20120523140318110

Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Sent:
To:
Monday, February 14, 2011 3:59 PM
Associated Press, Scott Bauer
Subject: Re: Unions fighting back against Walker proposal
Always the skeptic
From: Bauer, Scott fmailto:sbauer@ao.orgl
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 03:46 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: RE: Unions fighting back against Walker proposal
Yes, I suspect they'll also be interested in knowing the furloughs equated to a 3 percent pay cut while this plan is 8
percent.
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.govl
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 3:42PM
To: Bauer, Scott
Thanks. Just thought your loyal readers would be interested
From: Bauer, Scott [mailto:sbauer@ap.orgl
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 03:37 PM
I reported that on Friday and it will be in the next version of my story moving later this afternoon as well.
To: Bauer, Scott
Subject: Unions fighting back against Walker proposal
Something to consider: Since you mention the furlough days that state workers have taken over the last two years, am
wondering if you'd consider mentioning that Governor Walker has said under his proposal his new budget will include no
furloughs for state employees.
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
The information contained in this communication is intended for the use
of the designated recipients named above. If the reader of this
communication is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
that you have received this communication in error, and that any review,
2
dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
notify The Associated Press immediately by telephone at +1-212-621-1898
and delete this e-mail. Thank you.
[IP_US_DISC]msk dccc60c6d2c3a6438f0cf467d9a4938
3
From:
Sent:
To:
Bauer, Scott <sbauer@ap.org>
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Yes, I suspect they'll also be interested in _knowing the furloughs equated to a 3 percent pay cut while this plan is 8
percent.
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV rmailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.govl
To: Bauer, Scott
To: Bauer, Scott
Something to consider: Since you mention the furlough. days that state workers have taken over the last two years, am
Chris Schrimpf
Email: chris.schrimp.f@wisconsin.gov
[IP_US DISC]msk dccc60c6d2c3a6438f0cf467d9a4938
4
Sent:
To:
Associated Press, Scott Bauer
fr(lm: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.govl
To: Bauer, Scott
Something to consider: Since you mention the furlough days that state workers have taken over the last lwei years, am
Chris Schrimpf
communication is not.the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
5
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bauer, Scott <sbauer@ap.org>
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
RE: Unions fighting back against Walker proposal
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.govl
To: Bauer, Scott
Chris Schrimpf
6
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bauer, Scott
Unions fighting back against Walker proposal
Chris Schrimpf
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
7
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Nathan Yahn < I ~
Monday, February
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Fwd: Important Message from WLEA
See response below from the WLEA on the budget repair bill...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association <info@wlea.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 14,2011 at 12:39 PM
Subject: Important Message from WLEA
To:
Friends, family, and co-workers-
Saturday evening I spent hours both with my union brothers and sisters
and alone, with only my thoughts.,.here are a few things that came up ...
I am urging you to call or email your representatives and tell them to
vote no on Governor Walkers Budget Repair Bill. This "quick fix" is
anything but.
In it, he is voiding all collective bargaining on everything but salary,
which wouldn't need much, but it is huge to a lot of people. What does
my hours of work, vacation selection, seniority, and the clothes that I
wear have anything to do with balancing the budget? Why is it that the
State workers salary make up approximately 8% of the total budget, but
is making us fix 100% of the total budget shortfall?
This bill does not just affect the state workers, but the teachers, county
government, city government, public health care, garbage men, and the
list can go on ..... it will in some way touch all of our lives, either today or
in the future!!
I .also just found a study done by Rutgers University in which the
Wisconsin state workers were compared to the private sector
employees, they found that state workers are being paid 8-14% less that
the private employees, you can find this on www.channel3000.com
It has always been my experience the employees of the State of
Wisconsin have always been willing and able do what was necessary for
the benefit of the State of Wisconsin and her citizens. It has also been
my experience that State Employee Unions have been a necessity for the
efficient and effective delivery state services. The unions are an effective
system of checks and balances keeping management and labor in check.
I find it troubling to believe that a solution to the State's situation is to
the point that the National Guard has been put on stand by. Military force
would need to be employed to keep the peace in the US Wisconsin, which
if you did not know this, they are in paid status by the state of Wisconsin
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while on standby.
The motto for Wisconsin is "Forward". This solution is clearly a step
backward.
Unions are a way for employees to pull together as one, and have their
voices heard! please, if you know anyone who is in a union, or ever way,
please pass this on to everyone in your address book and lets act today,
for there may not be another day to do this .... compromise on everyone's
part is how this can be accomplished NOT by threats ...
Here is the link to find your
representatives: http://legis.Wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx
RESPECTFULLY yours
Kathy Rozmarynoski
Vice President- Wlisconsin Law Enforcement Association
President- Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association Local 3
308 S Michigan St
15
9
From: GOV Press-
Sent:
To:
Monday, February 14, 20111:37 PM
Wetwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: FW: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
Chris Schrimpf
From: Andrew Beckett
Sent: Monday, February 14,
To: GOV Press
Subject: RE: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
Cullen,
What's the deal with this 2pm briefing with the Governor? We received no notice about a press conference.
Andrew Beckett
www.wrn.com
Follow us. on Twitter @wrn and @abeckettwrn
From: GOV Press [mailto:GOVPress@wisconsin.govl
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 10:13 AM
To: GOV Press
Subject: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
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
201ltaxpayers contributed more than $1 billion dollars. In 2011, state employees paid $64 million toward
their health insurance, or about S.6% of the total cost. (ETFHealth Care Analysis)
From 2001 to 2010 taxpayers spent more than $8 billion dollars on state employee health care coverage-
over the same period oftime state employees contributed about $398 million. (ETF Health Care Analysis)
10
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 $55.4 million. (LFB paper 84 Wisconsin Retirement System, Table 28)
When looking,at state operations, state employees account for about 60% of taxpayer cost-77% of state
operations for the UW are employees, 70% for corrections, 63% for health services. (State Budget Office
Memo 2-9-11)
Wisconsin taxpayers currently make nearly a 100% payment for the employee portion of the public sector
pension contribution. Illinois and Indiana taxpayers contribute the entire employee portion as well, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio pay 0% of the employee contribution. ($tate 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 2S.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.
###
11
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
GOV Press
GOV Press
ICYMI Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Walker picks a fight - and it's the right fight
In the Sunday Journal-Sentinel the editorial board said that Governor Walker is right to insist that state workers pay more
of their share and that "he's right to take steps to compel them to do so:"
Walker picks a fight- and it's the right fight
The governor is right to insist that state workers pay more of their share.
e-mail
print
Feb. 12, 20111(211) COMMENTS
Restoring Wisconsin to fiscal health is not for the squeamish. The medicine is going to be bitter. Gov. Scott Walker's
proposals to strip state employee unions of much of their bargaining power illustrates just how bitter.
But Walker is right to do this. He must insist that state workers pay a bigger share of their benefits. And he's right to
take steps to compel them to do so.
The governor is overreaching in some respects. And even if he wins the bruising fight to come in the state Capitol, he
risks alienating broad swaths of independent voters. But Walker must fill a gaping budget hole of $137 million for the
fiscal year that ends June 30 and a much larger imbalance in the next two-year budget. Something has to give,
Walker's proposals affect virtually every unionized public worker in the state, at both the state and municipal levels.
But the alternative to trimming benefits is laying off thousands of workers. The state, not to mention the economy, is
better served by keeping as many of its workers on board as possible, albeit at a lower cost. Walker estimates his
proposals will save the state $30 million between now and June 30 and $300 million over the course of the next two-
year budget. That doesn't count savings at the local level, which should help make up for expected cuts in state aid.
Our analysis:
Under Walker's plan, state workers would contribute 5.8% of their pay to their pensions and at least 12.6% of the
cost of their health care premiums. State workers still would have a better deal than most workers - this plan is fair to
them and to taxpayers. But while the state should control benefit packages, unions should retain the right to bargain
on other issues.
The governor would limit wage increases to the rate of inflation, unless voters approve an increase by referendum.
In addition, unions would be required to take an annual vote to maintain their status, and public employers would be
prohibited from collecting union dues. If the point is to balance the budget, these provisions are not needed.
Another proposal would exempt the Wisconsin Troopers' Association and unions representing police and firefighters.
Some public safety unions endorsed Walker when he ran last fall. Walker is hedging because he is worried about
possible job actions- he probably should worry- but all unions should be forced to take the same medicine. No
political favors.
Walker would refinance state debt to push principal payments into the future and save $165 million in this fiscal
year. This would free up money to help pay $58.7 million owed to Minnesota after an income tax agreement cratered
and to repay the $200 million owed to a medical malpractice fund that was illegally raided in 2007. A good idea.
Another proposal would give the state Department of Health Services the ability to change the state's Medicaid
health programs for the poor. Walker needs to ensure that the most vulnerable are cared for, but some changes in
these programs are required.
Civil service positions, such as chief legal counsel, public information officer and legislative liaison, would become
political appointments. We understand that Walker wants to clean house of Doyle loyalists, but this doesn't need to be
part of a budget repair bill. If it's such a good idea, debate it as part of a separate bill.
14
While we may quibble over some of the details, Walker's decision to force a showdown with organized labor is long
overdue. The state must rein in its legacy costs. As Walker told the Editorial Board Friday:
"These are things that frankly GM and Chrysler should have gotten a better handle on, and they wouldn't have been in
the problems they got into."
He's right, and it's about time.
15
From: GOV Press
Sent:
To:
Evenson, Tom - GOV
Subject: FW: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
Chris Schrimpf
From: terry havel 1
Sent: Monday, February
To: GOV Press
Take my email off your list.
From: GOVPress@wisconsin.gov
To: GOVPress@wisconsin.gov
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:12:36 -0600
Subject: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
February 14, 2011
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)
18
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% of the 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)
used one time sources of revenue for ongoing operating expenditures a(ld did little to address the long-term
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.
###
19
Sent:
To:
Cc:
WTAQ AM, Jerry Bader; GOV Press
Thanks for spreading the word outside of the MSM.
Chris Schrimpf
From: Jerry Bader ImilllliQ_j
Sent: Monday, February
To: GOV Press
Subject: Re: The Cost of Public Sector Benefits
fyi:
hrtp://wtag.com/blogs/post/jbader/2011/feb/14/cost-public-sector-benefits/
On Mon, Feb 14,2011 at 10:12 AM, GOV Press <GOVPress@wisconsin.gov> wrote:
February 14,2011
* 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 $1.3 7 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
* 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
Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio pay 0% of the employee contribution. (State Budget Office Memo 2-9-11)
20
* Public employees in Wisconsin are vested in the retirement system immediately, while in Illinois it takes
8 years, 1 0 years in Indiana, 4 years in Iowa, 10 years in Michigan, 3 years in Minnesota, and 5 years in
* 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 $73 3 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)
used one time sources of revenue for ongoing operating expenditures and did little to address the long-term
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
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 ofthe core services taxpayers demand.
###
Jerry Bader
' ~ " . u u n m Director News/Talk Programming Midwest Communications
97.5 FM, 1360 AM, News/Talk WTAQ, your broadcast home for THE WORLD CHAMPION
GREEN BAY PACKERS/
21
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
14, 201111:46 AM
Gilkes, 1 - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV: Schutt, Eric - GOV
Walker's plan to save schools $3 million has teachers contributing more to pensions,
premiums
Couple of interesting passages in this article: At the same time, union contracts have far done little to address out-of-
control health insurance costs and ballooning retirement benefit liabilities at a 'time when revenUes continue to shrivel. The most recent two-year
contract settled in October included some benefit changes but still increased compensation costs by $5 million between the 2008-09 school year and
the current year.
New financial projections show the district will face a $1.3 million deficit this corning school year and another shortfall of $7.6 million in the
following 2012-13 school year.
Those shortfalls are exacerbated, in part, because of the state's massive deficit. Walker said he would cut state funding to schools to help balance the
budget. He said his proposal to strip unions' bargaining rights would give school boards more power to control the largest parts of their budgets.
Salaries and benefits account for roughly 80 percent of the Oshkosh school district's spending. Teachers currently pay 5 percent of their health
insurance premiums and contribute nothing toward their pensions.
Walker's proposal to increase those contributions would allow the Oshkosh district to save about $3.3 million in 2011-12 and $3.4 million in 2012-
13, according to a Northwestern analysis.
Those savings each year equal roughly the cost of 58 full-time teachers.
http:/ /www.thenorthwestem.com/article/20 11 0214/0SHO 105111 0213046/W alker-s-plan-to-save-schools-3-
million-has-teachers-contributing-more-to-pensions-premiums
Walker's plan to save schools $3 million has teachers contributing more to pensions,
premiums
BY ADAM RODEWALD OF THE NORTHWESTERN FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Oshkosh schools would save more than $3 million each of the next two years if teachers were furced to contribute more to.their pensions and health insurance premiums.
Gov. S<;:ott Walker said last week he wants all public employees, including teachers, to pay 12.6 percent oftheir health insurance premiums and
contribute 5.8 percent of their salaries to the Wisconsin Retirement System pension program.
Walker also proposed taking away public sector unions' ability to negotiate for anything but their base salary, and any requests for raises higher than
the consumer price index would need to be approved by a referendum.
The Republican-controlled Legislature will vote on the plan this week. If passed, the rules change would have an immediate impact on the Oshkosh
Education Association, which reaches the end of its current contract on June 30.
The new laws would take effect July 1. .
22
School officials said they would still work collaboratively with employees to resolve compensation and workplace issues even if the state removes
the unions' collective bargaining r i ~ h t s .
"Philosophically, I think it's better to do things collaboratively,"
said school board president John Lemberger. "In terms of employee relations and morale, if teachers can be part of the solution in a collaborative
way, we could end up in the same place but with a much happier group of employees."
Superintendent Don Viegut has been working to foster a more positive and collaborative culture in the district since he took over in July 2010.
Difficult budget cuts, frequent leadership turnover and division among the school board had battered employee morale.
Taking away bargaining rights might hinder his effort to reunite district employees and leaders.
At the same time, teachers' union contractshave so far done little to address out-of-control health insurance costs and ballooning retirement benefit
liabilities at a time when revenues continue to shrivel. The most recent two-year contract settled in October included some benefit changes but still
increased compensation costs by $5 million between the 2008-09 school year and the current year.
New financial projections show the district will face a $1.3 million deficit this coming school year and another shortfall of $7.6 million in the
following 2012-13 school year.
Those shortfalls are exacerbated, in part, because of the state's massive deficit. Walker said he would cut state funding to schools to help balance the
budget. He said his proposal to strip unions' bargaining rights would give school boards more power to control the largest parts of their budgets.
Salaries and benefits account for roughly 80 percent of the Oshkosh school district's spending. Teachers currently pay 5 percent of their health
insurance premium.s and contribute nothing toward their pensions.
Walker's proposal to increase those contributions would allow the Oshkosh district to save about $3.3 million in 2011-12 and $3.4 million in 2012-
13, according to a Northwestern analysis.
Those savings each );ear equal roughly the cost of 58 full-time teachers.
OEA president Len Herricks said he's confident the school board would continue working side-by-side with teachers to resolve the deficit and
address other school issues even if they can't bargain.
"The thing what needs to be noted here is we have an excellent collaborative working relationship with the board. It works on a problem-solving
basis. We deal with issues that come along, both large and small," Herricks said. "The board we have in place right now is also very interested in
working together with all its employees to do the very best for the students we have in our schools."
The school board already operates an unofficial bargaining unit with principals and other administrators called the Administrator Compensation
Committee, said Director of Human Resources Patti Vickman.
"I would see (teacher) negotiations being no different than that," Vickman said. "If the governor is able to gain support for the changes he wants to
make, that is the landscape we will have to work in but we'd still work collaboratively with all our employee groups.".
23
No matter what happens to the unions, discussions will likely remain arduous. In addition to financial woes, schools face a mounting movement to
reform teacher evaluation systems and pay schedules to better hold educators accountable. The Oshkosh district also is embarking on a strategic
planning process that almost certainly will i n ~ l u d e facilities and cun-iculum changes to integrate new technology.
"It definitely is going to be an extraordinary year for bargaining," said Bill Bracken, a labor relations attorney that represents school boards during
negotiations. "We're just waiting for Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans in the state Legislature to come out with the rules to the game, and I
think there will be big changes."
Chris Schrimpf
24
Mohr, Mark - GOV
Sent:
To:
Monday, February 14, 201111:27 AM
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: RE: Draft of Legislative Email
good
Chris Schrimpf
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:54 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Huebsch, Mike - DOA; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Jensen,
Jodi- DOA
Subject: Draft of Legislative Email
Given that AFSCME and WEAC are planning emergency lobby days for Tuesday and Wednesday, I wanted to provide as
much information and argument as possible for Republican legislators and staff. Attached please find my first draft. It's
similar to the document I prepared for the caucuses, but I added some different Q&A and changed some of the answers.
Please let me know if you want to make any changes prior to Monday morning. We plan to send it out around 9am.
Thanks,
Ryan Murray
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
Main: 608-266-1212
Email: r.murray@wisconsin.gov
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
DWD MB Communications Office
Monday, February 14, 2011 9:30 AM
Barroilhet, Dan - DWD; Bartol, Fred - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Beckett, Laura L-
DWD; Berge, Sharon - DWD; Bernstein, Howard I - DWD; Black-Radloff, Rita - DWD;
Bolles, John - DWD; Brockmiller, William - DWD; Crary, Cathy- DWD; Denis, Gary J -
DWD; Dipko, John A- DWD; Falk, Elizabeth C - DWD; Fosdick, Anna - DWD; Gerrits,
Karen - DWD; Grant, Ken G - DWD; Grosso, Eric - DWD; Hodek, Scott A - DWD; Holt,
Deb - DWD; Jones, Richard - DWD; Kikkert, Becky- GOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Lingard,
Sue - DWD; Maxwell, Georgia E - DWD; McDonald, Scott - DWD; Morgan, Karen P -
DWD; Natera, Ramon V- DWD; OBrien, Christopher D - DWD; O'Brien, Pamela - DWD;
Perez, Manuel - DWD; Phillips, Amelia - DWD; Preysz, Linda - DWD; Reid, Andrea -
DWD; Reynolds, Dianne - DWD; Richard, JoAnna - DWD; Rodgers-Rhyme, Anne M -
DWD; Sachse, Jeff A - DWD; Schmalle, Verlynn C - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Shutes,
David L- DWD; Solomon, Brian - DWD; Spurlin, Dennis A - DWD; Thompson, Heather-
DWD; Udalova, Victoria M - DWD; Vue, Mai Zong - DCF; Weber, Sue- DWD; Werwie,
Cullen J - GOV; Westfall, Grant- DWD; Williamson, Linda - DWD; Winters, Dennis K-
DWD; Wisnewski, Jerry- DWD; Wolfe, Brian M - DWD; Wurl, Mark W- DWD
Articles from CustomScoop, Monday, February 14, 2011
http: /lwww. nyti mes.coml2011 102113lbusinessl13every. html? r-1&n l-todaysheadlines&emc-tha26
When Factories Vanish, So Can Innovators
By LOUIS UCHITELLE, February 12, 2011
SPOONS and forks, the metal flatware that everyone uses, are no longer made in the United States. The last factory in an
industry stretching back to colonial times closed eight months ago in Sherrill, N.Y., a small community in the foothills of
the Adirondacks, and 80 employees lost their jobs. No one paid much attention beyond the people in the town itself, even
though the closing represented the demise of an industry that had flourished in this country for generations. Paul Revere,
in fact, was a flatware craftsman.
http://www.jsonline.com/business/116091864.html
As online learning grows, so does Sonic Foundry's stock price
Feb. 13, 2011 I COl Comments
A college student sits through a 50-minute lecture, and when he leaves, isn't so sure he grasped everything the professor
was trying to say. Later that day, he signs onto his computer and connects to the Internet, where a video recording of the
lecture- complete with the Power Point presentation - lets him go over the material again and replay the most important
parts. The student doesn't know it, but a week later when he gets an "A" on the exam, he owes some of his success to
Madison's Sonic Foundry Inc.
http: I lwww .jsonline.com I business I 116022824.htm I
Energy plan may aid Milwaukee firm
Johnson Controls a likely beneficiary -if GOP permits
By Thomas Content of the Journal Sentinel Feb. 12, 2011 IC9l comments
The Obama administration on Monday is expected to propose targeted spending increases on energy
technology, with a special relevance for southeastern Wisconsin and the state's largest company. The
administration's budget proposal can be expected to face opposition from a Republican-controlled House of
Representatives, where Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, is vowing to pass a budget
28
that cuts spending as a way to attack burgeoning debt and deficits. But the Department of Energy proposal is
expected to include several initiatives that could have implications for Johnson Controls Inc. and for the state's
major engineering schools.
CustomS coop
Clip Report
I wanted to draw your attention to these articles that appeared In my CustomScoop online news result
report.
wanter derails Sti!te worker gravx train.-----_--
-_... -. __ .
.. <
..
--- .. . .. -.-_ ... ..
Byline: Christine Wodke
Source: The Examiner.com-Milwaukee (WI) N/A
Indexed At: 02/14/2011 6:47AM
Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (5)
Abstract: ... percent reduction In pay for state workers. These governors are taking the same radical
approach as governors like Mitch Daniels, Scott Walker and Chris Chri.stie. Politicians across
.
the nation got the message in the last election. The ...
. ; ..... - . > ... . - ... _ ..... , . ' .. :.-..... . .- .- ._.- .... -- _
.. .
B1U would also make laborers Rax higher Rens1on, msurance rates
. .
Byline: J.P. Cheng Sunday
Source: Badger Herald (WI) N/ A
Indexed At: 02/14/2011 4:01 AM .
Keywords: Jobless (1),workforce development (1)
Abstract: ... a member of the Committee on Labor and Workfor:ce Development. "For years
1
employees haven't maintained their share because employers were paying them as
...
. ' c ;' . -- -
.--.
Umon Workers Protest At ReRubhcan SReaker's Home _ -- _- .- .--._ .. _ ._ __ -_ -_- . -

