it. Racine County taxpayers need this."
###
"' .. 4
Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 10:54 AM
To: Werwie, Cullen J GOV
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K: GOV
Subject: FW: Green Bay
From: Schrimpf, Chris GOV
Sent: Mal.ch 09,20119:31 AM
To:
Cc: Werwle, Cullen J GOV; Murray, Ryan M GOV; Matejov, Scott GOV
Subject: Green Bay
Page 1 of3
Governor- For your stop: in Green Bay wanted to make you.aware the unlori there agreed to a renegotiated
contract.last night:
Story Is below. Memorandum of Agreement is at
http://www.greenbaypressgazette:comlassets/pdf/U017145638.PDF
Green Bay School 8()ard approves teachers
contract
Plan freezes salaries, requires greater contributions to benefits, suspends
workrules .
R 2Q11.J.,_, . " '. . ,,. . . .... ... -. .. < : -. " .. '. "' .... -:.... .. ,:,'-\ .....
The-Green Bay Board on Tuesday approved a two-year teachers contract that freezes
teachers' salaries, requires greater contributions for health and retirement benefits and'
suspendswork rules .related to everything fr.om class size to non-teaching duties.
Green Bay School District Superintendent Greg Maass said the move will trim $15
million in district expenses. Administrators anticipated a $20 million shortfall in next year's
budget without the new contract.
But that doesn't'make it easier for teachers to swallow. "l feel betrayed," said Debbie Kadon, a
learning disabilities teacher at Franklin Middle qchool ib Green Bay. She's been with the
district for G6 years. "We were willing to sit down at the table. This was: all done with put us.
This ends 40 years of bargaining and negotiations."
Maass said speedy approval was in the best financial interest of the district. Both sides
expressed interest in sig.ning a new contract before state legislators. vote on a Gov. Scott
Walker's budget repair bill.
... : . . _: .
. .
Page2 of3
That would end collective bargaining for most public employees and would require
- .. retirement benefits. State workers would be required
to pay 12.6 percent toward health benefits. The bill would leave it up to each school district or
municipality to determine how muqh employees would be required to contribute toward health
benefits.
"Given the current state of affairs in Madison, where the two sides are UJ:table to come to the
table to'find.a balanced compromise, it is up to each school and municipality to make decisions .
and 'find solutkms," Maass said. ''The flexibility of the agreement will enable us to keep as
many staff as possible employed in this unsustainable economy while providing a quality
education to our community's children."
Maass also praised teach!3rs. "I hope everyone In this community realizes the sacrifices our'
staff is making," he said. "I am convinced we can do this."
About 50 teachers attended the meeting. Many were teaiy-eyed as board members discussed
the contract, which .wi\1 begin .J.uly 1. and expire .Jun.e.3.0.,.201.3 .. Ihe meeting was not open to
public comment, but some audience members s.howea. their emotions; many laughed when
board President Jean Marsch, via telephone conference call, said, "Our teachers are our
greatest asset."
The measure was approved by a 6-1 vote.
celestit\e jeffieys; who' voted a'gah1sf me ll:ie'asuh:i; ror 'a'delfty 'to' recoiis'ider same :. ,,- :- .-..
nonfinancial items. Since the union alre!;ldy approved the contract, .a delay would require
further negotiations, board Vice President Katie Maloney said. The board took no action cin
. Jeffr.ey's suggestion.
Maass said the approved contract means the district will be able to create a 2011-12 budget
that shouldn't impact current programs or services.
But teachers felt they were kept out of the bargaining process.
. .
"We did not feel the board was willing to work with us,"said Toni Lardinois, president of the
Green Bay Education Association, which represents about 1,800 Green Bay teachers and
. .
staff, after tlie meeting. "We were willing to negotiate, but they weren;t. It was_ not necessary to
gut our collective bargaining.
"I think you see a lot of sadness and remorse among teachers. We don't understand.why this
is necessary."
'
. '
Page 3 of.3
She said the union approached \he School Board with a memorandum that would extend the
but would require-teachers to pay 5.8 percent toward retirement b-enefits and
12.6 percent toward health benefits.
The board then met in closed session for seven hours on Sunday and returned a
. .
memorandum with many more .changes.
Among those changes is a salary freeze, suspension of long-term care benefits and the
eventual elimination of the emeritus program, which offers additional retirement benefits to
district employees. The agreement also suspends agreements regarding school calendars,
non-teaching duties, class sizes and loads, teaching hours and class assignments, transfers or
reassignments.
Members of the teachers union approved the memorandum ori Monday.
The-new Green Bay contract would satisfy Walker's proposal, and Maass said the new
contract will hold regardless in Madison.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Govemor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris,schrimpj@wlsconsin.gov
. . .. . . . -- -:_- .... ; -. +" i'' . :: '
Page 1 of3
Werwie,Cullen
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01,201112:17 PM
To: Werwle, Cullen U GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
Subject: FW:
From: Murray, Ryan M "GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 201111:10.,PM
To: Gilkes, GOV)"'Schatt; "Eric- GOV; Huebsch; Mike DOA; Jensen, Jodi- DOA; Archer, Cynthia- DOA
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwle, Cullen J- GOV; Lied!, Kimberly- GOV; Hurlburt,
Waylon - GOV;- Culotta; Jason - DOA; Matejov, Scott - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Legislative Affairs Team
Contact with Legislative Offices
Representative"Bies was concemed that teachers were not included in Chapter 230 protections that
. apply to state and UW employees. Expressed to the that amended bill does offer
grievance procedure and other protections for teachers. .
Milwaukee Police Department has approached Senate Republicans to repeal changes in the last
bl,idget that disallow poliqe officers in Milwaukee from receiving pay when on disciplinary
suspension for breaking Department rules. May look to amend budget bill in JFC to include this
provision. .
Senate considering either movil;lg Wirch/Barca bill to add 3 enterprise zones or to have Senator
- Hoppllr.:drafltas:hnilar preposal. Thts-would" be-i'ltaddittont&-auothel''bili thatwould"add 4"r!irar .,,,,. "'!
enterprise zones.