Bylihe: Tom Murray
Source: Milwaukee WTMJ (WI) N/ A
Indexed At: 02/13/2011 6:39 PM _
Governor Scott Walker (5)
Abstract: ... messages like, "united, we'll never be defeated!" Republican Governor Scott Walker
unve.iled his Budget Repair Bill on Friday. "We have an economic and fiscal crisis in ...
.
. ... . . - .. .. . . _ .. ..... .. -.. .-- . ._-. . >. '
. ...
. . ....
Walker Rlan risks RUb lie emRioxee strikes, Rrofessor saxs
.
.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) 91575
Indexed At: 02/13/2011 11:33 AM
Keywords: Worker's Compensation (2)
Abstract: ... Dresang said. It was also first to grantworkers compensation and unemployment
compensation. Labor unions in Wisconsin started 8s early as 1865, when theMolders Union ...
-- . . . ..__ ' . ... . . - -. _ . . .-.-

. - __ -
.
.
DeveloRers focus on JObs of future <
. . --. . .
Byline: Larry Avila Gannett Wise
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) 56300
Indexed At: 02/13/2011 5:45AM
hie: with FIIPn \11/ic:rnnc:in r.'n\IPJ'MOJ' c;;.rnt+ rll'>fPnrlc:
'- -- -------------- ..
.
. .. . ... . .. . ..... . .. . ... .. . ....
29
'"' "'' "' - ": ----:::_ """' '"'"" . '" '"' ::_ --_ _-_
........
efforts to balance state budget(8) Women's basketball: Potent offense sparks UWGB(8)
Wisconsin Governor Scott ...
Article also appeared in:
Fond du Lac Reporter Sheboygan Press
Walker defends fight Vllith unibns to balance budget . . .. .. .. .. .. ... ...
Byline: Ben J
Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WI) 52000
Indexed At: 02/13/20114:14 AM
AbStract: ... appearing. See for fixing the problem. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
defends efforts to balance state budget By Ben Jones Post-Crescent MadiSon bureau chief ...
.. . . . ,, . .... : . . . . . :.... . . .. . . . -'-- . .
Gov. S!;;ott Walker defends budget QrOQosal, umon concessions
.... .. . ..
. ... ... . .
Indexed At: 02/12/201110:37 AM
Abstract: ... Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV(14) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says National
Guard ready for any unrest over anti-union bi11(14) Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker defends
efforts to balance state budget(395) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says Nat ...
< .- . . . .. . ... .. .. ;. . .. ... .
. ._ ..... -.
Walker is acting not as governor, but as -
. .
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) 91575
'
Indexed At: 02/12/2011 9:37AM
Abstract: ... Walker is acting not as governor, but as dictator Gov. Scott Walker said that If his budget
repair bill does not pass, he could be forced to ...
Details on Whiting mill closure relllain SQarse
. . ..
. ....
. - ... - ..
.
. . . . . . . . ....
. .. . ..
.
Byline: Nick Pauls
Source: Wausau. Daily Herald (WI) 21200
Indexed At: .Q2/12/2011S:30 AM
Keywords: workforce development (2)
Abstract: .,. efforts to help the mill's workers. The Department of Workforce Development has found a
property to house a Transition Center for Whiting mill workers and is ...
A 1: < R ., rt s ci' . A . . , - . 'th o b'IT A. t< h - .
t orneJl o e urns 1scusses mencans WI 1sa 1 1 1es c c anges ..
Indexed At: 02/12/2011 5:16 AM
Keywords: Equal Rights (1),Equal Rights Division (1),workforce development (1)
Abstract: ... the ADA and the amendment, while the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division of the Department
of Development has the administrative responsibility for enforcement of the state
...
Walker saJls lle won't negotiate with unions

..., .
..
. . . .
. .
Indexed At: 02/12/2011 4:23AM
Abstract: ... appearing. See instructions for fixing the problem. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says
he won't negotiate with unions Executive wants to strip union rights to fix budget ...
:Article also appeared in:
NewsoftheNorth.net Sheboygan Press
30
Walker sal(sGuard is RreRared if unrest: ensues . ._... ..
. . .
. ..
. . .
. .. ..
..
Indexed At: 02/12/2011 4:11AM
Abstract: ... appearing. See instructions for fixing the problem. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says
National Guard Is prepared In wake of anti-union bill MADISON Gov. Scott Walker says the
Wisconsin National Guard is prepared to respond if there is any unrest ...
Article also appeared in:
Isthmus, Madison WTMJ, Milwaukee
.. . . . C. .<c. , "- . ... .. . . . .. . ..
Ad R.esRonding to Governor's Budget Plan AI read on the Airwaves
Byline: Matt Smith
.
.
Source: WBAY-TV ABC 2 Green Bay (WI) N/ A
Indexed At: 02/12/201112:44 AM
Abstract: ... Plan Already on the Airwaves Ad Responding to Governor's Budget Plan Already on the
Airwaves Hours after Governor Scott Walker unveiled his budget repair proposal in Madison,
TV ads supporting the proposal were hitting the ...
.
Wisconsin Academ: Examining jobs and the WiscQnsin at the
. . ... - ....
Tuesdal, Februarl( 15th, Acadeinl( Evenings Conversation in Madison
Source: Wisbuslness (WI) N/ A
Indexed At: 02/11/2011 5:14PM
Abstract: .... Conversation in Madison 2/11/2011 It was one of Scott Walker's first acts as Governor In
early January. Meetiilg In a special session, Wisconsin were charged to come up ...
. . .. . . . . -'- -'- - . . ' ; . . .
Lawmaker calls governor's RrORosal an assault on worker's nghts .. . . .
..
Source: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire (WI) N/A
Indexed At: 02/11/2011 3:46PM
Governor Scott Walker (5)
Abstract: ... Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) Issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker's
plan for filling Wisconsin's 137 million budget gap for Fiscal Year 2011: "I am ...
F()r the rnore than lOO ReORie at the reEXRioring Pi!thWal(s: Igniting Youth
.
Potential conference held at UW-Parkside, Americas Coach Rrovided the
insRiration to hel(l local mentors heiR our l(Outh;
.. .. ._. > ... _.
.
Source: University of Wisconsin System (WI) N/ A
Indexed At: 02/11/201112:11 PM
Keywords: workforce development (1)
Abstract: ... the Search InstitutE;! and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
bodes well for growing our-regional partnership effort into a credible reso_urce beyond southeast
.
...
::
:i
New jobs coiTiing tQ . . . ..
..
. ..
..
. -
Source: WDJT-TV CBS 58 Milwaukee (WI) N/A
Indexed At: 02/11/201111:49 AM
.. : is a project worked on by both former Governor Jim Doyle and current Governor Scott
Walker. A man dressed as the Stature of Liberty is due in court, facing child sex ...
Gov. Scott WalkersReaks at WEL ComRanies in De Pere,Jan. 13, 2011.
.
I
. . ... ---- ------- ------- ... "" """ ... .. ""-"'"
31
(courtesy ofFOX 11).
Source: WTAQ 97.5-FM & 1360-AM (WI) N/A
Indexed At: 02/11/2011 9:41AM
Abstract: ... it a "power grab." Under the measure
1
Republican Governor Scott Walker would review
the rules drafted by state agencies to carry out the various state laws ....
32
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Monday, February 14, 2011 7:47AM
Welhouse, Andrew- LEGIS; Hogan, John - LEGIS; Potts, Andrew- LEGIS; Jagler, John -
LEGIS; Hilgemann, Luke - LEGIS; Beyer, Kit- LEGIS; Wall, Kristen - LEGIS; Werwie, Cullen J
- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV; Kitzman, Nick- GOV; Lansing,
Sean - LEGIS; Fitzgerald, Scott- LEGIS; Darling, Alberta - LEGIS; Fitzgerald, Jeff- LEGIS;
Suder, Scott- Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov
Release to go out
State Budget Office Memo 2-9-ll.doc; ETF Health Care Analysis.pdf; LFB paper 84
Wisconsin Retirement System.pdf
FYI-we are planning on sending this release out in 2 hours
February 14, 2011
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
When looking at state operations, state employees account for about 50% oftaxpayer 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
Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio pay 0% of the 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, 4years in Iowa, 10 years in Michigan, 3 years in Minnesota, and 5 years in
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)
33
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, CullenWerwie, released the
used one time sources af revenue for ongoing operating expenditures and did little to address the long-term
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
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.
###
34
WISCONSIN DEPARTM.ENT OF
ADMINISTRATION
Date: February 9, 2011
To: Interested Parties
From: State Budget Office
SCOTT WALKER
GOVERNOR
MIKE IIDEBSCH
SECRETARY
Division of Executive Budget and Finance
Post Office Box 7864
Madison, WI 53 707-7864
Voice (608) 266-1736
Fax (608) 267-0372
TTY (608 267-9629
Subject: State, Local Government and School District Employee Compensation
Information
Employee Costs as Share of State Operations
Adjusted Base
State Operations*
GPR $3,670,912,800
PR 3,945,603,300
SEG 1 '722,856,300
FED 1 ,965,033,600
$11 ,304,406,000
"Includes L TEs
Source: Slate Budget Office
Employee Costs*
$2,210,604,700
2,237,921,300
416,461,200
765,068,200
$5,630,055,400
Wisconsin.gov
Percentage
60%
57%
24%
39%
50%
FTE
35,761.66
19,843.38
5,173.48
10,330.09
71,108.61
From:
Sent:
To:
Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Friday, AprillS, 2011 3:27 PM
Subject: FW: FoodShare update ...
Waylon Hurlburt
Policy Advisor
The Office of Governor Scott Walker
State of Wisconsin
(608)266-9709
From: Kundert, Stephanie [mailto:stephanie.kundert@legis.wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 3:01 PM
To: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: FoodShare update ...
I'm not sure if either or both of you have seen the latest story on FoodShare in the Journal Sentinel, but here it is:
http:l/www. json line. com/news/statepolitics/119932699. htm I.
Just in case you need it, I've attached a document I received from the USDA when I contacted them over a month ago
about Sam's concerns with fraud in FoodShare and that we wanted to proceed with an audit of the program. On p. 4, it
states, "In general, fraud conducted by State workers is very minimal..." This was in response to the article I had sent
them when the MJS first reported on those workers ...
I just received Sam's permission to touch base with Jason Stein on this so will do that and feel free to let us know if you
need anything else. Thanks!
Steph
Stephanie L Knndert
Office of State Representative Samantha Kerkman
Co-Chair, Joint Audit Committee
Chair, Ways & Means Committee
66th Assembly District of Wisconsin
315 , State Capitol
68
stephanie.kundert@legis.wisconsin.gov
69
Wisconsin Information Pertaining to Fraud
Wisconsin's data indicate that minimal fiaud is occmring in Wisconsin.
There are many reasons why benefits are issued incorrectly, the State identifies whether the incorrect
benefits were caused by client error or agency error. All client errors, as well as, agency errors cannot
be attributed to fraudulent activities. Below is information regarding participation, error rate, and
Inadvertent Household Errors versus Intentional Program Violations (fiaud) for Wisconsin.
The Federal Regulations allow for States to select options and waivers to administer the Program in their
State, for example, waiver of the face-to-face interview for certification. All States need to balance the
decisions regarding the selection of certification options and waivers that will result in effective
administration of the Program while also providing SNAP clients with timely and accurate benefits.
This chart immediately below indicates the Participation in Wisconsin through 2009 (most current data
available). The participation has increased every year since 2000 and continues to rise each month. It is
also wotth nothing that while participation has increased, likely due to the ailing economy and an
increase in eligible families, the State's participation rate is below theN ational Average and well below
the Midwest Region's average. The State's patticipation rate for eligible Wisconsin persons in 2008 (the
latest year for which data are available) was 63%. The National Average for the same year was 66% and
the Midwest average was 74%. This means that during a period of increasing need, 37% of Wisconsin
eligible adults and children were not participating in SNAP and likely experienced hunger as a result.
Please see the second chart for additional information.
1400
1200
(/)
~ 0 0
I
0
lliloo
~ 5
5 ;9300
I(/)
~ - ~ o o
~ 0 0
0
II Persons
EIHouseholds
WISCONSIN PARTICIPATION
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
FISCAL YEAR
41,05-S Ucited.'Sthtei
How Many WereEligibleill2008? What Pert:entage Participated?
-P.mkipalloo R.aks and
!I';E!icip>Jioo Rali!: liJl!x l'pk l'>nicipl!i'l1;7NWml<r of!\:"'*' EHgibl<)
(Esli)l12k--d fl!Jf11dpltioo in -rOO; _Milmfid OOlmds.N coofidea-e W..."1:11; _are in l!b=l.)
/ 99%
91%
97%
A rorifidCorc i.nten"!J r.tm.,'i!ue d ii IL in!m";al,
G:ii!. m MJ.('b 11n inli.'fl!l.l is th2 _!here ii ;11 1bitt trw w falls wit.lm th!! :t!stiOl:lte:{ bo'tjfii!s.j e:trunpl!!,
is Mcxim's partkipatioome 66p..Yo.."mm:ia 20_18,. ft tnR tlle nre-90 in
100 lhnllfu! lfl!l! rnro. v."2! .ml'WIX'o 62 '11 p;m:oot
This below information indicates the Payment Error Rate through 2009 (most cunent data available). It
indicates that Wisconsin's Payment Error Rate has generally been decreasing since FY 2000 with the
most cunent rate from 2009 at 1.11 %. This indicates that overall, only 1.11% of benefits were issued in
enor in Wisconsin.
20
18
16
~
14
12.72 13.14
w 12
!:(
10 0::
0::
0
8
0::
0::
w
6
4
2
0
2000 2001
12.69
SNAP Payment Error Rate
State: Wisconsin FY 2000- 2009
9.32
6.65
6.17
5.90
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
FISCAL YEAR
7.38
1.11
2008 2009
The below infonnation indicates that for all claims established in Wisconsin, the number of those that
were identified as Inadvertent Household Error and the number that were identified as an Intentional
Program Violation (fraud). This data indicates that throughout each of these years, a very small
percentage of established claims have been identified as an Intentional Program Violation.
-- -- ---
NATIONAL DATA BANK VERSIO N 8.2 PUBLIC USE
________ ,__________
- -----------
r---
SC2 UP TO 99 VARIABLES MONT
WISCONSIN
HLYIANNUAL DATA
--
- ------,---
Item
mberof Nu
lnad
Hou
Erro
Esta
vertent
sehold
rCiaims
blished
1,742 _fY 2010
FY 2009 1,772 I
----- - -- -------- -----
FY 2008
r FY2,_0,=07_-----j--
ef'Y 2oo6 ______ _
I FY 2005
W'v
i FY 2003'-----f---
IFY 2002
-
---- 1,9g_
-
2,080
1-
3,182
5,187
f--
5,109
...- ..
-
1--
l'.'2<JQ_,_1 ----'----- _3,484 I [
-
Dollars of
nadvertent I
H
E
E
ousehold
rror Claims
stablished
1,821,241
-r--

--- ---
2,485,476
-
2,019,760
-- 1, 795,629
_1,600,684
2,116,528
--
2,707,644
2,568,917
- _1 ,858,586
In response to the two articles submitted:
.. --
------,---
Number of Dollars of I
Intentional Intentional I
Program Program
I
Violation Violation
Claims Claims
Established Established I
-------- -
--+--
58
-----
73,436
!
71 - ___ 90,320]_

---------
75,904 I __
--
91
1---{-
96
....
108,499
I
I
122 152,566
-----
+-
------wo-r
172,709
1-
---
101 I
91,155
164 123,442
t-----t-
+-
138 [
106,732
I
117,641 _____ ,_L
------
150
The first article pertained to fraud conducted by State workers. In general, fraud conducted by State
workers is very minimal. States have safeguards in place to prevent fraud. When it is discovered,
however, those workers most often are prosecuted and penalties taken against the workers.
The second article pertained not requiring an ID and multiple replacements ofiD cards. Federal
regulations do not require issuance of an ID card. Even if a State did issue ID cards and required them
to be used to purchase food, the value of such cards as a method to prevent fraud is questionable and
would create baniers for all SNAP clients, the vast majority of whom are not committing fraud.
Federal law provides that all members of the household be able to utilize the EBT card and
associated benefits. Any process that would deny benefits to a household member or authorized
representative legitimately using the card would violate both the letter and spirit of SNAP law.
For an ID card to work, you would need to provide such a card to every member ofthe
household and keep up with that process as household membership changes. This would include
providing children in the household with ID cards since in many households children do some of
the food shopping for the household.
Federal rules restrict treating SNAP pmticipants differently from other customers. Singling out
SNAP clients by asking only them and not all customers to provide identification at the point of
purchase conflicts with Federal regulations at 7CFR 278.2(b ), which states that "No retail food
store may single out coupon [EBT card] users for special treatment in any way."
Federal law requires State EBT systems to be interoperable. An ID card requirement in one
State would be a problem for SNAP clients from out-of-State, where no such requirement exists.
Regarding putting photos on EBT cards, this would be a considerable expense and in general, the cost of
producing the cards would probably far outweigh the cost of fraud that is occurring in a State.
Regarding repeatedly replacing lost EBT cards, the regulations do require replacement of cards,
however, the State can look into this issue in more detail. For example, the State could take actions to
investigate persons that have requested more than one replacement card in a short period of time or other
States have charged a fee to replace the EBT card with frequent requests in a short period of time.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Thoughts?
Fw: Syrup
From: Welhouse, Andrew <Andrew.Welhouse@legis.wisconsin.gov>
To: Schrimpf, Chris " GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Sent: Fri Apr 15 09:53:24 2011
Subject: Syrup
Guys,
I saw that the Vermont gov made his political point yesterday in front of Congress with a jar of Vermont syrup. I had an
idea.
My dad and his wife make maple syrup from the trees on their property- just by themselves as a hobby. It would be
picking a fight, but you could get some press by sending him a jar of *Wisconsin* syrup with a letter- in a playful way-
that says "this is a jar of Wisconsin syrup in case you wanted to taste what the best syrup in the country tastes like." You
could mention that the person who made this syrup did so without ever having collective bargaining, and without
government subsidies and handouts. Because that's how we do things in Wisconsin -we use the strongest work ethic in
the country to MAKE things (Harleys, agriculture, beer, cranberries, sausages etc.) ... we don't just wait for the government
to do everything for us.
And that's why we're working so hard in Wisconsin to fight the broken status quo- because we need to partner with the
private sector and hard work from self-motivated individuals, not just keep the government growing on an unsustainable
path toward and undesirable goal.
I know you guys love the gimmicky, sports-bet-style ways to promote WI, so I figured I'd make the offer.
ajw
67
From:
Sent:
'To:
Subject:
Monday, Aprilll
GOV Press
Office of Governor Scott Walker- Week in Review for April11 - AprillS, 2011
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Week in Review for Aprilll- AprillS, 2011
Governor Walker Holds Online Brown Bag Lunch
Governor Walker to Give Congressional Testimony on Budget Reform
Tuesday, April12
Opening Wisconsin for Business and Right-Sizing State Government: Governor Walker's First 100 Days
Governor Walker Builds Trade Ties with China
Governor Walker Signs Act 14: Repeals Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Mandate
Thursday, Aprill4
Governor Walker's Congressional Testimony
Friday, Aprill5
Governor Walker Sends Letter to U.S. Dept. of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Regarding Gray Wolf Population
Madison-Today Governor Walker hosted an online brown bag lunch by answering questions given to him
from citizens through email and Facebook.
The first question was emailed in from Rachel E. Engebretson:
Economic growth has slowed In the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained
stagnant. In your opinion, is the best strategy to Improve income growth?
Governor Walker's answer is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGPXpU1CPjO
The second question came via Facebook from Tracy Unnasch:
60
What made a PK from a smallish town want to get involved in politics? Did you feel the fire early, or did you
kind of stumble into it?
Governor Walker's answer is at: http:Uwww.youtube.com/watch?v=iQxZwpuKiiA
All of Governor Walker's answers to these and future questions as well as other videos can be viewed on the
Governor's official Youtube account, which is GovWalker (http://www.youtube.com/user/GovWalker). This
video Will also be linked to the Governor's Face book page "Governor Scott Walker" and on his Twitter account
@GovWalker.
Individuals interested in participating in an online brown bag lunch can post their questions on Face book,
Twitter or send an email to govgeneral@wisconsin.gov with the subject line: online brown bag lunch.
###
Madison - Governor Scott Walker will testify on budget reforms before the U.S. House of Representatives'
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform during the committee's April14 hearing on "State and
Municipal Debt: Tough Choices Ahead". The hearing will be held at 9:30a.m. in room 2154 ofthe Rayburn
House Office Building.
"I look forward to talking with Congress about the reforms we're implementing in Wisconsin," said Governor
Scott Walker. "In Wisconsin we're making the tough choices today so we don't leave an even larger problem
for the next generation. I believe that by demonstrating a commitment to the future we will give businesses
the confidence they need to grow and create jobs."
In announcing the hearing Chairman Darrelllssa said:
"Spending at the local, state, and federal level is raising unmanageable debts and sinking our future. U.S.
states and municipalities are starting to look increasingly like Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Rather than kick
the can down the road in Wisconsin, Governor Walker's actions to cut spending and address over-
compensation of public employees are putting his state government in a stronger financial position. The
credit rating agency Moody'srecently announced that these reforms will have a positive impact on
Wisconsin's credit rating. The Committee looks forward to hearing from Governor Walker about the challenge
ahead and the tough choices leaders at all levels of government must make to get control of our debt and
spending problems."
###
Opening Wisconsin for Business and Right-Sizing State Government: Governor
Walker's First 100 Days
Madison- April12, 2011 marks Governor Scott Walker's 100
1
h day in office. Since day 1, Governor Walker has
remained committed to creating an environment for the private sector to create 250,000 new Wisconsin jobs
61
and right-sizing state government. These first 100 days mark some of the most productive in Wisconsin's
history.
Since Inauguration Day, Governor Walker and the Legislature have taken bold steps to ensure that Wisconsin
and her citizens have a strong foundation for future generations. In his Inaugural Address, Governor Walker
used these words to define his focus on government reform:
Article I, Section 22 of the state constitution reads so eloquently: "The blessings of a free government can only
be maintained by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent
recurrence to fundamental principles."
Today, in this inauguration, we affirm these values and fundamental principles.
It is through frugality and moderation in government that we will see freedom and prosperity for our
people.
Governor Walker has issued executive orders and signed reform legislation using those fundamental principles
as his guide. He has signed more legislation in his first hundred days than any governor in the past 30 years.
Some Accomplishments in Governor Walker's First 100 Days
13,000 Private Sector Jobs Created in January and February including 8,200 Manufacturing Jobs
Executive Order: Requiring a Special Session of the Legislature on Jobs and Government Reform
Executive Order: Creation of the Commission on Government Waste, Fraud, and Abuse to Help Save
$300 Million
Elimination of State Taxes on Health Savings Accounts
Reform of Wisconsin's Litigation Climate
Relocation and Economic Development Tax Credit Legislation
Tax Relief for Wisconsin's Job Creators: Small Businesses
Transforming the Department of Commerce into Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Introduced Legislation for Three New Enterprise Zones
Supermajority for Passage of Tax Increase Legislation
Right-Sizing State Government with Modest Requests on State Pension, Health Care
Balancing Wisconsin's FY 2011 Budget
Proposed Budget that Balances $3.6 Billion Deficit and Reduces the Structural Deficit to Lowest Point in
Recent History
Applied to Upgrade Hiawatha Rail Line
Signed TIF Legislation for Brookfield
Signed TID Legislation for Milwaukee
Introduced Online Brown bag Lunches so Constituents Can Hear Directly from the Governor
Introduced 3'd Grade Reading Taskforce: "Read to Lead" to Make Sure Every Wisconsin 3'd Grader Can
Read at Grade Level
Proposed an Alternative to Finish the Zoo Interchange 5 years Early and Save Taxpayers $600 Million
Announced Long-Term Solution for Hoan Bridge
Implemented JOBS Hotline Giving Job Creators a Direct Line into the Governor's Office
Chairs NGA Committee on Healthcare
Aggressively Marketed Wisconsin as Open for Business After Massive illinois Tax Increase
"The line of our accomplishments sends a strong message to employers all over the globe that Wisconsin and
her people stand Open for Business," Governor Walker said. "These past 100 days have seen many bold
62
reforms, but it is only the beginning- there is more work to be done. I am an optimist and I know Wisconsin's
best days are ahead of her. We will put Wisconsin back on the road to fiscal security and see the creation of
250,000 jobs by 2015. I thank members of the Legislature for their hard work to ensure a better future for all
Wisconsinites."
###
Madison- Governor Scott Walker met today with Governor Zhao Zhengyon of Shaanxi Province to increase
Wisconsin's trade ties with China. China is currently Wisconsin's 3'd highest trade export destination after
Canada and Mexico. Ten years ago it was 13
1
h. Last year, Wisconsin sold $1.3 billion worth of products to
China, about 6.7 percent of all Wisconsin exports.
"China is a major and growing export market for Wisconsin products," said Governor Scott Walker. "It's
important for our state's economic recovery to continue to develop trade relationships with growing markets
like China."
Wisconsin exports to China in 2010 were over ten times greater than what was sold there in 1998. The
leading product categories in 2010 were industrial machinery, $421 million, electrical machinery, $250 million,
and optical and precision/medical instruments, $232 million.
In addition to meeting with Governor Walker, the delegation from China also visited with Wisconsin
companies with ties to China.
###
Governor Walker Signs Act 14: Repeals Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage
Mandate
Madison- Governor Scott Walker signed Act 14 today which repeals the auto insurance minimum coverage
mandate put in place by the previous administration.
"Repealing this anti-consumer mandate is good for middle class Wisconsinites and small businesses and I am
proud to sign its repeal and replacement," Governor Walker said. "It is important to note that this bill received
bipartisan support in both houses ofthe Legislature. I thank Senator Frank La see and Representative John
Nygren for their leadership on this issue. I also thank the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin for
providing important testimony that described the severe impact last session's insurance law changes had on
consumers/'
Under current law, auto insurance mandates increased the coverage from 2009 levels of $25,000 for causing
injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two persons, and $10,000 for property damage to $50,000,
$100,000 and $15,000 respectively. Insurance companies were forced to pass the cost onto consumers in
order to pay for this massive government-mandated increase.
Act 14 will remove the mandate and bring current levels back down to 2009 levels.
63
All Wisconsin drivers are required to carry "underinsurance" coverage. "Underinsurance" refers to a driver
who causes an accident but cannot cover the total damages he/she is liable for. The current mandate places
that insurance minimum to $100,000/person and $300,000/accident. Under new law, it will reduce to
$50,000/person and $100,000/accident.
Wisconsin drivers will still be required to carry auto insurance under the new law.
###
Madison- The following is the written testimony of Governor Scott Walker for the U.S. House of
Representatives' Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's April14 hearing on "State and Municipal
Debt: Tough Choices Ahead". The hearing is being held at 9:30a.m. in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office
Building.
Testimony
Chairman lssa and Distinguished Committee Members, I appreciate this opportunity to testify before you
today and look forward to our discussion regarding the budget challenges faced by states across this nation,
Wisconsin's current state budget deficit and our committed approach to putting our state back on the path to
prosperity.
In nearly every state across America, Governors are facing major budget deficits. In fact, according to the
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 44 states and the District of Columbia face shortfalls in Fiscal year 2012
totaling more than$111 billion and ranging from 2 to 45% oftheir total state budgets. In Wisconsin, we are
currently facing a biennial budget deficit of $3.6 billion.
Many Governors, Democrat and Republican alike, are cutting state aid to schools and other local governments
-which forces massive layoffs, massive property tax increases or both.
In Wisconsin, we are doing something truly progressive. In addition to holding the line on spending and
finding efficiencies in state government, we are implementing long term budget reforms focused on
protecting middle class jobs and middle class taxpayers.
While our idea may be a bold political move it is a very modest request of our employees. We are reforming
the collective bargaining system so our state and local governments can ask employees to contribute 5.8% for
pension and 12.6% for health insurance premiums. These reforms will help them balance their budgets. In
total, our collective bargaining reforms save local governments more than $700 million each year.
Most workers outside of government would love our proposal. For example, my brother David works as a
banquet manager and as a part-time bartender. His wife works at a local department store. They have two
beautiful children. They are a typical middle class family.
He told me that he pays about $800 a month for his health insurance and the little he can set aside in his
401{k}. Like many other workers in our state, he would love a deal-like the one I offered government workers.
Over the past several months, I have visited numerous factories and small businesses across Wisconsin. On
these tours, workers tell me that they pay anywhere from 15% to 50% of their health insurance premium
64
costs. The average middle class worker is paying more than 20% of his or her premium. Like my brother, they
would love a plan like the one we are offering.
Even federal employees pay more than twice what we are asking state and local government workers to pay
and most of them don't have collective bargaining for wages or benefits. These facts beg the question as to
why the protesters are in Wisconsin and not in Washington, D.C. By nearly any measure, our requests are
quite reasonable.
Beyond helping to balance current and future budgets, our reforms will also make our government work
better.
In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she
received a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best riew teachers be
one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based
on seniority.
Ms. Sampson received a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to
their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers more than
$101,000 per year for each teacher; a contract which protects a 0% contribution for health insurance
premiums; and a contract that forces schools to staff based on seniority and union rules.
Our budget reforms allow school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great
teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom.
And it works at the state level too. In 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels reformed collective bargaining in
Indiana. In turn, the government became more efficient, more effective and more accountable to the
public. Governor Daniels even encouraged employees to come forward with ways to save taxpayer dollars
and they responded. Eventually, the state was able to reward top performing employees. This is true reform
-making government work for the people.
Since January 3'd, we passed some of the most aggressive economic development legislation in the
country. And on nearly every measure, many Democrats joined with all of the Republicans and an
Independent to vote in favor of the various pieces of legislation. The Wisconsin legislature recognized that we
are growing, not Republican or Democratic jobs, but Wisconsin jobs. Together, we worked to show that
Wisconsin is open for business.
But sometimes, bi-partisanship is not so good. During several of the past budgets, members of both political
parties raided segregated funds, used questionable accounting principles and deferred tough decisions. This,
along with the use of billions of dollars worth of one-time federal stimulus money for the budget two years
ago, left Wisconsin with the current $3.6 billion deficit.
Our reforms allow us to take a new and better approach. Instead of avoiding the hard decisions and searching
for short-term solutions, we make a commitment to the future. The choices we are making now in Wisconsin
will make sure our children are not left picking up the pieces of the broken state budget others left
behind. Our reforms create the lowest structural deficit in recent history ensuring our budget is stable for
decades to come. Moody's called our budget proposal "credit positive" because of our dynamic efforts to
reduce the structural deficit.
We live in the greatest nation on earth. For more than 200 years we've had leaders who cared more about
their children and grandchildren than themselves -leaders who have demonstrated the courage to make
decisions in the best interest oft he next generation- and not just the next election. This is truly a concept
that America has always admired, but many have now forgotten as we face our greatest challenge- balancing
our budgets.
My hope is that our actions in Wisconsin will remind the rest oft he nation what makes our country great, but
more importantly my sincere hope is that by reforming our state budget for the long haul we will be sending a
strong signal to job creators from around the world that Wisconsin is Open for Business.
###
66
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Monday, Aprilll
Evenson, Tom - GOV
Friday, April15, 2011 4:09 PM
Governor Walker's Week in Review
Week in Review for Aprilll- April 15, 2011
http://walker.wi.gov
Tuesday, April12
VIDEO: Governor Walker Signs Act 14
Thursday, April14
VIDEO: Governor Walker Goes On the Record with Greta Van Susteren
Friday, AprillS
Governor Walker Announces Funding to Support 127 Jobs in Walworth County
Governor Walker Sends Letter to U.S. Dept. of lnteriorSecretarv Ken Salazar Regarding Gray Wolf Population
Top Tweets of the Week from @GovWalker:
Monday, Aprilll
An answer to Rachel's Face book question: http://ow.lv/4xQJT #bblunch
Looking @ tornado damage in Lincoln Co@ Northern Wire w/ sheriff, mayor & others. http://t.co/1Mvl01
Tuesday, April12
Here is my take an our 1st 100 days:http://bit.lv/eV2XG2
Here's video of our bill signing to help lower car insurance rates in WI. Another good bipartisan bill. http://bit.lv/fkOier
Wednesday, April13
53
This column makes my case that feds should give states a Medicaid block grant -like r successful welfare
reform: http://ow.lv/4zear
Thursday, April14
We've added 11500 manufacturing jobs in the last 3 months. About 24100 private sector jobs have been added since
January.
Pleased that the state added 9800 private sector jobs in March; 2800 in manufacturing. We need 2 cant working 2gether
to grow jobs.
Just finished 3.5 hours of testimony in front of House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. http://ow.ly/4AIRO
Friday, AprillS
Encouraging story on manufacturing gains in Wisconsin: http://ow.ly/4870b. U can find thousands of job postings at
http://ow.ly/4871e
Madison-Today Governor Walker hosted an online brown bag lunch by answering questions given to him from citizens
through email and Face book.
Economic growth has slowed in the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained stagnant.
In your opinion, is the best strategy to improve income growth?
Governor Walker's answer is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGPXpUlCPjO
The second question came via Face book from Tracy Unnasch:
What made a PK from a smallish town want to get involved in politics? Did you feel the fire early, or did you kind of
stumble into it?
Governor Walker's answer is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQxZwpuKiiA
All of Governor Walker's answers to these and future questions as well as other videos can be viewed on the Governor's
official Youtube account, which is GovWalker (http://www.youtube.com/user/GovWalker). This video will also be linked
to the Governor's Facebook page "Governor Scott Walker'' and on his Twitter account @GovWalker.
Individuals interested in participating in an online brown bag lunch can post their questions on Face book, Twitter or
send an email to govgeneral@wisconsin.gov with the subject line: online brown bag lunch.
111111
54
Madison- Governor Scott Walker will testify on budget reforms before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform during the committee's April14 hearing on "State and Municipal Debt: Tough
Choices Ahead". The hearing will be held at 9:30a.m. in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
"I look forward to talking with Congress about the reforms we're implementing in Wisconsin," said Governor Scott
Walker. "In Wisconsin we're making the tough choices today so we don't leave an even larger problem for the next
generation. I believe that by demonstrating a commitment to the future we will give businesses the confidence they
need to grow and create jobs."
"Spending at the local, state, and federal level is raising unmanageable debts and sinking our future. U.S. states and
municipalities are starting to look increasingly like Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Rather than kick the can down the road
in Wisco.nsin, Governor Walker's actions to cut spending and address over-compensation of public employees are
putting his state government in a stronger financial position. The credit rating agency Moody's recently announced that
these reforms will have a positive impact on Wisconsin's credit rating. The Committee looks forward to hearing from
Governor Walker about the challenge ahead and the tough choices leaders at all levels of government must make to get
control of our debt and spending problems."
###
Madison- April12, 2011 marks Governor Scott Walker's 100'h day in office. Since day 1, Governor Walker has remained
committed to creating an environment for the private sector to create 250,000 new Wisconsin jobs and .right-sizing state
government. These first 100 days mark some of the most productive in Wisconsin's history.
Since Inauguration Day, Governor Walker and the Legislature have taken bold steps to ensure that Wisconsin and her
citizens have a strong foundation for future generations. In his Inaugural Address, Governor Walker used these words to
define his focus on government reform:
Article I, Section 22 of the state constitution reads so eloquently: "The blessings of a free government can only be
maintained by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to
fundamental principles."
It is through frugality and moderation in government that we will see freedom and prosperity for our people.
Governor Walker has issued executive orders and signed reform legislation using those fundamental principles as his
guide. He has signed more legislation in his first hundred days than any governor in the past 30 years.
o 13,000 Private Sector Jobs Created in January and February including 8,200 Manufacturing Jobs
o Executive Order: Requiring a Special Session of the Legislature on Jobs and Government Reform
o Executive Order: Creation of the Commission on Government Waste, Fraud, and Abuse to Help Save $300
Million
o Elimination of State Taxes on Health Savings Accounts
o Reform of Wisconsin's Litigation Climate
55
Proposed Budget that Balances $3.6 Billion Deficit and Reduces the Structural Deficit to Lowest Point in Recent
History
Introduced 3'' Grade Reading Taskforce: "Read to Lead" to Make Sure Every Wisconsin 3'' Grader Can Read at
Grade Level
Aggressively Marketed Wisconsin as Open for Business After Massive Illinois Tax Increase
"The line of our accomplishments sends a strong message to employers all over the globe that Wisconsin and her people
stand Open for Business," Governor Walker said. "These past 100 days have seen many bold reforms, but it is only the
beginning- there is more work to be done. I am an optimist and I know Wisconsin's best days are ahead of her. We will
put Wisconsin back on the road to fiscal security and see the creation of 250,000 jobs by 2015. I thank members of the
Legislature for their hard work to ensure a better future for all Wisconsinites."
###
Madison- Governor Scott Walker met today with Governor Zhao Zhengyon of Shaanxi Province to increase Wisconsin's
trade ties with China. China is currently Wisconsin's 3'' highest trade export destination after Canada and Mexico. Ten
years ago it was 13'h. Last year, Wisconsin sold $1.3 billion worth of products to China, about 6.7 percent of all
Wisconsin exports.
"China is a major and growing export market for Wisconsin products," said Governor Scott Walker. "It's important for
our state's economic recovery to continue to develop trade relationships with growing markets like China."
Wisconsin exports to China in 2010 were over ten times greater than what was sold there in 1998. The leading product
categories in 2010 were industrial machinery, $421 million, electrical machinery, $250 million, and optical and
precision/medical instruments, $232 million.
In addition to meeting with Governor Walker, the delegation from China also visited with Wisconsin companies with ties
to China.
###
Mandate
56
Madison- Governor Scott Walker signed Act 14 today which repeals the auto insurance minimum coverage mandate
put in place by the previous administration.
"Repealing this anti-consumer mandate is good for middle class Wisconsinites and small businesses and I am' proud to
sign its repeal and replacement," Governor Walker said. "It is important to note that this bill received bipartisan support
in both houses of the Legislature. I thank Senator Frank La see and Representative John Nygren for their leadership on
this issue. I also thank the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin for providing important testimony that described
the severe impact last session's insurance law changes had on consumers."
Under current law, auto insurance mandates increased the coverage from 2009 levels of $25,000 for causing injury or
death of one person, $50,000 for two persons, and $10,000 for property damage to $50,000, $100,000 and $15,000
respectively. Insurance companies were forced to pass the cost onto consumers in order to pay for this massive
government-mandated increase.
All Wisconsin drivers are required to carry "underinsurance" coverage. "Underinsurance" refers to a driver who causes
an accident but cannot cover the total damages he/she is liable for. The current mandate places that insurance
minimum to $100,000/person and $300,000/accident. Under new law, it will reduce to $50,000/person and
$100,000/accident.
###
Governor Wal.ker's Congressional Testimony
Madison- The following is the written testimony of Governor Scott Walker for the U.S. House of Representatives'
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's April14 hearing on "State and Municipal Debt: Tough Choices
Ahead". The hearing is being held at 9:30a.m. in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Testimony
Chairman lssa and Distinguished Committee Members, I appreciate this opportunity to testify before you today and look
forward to our discussion regarding the budget challenges faced by states across this nation, Wisconsin's current state
budget deficit and our committed approach to putting our state back on the path to prosperity.
In nearly every state across America, Governors are facing major budget deficits. In fact, according to the Center on
Budget and Policy Priorities, 44 states and the District of Columbia face shortfalls in Fiscal year 2012 totaling more
than$111 billion and ranging from 2 to 45% of their total state budgets. In Wisconsin, we are currently facing a biennial
budget deficit of $3.6 billion.
Many Governors, Democrat and Republican alike, .are cutting state aid to schools and other local governments- which
forces massive layoffs, massive property tax increases or both.
In Wisconsin, we are doing something truly progressive. In addition to holding the line on spending and finding