Representative Bernier wants information about why a teacher in het <!_istrict is getting fired today.
Told her we were aware ofWASB newsletter to districts.
o Senator Lazich is interested in introducing legislation to move up Wisconsin's pr:hnary date to be in
compliance with the fedeyal M0VE Act.
Senate Session
. SB 7- Voter ID bill was taken to final passage.
SJR 13- Resolution honoring Bob Uecker passed 19-0.
Tomorrow's Senate Calenda!
SJR11-naming2011 WorldVeterinaryYear
AJR 13- honodng Capitol Police and security personnel at the Capitol
SB 11- Filing of certain forms for TIF District in Milwaukee
SB 21 Creation of TID in Brookfield
..
Assembly Session
Continuing to debate amendments on BAB.
Page2of3
Economic Development Team
PSC
Met with American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity
o Would like Wisconsin to act in mo're of an "observer role'' rather than participate In the Midwest
Greenhouse Gas Accord
q Supportive of a federal solution regarding gases, rather than region
Venture Capital
Met with Sen. Kanavas and SWIB to discuss Fund-of-Funds Model
DNR
Spoke with the DNR Green Bay Regional office about the tribal plan for a Waste to Energy plant
o They answered some constituent questions that came in
Basically, the DNR has.yet to receive an application for a permit of any sort from the Oneida Seven
Generations LLC, so they cannot speculate on the project
'Dog Breeder Rule
Spoke with Sen. Darling's office, they want the rule to be implementei:l with as little fuss as possible
o The Sen. invested a lot of time into the law, does not want to have to-go through the process again
Human Services and Education Te!!lll
Education Meeting
o Met with. Tom Llujack from UWMilwaukee who is concerned about the cuts that the university is
facing. He is worried that they will receive little flexibility to offset the cuts.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Local Governments:
. La Crosse Tribune, Local Jea<jers frustrated by lack of budget spe9iflcs
... 'L " ' ' ...
"Our platform reflects members' points of concern, and we haven't addressed collective bargaining In proposals as
sweeping as what the bill contains," John Reinemann, legislative director for the counties association- told the
Capital Times. "While we have some platform posl1ions. calling for changes to mediation, we don't have any calling
for change to the concept of collective. bargaining."
Applied evenly to each of the stale's 442 school districts, that could translate to a out of nearly $3.6 million for the
La crosse School District.
That Is "an unprecedented number," said Janet Rosseter, the district's director of business se!V/ces.
According to the office, school districts would sav.e $488 mill/on per year under his plan.
Rosseter estimates the district would save about $2.5'mi/lion if employees pay half their retirement fund
contributions. She has not calculated the savings from employees paying 12.6 percent of health insurance
premiums.
Ab.out three quarters of the district's teachers are on family plans and pay 10 percent. Those on single plans pay
nothing.
ApPleton Post Crescent. Government officials throughout Wisconsin struggle to back budget repair plan
"To throw the whole system out, I'm not sure that's the right response, but that's'what's proposed. That's what's on
the table," Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna said.
'
Page 3 of3
_Still, he explained that taking a stance against the governor's proposal now is hypocritical. "We've lobbied for a lot
of the changes that are contained (in t11e bill) but not the extent that they're contained here."
. . . .
Voter 10:
. Wisconsin State Journal. Editorial: Voter ID bill still too restrictive
Fwthermore, t/ie sponsor;> of this bill h a ~ e shown precious little evidence of problems at the polls that conceivably
thfs bill would fix.
SB 6 is likely to face legal chi3/lenges. And It defJilltely shouldn't be rushed Into place for the April 5 election. That's
too little time for poll workers to prepare.
. Slow this bill down. Think thJiJgs through. Don't go overboard in limiting ballot access in a state proud of its long
histort of high participation in elections.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Sen. Lelbham's voter photo ID bill amended
The Badger Herald. Voter 10 passes through committee
The Chippewa Hera(d. Senate to take up photo ID bill
Justice.:
Racine Journal Times, Senate passes repeal of racial profiling law
/
Many pollee chiefs from Racine County said they were having officers comply with the law, but don't like it. They
. say it takesup too much-ofotticers'1ime, puts-officersat l i s ~ and the"data co/feoted Is subjective.
Page 1 of3
Werwle, Cullen J" GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 20f110:5.5 AM
To: WeiWie, CuHo:n J- GOV
Cc: Brian K- GOV
Subject: FW: journal sentinel
From: Schrlmpf,.Chr.is- GOV .
Sent: Tuesday, March OB, 2011 2:49 PM
To:
1
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Murray, Ryan M GOV; Werwle; Cullen J- GOV
Subject: journal sentinel .
Madison - Gov. Scott Walker's office released documents Tuesday detailing backwand-forth talks with Senate Democrats In Illinois
about his union bargaining blll
1
showing his office is willing 'to'glve On some aspects of the proposal but also frustrating one senator
Involved in the confidential talks.
Thee-mails released to the Milwaukee 1ournat Sentinel through an open records request showed ideas and counteroffers made by
the Republtcan governor's aides and two Democrats as they sought some resolution that would allow Democrats to come back to the .
state, Senate.Demo.crats have been boted up ln.IIIInols since Feb. 17, when they left WJsconsin to.btock a vote on Walker's
repair bill.
That bill would repeal most collective bargaining by public employee unions and has. sparked massive demonstrations at the Capitol.
The two Democratic Bob Jauch Of Poplar and Tim CUllen of Janesvlller hbve met In recent days With both
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R,Juneau) and Walker aides,
pen. Tim Cullen {D-Janesvllle), who characterized the talks as ''discusslons
11
rather than negotlatfons, said he was disappointed
Walker released the e-maiJs,
urve never seen negotiations be done successfully in public," Said,
11
1 thought they were bargaining tn good falth.
11
... - , . .. - .. - . " .;.
Jauch could. not be reached immediately for comment.
Walker spokesman Cullen Werwle-had no Immediate comment on the release of the documenis
1
which showed that Walker had
begun negotiating on at least some aspects of the bill after Initially stating tliat the state
11
Was brol<e
11
and unable to negotiate.