efficiencies in state government, we are implementing long term budget reforms focused on protecting middle class jobs
and middle class taxpayers.
While our idea may be a bold political move it is a very modest request of our employees. We are reforming the
collective bargaining system so our state and local governments can ask employees to contribute 5.8% for pension and
57
12.6% for health insurance premiums. These reforms will help them balance their budgets. In total, our collective
bargaining reforms save local governments more than $700 million each year.
Most workers outside of government would love our proposal. For example, my brother David works as a banquet
manager and as a part-time bartender. His wife works at a local. department store. They have two beautiful
children. They are a typical middle class family.
He told me that he pays about $800 a month for his health insurance and the little he can set aside in his 401(k). Like
many other workers in our state, he would love a deal like the one I offered government workers.
Over the past several months, I have visited numerous factories and small businesses across Wisconsin. On these tours,
workers tell me that they pay anywhere from 15% to 50% of their health insurance premium costs. The average middle
class worker is paying more than 20% of his or her premium. Like my brother, they would love a plan like the one we are
offering.
Even federal employees pay more than twice what we are asking state and local government workers to pay and most of
them don't have collective bargaining for wages or benefits. These facts beg the question as to why the protesters are in
Wisconsin and not in Washington, D.C. By nearly any measure, our requests are quite reasonable.
Beyond helping to balance current and future budgets, our reforms will also make our government work better.
In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she received a layoff
notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers be one of the first let
go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority.
Ms. Sampson received a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their
contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers more than $101,000 per
year for each teacher; a contract which protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and a contract that
forces schools to staff based on seniority and union rules.
Our budget reforms allow school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like
Ms. Sampson in the classroom.
And it works at the state level too. In 2005, Governor Mitch Daniels reformed collective bargaining in Indiana. In turn,
the government became more efficient, more effective and more accountable to the public. Governor Daniels even
encouraged employees to come forward with ways to save taxpayer dollars and they responded. Eventually, the state
was able to reward top performing employees. This is true reform- making government work for the people.
Since January 3', we passed some of the most aggressive economic development legislation in the country. And on
nearly every measure, many Democrats joined with all of the Republicans and an Independent to vote in favor of the
various pieces of legislation. The Wisconsin legislature recognized that we are growing, not Republican or Democratic
jobs, but Wisconsin jobs. Together, we worked to show that Wisconsin is open for business.
But sometimes, bi-partisanship is not so good. During several of the past budgets, members of both political parties
raided segregated funds, used questionable accounting principles and deferred tough decisions. This, along with the use
of billions of dollars worth of one-time federal stimulus money for the budget two years ago, left Wisconsin with the
current $3.6 billion deficit.
Our reforms allow us to take a new and better approach. Instead of avoiding the hard decisions and searching for short-
term solutions, we make a commitment to the future. The choices we are making now in Wisconsin will make sure our
children are not left picking up the pieces of the broken state budget others left behind. Our reforms create the lowest
structural deficit in recent history ensuring our budget is stable for decades to come. Moody's cafled our budget
proposal "credit positive" because of our dynamic efforts to reduce the structural deficit.
58
These changes do more than just balance the budget; they give small businesses the confidence they need to grow and
invest in our state. Investors want stability and our budget provides long-term fiscal certainty for our state and local
governments.
We live in the greatest nation on earth. For more than 200 years we've had leaders who cared more about their
children and grandchildren than themselves -leaders who have demonstrated the courage to make decisions in the
best interest of the next generation- and not just the next election. This is truly a concept that America has always
admired, but many have now forgotten as we face our greatest challenge- balancing our budgets.
My hope is that our actions in Wisconsin will remind the rest of the nation what makes our country great, but more
importantly my sincere hope is that by reforming our state budget for the long haul we will be sending a strong signal to
job creators from around the world that Wisconsin is Open for Business.
###
Will Aid Pinnacle Foods Group LLC Expansion
MADISON-Pinnacle Foods Group will expand its operations in the Town of Darien, Walworth County thanks in part to a
loan from the Town of Darien from the Department of Commerce (Commerce).
"I'm pleased to announce a partnership with the Town of Darien to help facilitate the expansion of Pinnacle
Foods Group LLC," Governor Scott Walker said. "My top priority is to continue to invest in our communities
and companies and create good-paying jobs for Wisconsin families."
The Town of Darien has received a $1,306,000 loan from the Community Development Block Grant-Economic
Development Program administered by Commerce. The funds will be used by the company to purchase equipment and
by the Municipality for administration. The total project cost is $39.4 million.
Pinnacle Foods is a leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of branded, high-quality dry and frozen packaged
food products in North America, with its brands found in more than 85 percent of American households. Pinnacle's
brands include Birds Eye vegetables, Duncan Hines baking mixes and frostings, Vlasic pickles, Log Cabin syrups, and
more.
For more information on Commerce programs and services, contact the Commerce area development manager at
http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-AreaDevManagers.html.
###
59
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Sent:
To:
Evenson, Tom- GOV
Subject: RE: Governor Walker's Week in Review
good
Chris Schrimpf
From: Evenson, Tom - GOV
Subject: Governor Walker's Week in Review
Week in Review for Aprilll- April 15, 2011
http://walker.wi.gov
Monday, Aprilll
Tuesday, April12
Thursday, April14
Friday, April15
Governor Walker Sends Letter to U.S. Dept. of Interior Secretarv Ken Salazar Regarding Gray Wolf Population
46
Monday, Aprilll
An answer to Rachel's Facebaok question: http://ow.ly/4xQJT #bblunch
Looking @ tornado damage in Lincoln Co @ Northern Wire w/ sheriff, mayor & others. http://t.co/1Mvl01
Tuesday, April12
Here is my take on our 1st 100 days:http://bit.lv/eV2XG2
Wednesday, April13
reform: http://ow.ly/4zear
Thursday, April14
January.
to grow jobs.
Just finished 3.5 hours of testimony in front of House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. http://ow.ly/4AIRO
Friday, AprillS
Encouraging story on manufacturing gains in Wisconsin: http://ow.lvi4B70b. U can find thousands of job postings at
http://ow.ly/4B71e
Economicgrowth has slowed in the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained stagnant.
stumble into it?
Governor Walker's answer is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQxZwpuKiiA
47
to the Governor's Face book page "Governor Scott Walker" and on his Twitter account @GovWalker.
###
in Wisconsin, Governor Walker's actions to cut spending and address over-compensation of public employees are
###
Madison- April12, 2011 marks Governor Scott Walker's lOO'h day in office. Since day 1, Governor Walker has remained
committed to creating an environment for the private sector to create 250,000 new Wisconsin jobs and right-sizing state
government. These first 100 days mark some ofthe most productive in Wisconsin's history.
48
Executive Order: Creation of the Commission on Government Waste, Fraud, and Abuse to Help Save $300
Million
Tax Relieffor Wisconsin's Job Creators: Small Businesses
History
Introduced 3'd Grade Reading Taskforce: "Read to Lead" to Make Sure Every Wisconsin 3'd Grader Can Read at
Grade Level
Legislature for their hard work to ensure a better future for all Wisconsinites."
###
trade ties with China. China is currently Wisconsin's 3'd highest trade export destination after Canada and Mexico. Ten
Wisconsin exports.
49
to China.
###
Governor Walker Signs Act 14: Repeals Auto Minimum Coverage
Mandate
"Repealing this anti-consumer mandate is good for middle class Wisconsinites and small businesses and I am proud to
in both houses of the Legislature. I thank Senator Frank Lasee and Representative John Nygren for their leadership on
Under current law, auto insurance mandates increased the coverage from 20091evels of $25,000 for causing injury or
$100,000/accident.
###
Testimony
so
Many Governors, Democrat and Republican alike, are cutting state aid to schools and other local governments- which
manager and as a part-time bartender. His wife works at a .local department store. They have two beautiful
offering.
Even federal employees pay more than twice what we are asking state and local government workers to pay and most of
Since January 3'', we passed some of the most aggressive economic development legislation in the country. And on
51
of billions of dollars worth of one-time federal stimulus money for the budget two years ago, left Wisconsin with the
structural deficit in recent history ensuring our budget is stable for decades to come. Moody's called our budget
governments.
###
more.
###
52
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Monday, Aprilll
GOV Press
Friday, April 15, 20114:25 PM
GOV Press
Governor Walker's Week in Review
Week in Review for April 11- April 15, 2011
http://wal ker. wi .gov
Governcir Walker to Give Congressional Testimony on Budget Reform
Tuesday, April12
Thursday, April14
Friday, April15
. Governor Walker Announces Funding to Support 127 Jobs in Walworth County .
Governor Walker Sends Letter to U.S. Dept. of Interior Secretarv Ken Salazar Regarding Gray Wolf Population
Monday, Aprilll
An answer to Rachel's Face book question: http://ow.lv/4xQJT #bblunch
Looking@ tornado damage in Lincoln Co@ Northern Wire w/ sheriff, mayor & others. http://t.co/1Mvl01
Tuesday, April12
Here is my take on our 1st 100 days;http://bit.lv/eV2XG2
Wednesday, April13
39
reform: http://ow.lv/4zear
Thursday, April14
January.
to grow jobs.
Just finished 3.5 hours of testimony in front of House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. http://ow.lv/4AIRO
Friday, April15
Encouraging story on manufacturing gains in Wisconsin: http://ow.ly/4870b. U can find thousands of job postings at
http://ow.ly/4871e
Economic growth has slowed in the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained stagnant.
stumble into it?
GovernorWalker's answer is at: http:l!www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQxZwpuKiiA
to the Governor's Facebook page "Governor Scott Walker" and on his Twitter account @GovWalker.
###
40
in Wisconsin, Governor Walker's actions to cut spending and address over-compensation of public employees are
###
Madison- April12, 2011 marks Governor Scott Walker's lOO'h day in office. Since day 1, Governor Walker has remained
committed to creating an environment for the private sector to create 250,000 new Wisconsin jobs and right-sizing state
government. These first 100 days mark some of the most productive in Wisconsin's history.
Executive Order: Creation of the Commission on Government Waste, Fraud, and Abuse to Help Save $300
Million
41
History
Introduced Online Brownbag Lunches so Constituents Can Hear Directly from the Governor
Introduced 3'd Grade Reading Taskforce: "Read to Lead" to Make Sure Every Wisconsin 3'd Grader Can Read at
Grade Level
lmplem.ented JOBS Hotline Giving Job Creators a Direct Line into the Governor's Office
Legislature for their hard work to ensure a better futurefor all Wisconsinites."
###
trade ties with China. China is currently Wisconsin's 3'd highest trade export destination after Canada and Mexico. Ten
Wisconsin exports.
to China.
###
Mandate
42
"Repealing this anti-consumer mandate is good for middle class Wisconsinites and small businesses and I am proud to
in both houses of the Legislature. I thank Senator Frank Lasee and Representative John Nygren for their leadership on
Under current law, auto insurance mandates increased the coverage from 2009 levels of $25,000 for causing injury or
$100,000/accident.
###
Testimony
Many Governors, Democrat and Republican alike, are cutting state aid to schools and other local governments- which
43
manager and as a part-time bartender. His wife works at a local department store. They have two beautiful
offering.
Even federal employees pay mqre than twice what we are asking state and local government workers to pay and most of
Since January 3'', we passed some of the most aggressive economic development legislation in the country. And on
of billions of dollars worth of one-time federalstimulus money for the budget two years ago, left Wisconsin with the
structural deficit in recent history ensuring our budget is stable for decades to come. Moody's called our budget
44
governments.
###
more.
###
45
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris:
Richmond, Todd <TRichmond@ap.org >
Friday, Aprill5, 2011 4:47 PM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Collective bargaining effect on locals
I'm working on a story about how the furor over collective bargaining has reached beyond the state Supreme Court
election and seeped into the undercurrents of hyper-local races across the state. A number of candidates around the
state say the issue came up during their races, most notably Tom Nelson in Outagamie County and Chris Abele in
Milwaukee. They built segments of their campaigns around tying their opponents to the governor.
Wondering if you have any thoughts on the attempts to make collective bargaining and the governor part of these races,
which usually revolve around issues like local taxes, snow plowing, mowing the parks, etc.
I'm planning on moving the story sometime next week.
AP AaOclaiOO :Press
Todd Richmond
P.O. Box 962
Madison, Wl53701-0962
38
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Murray, Ryan M - GOV To:
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts
Representative Kaufer! called to let us know that the Governor has been getting beat up in the media in
Northeastern Wisconsin for not going to Kaakauna after the tornado.
Senator Darling's Office called about an article on http:t/www.fightingbob.com/ that claims Senator Darling and
Governor Walker are working on a proposal to declare "Financial Martial Law"
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Commerce
Call to Ara Cherchian
o Sec. Jadin called Mr. Cherchian this afternoon to discuss tornado damage
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
o Will expand operations in its Darien, WI facility
o 127 jobs will be created
Taiwanese Delegation
DATCP
o Received a letter from Governor Junq-tzer Lin expressing regret not being able to make meeting and
dinner with Governor Walker
o He looks forward to when both governors will be able to meet in the near future
Rep. AI Ott question on dairy manufacturing facility investment tax credit change in the budget
Responed with Commerce's reason for including it
The provision allows cooperatives to compete evenly with other firms; Rep. Ott thought it gave coops an unfair
advantage over other firms
DATCP/DOT
Truck Weights
o Met with staff from both agencies to work out plans for increasing truck weights on certain Wisconsin
roads.
o Both agencies will do more research on the subject.
DOT will check into the practices of neighboring states on heavy-load trucks.
DATCP will collect input from agriculture industry partners to determine which roads will be used
at higher loads.
o DOT anticipates federal legislation which will allow states to OK higher weights on the Interstate.
This will require state action if and when Congress passes it.
o DATCP would like the exemption system modified from its current list format.
They want to see a simpler form that is only determined by weight, not cargo type.
Wolves
o US Fish and Wildlife today proposed to de-list the gray wolf.
o The Governor sent a letter of support for the move.
o. USFW is looking for state input on their proposal; DNR will be looking into recommendations.
Walleye Bag Limits
o The Turtle Flambeau Flowage Association sent a letter to DNR about the decrease in bag limits for
walleye on the flowage.
o Each year DNR negotiates with the Lac du Flambeau Tribe on fish the tribe will take; this determines the
bag limit DNR sets on lakes in the area.
o The Association is asking DNR to renegotiate the agreement in light of their decreased bag limits.
o DNR will respond.
34
Domtar Biomass project
o On PSC calendar for April 28
o PCA and Thilmany concerned about project driving up the cost of the pulp across the state
Wind Siting
1. Sen. Lasee introduced legislation that would have a setback of Y, mile of wind turbines
2. Chairman Montgomery is scheduled to meet with the legislative leaders next week to discuss the issue
Financial Literacy Event
o Secretary Bildsten and Senator Hopper participated in two events in Oshkosh
Received draft response to NAACP concerns about the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Secretary
Gottlieb to meet with Rep. Toles.
Sec. Gottlieb toured the Stillwater Bridge this morning and met privately with Commissioner Sorel.
Request from stakeholder for WisDOT to send a letter to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
regarding increase in federal limits on truck weight.
JOBSHotline
o 1 call received
Health Care and Education
NGA ~ Medicaid Task Force
Spoke With Lauren from Heineman's office who is drafting a letter from the Republican governors on the Task Force
outlining our bottom line on the Medicaid flexibilities. We will receive a rough draft on Monday for review. During today's
Medicaid Task Force conference call, Lauren reiterated our bottom line that she previously shared with Gregoire's office.
The Democrats on the phone call said that their governors will not accept a final flexibility list that includes optional block
grant requests.
Education News
A new report shows the economic impact higher graduation rates would have in Wisconsin
Budget Deal Fuels Revival of School Vouchers I New York Times)
Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who overcame a siege of the State Capitol to enact a law narrowing collective bargaining
for public employees, mainly teachers, wants to expand Milwaukee's voucher program, the nation's oldest with 20,000
students. His plan would let any student, not just the poor, receive a voucher. Supporters say universal vouchers will
make the city more attractive to the middle class.
But critics say that even after 21 years of vouchers, students receiving them perform no better than those in public
schools on state tests of math and reading. Mr. Walker's proposal "takes a program that's supposed to be for low-income
and working-class people and turns it into a subsidy for rich people," said Howard L. Fuller, who was superintendent in the
program's early years.
"I will become an opponent of a program that I've fought 20 years of my life for," he added. "I've been called every name
under the sun for being a black person who would support, quote, the right-wing agenda."
Dr. Fuller recalled debating an Illinois state senator opposed to vouchers in 1998, Barack Obama.
New Berlin schools superintendent offered New York job !Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/
Paul Kreutzer, superintendent of the New Berlin School District for the past four years, is in contract negotiations to
become the superintendent of a school system in New York ... Kreutzer recently made news by publicly supporting Gov.
Scott Walker's plan to roll back public-sector worker's collective bargaining rights. He could not be immediately reached
for comment.
Uncertain about future benefits, many veteran teachers are retiring early (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
At a time when the governor's plan to eliminate most collective bargaining for teachers and increase state employees'
payments for health care and pension costs looms overhead, some school districts are seeing record numbers of senior
teachers such as Scharrer-Ericksen turn in their retirement paperwork.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Local Government:
We are working on 'Responsible Actor' funding options for local governments who may not have the ability to
absorb aid reductions as well as irresponsible communities; due to responsible pre-budget repair budget
decisions. We have some options that need final tweaking.
35
Janesville Gazette. State budget cuts roll downhill
But because of union contracts now in place, Janesville wouldn't be able to make up even 34 percent of state aid
reductions, Levitt said.
The 34 percent includes money the city would realize if unionized public works employees paid half of their pension costs.
Because the citv quicklv signed a contract with its public works employees after Walker's proposal, those workers won't
contribute to their pensions for at least two years.
Those pension payments and payments from employees not covered by unions would save the citv a total of $502,454.
Non-unionized city workers would pay $395,212.
Those cuts include $328,000 in recvclinq funds. Levitt recently discovered the city could also lose another $128,000 this
year, impacting the 2011 budget.
The total also includes a $72.000 cut for the transit system. For the 2011 budget, the council struggled to maintain service
and could do so only because of a retirement.
Walker's proposal to freeze properlv taxes means the citv couldn't raise revenue, which is essentially another cut, Levitt
said. The city could raise fees, however.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Editorial: Overturning a bad idea
Milwaukee voters placed a risky bet in 2008 when they approved an ordinance requiring businesses to provide paid sick
leave. Although on its face, the measure sounded good, the unintended consequences of this ordinance would deal a
blow to job growth and economic development at a time when the city can ill afford it.
The state Legislature sent a bill to Gov. Scott Walker this week to correct that error. The governor said he is likely to sign
11. He should do so.
Janesville Gazette. Williams Bay School Board approves layoffs
WILLIAMS BAY- The Williams Bay School District expects to save about $400, 000 through teacher cuts and layoffs
approved Monday, but administrators say more reductions are on the horizon to address the district's ballooning deficit.
The cuts and fee hikes are partly related to November's referendum in which the district sought to exceed the revenue cap
by nearly $500,000 this year and next. The district then wanted a recurring increase to $890,000 each year after.
Intergovernmental News:
Reuters. Detroit to send layoff notices to all its public teachers
(Reuters) - The emergency manager appointed to put Detroit's troubled public school system on a firmer financial footing
said on Thursday he was sending layoff notices to all of the district's 5, 466 unionized emplovees.
The district is unlikely to eliminate all the teachers. Last year, it sent out 2, 000 notices and only a fraction of employees
were actually laid off. But the notices are required by the union's current contract with the district. Any layoffs under this
latest action won't take effect until late July.
In the meantime, Bobb said that he planned to exercise his power as emergency manager to unilaterally modify the
district's collective bargaining agreement with the Federation of Teachers starling May 17, 2011.
Under a law known as Public Act 4, passed by the Michigan legislature and signed by the state's new Republican
governor in March, emergency managers like Bobb have sweeping powers.
Thev can tear up existing union contracts, and even fire some elected officials, if they believe it will help solve a financial
emergency.
"I fully intend to use the authority that was granted under Public Act 4," Bobb said in the statement.
36
He was appointed emergency financial manager for Detroit's schools two years ago by then-Governor Jennifer Granholm,
a Democrat, to close chronic budget deficits brought on by declining enrollment in the city. Over just the past year,
Detroit's population has dropped 25 percent, according to census data.
Bobb has closed schools, laid off workers and taken other steps to cut spending but the district still faces a $327 million
budget deficit.
Legislator Meetings:
I talked to Knodl's and Vas's offices about WIJIS and eCitations. They were hearing concerns about the
continuaiion of eCitations and BadgerTraCs. I gave them the history and some options for continuing 'only'
eCitations which we need to stay within federal requirements.
Emergency Management:
I attended a briefing at WEM on disaster declarations and the process the Governor needs to know. WEM will
also call Senator Lassa and the Mayor of Kaukauna about the tornados and explain the process because they
were complaining. It is highly unlikely this even will rise to the level needing a Governor's declaration.
37
From:
Sent:
Subject:
Hegerfeld, Kathy - DOT
Monday, April 18, 2011 7:23 AM
Today's Reader Review
Bicyclists to lobby for tougher penalties for motorists
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/120035559.html#
200 advocates expected at summit that will draw attention to fatalities
By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel
April 17, 2011
Pointing to several fatal crashes in 2010, bicyclists in Wisconsin will lobby Tuesday for a vulnerable user Jaw and tougher
penalties against offending motorists.
About 200 advocates are expected to meet with legislators as part of the third annual Bike Summit organized by the
Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, the largest cycling advocacy group in the state. Their agenda for the lobbying session
includes money for bike and pedestrian paths and access to state land purchased through the Knowles-Nelson
Stewardship Program.
The bikers will have several cases to cite - crashes that killed cyclists - as they argue that the existing traffic Jaws provide
inadequate penalties for motorists who commit a moving offense that seriously injures or kills a biker.
In Waukesha County, a 20-year-old driver who hit and killed Brett Netke, 42, while he pedaled on Highway 18 in the
Village of Summit was cited for failing to yield three feet of clearance while passing. Samuel Weirick did not contest the
citation and paid a $114 fine.
In Brown County, authorities issued a ticket for an improper left turn to the 39-year-old who hit and killed Reinhold Herzog
at a rural intersection in the Town of Wrightstown on Aug. 24.
According to an accident reconstruction, Herzog was stopped in the southbound traffic Jane on Blake Road, waiting to
cross Highway 96, when the eastbound driver, Todd Gilson, turned his Ford F250 northbound and smashed into the 73-
year-old man. Gilson cut the left-hand turn so short that he hit Herzog left of the centerline, according to an accident
reconstruction.
Gilson was reportedly distraught after the crash and told a sheriff's deputy the sun was in his eyes and he didn't see
Herzog before he hit him.
The reconstruction specialist wrote: "Based on the evidence, I believe the primary factor that contributed to this accident
was the improper left turn of Todd Gilson onto Blake Road. The sun may have been in his eyes, but if he had made the
proper turn by statute, this accident would not have occurred."
Gilson was issued a ticket for an improper left turn, with a fine of $175, but the citation was dismissed March 22, on a
motion by Thomas Coaly, an assistant district attorney in Brown County.
On the same day, Gilson pleaded guilty to a drunken driving offense he committed four months after he killed Herzog.
His fine on the drunken driving ticket was $723.
22
In previous years, Gilson paid a $176.90 fine for parking where prohibited and $273 for driving too fast for conditions. He
was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 18 months in probation for a battery in 2000.
He paid no legal penalty for the crash that killed Herzog.
Still pending in Waukesha County is the case of Jeff Littmann, 56.
A motorist struck and killed the popular bike shop owner as he was riding on Wisconsin Ave. in Nashotah. No charges or
citations have been issued, and the case remains under review by the Waukesha County district attorney.
"People who bicycle have been killed on our roadways and there has been for all intents and purposes no penalty
assessed," said Kevin Hardman, executive director of the Bicycle Federation. "We're looking for reasonable ways to
create higher accountability for operators on the roadway."
In New York and Delaware, vulnerable user laws impose tougher penalties for motorists who strike and injure bicyclists,
pedestrians, roadway workers and others specified in the statute. Penalties range up to $1,000, and violators also are
required to complete traffic safety courses.
Hardman said the members of the Bicycle Federation have been talking to legislators, seeking sponsors for a bill in the
state.
Legislators have been focused intensely on the budget debate, and little progress has been made on the vulnerable user
proposal.
The group also plans to lobby on the budget, asking legislators to maintain the $2.5 million in state money dedicated to
bike and pedestrian paths. The state support was included, for the first time, in the 2009-'11 biennial budget.
Gov. Scott Walker eliminates that spending in his budget proposal for 2011-'13.
A third issue on the lobbying agenda is access to state land purchased through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship
Program. The program does not specify biking as a use on property acquired through the conservation program, and the
sport is excluded, in some cases.
Lobbying is one element of the daylong summit in Madison.
Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett will speak at the opening session starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Madison
Concourse Hotel. During workshops throughout the day, advocates will share ideas on boosting the bicycling business in
the state, building local organizations and securing money for cycling projects.
Andreas Rohl, the head of bicycle programs in Copenhagen, Denmark, will deliver the keynote address at 6 p.m.
Tuesday. In Copenhagen, Rohl has helped create one of the world's best cities for bicycling as transportation .