The bmas proposed by Walker and approved by the Assefnbly last month would repeal bargaining by public employee unions over
thefr benefits and work conditions, leaving only bargaining over wages with a. cap based on the rate of Inflation, barring a
referendum
.In the latest offer by Walker aides put together on Sunday evening:
The blll would no longer seek to limit public employee union bargaining wages to the rate of inflation.
The bill would allow union bargalninp over certain economic Issues, Including mandatory overtime( performance bonuses,
ha-zardous duty pay, and classroom size. On this set of Issues, both labor and management would have to agree to. discuss them for
bargaining to happen.
The bill would allow bargaining over workplace safety.
Union contracts for public employees woufd be limited to a or two-year period.
UnionS-would have to vote every three years to remain active. Tha current version of the bill woulf;f require unions to vote to
recertify every year and them to get at least 51% of workerS' votes.
Employees of tho UW Hospital and Clinics Authority would not lose all union bargaining rights.
The Legislature's budget committee would explicitly htive to approve changes to state health for the poor sought by the
Walker administration. 1he budget-repair bill gives Walker broad powers to reshape those Medicaid health programs.
Meanwhlle In other action Monday, the Assembly was scheduled to take up a bill that would repeal many of the Increases In aufxl
Insurance coverage mandated by the Democrat-controlled In 2009.
Cullen said the discussions have been difficult fo1' both sides. Ranl<-eind-flle members of both parties haven't wanted to recede from
positions, aQd have been critical of those Involved In talks of giving too much, he said.
"The problem with these negotla'ttons has aiviaYs been, th"eyre riPe for Monday mOrning u cuueri sard .
. "l think they're discussions than negotlatfons,
11
he said.
11
1 don't know If they can be resurrected:
11
: . . . . .
CUllen said he didn't know how long Democrats would remain In Illinois. He said 'he believed they could return even If they don't
reach an agreement.
. .
Although the auto lnsurance'btllwotlld still require motorlsts'to havecoverage, the-proposal would lower mostcovera9e minimums
to their previous levels- whfch lead sponsor Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette} says would make .Insurance more affordable. The bi(J
has already pilssed the Senate on Feb. 8 on a bipartisan 25-7 vote, so passage In the Assembly would send It to Walker.
Republlcans
1
who now control the state legislature, have said the higher coverage requirements that were put in place as part of
then- Gov. Jim Doyle's 2009-'11 budget are raising ln$urance costs for consumers, hurting especially thOse least able to pay
premiums.
Nygren has said voters last fall were clear In wanting to put the old minimums back In place.
Supporters of higher coverage limits said the were outdated and QVerdue for an Increase because they hadn,t
been raised since the 1980s. Sfnce then, health care costs for accident victims have skyrocketed, they said.
The group Clti:<!en Action of Wisconsin has released a report that questions Insurance industry claims that changes made by
Democrats would cause an increase In Insurance rates of at least 33%.
Under the old law, drivers with insurance were required to carry mlnirnum liability cnVerage of $25,000 for the. Injury or d!'!ath of a
person, $5(),000 for the Injury or death of more than one person and $10,000 for property damage. The Republicans want to restore
those limits from the current $50,000, $100,000 and $15,000 limits, respectively.
Among other provisions, the bill would reduce minimums for underinsured motorist cOverage to $50,000 per person and $100,000
per accident .frQnl $10.0.,DOO
-ln.which-lnsured drivers could use the
uninsured and under!nsured coverage from up to three Insured vehicles: to help pay costs from an accident.
The bill also would allow Insurers to put drivers buying insurance for the first time into a category, allowing them to charge
higher premiums.
The bill would take effect seven months after being enacted. After that, It would start potentially affecting Insurance policies CJ.S they
come for renewal.
If insurers chose to make changes, they need to give customers notice 60 days before putting them into place.
Budget-repair stalemate . '
:; ... ..-;".,.., .. _.,,;;':;:,., .. "' .. ..... -!.:N - . ... .. " .. _.., ..... .. v A., ,
On Monday, there was little progress In the ongoing state budget-reparr debate. A Democrat's offer to meet with Walker to break
the budget impasse produced no agreement or even progress, only a burst of accusations on both sides that some sald could set
back negotiations.
Walker lashed out at Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller saying Mlller,s request to meet with hfm.was ridiculous
because Miller hasn't delivered a deal with Republicans despite several meetings sides.
Democrats remained holed up In 1Jiinols to block action on "Walker's btldget-repair bill and fired back that the governor had given
little on the proposal, which would end rnost collective for public emproyee unions In the state.
Meanwhile Monday, lawmakers of both parties called for more negotration and acknowledged they were taking possible Senate
recalls seriously.
!'I called one of these senators myself (Monday morning)/' Walker said at a Capitol news conference at which he was flanked by
Senate Majority leader scott Fltz.gerald (R-Juneau) and his brother, AssemblY Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (RHoricon).
could not be more abundantly clear how Serious we are about getting this done,,
Miller said In a letter sent out Monday that he wants to meet with Walker and scoi:t Fitzgerald "neat' the Wisconsin-IllinoiS border to
formally resume serious discussions" on Walker's bill. He said he was also willing to have Walker meet with another
Democrat If the governor preferred.
''I called Sen. Fitzgerald and the governor and hls office on a'.regular basls but not return calls/ said
a statement by Miller, who could not be reached for an interview.
11
1 would hope as 'fie move.forward the governor and Republican.
laders will spend less time at news conferences and mqre time on the phone or at me'etlngs pursuing a resOlution to our
dlfferences.'
1
. Two other Democratic senators - Bob Jauch of Poplar and Tim of Janesvl!ie- met with Scott Fitzgerald last week In Kenosha.
At the news conference, Walker revealed that his staff also had rnet with Miller on Wednesday In a Kenosha McDonald's and had met
with other Democrats ln.south Beloit on Sunday.
Page 3 of3
Walker said tho meeting at the McDonald's had gone so well that his staff had called just before midnight to wake hl_m up and brief
him on the But he Said that Miller Is
In the way" of compromise-by preventing a deal discussed with Jauch and
Cullen from going forward.