Walker road plan driving him crazy
http://Www .jsonline.com/news/opinion/119949564.htm I
By Steve Hinkier
April16, 2011
Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget has more than enough pain to go around. Schools get hit with more than $800
million in cuts over the next two years. Recycling programs are not funded. Health care for seniors and the poor are
slashed. Local road aids are cut. Some transit systems may not survive the proposed reductions. State revenue sharing is
23
going down, putting more pressure at the local level to cover the costs of cuts to state aids- and without raising property
taxes.
It's called austerity.
Unless you happen to be a road builder.
Then this budget is called a bonanza.
While other programs are cut, highway expansion projects totaling more than $400 million get the green light. Highway
expansion raids the general fund of more than $140 million, crushing any arguments that "highway users pay for the costs
of roads." In fact, the general fund and property taxes will pay about half of roadway costs in the future. So-called user
fees are soon to be eclipsed by decidedly nonuser fees.
When you look at the increase in highway spending, it is also important to pay attention to where the money goes. Local
road aids are cut, meaning that even though there is more money going for major highway expansion, there is less money
for local units of government to fix those bone-jarring potholes that crop up every spring. Maintenance dollars for
highways are down as well.
Walker has said that the highway expansion is needed for our economic recovery. The governor is putting a lot of faith -
and capital - in having superhighways be the cornerstone of the state's economic recovery. After all, he could have put the
money in building better communities with better schools as a basis of economic development.
All of this seems bizarre when you consider that we are driving less than ever. We are in the fifth year of a steady decline
in miles driven by each Wisconsin resident. The numbers of miles driven will likely decline even more as the cost of gas
continues to climb above $4 a gallon. In fact, it is because we are driving less that the governor is proposing to raid the
general fund for highways.
As people drive fewer miles with more fuel-efficient vehicles, they use less gas and the amount collected in gas taxes
decreases. So in order to expand highways, non-transportation fund dollars need to be raised. This is why Walker is
pushing transit aids out of the transportation fund and is raiding everything from general fund dollars to the environmental
fund to pay for bigger roads.
But if people are driving less, why expand highways?
Transportation experts point out the truck traffic on highways is on the increase. If that's the case, then fees on trucks
should be assessed at a level consistent with the cost of building and maintaining the highways they need. Heavy trucks
cause disproportionate damage to highways and bridges. School systems shouldn't have to pay for the costs of building
and maintaining the highways that trucks need. Up to a third of heavy truck traffic contributes nothing to the state's
economy as it simply passes through Wisconsin on the way from or to destinations out of state.
Highways are an important component of maintaining a healthy economy in Wisconsin. But so are communities where
people live, work and play. The next generation of leaders will be able to choose where they live. They will certainly want
to have good schools for their kids. They will want clean air and water. They will want good local roads to drive to and
from work and many will want good transit options.
Walker's budget fails to deliver on the most important part of our state's economy and instead cuts essential services to
fund a highway expansion scheme.
Steve Hiniker is executive director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin .

Department of Transportation to host U.S. 41 road construction meeting
24
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/2011 0417/GPG01 01/1 04170678/-1/7daysarchives/Department-
Transportation-host-U-S-41-road-construction-meeting
Written by
Alex Morrell
Apr. 17,2011
HOBART - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will host a public meeting Tuesday to help residents better
understand and plan for 2011 construction
to Wisconsin 29, Brown County J and the new Brown County RK, which are part of the U.S. 41 project.
Transportation officials will present timelines for the project as well as potential construction delays and alternate routes.
The project, the costs of which are primarily absorbed by the state, will create the new frontage road County RK that will
span from Packerland Drive to County J. A
new roundabout will connect County J to County RK.
The project especially will affect residents of northern Hobart and the Indian Trail Road subdivision, as access to
Wisconsin 29 via County J will end when the project begins in June.
The east segment of County RK will be constructed from June to October, and access to Pamperin Park will remain open
throughout the process.
The west segment also will begin in June, permanently shutting down existing access between County J and Wisconsin
29. County J and County RK will reopen to traffic in December.
Hobart will pay $4,100 annually in maintenance and electricity for 17 new streetlights for County RK, as well as a one-time
maintenance fee of $6,500.
The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hobart Village office, 2990 South Pine Tree Road .

Fake US licenses being sent from China
http://www. postcrescent.com/article/2011 0417/APC01 01/1 04170584/-1/7daysarchives/Fake-US-Iicenses-being-sent-from-
China
Written by
The Associated Press
Apr. 16, 2011
CHICAGO- Customs officials at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport have seized more than 1, 700 high-quality
counterfeit U.S. driver's licenses this year that were sent from China, federal authorities said Thursday.
Most of the counterfeit licenses were addressed to college students, and federal, state and local law enforcement
agencies have been investigating some of
the intended recipients, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said.
The fakes are high quality forgeries of licenses from seven states: Illinois, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Florida,
Georgia and Pennsylvania.
"Our greatest concern is ihe ease at which these high quality fakes can be ordered over the Internet," said David Murphy,
CBP Director of Field Operations in Chicago.
25
Agents at the airport's International Mail Facility have found licenses hidden in electronic or gift items, as well as in
envelopes. Shipments contained between
two and 48 licenses, officials said .

Creation of regional transit authority could help Valley Transit with budget woes
http://www.thenorthwestern.comlarticle/2011 041610SH01 0113041600311-117daysarchives1Creation-transit-authority-
could-help-Valley-Transit
Written by
J.E. Espino
Gannett Wisconsin Media
Apr. 15, 2011
APPLETON- Valley Transit officials say the creation of a regional transit authority could help the public transportation
system solve its budgetary puzzle.
If a regional transit authority existed, it could choose to raise money through a sales tax increase.
Transit officials last year estimated that an increase of half a percent would help make up Valley Transit's annual loss of
$1.5 million, starting in late 2012 or in 2013.
Democrats finished the legislative session last year without taking up a bill that would have allowed for the creation of
regional transit authorities in various parts of the state. The measure can be taken up this session if Republicans so
choose.
Mayor Tim Hanna thinks the idea of a regional transit authority remains a possibility.
"I know there are still some people interested in that down in Madison. We may be pursuing that," Hanna said on
Thursday. "We talked to some legislators who are
interested, and they even happen to be Republicans."
City leaders last month averted the loss of $2.5 million in federal funding by settling a two-year contract with bus drivers,
mechanics and other transit staff whose
ability to bargain is protected by a federal provision. Any changes- including those contained in Gov. Scott Walker's
legislation limiting bargaining by public-sector union employees- would put the federal money at risk.
But Valley Transit has yet to resolve how to make up other funding it stands to lose.
State transit dollars will be tighter and more competitive under the governor's budget plan. The reduction in state aid to
local government will be felt by the system,
which receives some funding from several Fox Cities municipalities as well as Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago
counties.
In addition, transit officials are bracing for a possible $1.5 million loss in federal funding because of a change in population
in the service area. The 2010 census put the Fox Cities urbanized population at more than 200,000, triggering a federal
rule that reduces the transit system's annual operating aid.
"It's just a roller coaster ride. It has been for the past four years because of the whole census issue first, then the
collective bargaining and now the state budget," said Deborah Wetter, the system's general manager. "The federal
government hasn't reauthorized and is talking about cutting transportation. It's all sides."
Wetter and transit advocates facing similar scenarios want funding to be based on the number of buses in their systems
rather than population.
26
Last month, she joined the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association on a trip to Washington, D.C., in hope of
persuading Wisconsin's congressional delegation to push for regulation changes.
One of the groups she met with was the 100 Bus Coalition, which is pushing for legislation changes that would allow
systems with less than 1 00 buses to use
federal funds for operating expenses.
"They are seeing a little bit of positive in the Senate," Wetter said. "Who knows (what's going to happen)? But you gotta
keep trying because if you are not there,
you are definitely not going to accomplish anything."
Hanna said he would continue to lobby state lawmakers to take up the regional transit authority measure, but with
everyone's energy on the state budget, it is
unclear how soon lawmakers would begin talks.
"Everything changes daily," he said .

Road projects expected to get under way Monday
http://www.htrnews.com/article/2011 0417/MAN01 01/1 04170470/Road-projects-expected-qet-under-way-
Monday?odyssey=tabltopnewslimq!FRONTPAGE
Written by
Sarah Kloepping
Herald Times Reporter
Apr. 16, 2011
MANITOWOC COUNTY- Area officials say there will be fewer road construction projects than in years past, largely due
to cuts in funding.
Major road projects on county and state highways and on city streets in Manitowoc and Two Rivers are expected to begin
Monday, leading to some detours in the
coming months.
County roads
Gary Kennedy, Manitowoc County highway commissioner, said there will be fewer projects occurring on county highways
this summer than in previous years.
"It will be a quiet year for construction in Manitowoc County," he said. "Although there are some roads that really need it
bad, they just won't get done. But budgets
are budgets."
Kennedy said resurfacing four miles of Manitowoc County CR between County CL and County C is the biggest project the
county has scheduled at an estimated cost of $750,000, with construction beginning in June.
A project the county will be wrapping up by the end of May is replacement of a bridge on Manitowoc County T just north of
Maribel. Kennedy said bridges are rated every two years and if that rating falls below 50, it has to be replaced. Estimated
cost of the bridge project is $550,000.
The only other repairs the department will be making are routine maintenance tasks such as crack filling, replacing culvert
pipes and ditching.
"The maintenance needs never go away," Kennedy said. "We have a maintenance list that would take us years to
complete."
27
A state highway project, resurfacing and maintenance work on 18 miles of Wisconsin 42 from U.S. 151 to the village of
Howards Grove in Sheboygan County, is scheduled to occur from May to October.
According to the state Department of Transportation, the road will be open to through traffic during most of the project,
and detoured during box culvert
construction.
Kennedy said most of the state roads in Manitowoc County were redone within the last five years and don't need much
repair.
Manitowoc
Two projects this summer will cause traffic restrictions for drivers in the. city of Manitowoc.
Construction on portions of Maritime Drive is scheduled to begin Monday and be completed in early June.
Greg Minikel, Manitowoc Department of Public Works director, said work on Maritime Drive between Buffalo Street and
Waldo Boulevard will include replacing
some concrete panels for an estimated cost of $175,000.
"It's basically what we call concrete slab replacement," he said. "Some of them are more extensive than others. Some
places, it's a real minor amount, and other places, we have a couple spots where it's 50- or 1 00-feet long ... that are
deteriorated."
On North Eighth Street from Waldo to the railroad north of Magnolia Street, crews will be repaving the road and some
storm sewer work. Estimated cost of the project is $375,000. The project's start date still is unknown.
Minikel said the city, too, is facing budget reductions that are impacting the amount of roadwork that can be done.
"There's been a toning back of projects the past couple years, which I guess is understandable." he said. "We're trying to
do the best we can with what we have. It's
pretty typical with this type of stuff that there's more projects than money. I think that's probably pretty normal for every
city."
Minikel said traffic will be reduced to one lane each way on both roads during most of the repair work.
"It certainly makes it tighter for the construction workers," he said. "I don't think they can do things as fast. They have to
be more cautious having traffic run by
you."
Two Rivers
Scott Ahl, civil engineer for Two Rivers, said the city has two notable projects beginning this summer- reconstruction of
the 17th Street bridge and repaving of a portion of 25th Street.
"For us, I would say there is certainly less (construction) this year than last year," he said. "We should be doing some
every year. I don't know that we're keeping up at this point."
Replacement of the 17th Street bridge is scheduled to begin in mid- to late-September and take about two years to
complete.
Ahl said the bridge will be closed to traffic for at least a year and likely will be detoured to the 22nd Street bridge.
The bridge project is estimated to cost $14 million, with the city contributing about 20 percent of the total. The bridge
project is scheduled to go to bid in August.
Construction on 25th Street between Lincoln Avenue and Garfield Street is scheduled to begin in late May and will take
about a month and a half to complete.
"We'll be replacing utilities and repaving that one," he said. "That's probably the biggest one we're doing, and then we
have some street patches we're going to be
28
working on."
Ahl said a detour will not be needed for the 25th Street project because it is a residential street with not much through
traffic .

April 15, 2011
Wisconsin, Minnesota officials pledge support for Stillwater bridge
http://www. rivertowns. net/eventlarticle/id/32356/publisher I D/13/
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb and Minnesota Department of Transportation
Commissioner Tom Sotel were among the officials who attended a meeting of the St Croix River Crossing Coalition in
Stillwater on Friday morning.
A non-profit group organized to advocate for the eventual replacement of the aging Stillwater lift bridge, the coalition
invited area legislators and transportation officials to talk about the current status of the project and its prospects for
funding.
Wisconsin State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf said the gathering gave Gottlieb, the state's new transportation secretary, a chance
to hear about the need for a new bridge and see the old bridge for the first time.
Gottlieb said that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker strongly supports the bridge project He noted that Wisconsin has already
established the bonding authority necessary to pay for its portion of the bridge plan.
The state, however, does need to remove a previous restriction that would not allow Wisconsin to spend money on the
bridge until the federal government provides about $75 million toward the project It's uncertain of any federal funding will
be available for the bridge replacement
Gottlieb said he expects Wisconsin lawmakers to soon consider a proposal to remove the current restriction, paving the
way for the construction of the span.
Minnesota already has set aside the money it needs to pay for its share of the bridge, although that funding could be in
jeopardy if the project does not move forward by September, Harsdorf said.
The next major hurdle for the new river crossing is a vote in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on a
proposal to exempt the bridge project from the restrictions of the Wild and Scenic Riverway Act
The bridge is presently in limbo because a federal judge said the National Park Service could not support a new span
because the bridge would harm the scenic beauty of the region.
As a result, it will take action by Congress to allow for the construction of the bridge across the St Croix River.
Harsdorf said the support the bridge is receiving from both Republicans and Democrats is encouraging.
29
"I'm optimistic," she said of the chances for the bridge, which has been delayed for decades, to actually go through this
time.
The group toured the Stillwater bridge, which is closed due to high water, following the meeting. Minnesota Department of
Transportation officials answered questions about the current bridge and the proposed new bridge during the short tour .

CS bridge project to affect traffic; Interstate 39/90/94 mostly will be disrupted
overnight, however
http://www. wiscnews.com/portagedailyregister/news/article b223d798-696e-11 e0-b55e-OO 1 cc4c03286.html
By Lyn Jerde
Daily Register
April17, 2011
POYNETTE- Watch out for falling concrete and swinging girders. The Columbia County Highway CS bridge replacement
is about to start in earnest.
Preliminary work has already begun on a project that's expected to last seven months and affect thousands of motorists
on Interstate 39/90/94.
Barring bad weather, the traffic-disrupting work on the project is due to start this week.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will work on the CS bridge just off the interstate's exit 115 in the town of
Dekorra. In response to concerns from residents, and from operators of businesses located just off exit 115, the bridge is
being replaced one lane at a time, with the remaining lane open for traffic, said Chad Hayes, DOT construction project
leader.
But don't expect smooth driving during the project- especially next week, when crews start taking apart the old bridge.
Tentatively starting Thursday night, lane closures are scheduled for off-peak traffic hours to make room for the chunks of
concrete that are expected to fall during the demolition. The concrete is not expected to encroach on traffic lanes open for
travel.
Once the concrete is down, Hayes said, a crane will be brought in to remove the steel girders from part of the old bridge.
"They're 90-foot girders," he said, "and they'll need to swing over traffic lanes. Obviously, we can't do that if there's traffic."
That's why, on April 27 and possibly the next day, the Wisconsin State Patrol might, from time to time in the nighttime
hours, slow interstate traffic to allow for the safe removal of the girders. The traffic will not be detoured for that short
period, however.
Doing the project one lane at a time will allow the bridge to stay open, with access to businesses off exit 115 most of the
time. A traffic light will be set up to ensure that traffic goes one way at a time on the bridge.
But, if that system results in backed-up traffic on either the off-ramps or the interstate, there could be times, on a case-by-
case basis, when the exit ramps will be closed.
"Obviously, we can't have vehicles standing on the interstate or on the ramps, with vehicles coming at 60 or 70 miles an
hour," he said.
30
Business owners, as well as emergency responders that serve the area around Poynette and the town of Dekorra, have
been advised of the plans and have had input on the project.
Several community meetings, beginning last year, have been held about the Highway CS bridge. One result of those
meetings was the decision to do the work one lane at a time- meaning that a bridge replacement that normally would
have taken about four months will now take about seven months.
The exit ramps from the interstate will be closed from time to time in July. Completion is scheduled for Nov. 15.
Tentative schedule
If rain or other inclement weather early this week prevents construction.and painting of temporary asphalt lanes, the
following events could happen a day or two later. The tentative schedule for coming construction on the Highway CS
bridge in the town of Dekorra is:
Thursday: Demolition of the south side of the bridge is scheduled to start. The two inside lanes of the interstate
from both directions will be closed starting about 9:30p.m., and the closure will continue until about 5 a.m. the
following morning.
April 25: The interstate's two outside lanes in each direction will be closed, as will both exit ramps from the
interstate to Highway CS, from 9:30p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.
April 26: The inside lane of the interstate will be closed in each direction, starting at 6 a.m. and continuing to 5
a.m. April 27.
April 27 (and possibly April 28, if needed): In 15-minute intervals, there will be rolling slowdowns or stops on the
interstate between midnight and 5 a.m, to allow the removal of girders from the bridge. The two inside lanes in
each direction also will be closed.
Sometime in October: The Highway CS bridge will be closed for about a week- the only time during the
construction that the bridge is expected to be completely out of commission .

Interstate bridge over Wisconsin River now honors Revolutionary War vets
http://www.wiscnews.com/portagedailvregister/newsllocallarticle b0034762-6970-11e0-b86a-001cc4c03286.html
By Lyn Jerde
Daily Registe
April17, 2011
POYNETTE -Some of the travelers who stopped Saturday afternoon at Rest Area No. 11 northwest of Poynette paused,
in their tracks, to pledge allegiance to a 13-star flag.
To those southeast-bound motorists who might have intended to buy a snack from the rest area's vending machine, or
pick up a free Wisconsin map, the sight of men in Revolutionary War-style uniforms might have been an occasion for a
double-take.
That's just fine with Rod Minter of Oxford. As chairman of the Wisconsin Society of Sons of the American Revolution
Memorial Bridge Committee, he was instrumental in getting the Interstate 39/90/94 bridge over the Wisconsin River
designated as the Veterans of the American Revolution Memorial Bridge.
31
At Saturday's dedication, Minter didn't advise travelers on the interstate to stop at the bridge's edge and remember heroes
past and present - not with traffic going 65 mph or more.
Instead, he said, stop at one of the two Columbia County rest areas northwest of Poynette- No. 11 for southeast-bound
traffic, No. 12 for those traveling northwest - and take a look at the new markers that commemorate the American
Revolution (1775-1783) and acknowledge the bridge's status, achieved when then-Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill declaring
the designation in March 2008.
"So we ask that you just take a minute and think about this," Minter said. "It was heroes like these who, through their
efforts, created the great nation that we dearly love."
Among about 40 attendees were Sons of the American Revolution from throughout Wisconsin, members of the Daughters
of the American Revolution, representatives of various area veterans' groups- and Gov. Scott Walker.
In signing a proclamation that designates today as Patriot Day, Walker noted not only the 236th anniversary Tuesday of
the American Revolution's beginning at Lexington and Concord, Mass., but also the recent 150th anniversary of the
bombardment of Fort Sumter near Charleston, S.C., which began the Civil War.
The proclamation, and the bridge's designation, are "in recognition of the history we have in this state" of men and women
who have fought for their country in all eras, Walker said.
What we now know as Wisconsin was, during the Revolutionary War years, a vast frontier.
Yet at least 40 veterans of the Revolution are buried in Wisconsin, including at least two in Columbia County: Pvts.
Cooper Pixley and Alexander Porter. Pixley is buried in the Fort Winnebago Cemetery, where there's a historical marker
honoring him and Porter, and a tombstone with Porter's name. But Porter's remains might be interred in the Pacific
Cemetery, where there's another tombstone with his name.
Before Saturday's ceremony, Aaron Krebs, commander of the Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution color
guard, practiced with fellow color guard member Ed Pierog a formal Revolutionary War salute- with an open hand on the
forehead and the right foot brought backward.
Although many Revolutionary War soldiers fighting on the side of independence didn't have military uniforms, Krebs said
the red, white and blue uniforms of the color guard are similar to those worn by the honor guard of Gen. George
Washington, who later became the first president of the United States.
"They were tall guys like me - though not as tall as George, who was about 6-foot-3 - and they wore red vests like these,"
Krebs said.
Without hesitation, Krebs can name his ancestor who fought "as a patriot" in the Revolution, and thus entitles him to
membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He was Joseph Millen Jewett of New York.
For Pierog, it's easy to remember the name of his Revolutionary ancestor, James McDowell, because McDowell is
Pierog's middle name.
He also has another ancestor connected to the Revolution, George Klock.
Don Hall, chairman of the town of Packwaukee in Marquette County- and a descendent of Rhode Island militia Capt.
Thomas Paddock- was one of the people who was instrumental in ensuring that the words and images on the rest area
plaques about the Revolution were historically accurate, according to Lei! Hubbard of the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation.
And former state Rep. J.A. "Doc" Hines, an Oxford Republican, was one of the legislative sponsors for designating the
bridge in honor of the Revolution, He, too, was at Saturday's ceremony.
The ceremony wound down with "Taps," played by Bill Welter of the Oxford Veterans of Foreign Wars post, from near the
rest area's vending machines.
32