In discussing the meetings, Wall<er again declined to reveal what sort of compromise his administration had offered Senate
Democrats and how he's willing to alter his bill. '
Scott Fitzgerald safd that he and Jeff Fitzgerald had met with Walker on Sunday to talk about solving the standoff. He blasted M!Uer
as well, saying the leadei-_wasn't In charge of his group.
11
1 hope you areenjoying yo.ur vacation, rand yourvacatlon'fromreaUty," Scott Fitzgerald wrote In a response to Miller.
Jauch said Monday thcit he was angered by Walker's claim that Jauch and Cullen had sought to make a deal on their own with
Republicans to come back to the state. Jauch said he believed talks could still go forward but the day's was
a setback.
''I was furious when he suggested that Tim and r were wllllng to cut a deal to There was no ag_reement," Jauch said. "We were
just , . , find a way to go back trying to build that stalt"case.
11
Moflday before Walker's news conference, t:hough, Jauch had said that both Democrats and Republicans have to start
llsteolng to moderate voters who want a compromise on the confltct that benefits everyone In the state rather than continued
gridlock,
Is Bn end }:Omlng to this. There has to Jauch said.
Jauch said ha thlnks Senate Democrats also need eventually to return to Wisconsin to deal with recalls being organized against
senators of both parties. .
11
My wife brought me (from) home another two weeks of clean Clothes, but I told her I hoped I didn't have to use lt. At some point
this transition has to occur," Jauch said.
CUllen also disagreed Monday.wlthJNalker, &aying .he . .and Jauoh"had.nev.er. .with to come back to
Wisconsin without the othe1 Democrats .
. "Our understanding in our discussions w'as always that they had to take where the disCussions were at back to the governor, the
(Senate) majority leader and the (Assembly) speaker and we had to take the discussions back to CUllen said.
Pressure continued for sentttors from both sides caught up In the standoff, as organizers gather signatures to fbrCe recalls and
smaller groups Of deffionstrators continued to Gharit in the rotunda and marc!) around the square.
Scott Fitzgerald said he was uabsolutely" concerned about recalls in the Senoter where eight Republicans have had recall efforts
formally begun against them
.. ... takfngl:l\ell"t-serh.itJsfW';;-.S(;ott Fitzgerald-said of the recalls, ...
majority' in the senate as a Del)1odatlc "pipe_ dream." . .-
With Democrats also facing recalls, Scott Fitzgerald said he also thought Republicans might pick up one or more Democratic seats.
Chris Schximpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsiri.gov
Page 1 of4
Werwie, Cullen J GOV: .
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01,2011 10:56 AM
To: Werwie, Cullen J GOV
Cc: Nagedom,BFiaA K GOV
Subject: FW: Dally Policy and Legislative Briefing
From: Murray, Ryan .M - .GOV
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 6:49 pM
To: Gilkes, Keith GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Jensen, Jodi - DOA .
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J GOV; Eberle, Ed.- LTGOV; Matejov, Scott
GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason DOA; Polzin, Cindy M GOV
Subject: Daily Polley and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Affairs Team
Contact with.Legislativ:e Offices
Representative Ji'ro Ott'S office plans to move forward with a bill to repeal wind siting legislation
from last session.
Representative Loudenbeck's office calle\1 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 Weinirtge1 called with questions concerning how the parole system wilrks
. - . ._ _.__ .. _ .... _ .... . ..... .. . -. .z. . -. . ... ......... . _ _, ...... ... .:.... .. ...
- -. . ,;: ' ... , _ _, . ,"',. ,,, -:-; .
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- autoinsurancerepeal(finalpassage)
SS AB 8- rules bill (final passage)
SJR 3- conpnending the UW-Whitewater football team
SJR 13-namingBob Uecker Day
TomolTow's Committee
Secret<try Gottlieb will have a public hearing and exe_c on his confirmation in the Senate
Committee on Transportation and Elections .
AB 3 S-. creation of retail TIF district in Brookfield will have an 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
Page 2of4
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
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 stnot economic
grovvtl1 .
DOT
Transportation. Legislative Proposals . _
o Meeting vvith Rep. Petrovvski' s office on Wednesday to go over the proposals vvould like
to introduce on the Assembly Comillittee 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 vvith 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 ldcking off the conference sharing his vision
. for-the
o Spoke to Secretary Klett, who said the c;onference 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
-
""'""""*"'"' ... . .. , ..... ,, . ''"'"''' . , ., '..;: Educati01_1 and Bealth,.Cate J!olicy 'Jieaw, .... ,' , ... -., .. o ..... , : " .... ,. <. ,. : '. ...
. ;NGA Up(tate '"' . . ... , ... . . . ... " .. ' . . .. . ,. . .. . . . .. . .. .
With recent discussions of health care and Medicaid implementation, the NGA (Governors Gregoire
and Heineman) have fonned the NGA Medicaid Task Force.
Members of the task force vvill include: NGA Executive Conimittee .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 is upset with the funding level11 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.
Keep, tweal' child care ratings (Wisconsin State Journal)
"As the state budget debate proceeds, Walker should keep an open mind on ways to rollout YoungSj:al"
with greater incentives for improvement."
Page.3 of4
justice Local GovernmeiitsTcam
Local Governments:
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 a.dministrators asked to join the
emeritus program: That works out to aboUt 1 out of every 12 teachers in the district.
The emeritu,s program gives one fitll vear's salary paid over three years. That is in addition to pension
. benefits. Inreturn, the retiree pr_ovides 10 davs of service to the 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.distr:icts.(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 $51,3 55. If this is the teachers salary at retirement, that puts
the cost of this emeritus program'at $1Jl1.83per day of work. However, the salary used to calculate
this benefit is the highest salary the teacher ever eal'lled. This would make the. per day cost Jil(ely much
higher.
... .which tl!.<? .1eailll.eiS .ilon1,.haeAlt.rwar.kat..!Uo.J1mUhi:y;, .., .. .. ,-.