Kathy Hegerfeld
WisDOT
Office of Public Affairs
Rm. l 03B Hill Farms
Madison, WI
(608)261-5895
33
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Monday, Aprill8, 2011 8:01AM
kevin.scott@wi.gov
Keith.Gilkes@wi.gov
Sykes Question
Governor- FYI -Charlie Sykes indicated he may ask you about this rumor floating around that he's getting lots of
questions about, so it'll be good that you can knock it down that we aren't planning that.
Gov. Scott Walker Reportedly Planning Financial
Martial Law In Wisconsin
Apr. 16 2011- 5:16pm I 63J109 views I 4 recommendations j107 comments
By RICK UNGAR
a..-.r.,.,." are surfacing that Scott Walker is now
preparing his next assault on the democratic political process in the State of Wisconsin.
Following the lead of Michigan GOP Governor Rick Snyder, Walker is said to be preparing
a plan that would allow him to force local governments to submit to a financial stress test
with an eye towards permitting the governor to take over municipalities that fail to meet
with Walker's approval.
According to the reports, should a locality's financial position come up short, the Walker
legislation would empower the governor to insert a financial manager of his choosing into
local government with the ability to cancel union contracts, push aside duly elected local
government officials and school board members and take control of Wisconsin cities and
towns whenever he sees fit to do so.
Such a law would additionally give Walker unchallenged power to end municipal services
of which he disapproves, including safety net assistance to those in need.
1
According to my sources, the plan is, being written by the legal offices of Foley & Lardner,
the largest law firm in the state, and is scheduled to be introduced to the legislature in May
of this year.
The story first came to public attention yesterday during an interview with Madison,
Wisconsin attorney and activist, Ed Garvey, on Wisconsin Public Radio.
While Mr. Garvey is a familiar player in Wisconsin politics, some of you who are football
fans may recognize his name from his days as the Executive Director of the NFL Players'
Association, where Garvey is credited with making extraordinary strides in the protection
of player rights and improving their earning opportunities.
I spoke with Mr. Garvey today to gain insight into his information, which led me to Mr.
Nate Kimm -a Wisconsin based political organizer who is a leader in the effort to recall
eight GOP Wisconsin State Senators who voted in favor of Gov. Walker's anti-collective
bargaining legislation.
While Kimm was unwilling to reveal his source, he was able to confirm that he had
received the information regarding Walker's plans from a highly placed GOP source, very
much in a position to know what the Governor has in the works.
Should these reports prove accurate, Walker's plan would resemble-if not directly mirror-
the legislation signed into law by Gov. Snyder of Michigan which gives Snyder
extraordinary powers to take over municipalities when he determines them to be in
financial trouble, further permitting him to actually fire locally elected public officials
when he deems it desirable.
Gov. Snyder's extraordinary law became all too real this week when Emergency Financial
Manager, Joseph Harris, appointed by the Governor to take charge of Benton Harbor,
Michigan, issued an order which took away all powers of the city's elected officials.
Yes, this has really happened right here in the United States of America.
Walker's plans give further credence to the notion that the efforts of the GOP governors
with Republican majorities in their state legislative bodies are part of a coordinated plan to
enforce a right-wing agenda designed to not only destroy state, county and municipal
employee unions, but to take control of local governments by replacing elected officials
with appointees, both corporate and individual, of the state's highest executive officer.
More on this as it becomes available.
Thanks to Wisconsinite Doug Olson for his help with this story.
20
Chris Schrimpf
21
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Monday, Aprill8, 2011 8:31AM
The truth comes out just a little
http://host. madison. com/news/local/qovt-and-politics/article db83da60-691 0-11 eO-b 73f-001 cc4c002e0. htm I
Unions may shift focus of tasks to politics
Wisconsin's new collective bargaining law would take away many of the traditional tasks of public sector unions, so some
labor leaders are considering plans to shift more of their focus to the political arena.
The law forbids contract negotiations on anything but cost-of-living raises- eliminating bargaining on base wages,
benefits and working conditions.
Without contracts to negotiate and enforce, union officers and staff could concentrate their efforts on organizing- lobbying
elected officials at budget time, working to elect labor-friendly politicians and promoting the eventual repeal of the
collective bargaining law, said Paulette Feld, vice president of the 22,000-member Wisconsin State Employees Union.
'We would be organizing to keep the union going," Feld said.
Gov. Scott Walker, who introduced the bargaining law, said that's fine with him.
"If people want to join a union and pay dues so they can spend more time on politics, that's up to them," Walker said in an
interview Friday. "But that's all the more reason other workers shouldn't be forced to Uoin) in the first place."
The outcome of the recent Supreme Court race makes efforts to recall Republicans senators and elect a new governor
more important than ever, said Jason Sidener, political action representative for the 32,000-member American Federation
of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 40. Because of the governor's veto power, modest gains in the
Legislature probably aren't going to be enough to repeal the collective bargaining law, he said.
Justice David Prosser appears to have narrowly won re-election to the state's highest court, pending a possible recount.
The officially nonpartisan contest between Prosser, a former Republican legislative leader, and JoAnne Kloppenburg, an
assistant state attorney general, on April 5 was largely viewed as a referendum on the collective bargaining law. The law
hasn't taken effect yet because of legal challenges that may reach the high court. The law's opponents thought a
Kloppenburg win would tip the balance of the court in their favor.
'Definitely a slow bleed'
If the law emerges intact, it would do away with payroll deductions for union dues. It also would require 51 percent of all
bargaining unit members- not just a majority of those casting ballots- to vote each year in favor of state certification for
the union to have standing to negotiate.
The changes have been seen as potentially fatal to the unions, but labor leaders say they have been putting together a
survival guide.
15
The task is most urgent for the state employees union, whose contracts are expired. Employees are working under
extensions of the previous contracts' provisions, but as soon as the law goes into effect, the contracts are to be
terminated. Some school and municipal unions also have expired contracts, but most would be discarded as they run out,
some in a few months, others over the next few years.
"It's not a hemorrhage, but it's definitely a slow bleed," said Rich Abelson, executive director of the 10,000-member
AFSCME council that covers nearly 90 union locals in Milwaukee County.
May drop certification
Abelson's council, the state employees union and Wisconsin's other AFSCME council may allow their official state
certification to lapse.
"We'd be expending a lot of energy and money to keep that certification going, and for what?" Feld said.
Rick Badger, executive director of AFSCME Council 40, which represents local government workers in Wisconsin outside
Milwaukee County, said he thinks the union may be able to do as much or more for its members who work for local
governments without certification. About 100 of the council's 500 local unions have expired contracts, Badger said.
Abelson said fewer of his locals have expired pacts, but he too sees little value in certification.
If the unions take this path, they would be following a pattern established in other states that restrict collective bargaining,
said Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois-
Champaign.
The unions could still exist as non-state-certified organizations, setting up an online method for workers to authorize
automatic bank withdrawals of dues. But over time, they face the possibility of dwindling funds, especially from low-wage
workers hardest hit by the governor's plans to increase public workers' contributions for benefits.
"There will be some who won't join," said Feld, whose union is trying to cut costs and considering a sliding scale for dues
to help lower-paid members keep their memberships.
Union staff and officers could represent members when they challenge discipline- which would be appealed under civil
service rules, instead of through arbitration required in most contracts, Feld said.
The 98,000-member Wisconsin Education Association Council likely will encourage its local unions to certify as a way to
keep union members engaged with each other and communicating about goals, said Kim Haas, union communication and
planning director.
"As an advocacy organization, having frequent discussions with educators to listen to the issues they feel are important is
critical," Haas said. "It's the foundation of everything we do."
Chris Schrimpf
16
From: Evenson, Tom - GOV
Sent:
To:
Monday, April18, 2011 9:10AM
Evenson, Tom - GOV
Subject: Morning News Update 04.18.11
WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: MORE JOBS FOR WISCONSIN
Daily Headline Goal: Real story of Governor's first 100 days
Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for Mondav. April18, 2011
News Summary:
Newspapers take note of changes that legislators plan to make to the Governor's budget.
Wisconsin's Front Pages:
Appleton .Post-Crescent
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
Green Bay Press Gazette
La Crosse Tribune
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Oshkosh Northwestern
Racine Journal Times
Sheboygan Press
Stevens Point Journal
Wisconsin State Journal
Television Clips for April17, 2011
Social Media Update:
Twitter Followers 1 Week Ago: 18, 130
Twitter Followers Today: 18,626
Face book Likes 1 week ago: 62, 731
Face book Likes Today: 62,908
Nation/World
Wisconsin's Election Snafu Is a National Wake-Up Call
John Fund- Wall Street Journal
It's been over a decade since the Bush-Gore recount in Florida was supposed to spur a wholesale modernization of our
election systems. But a stunning mistake made by a Wisconsin county clerk in a nationally watched state Supreme Court
race reminded us of how far we have to go.
Gov. Scott Walker Reportedly Planning Financial Martial Law In Wisconsin
Forbes
10
Following the lead of Michigan GOP Governor Rick Snyder, Walker is said to be preparing a plan that would allow him to
force local governments to submit to a financial stress test with an eye towards permitting the governor to take over
municipalities that fail to meet with Walker's approval.
Where the Tax Money Is
Editorial- Wall Street Journal
Obama targets the middle class while pretending to tax only the rich.
The 30-Cent Tax Premium
Arthur Laffer- Wall Street Journal
Tax compliance employs more workers than Wai-Mart, UPS, McDonald's, IBM and Citigroup combined.
President Whatever Finds Things Not Going His Way
Michael Barone- Washington D.C. Examiner
Barack Obama is a politician who likes to follow through on long-term strategies and avoid making course corrections.
That's how he believes he won in 2008, and since then he's shown that he's not much into details.
President Heads West to Sell His Deficit Plan
New York Times
WASHINGTON -After weeks of tussling and political gamesmanship in Congress over federal spending, President
Obama will-take his message on the road this week, traveling to the West Coast to promote his deficit-cutting plan.
Video: Rep. Paul Ryan: No "Rubber Stamp" For Debt Ceiling Increase
Face the Nation -via Real Clear Politics
"Nobody wants to play around with the country's credit rating, nobody wants to see default happening, but we also
think it is important to get a handle on future borrowing as we deal with raising the debt ceiling," Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis)
told CBS' "Face the Nation."
Milwaukee
Budget fight an unexpected civics lesson for teachers
Harsh rhetoric casting pall over profession, some say
Wisconsin wolf population hits modern-era record
DNR estimate of 825 animals includes 32 packs in central Wisconsin
Dave Zien talks about his motorcycle crash
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
County seeks deeper concessions
Now, the county is moving to swiftly impose even stiffer concessions than it had sought earlier on 3,500 members of
District Council48 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Resumes better than cronyism
Editorial- Racine Journal Sentinel
Before I' affaire Deschane disappears in the rear-view mirror we should use it to post a yellow caution flag for Gov. Scott
Walker's administration.
Doyle launches new health care initative
11
Business Journal of Milwaukee
Former Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Center for American Progress chief operating
officer Neera Tanden have formed a new health care organization to champion national health care reform and defend
it from being repealed or defunded.
Madison
Walker shift on recycling is a signal that protests matter
Editorial- The Capital Times
The governor took a militant anti-environmental protection stance when outlining his 2011-2013 budget plan, going so
far as to propose an end to the mandate that communities run recycling programs. He also proposed ending the
subsidies that the state had developed to sustain and advance recycling efforts in communities across the state.
Labor's last stand? Creating new governance structure a tall order
Gov. Scott Walker's historic rewrite of state labor law, on hold pending legal challenges, takes away almost all collective
bargaining rights from most public employee unions. That means eventually dumping contracts that spelled out
everything from salaries and the school calendar to the start of a work d.ay and disciplinary measures.
Saueakers show power of vote
Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal
The still-undecided race for Wisconsin Supreme Court wasn't the only squeaker on election night.
Wisconsin's new collective bargaining law would take away many of the traditional tasks of public sector unions, so
some labor leaders are consideJing plans to shift more of their focus to the political arena.
Kathleen Falk exits after 14 years leading Dane County
The Capital Times
After serving 14 years as Dane County's first female county executive, Kathleen Falk's last day in office is Monday. She
sat down with The Capital Times on one of her final days in office to talk about her years running Dane County, the
"cavalier abuse of power" recently on display by Republican lawmakers and the sexism women still face when running
for elected office.
Green Bay/ Appleton
Editorial: PCB numbers something to feel good about
Appleton Post-Crescent
The battle over the PCBs on northeast Wisconsin waters has been waging for years, and we finally have some good news
after years of delays, increasing cost estimates and lawsuits.
Oshkosh schools see rise in poverty. homeless youth
Oshkosh Northwestern
A mock public service broadcast played during daily announcements at North High School - "Don't be a scrub. Get in
the tub." -instantly birthed the latest "thing" in teen bully-culture.
Brothers united in fight over union bill
Sheboygan Press
MADISON- When Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker needed help twisting arms to get his polarizing bill eliminating most
public employees' union rights through the Legislature, he turned to Scott and Jeff Fitzgerald. The Irish Catholic brothers
hold the top two legislative posts in the state, and they said their success was due to blood as much as political skill.
12
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Le Monds, Tim J - DOC
Monday, April18, 201111:26 AM
DOC DL Executive Planning
DOC NewsWatch - April 18, 2011
000
NewsWatch
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) Circulation: 91 ,575
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 10:45 AM
Keywords: Prison (2)
Abstract: ... Stoughton man gets 3 years in prison for Edgerton bank robbery Madison.com crime news
@madisoncrimeKeep track of crime in your community. A. ..
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 9:47AM
Keywords: Sex Offender (2)
Abstract: ... New: Sex offender moving to Town of Humboldl BROWN: Winter Storm Watch Expires: Wed
Apr 20 at 1 :00 ...
Source: WIZM-AM 1410 LaCrosse (WI)
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 9:39AM
Keywords: Extended Supervision
Abstract: ... years in prison and serve eight years of extended supervision. Perner was found guilty by a
jury in January of first-degree reckless homicide in ...
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) Circulation: 56,300
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 8:12AM
Abstract: ... Green Bay OKs requests of 5 sex offenders to live in city You will be redirected to the page
you want to ...
Source: Marshfield News-Herald (WI) Circulation: 12,200
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 3:07AM
Keywords: Corrections Officer, Prison (3)
Abstract: ... law-enforcement officers, state parole officers, jail administrators and corrections officers, and
elected county board members The Marinette-Menominee Jail Outreach executive director James
Langteau and ...
7
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) Circulation: 91,575
Indexed At: 04/18/2011 2:51 AM
Abstract: ... Match.com to check users in sex offender registry Singles website Match.com said Sunday
will i its users against the national ...
Source: Fond du Lac Reporter (WI) Circulation: 16,300
Indexed At: 04/17/2011 6:00AM
Keywords: Department of Corrections (WI only)
Abstract: ... supporting collective bargaining was spearheaded by several state Department of
Corrections workers and union supporters who spoke at the March 8 council meeting. They
urged Waupun ...
Source: Wausau Daily Herald (WI) Circulation: 21,200
Indexed At: 04/16/2011 5:43AM
Keywords: Prison
Abstract: ... rejecting Charlie Sheen's ... - 9:56am MADISON A state prison inmate serving time for theft
and burglary has been charged for a second time with ...
Source: Watertown Daily Times (WI) Circulation: 9,500
Indexed At: 04/16/2011 3:25AM
Keywords: Corrections Officer, Prison (5)
Abstract: ... to seeing all kinds of contraband smuggled into prisons: I twas a child's coloring book,
dedicated "to daddy" and mailed to aNew Jersey inmate, ...
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) Circulation: 91 ,575
Indexed At: 04/16/2011 3:09AM
Abstract: ... sentenced Friday to 34 1/2 years in anArizona prison for running over and killing his 20-year-
olddaughter because she became too Westernized. Maricopa Superior ...
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI) Circulation: 26,200
Indexed At: 04/16/2011 2:44AM
Keywords: Prison, Extended Supervision
... asentence of no rllore than six years in prison and two years ofextended supervision.
Leader-Telegram Subscribers Only! The page you've requested is available ...
Source: Beloit Daily News (WI) Circulation: 14,200
Indexed At: 04/16/2011 2:13AM
Keywords: Prison (3), Extended Supervision
Abstract: ... Robber sentenced to 3 years in prison Top News" Local News" Illinois News" Wisconsin
News " National/World ...
Source: WQOW-TV ABC 18 Eau Claire (WI)
Indexed At: 04/15/2011 8:24 PM
Abstract: ... Andrea Albers - bio Western Wis. man gets prison time for shooting at son Western Wis. man
gets prison time for shooting at son ...
8
Source: Wisconsin State Journal and Madison.com (WI) Circulation: 91,575
Indexed At: 04/15/2011 7:41 PM
Keywords: Prison (4), Timothy LeMonds, Department of Corrections (WI only)
Abstraci: ... 31, 1995, and sentenced to six years in prison. He was paroledin 1998 but sent back to prison
in 1999 after his parole ...
Source: WISN-TV ABC 12 Milwaukee (WI) Circulation: 255,654
Indexed At: 04/15/2011 6:47 PM
:Abstract: ... general for tax administration. Other credits went to prison inmates, taxpayers who bought
homes before the credit was enacted and people who did not...
Source: WKOW-TV 27 ABC (WI)
Indexed At: 04/15/2011 6:03 PM
Abstract: ... 62-year-old Charles Aegerter will serve three years in prison and seven years supervision for
robbing the Bank of Edgerton. Aegerter admitted to the crime.... '
Source: WSAW-TV CBS 7 Wausau (WI)
Indexed At: 04/15/2011 3:16PM
Keywords: Prison
Abstract: ... child in garbage can baby dies ,9 yrs prison sentence. 1m outraged lm in disbelief. GOD WILL
JUDGE YOUPosted by: Location: pi on Apr 15, ...
From the Departmel')t of Correclions: Please consider the environment before printing this message.
9
La Crosse/Eau Claire
Public workers in state quick to retire
Wisconsin Reporter- via Chippewa Herald
MADISON- Wisconsin's unionized public employees have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Don Weber speaks out on LHI sale
La Crosse Tribune
Don Weber knew he had to sell his company to grow and compete for business. But Weber, CEO of Logistics Health Inc.,
said his No. 1 priority was to keep LHI and its jobs in La Crosse.
Our view: Sheriff's approach shows compassion
La Crosse Tribune
Wisconsin's new secretary of corrections brought a refreshing, progressive approach when he visited the Tribune's
editorial board this month.
Wausau/Rhinelander
Sean Duffv: How we face challenge of our generation
Op-Ed- Wausau Daily Herald
Thomas Jefferson once said: "I place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt
as the greatest of the dangers to be feared."
Superior/Duluth
Tough choices must be made for hard-working Wisconsinites' sakes
Senator Scott Fitzgerald- Superior Telegram
Wisconsin was built by hard-working people doing their job well. We grow things and we make things: crops, beer,
cheese, cranberries, motorcycles and engines.
13
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Monday, April 18, 201112:59 PM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV
Unions making it clear what their top priorities are .. ,
Hint: it's not representing their members in contract negotiations.
Abelson said fewer of his locals have expired pacts, but he too sees little value in certification.
http://host. madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article db83da60-691 0-11 eO-b 73f-
001 cc4c002eO.html
STEVEN VERBURG I sverbul'g@madison.com 1608-252-6118 I (31) Comfficnts I Posted: Monday, Apri118, 2011 5:58am
Wisconsin's new collective bargaining law would take away many of the traditional tasks of public sector unions, so some labor
leaders are considering plans to shift more oftheir focus to the political arena.
The law forbids contract negotiations on anything but cost-of-living raises- eliminating bargaining on base wages, benefits and
working conditions.
Without contracts to negotiateand enforce, union officers and staff could concentrate their efforts on organizing- lobbying elected
officials at budget time, working to elect labor-friendly politicians and promoting the eventual repeal of the collective bargaining law,
said Paulette Feld, vice president of the 22,000-member Wisconsin State Employees Union.
"We would be organizing to keep the union going," Feld said.
Gov. Scott Walker, who introduced the bargaining law, said that's fine withhi!ll.
"If people want to join a union and pay dues so they can spend more time on politics, that's up to them," Walker said in an interview
Friday. "But that's all the more reason other workers shouldn't be forced to Go in) in the first place."
The outcome ofthe recent Supreme Col.)r! race makes efforts to recall Republicans senators and elect a new governor more important
than ever, said Jason Sidener, political action representative for the 32,000-member American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees Council40. Because of the governor's veto power, modest gains in the Legislature probably aren't going to be
enough to repeal the collective bargaining law, he said.
Justice David Prosser appears to have narrowly won re-election to the state's highest col.Ui, pending a possible recount. The officially
nonpartisan contest between Prosser, a former Republican legislative leader, and JoAnne Kloppenburg, an assistant state attorney
general, on AprilS was largely viewed as a referendum on the collective bargaining law. The law hasn't taken effect yet because of
legal challenges that may reach the high court. The law's opponents thought a Kloppenburg win would tip the balance of the court in
their favor.
'Definitely a slow bleed'
If the law emerges intact, it would do away with payroll deductions for union dues. It also would require 51 percent of all bargaining
unit members - not just a majority of those casting ballots - to vote each year in favor of state certification for the union to have
standing to negotiate.
The changes have been seen as potentially fatal to the unions, but labor leaders say they have been putting together a survival guide ..
The task is most urgent for the state employees union, whose contracts are expired. Employees are working under extensions of the
previous contracts' provisions, but as soon as the law goes. into effect, the contracts are to be terminated. Some school and municipal
unions also have expired contracts, but most would be discarded as they run out, some in a few months, others over the next few years.
"It's not a hemorrhage, but it's definitely a slow bleed," said Rich Abelson, executive director ofthe 10,000-member AFSCME council
that covers nearly 90 union locals in Milwaukee County.
May drop certification
5
Abelson's council, the state employees union and Wisconsin's other AFSCME council may allow their official state certification to
lapse.
Rick Badger, executive director of AFSCME Council40, which represents local government workers in Wisconsin outside
Milwaukee County, said he thinks the union may be able to do as much or more for its members who work for local governments
without certification. About 100 of the council's 500 local unions have expired contracts, Badger said.
Abelson said fewer of his locals have expired pacts, but he too sees little value in ce1tification.
If the unions take this path, they would be following a pattern established in other states that restrict collective bargaining, said Joel
Cutcher-Gershenfeld, dean of the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois-Champaign.
The unions could still exist as non-state-ce1tified organizations, setting up an online method for workers to authorize automatic bank
withdrawals of dues. But over time, they face the possibility of dwindling funds, especially from low-wage workers hardest hit by the
govemor's plans to increase public workers' contributions for benefits.
"There will be some who won't join," said Feld, whose union is trying to cut costs and considering a sliding scale for dues to help
lower-paid members keep their memberships.
Union staff and officers could represent members when they challenge discipline - which would be appealed under civil service rules,
instead of through arbitration required in most contracts, Feld said.
The 98,000-member Wisconsin Education Association Council likely will encourage its local unions to certifY as a way to keep union
members engaged with each other and communicating about goals, said Kim Haas, union communication and planning director.
"As an advocacy organization, having fiequent discussions with educators to listen to the issues they feel are important is critical,"
Haas said. "It's the foundation of everything we do."
Copyright 2011 madison.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published. broadcast rewritten or redistributed.
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(o) 608-266-1212 1 {e) ryan.murray@wisconsin.gov
2
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 10:16 AM
Scott, Kelly V- DHS
Subject: RE: Usernames
These are all the ones we've done unfortunately we just moved the ones we did yesterday into the finished file, with the
first batch.
@Tonimo2020-Toni Morrissey
Media specialist at UW Health, Packer nut
W/ all due respect, does compromise have a place in your administration? Pis give examples of big compromises you
made.
Angela Yingling (facebook)
Studying to get a PhD in curriculum and instruction at Marian University in Fond du Lac
Gov Walker what are you going to do with helping small businesses? We have seen so many bailouts for the large
corporations but small businesses are hurting.
@Joeman1187-Joey
Brewers, Badgers, Bucks and Packers fan
You said you were working to bring businesses to WI and get people working again. What exactly are you doing to
achieve this?
@James bkelly-James Kelly
Milwaukee, WI
Why did you put road construction in front of school funding? Smart school reform would have been better
Karin Babcock /Facebook)
Why are public employees being made to pay all the taxes to close the budget gap that you created, when the entire
state could share in that burden? It seems unfair and even cruel to families who don't make a lot of money to begin
with, especially now that the economy was improving before you took office.
Ellen Witteborn (Face book)
Studied Art/Environmental Design at UWGB
So you've polarized the state, how do you propose bringing back a sense of unity?
Tracy Unnasch (Facebook)
Milwaukee, WI
stumble into it?
Rachel E. Engebretson /Email)
English Education/Political Science Education, UW-Eau Claire
Economic growth has slowed in the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained
stagnant. In your opinion, is the best strategy to improve income growth?
@sujiaO-Chrissy Dornan
From Wisconsin and die hard packer and badger fan
81
How is public safety a priority when you want to get limit programs like early release for prisoners & reduce the
Medicaid WRONG
@fuzzyduck
Madison, WI
Brown bag question for @GovWalker- why do you hate education?
@Tatersmom84- Megan Griffin
love theatre, movies, books and my family, Madison
BTW, i really do want an answer to my? My husband is a pub emp and i want to know why you think he deserves less 4
his hardwork
@AnonyMissBadger
We're still waiting to hear how you justify raising taxes on the poorest working families in WI.
@jgnnr99-Jim Gunn
Loves his dog and Packers
Please detail how your tax cuts to corps will create the 250k jobs you promised. Census and labor data proves otherwise
@evilpickleduck3-Aiex
College student. Liberal. English major
Are you going to continue ignoring the needs of the middle class in favor of Koch and others of the high upper class?
@brianweidner-Brian Weidner
He connects working professionals & students with Career Opportunities at Wisconsin Healthcare Organizations,
Milwaukee
What about adding tolls to some of the roads in WI? People who drive most often should pay more for roads.
@maureramy-Amy Maurer
Conservative. Finance in fam 's small biz. Proud neighbor of Reince Priebus. Married to WI pub school teacher.
Gov Walker, when is voter id going to come up in the legislature?
@nc1776
Husband, father, veteran, Libertarian-Conservative
How will you reign in the out-of-control DNR?
@elephantgun
A pissed-off Independent voter.
Did you get any tips on reducing worker's rights from the Chinese Govt?
@BrettHulseyWI-State Rep. Brett Hulsey
82
What standards do you have for employees given recent snafus to ensure appointees have experience, education, ability
to do job?
John F. Foote
Little Suamico (Oconto County)
Can you share some of the job creation strategies for poorer, rural counties where large scale manufacturing isn't a
leading possibility?
Natalie Klingle
New Berlin, WI
My question is one that nobody has been able to answer for me. What is the long-term gain of selling off state-owned
power, heating and cooling plants? Is there not a concern that once these facilities are privatized the cost of these
services could rise, thus negating any cost-saving measures on behalf of the state of Wisconsin? In this brown bag
episode you touched on the former governor taking federal stimulus money and putting it towards the budget, and now
that money is gone. Is selling of these plants not the same type of situation? A "now" increase offunds with the
potential of it costing the state more in the future?
Mark T. Kehne
Manufacturer of residential window glass in Menomonie, WI
I am directly impacted by the slow housing market. In spite of record low interest rates, new home sales are currently at
record lows. What steps can the State of Wisconsin take to stimulate long-term growth in the residential housing
industry?
Rita Firkus
Mukwonago
Can you more thoroughly explain to the public union members what in fact they would lose in the end of collective
bargaining? I hear such hysteria nd misinformation. That people will lose their 40 hr work week and 8 hr days and be
forced to work more ... teachers will have 60 kids in a classroom and the quality of public education will be destroyed,
etc. Thank you!
Joseph York
Waukesha
A major key to your Budget Repair Bill has been giving Local Governments the tools to balance their budgets. Could you
give specific details on what exactly those tools are, and how they relate to Collective Bargaining?
Chris Schrimpf
From: Scott, Kelly V - DHS
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 2011 10:12 AM
Subject: Usernames
Hey Chris,
83
Can you send me the usernames of those that submitted questions via twitter, facebook, and email? We want to put a
title on the videos so we know which one is what.
Thanks,
Kelly
Kelly Scott
BITS CCU
Dept of Health Services .
84
From: Scott, Kelly V - DHS
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, April19, 201110:19 AM
Thank you ... You are a gentleman and a scholar!
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 201110:16 AM
To: Scott, Kelly V - DHS
These are all the ones we've done unfortunately we just moved the ones we did yesterday into the finished file, with the
first batch.
@Tonimo2020-Toni Morrissey
Media specialist at UW Health, Packer nut
W/ all due respect, does compromise have a place in your administration? Pis give examples of big compromises you
made.
Angela Yingling (facebook)
Studying to get a PhD in curriculum and instruction at Marian University in Fond du Lac
Gov Walker what are you going to do with helping small businesses? We have seen so many bailouts for the large
corporations but small businesses are hurting.
@Joeman1187-Joey
Brewers, Badgers, Bucks and Packers fan
You said you were working to bring businesses to WI and get people working again. What exactly are you doing to
achieve this?
@James bkelly-James Kelly
Milwaukee, WI
Why did you put road construction in front of school funding? Smart school reform would have been better
Karin Babcock (Facebook)
Why are public employees being made to pay all the taxes to close the budget gap that you created, when the entire
state could share in that burden? It seems unfair and even cruel to families who don't make a lot of money to begin
with, especially now that the economy was improving before you took office.
Ellen Witte born (Facebook)
Studied Art/Environmental Design at UWGB
So you've polarized the state, how do you propose bringing back a sense of unity?
Tracy Unnasch (Face book)
Milwaukee, WI
stumble into it?
Rachel E. Engebretson (Email)
77
English Education/Political Science Education, UW-Eau Claire
Economic growth has slowed in the state of Wisconsin, along with median income levels, which have remained
stagnant. In your opinion, is the best strategy to improve income growth?
@sujiaO-Chrissy Dornan
From Wisconsin and die hard packer and badger fan
How is public safety a priority when you want to get limit programs like early release for prisoners & reduce the
Medicaid WRONG
@fuzzyduck
Madison, WI
Brown bag question for @GovWalker- why do you hate education?
@Tatersmom84- Megan Griffin
love theatre, movies, books and my family, Madison
BTW, i really do want an answer to my? My husband is a pub emp and i want to know why you think he deserves less 4
his hardwork
@AnonyMissBadger
We're still waiting to hear how you justify raising taxes on the poorest working families in WI.
@jgnnr99-Jim Gunn
Loves his dog and Packers
Please detail how your tax cuts to corps will create the 250k jobs you promised. Census and labor data proves otherwise
@evilpickleduck3-Aiex
College student. Liberal. English major
Are you going to continue ignoring the needs of the middle class in favor of Koch and others of the high upper class?
@brianweidner-Brian Weidner
He connects working professionals & students with Career Opportunities at Wisconsin Healthcare Organizations,
Milwaukee
What about adding tolls to some of the roads in WI? People who drive most often should pay more for roads.
@maureramy-Amy Maurer
Conservative. Finance in jam's small biz. Proud neighbor of Reince Priebus. Married to WI pub school teacher.
Gov Walker, when is voter id going to come up in the legislature?
@nc1776
Husband, father, veteran, Libertarian-Conservative
How will you reign in the out-of-control DNR?
78
@elephantgun
A pissed-off Independent voter.
Did you get any tips on reducing worker's rights from the Chinese Govt?
@BrettHulseyWI-State Rep. Brett Hulsey
What standards do you have for employees given recent snafus to ensure appointees have experience, education, ability
to do job?
John F. Foote
Little Suamico (Oconto County)
Can you share some of the job creation strategies for poorer, rural counties where large scale manufacturing isn't a
leading possibility?
Natalie Klingle
New Berlin, WI
My question is one that nobody has been able to answer for me. What is the long-term gain of selling off state-owned
power, heating and cooling plants? Is there not a concern that once these facilities are privatized the cost of these
services could rise, thus negating any cost-saving measures on behalf of the state of Wisconsin? In this brown bag
episode you touched on the former governor taking federal stimulus money and putting it towards the budget, and now
that money is gone. Is selling of these plants not the same type of situation? A "now" increase of funds with the
potential of it costing the state more in the future?
Mark T. Kehne
Manufacturer of residential window glass in Menomonie, WI
I am directly impacted by the slow housing market. In spite of record low interest rates, new home sales are currently at
record lows. What steps can the State of Wisconsin take to stimulate long-term growth in the residential housing
industry?
Rita Firkus
Mukwonago
Can you more thoroughly explain to the public union members what in fact they would lose in the end of collective
bargaining? I hear such hysteria nd misinformation. That people will lose their 40 hr work week and 8 hr days and be
forced to work more ... teachers will have 60 kids in a classroom and the quality of public education will be destroyed,
etc. Thank you!
Joseph York
Waukesha
A major key to your Budget Repair Bill has been giving Local Governments the tools to balance their budgets. Could you
give specific details on what exactly those tools are, and how they relate to Collective Bargaining?
Chris Schrimpf
From: Scott, Kelly V- DHS
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 201110:12 AM
3
Subject: Usernames
Hey Chris,
Can you send me the usernames of those that submitted questions via twitter, face book, and email? We want to put a
title on the videos so we know which one is what.
Thanks,
Kelly
Kelly Scott
BITS CCU
Dept of Health Services
80
Mohr, Mark - GOV
From: Dipko, John A - DWD
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 5:29 PM
To: Dipko, John A- DWD; Perez, Manuel - DWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Maxwell,
Georgia E - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Jones, Richard - DWD;
Spurlin, Dennis A- DWD; Kikkert, Becky- DOA; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV
Subject:
DWD Media Log
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
DWD Media Log 4.19.11
Coverage of Secretary Perez's Visit to Milwaukee Gear: Roy Michel, WISN-TV Channel12, Milwaukee
Don Walker, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 414-671-9140, dwalker@journalsentinel.com: Reporter had followup
questions from his interview re Ul fraud and abuse issues. Response: John provided responses.
Pat Schneider, Madison Capital Times, 608-252-6408, pschneider@madison.com: Reporter updating information for a
story on older workers. Had questions about money for job search assistance. Response: John to send updates.
WARN Notices
None
John Dipko
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
201 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Phone/Fax: (608) 266-6753/(608) 266-1784
John.Dipko@dwd.Wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin is Open for Business!
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