.. for'thiiberiefit. Tlie Madison teachers getl9. percent of their higllest saliuy fodhree years after
retirement. At the Madison average teacher salary of$52,022, this wo11ld equate to a monthly payment
of $823.68 for no days of service at all to the district.
. .
Essentially, you get paid almost one thousMd a month for three years for nothing. This amount is l*ely
conservative because retired teacher salaries are likely higher than the average salary.
The Milwaukee teachers union has a second pension above Md bey:ond the WRS that cost the
district $16.6 million in FYll. This pension is 4.2% of salary.
Justice:
Tami Jackson of OJA want the acting 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 meetirig 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 Govel'llor' s website will be distributed to the commission members.
... ~ .. . "".
. ~ .
::: .. : ~ ;'!_ 'l- r . . ~ . ~ ~ . -
: - . ~
Page4of4
'
Page 1 of2
Werwle, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 10:55 AM
To: Werwle, Cullen J - GOV
Cc: ,,Hagedorn,-Hrian K--GOV
Subject: FW: Government Workers Could Save Over $72 Million Through Governor Walker's Budget Repair
Bill
From: GOV Press
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 9:27 AM
To: GOV Press
Subject: Government Workers Could Save Over $72 Million Through Governor Walker's Budget Repair Bill
March 8, 2011
For Immediate Release.
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303
. Government Workers Could Save Over $72 Million Through Governor
Walker's Budget RepairBill
Madison- Governor Scott Walker's office today released an estimate of how much money government
workers could save through the governor's budget repair bill. A conservative estimate would mean
gpvernment workers could save at least $72,150,000 .. - .
,; ';;.;: <> " o - J, 0 0 '- o,<o..,_. oo.J,."::',,__.. ........ .... p ,,..,.. .. oOP " .. ,_,' ,;,, o,'' 0
Although the budget repair bill asl<s government workers to contribute a modest amount to their
pensions and healthcare premiums (well less than the national average), workers could make up much
of the 'Increased costs because their union dues would. be optional.-
According to the Milwaukee JoU(rial Sentinel most of the 23,000 state workers who are members of
AFSCME pay $420 a year in union dues, though some pay as much as $492. Using the $420 figure
these workers would se_e potential savings of at least $9,660,000.
to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of AFT-Wisconsin who m<Jke more than $34,000
a year pay $510 each year in dues. AFT represents 17,000 government workers. Using the $510 figure
savings for these worl<ers would total $8,670,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel members of the Professional Patient Care Unit of the SEUI
pay $19'2. to $864 or more each year in union dues. There are 15,000 members of this union; Using a
figure of just $250, would mean a total savings of $3,750,000.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Public Schools Teachers pay $995 annually in
dues. The teacher's union in Milwaukee represents 6,0QO teachers making the potential savings
Page2of2
$5,970,000.
According to th'e Milwaukee Jaurna/ Sentinel Wisconsin teachers pay $450 per year for the state and
natlonaf po.rtions ofthelr dues, on top of their local dues. WEAC says It represents 98,000 employees .
. If each represented employee pays $450 in dues a year there are 'potential sav\ngs of $44,100,000. .
###
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
From:
S.ent: Friday, April 01,201110:sa AM
To: We!Wie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc: HagedG>rn, -BrianK- GOV
Subject: FW: ICYMI: In search of Bob Wlrch
From: GOV Press
Sent: Monday, March 07,.2011 4:56 PM
To: GOV Press
Subject: ICYMI: In search of Bob Wirch
ICYMI: In search of Bob Wirch .
Page 1 of2
http://www.journaltimes. com/news/local/article_1 e7e8244-4877 -11 eO"ae9d-001 cc4c03286.html?print= 1
In search of Bob Wirch
CHRISTINE WON ch.dstine.won@journaltimes.com I Posted: Sunday, March 6, 201110:51 pm
PLEASANT PRAIRIE -A maroon minivatl and the day's New York Times paper sat on the driveway of Sen. Robert Wirch's
home on Sunday afternoon.
There appeared to be no movement inside or noise coming from the one-story sky blue house with its curtains tightly drawn.
No one answered the door at the residence listed as the senator's vo!ing address.
. . :. w;;.cli; P'(,;fr1',;, f>i8trrci tia"i :
one of 14 Democratic senators to have fled Madison. Theil' absence-leaves the GOP-controlled Senate without a quorum and
effectively stymies the passage of Gov. Scott Walker's conuoversial budget repafr bill. A bill that would strip almost all
collective bargaining rights from most public employee unions statewide. .
A few neighbors in the 3000 block of Springbrook say they haven't seen the senator in recent days.
"There's nothing going on at all (in the neighborhood)," said neighbor Mary a 51-year-old housewife, adding
petitioners had not shown up either.
She wishes they would, though; she'd like to sign the petition to recall Wirch. Ascher, who's lived there for ahnost three
years, said she's "100 percent for Scott Wallcer."
A group called the Taxpayers to Recall Robert Wirchhas filed a petition to recall the senator for vacating the Capitol and not
doing his job. Petition organizers have said they need 13,537 signatures by Aprll25 to force a election. Some Burlington
residents have said Wirch should come back aud do his job and vote instead ofrunning away and avoiding his responsibility
as m elected official.
"I know he's not doing !tis job," one jogger in the neighborhood who declined to give his nanie told The Journal Times
Sunday afternoon. "I haven't seen him around but he's supposed to be here."
Wirch has not responded to multiple req_uests for comment sbtce he vacated the state Senate. Sen. Lena Taylor, D-
Milwaukee, said last month that Wirch was "standing strong" in Illinois,
. !
Page2of2
"When you're an elected official; you shouldn't flee the state," said Eric Snow; a 36.yearold U.S. Navy iustmctor from
. California currently stationed in Illinois and now living across the street from the senator. "I think it was wrong."
Snow said he's seen Wirch a couple of times iuhi'! yard in the past few weeks.
"I d m ~ t think he fled though," Snow said, ''because I've seen him from time to time since this has happened."
The maroon-Ginysler :town&--Geuntr:vththadbeen-&ittinginW-hochis driveway drove offen.Sunday-afternoon-with a
woman wearing sunglasses behind the wheel.
Page 1 ofl
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 201110:57 AM
To: WeiWie, Cullen J - GOV
be: ,Hagedorn, -Brian K- GOV
Subject: FW:
..
From: Schrimpf, .Chr.is G.OV
sent: Monday, March 07i 2011 2;01 PM
To: Gilkes, .Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GO'.t;411
. Subject:
Jauch fires back
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Dem Sen. Bob Jauch fired back at the guv this afternoon, accusjng him of distorting the
truth In "some vain attempt to .suggest he's being serious" about reaching a deal .
- . . . .
An agitated vehemently disputed the gllv's suggestion this afternoon that he and
fellow Dem Sen. Tim Cullen have reached tentative deals-with Republicans to break the
. .
impasse only to have Minority Leader Mark Miller undercut them.
l:le disputed the description of the tal!<s they've had with Republicans as negotiations and
.. ,.- a,ffieetil1g:witb.MaJorlty leader' Scott Fitz:geraldinvolved nothtng discussing
things like the landscape of both caucuses and how difficult it would be 11lOVing forward.
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Jauch,. DPoplar, took particularly offense to the suggestion the two of them .were looking to
cut a deal that would pave the way for five or Dems to return for a vote on the budget
repair bill.
"Never, never has there been a suggestion that Tim Cullen and 1_ would abandon
the other 12 for the sake of cutting a deal," Jauch said. just an outrageous tie."
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office "oj the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wlsconsin.gov
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent: Friday, April 01, 201110:57 AM
To: WeiWie; Cullen J GOV
Cc: Hagedorn; Brian K -GOV
SubJect: FW: !GYM I: Budget bill a W<Jsh for schools
From: GOV Press .
Sent: Monday, March 07, 201110:01 AM
To: GOV Press
Su.bject: ICYMI: Budget bill a wash for schools
Page 1 of3
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/2011 030G/OSH01 05/11 0306001/Budget-bill-
wash-schools
''Those tools, the way it's .looking right now, c'ould more than cover (the district's
"But-ao much has happened in the past three. weeks that I'm still
cautious."
"It's going to be tough to deal with. There's no doubt about it, but thankfully we'll have
tools to make up forthat (loss in revenue),"
Schneider said . "When (former Governor Jim Doyle) cut school funding we had no tools
to deal with it' other than to raise taxes."
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Written by
Adam Rodewald
12:45 AM, Mar. 6, 20111
Early estimates show Oshkosh schools would lose about $4 million under Gov. Scott Walker's
proposed buaget, but district administrators are optimistictf:ley
could absorb the loss without layoffs or program reductions.
Walker's budget would cut state funding for schools in effort to help balance Wisconsin' s $3.6
billion deficit. He would also prevent districts from raising property taxes to make up for the
loss.
If a budget repair bill stalled in the State Senate and the biennium budget bill are
pas9ed as proposed, it would prompt the first true spending cut for The Oshkosh Area Scho.ol
District since at least 1994 and roll its general operations spending back to 2008-09 levels.
Early estimates' show the district would be able to more than cover its loss in revenue without
letting go staff or cutting programs if the governor's proposal to limit collective bargaining to
Page2of3
wages becomes law.
Oshkosh Schools Business Director Boii'tess said the'district could save' as much as $4.6
million by requiring employees to pay 5.8 percent of their salaries toward their pensions and
12.6 percent of theirhealth insurance premiums.
. . .
Walker.'s proposal would allow schools to ask for more or less, however those numbers, which
would be impo.sed on state workers, became a starting point for discussions among district
officials. '
"Those tools, the way it's looking right now, could more than cover (the district's
shortfall)," Tess said. so much has happened in the past three weeks that I'm still
cautious."
Many variables remain unknown and could shift the district's budget.for better or worse, he
said: For example, rapidly rising costs of gas and health care could eat away at savings, or a
hike in retirements by teachers upset over the changes could add to the savings.
Tess said about 100 teachers are eligible for- retirement this year. The biggest uJ1known .
variable is how much state aid the district will receive, which, in turn, determines the property .
.
School districts have two main sources of revenue: property taxes and state aids. .
The combination of the two cannot exceed a state-imposed revenue cap, which is different for
every district-Thelessstatj3 aid a-sohooldistrlct receives the more comes from property taxes,
and vice versa.
The Oshkosh district's $4 million loss in revenue is the result of the state-imposed cap being
&,ah:l'itbiRwould :prs.v.entpi'ope(ty' ta_x du_e,Jc'>, his proposal.tQ state '';'',
aid to schools. . . .
State aid estimates for individual districts are usually announced in July. Some school board
members have criticized Walker's plan to lower revenue caps. saying it restricts flexibility by not
allowing property tax increases.
"Even at the local level if we want to keep your services, (Gov. Walker) handcuffs us," said
Oshkosh school board president John Lemberger after first learning of the budget bill. "Doesn't
it look to you like he's forcing us to go bankrupt?"
However, board member Ben Schneider II said limiting collective bargaining should provfde
more than enough flexibility..
"It's going to be tough to deal with. There's no doubt about it, but thankfully we'll have
tools to make up for that (loss in revenue);"
Schneider said. "When (former Gpvernor Jim Doyle) cut school funding we had no tools
to deal with it other than to raise taxes."
In fact, the board chose to !lOt raise taxes as much as they were allowed for two years in a row
to ease the burden on homeowners struggling through the economic recession. As a result,
Page 3 of3
the district endured deeper required budget cuts.
The district has made cuts totaling $14 million in the past 10 years alone.
However, tofal spending still continued to increase each of those years along with taxes.
Tess said district administrators have not yet talked about other possible ways to cut costs
such as changing health insurance providers or restructuring insurance plans that would be
made easier to implement without collective bargaihing.
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Vlferwle, Cullen J
From:
sent: Friday, April 01, 201110;57 AM
To: Wei)Vie; Cullen J -Goy
Cc: .. Hagedom, Btlan K- GOV
Subject: FW: Updated Wall Street Journal Article
From: Schrimpf,. Chris GOV
Sent: 06, 2011 7:20 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV;Werwle, Cullen J- GQV
Subject: Fw: Updated Wall Street Journal Article
From: ChriS Schrimpf [mallto:
Sent: Sunday, March .06, 2011 0_7:17 PM
To: Schrimpf,Ghris GOV .
Subject: Updated Wall StreetJournal Article
Democrats to End Union -Sta_.:1doff
By KRIS MAHER And AMY MERRICK
Playing a .of chick;n, to on
public-employee unions said Sunday they planned to come back from exile soon, betting.that even
though their retum will allow the bill to pass, the curbs are so unpopular they'll taint the state's
Republican governor and legislators.
A demonstrator wears the number 14 on her back in suppmt of the fourteen Wisconsin state senators
who fled the state over two weeks ago on March 6, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin standoff, which drew thousands of demonstrators to occupy the capitol in Madison for
days at a time, has come to highlight efforts in other states to address budget problems in pari by
limiting the powers and benefits accorded pu\Jiic-sector unions.
Sen. Mark Miller said he and his fellow Democrats intend to let the full Senate vote on Gov. Scott
Walker's "budget-repair" bill, which would also limit public unio11s' colleqtive bargai.Qing rights. The
bill, which had been blocked because the missing Democrats were needed follthe Senate to have enough
members present to consider the. bill, is exJ?ected to pass the Republican-contr<?lled chamber.
He said he thinks recent polls showing voter disconteilt with Mr. Walker over limits on bargaining rights
have been "disastrous" for the govemor and give Democrats more leverage to seek changes in a broader
two-year budget bill Mr. Walker proposed Tuesday.
Page2 of3
Andrew Welhduse, a spokestnan for Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, said the short-
tenn bill can no longer be anwnded. He .said when return tb.ey will be aple tn.
speak on J:l?.e bill, "but we plan to pass it as soon as possible."
Union solidarity rallies continue outside the Wisconsin Capitol as filmmaker Michael Moore tells the
(lrowd that America is not broke, but that the elite controls the money. Video comtesy ofNewsCore.
Mr. Miller declined to say how soon the Democratic senators, who left for Illinois on Feb. 17, would
return. He said the group needed to deal with several issues frrst-including the resolution Senate
Republicans passed last week that holds the Democrats in contempt and orders police to detain them
when they retom to Wisconsin.
"We are now looldng at retorniJ.!g to the state capitol requiring 'the senators to take a vote and have
them declru:e who they're with -the workers or the governor," Ml. Miller said.
Mr. Wallcer sind he wpuld not be swayed by the polls.
"lfi governed by.polls I'd still be in the state Assembly," Mr . Walker said on Friday. "I won reelection
twice as county executive in an ?rea of the state that went two-thirds for President Obama by identifying
a problem? telling people how I was going to deal with it, and then moving forward with the solution."
Chris Schl'impf, a spokesman Ioi the governor, siuasunilay lliat Mr. Walker "looks forward to the
. .Senate Democrats retm:ning as soon as possible." He added that Mr. Walker had been "keepntg tjl.e lines
of communication open with Senate Democrats trying to give them a path home."
. .
Ml .. Miller said the Democrats alSo want to fight Mr.'Walker's recently amlOunced two-year bndget plan,
which cuts spending by $4.2 billion, or 6.7%, including $1.25 billion less in state aid to schools and
local'govemments.
:. Mr. wancer's blUwm.itd prohilJi.t'barsaWng over hearth care and p(msions -ior aliout 11o;ooo pu'blic -
employees in the state and would allow public employees to opf out of paying dues or belonging to a
union.
The bill also would end the automatic collection of dues by the state, and requii:e tlmt every public-
employee union get to represent workers t!Jrough an annual election.
. .
As,the standoff in Wisconsin has on, several polls 'showed majorities of Wisconsin voters
disapproving of Mr. Walker's plan as it affects public employees. At the same tinle; the governor
maintains strong support among He also has significant bacldng :from voters for his plan to.
have union members pay more out of their salaries toward their pensi(!ns and health care. A poll released
Friday by Rasmussen Reports, based on a phone survey conducted :March 2 of 800 likely Wisconsin
:voters, found 52% ofihem opposed weakening collective-bargaining rights, while 39% were ill favor.
When asked wl)ether state workers talce a 10% pay cut-roughly the equivalent of the governor's
plan-44% supported the move and 38% were opposed. .
A poll by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, which calls its.elfthe state's ":free-market think tatik,"
. showed that more voters, ,particularly independents, disapprovea of the governor than in a similar sm'Vey
by the institute ill November. Republican voters' support remained basically unchanged from the fall.
The poll was based on phone interviews of 603 Wisconsin residents and conducted Feb. 27-March 1.
Page 3 of3
Both polls had a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
. . . .. .
The results of both polls were echoed in a remmt poll by The Wall Street Journal/ NBC News, which
found that 62% of America11s oppose efforts to strip unionized governni.ent workers of: their rights to
collectively. bargain, even as they want public employees to contribute more.money to their retirement
l\nd health-care benefits. The poll was based on nationwide telephone interviews of 1,000 adults,
conducted from Feb. 24-28, by the polling organizations of Peter D. Hart and Bill Mcinturff
Mark Jefferson, head of the Wiscorniin GOP, said polls reflected the big campaign unions have launched
in the state. "The millions of dollars in national union money for advertising have been effective at"
getting the union message out,'! he said.
He said even after Mr. Walker's plan is passed, the state's public workers will still have more civil
protections than federal wol'lcers an'd more bargaining rights than the.more than 80% of the
state's workers that don't belong to unions.
Several big public-sector unions in Wisconsin have already said they would agree to fiscal .
in Mr. Walker's bill, including contributing 5.8% out oftheir pay to pensions and 12.6% qut of their
wages for health care premiums, up :fi:oni 6% on average today. But they.objectto ending oargaining
rights and other changes.
Werwie, Cullen J GOV
. . . . .
From:
.Sent: Friday, April 01,201110:58 AM
To: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
Subjeot:-f'W: .. ICMI:Union's-GrlevanoeFeeds.Walker's Plan
From: GOV Press
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 9:01AM
To: GOV Press
Subject: ICYMI:Union's Grievance Feeds Walker's Plan
Page 1 of2
ICYMI: Grievance Feeds Walker's Plan.'.Tht? Joumal Times Editorial page points to "a good
example-- or actually a bad example- of the difficulties municipalities have had in dealing :with unions
over worloules and contracts."
Uniou's grievantefeeds Walker's plan
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion!editoriallarticle_4163c08e4607-11e0-8d0c-
001cc4c03286.html
Timing, it is said, is everything.
. . That )!).elude tilni!lg. ,
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Local 67 of the Arn!')rican Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, may well have
garnered the prize in that department when they filed a grievance against the City of Racine for hiring
outside contractors to help dig out from the Feb. 1-2 blizzard that overwhelmed southeast Wisconsin.
. .
The union filed the grievance on Feb. 18. The headline$ in the newspaperthat day were "Senate Dems
flee Capitol"-- headlines that marked the escalation of the fight over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair
bill that would strip many public sector unions of most ofthe:h c'ollective bargaining.rights.
If he hasn't said it aJready, we wouldn't be surprised to see Gov. Walker point to the AfSCME gdevance
and say: "'that's what I'm talking about," :
It is. a good example -- or actually a bad example -- of the difficulties municipalities have had in dealing
with unions over wprk rules and contracts.
In the blizzard grievance, Loca167 s'aid the city violated their collective bargaining agreement when it
hired private contractors to-help with the post-blizzard snow removal between Feb. 2 and Feb.- 11. Under
the contra<;:t, Racine can "contract' out for goods or services, however there shall be no layoffs or
reduction in hours due to any contracting out of work."
The city called on private contractors to help deal with the 2 feet of snow that shut down the city for
Page2of2
almost two days and. trapped many residents in their homes until plows co]lld finally get through.
City Attorney Scott city did not reduce members' hours.-- as mahy of .
them filed for overtim!'J. Nor weie the1e layoffu. Indeed. the dig out required as much help as could be
found.
The union believes they were deprived of work 4one by the. private contractors - that it
would just have taken longer, or pe1haps generated even more overtime.
But, as Letteney pointed out, the city can also take whatever action is necessary during an emergency --
and this, of course, was more than a usual snow emergency.
Perhaps e.v.en more bizanely, the 1mion gdeYedthB.tnnlike ci:ty employees who got paid days off on Feb.
2, Local 67 members were denied pay for the day when they yvere absent or late. bec11use of the blizzard.
Yes, it is true that many no11-essential office WQrkers al\d others were told notto come to work-- and
they were paid for the day because the city "made work not available to them."
But there was wodc that day available to plow drivers --that's,. after all, what-they do.
The City of Racine is disputing the grievance claim-- as it should.
Local '67, meanwhile,'has provided ammunition for the battle in the Capitol that may well put an end to
this kind of J;l.Onsense and stifle the union's ability to file c.omplaints over legitimate issues as well.
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Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
From:
Sent: Frlday,Aprii01,201112:22PM
To: yverwle, Cullen J- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV
Subject: FW"Daily.Polioy--and LegislativeUJ'ldate
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:59 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GQV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Jensen, Jodi- DOA
Cc: M.atejov, Scott- GOV; Eberle, Ed - LTGOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwle, Cullen J
- GOV; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Subject: Dally Policy and Legislative
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
PSG
Spoke.wlth Village of-Rothschild -Pr.esldent.cn.the-proposal for We-Energy--to btiild biomass fueled
cogeneratiol) facility in
o Village President wopld like the new commissioner of the PSG, whenever he or she is appointed, to
be.brought up-to-speed on situation
o PSG has discretion over project
Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
q Had conference call with Reggie Newson and B'rian Hagedorn
6 'DOT received a request for Information from FTA, Chicago Offlbe
Trans 405 (Sitting Noise Barriers)
. ; ..
o DOT would like to promulgate rule that would bring compliance with Fed. Regulations
JOBS Hotline
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 los_s of federal funding for cartaln highway projects .
Company in Minnesgta is looking to expand in.OscE!ola
. .
-
Humal!- Services and Education Team
Health Care Meetings
Met with John Torinus on reforming the health plans for state employees and Medicaid recipients. He
disc1,1ssed his success at reducing health care costs with his company by utilizing consumer-driven plans,
HSA's, real transparency with health care costs, and free on-site primary care. He suggested people we
should include in the discussion to ref01m our health plans.
. .
Met with Navitus (Mike Heifetz) to discuss improving the state's pharmacy management. Mike will be
Page2of2
approaching JFC members with a budget amendment that gives incentives to teachers and local
. tq join the ETF pool. He e?.H!1Jates that it would by 1520%._
News.
Commissioner of Insurance's Hypocrisy. Exposed (ABC for Health)
"The hypocrisy of.the Wisconsin Commissioner ofinsurance' s office was exposed as the state
arinounced the acceptance of $38 million in health refmm money. The Affurdable Care Act includes the
creation of insurance exchanges; and Wisconsin's new ''Early Innovator" grant will facilitate that
process.".
Justice and Local Governments Team
Correetlons:
Budget analysts at Corrections confirmed that if last years overtime numbers held steady and we were out
from under the collective bargaining contracts; which allow for pay status/work status, sick leave overtime
stacking, the siate would have saved nearly $5 million of a $27 million overtime total (FY201 0). That is
nearly a-20 percent reduction In overtime costs. That is even assuming overtime Is paid time and a half
which is required.under federal fair labor standards over 40 hours. _
Dennis Schuh, EA at Corrections is having his staff write a letter needed .to perform certain hiring.
requirements at the same time in order to both transfer staff to and hire new staff at Lincoln Hills. The
letter will be sent to DOA and signed by Cindy Archer to authorize this. It Is needed if we are to get
f-liilsr.,adywlthin lfmenthsot"EthaA-AII.,Aand SOGS closing. .
Senator Harsdorfs staff called concerned that correctional officers were walking out of a prison near her
district We followed up with Gorrections and 'they confirmec;l it was.only a rumor and. there were no
higher sick days than usual today.
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