Downing, Karley - GOV From: Werwie, Cullen }- GOV Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011. 2:57 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: FW: text of story Another outrageous collective bargaining issue. Cullen Werwie Press Secretary Office of Governor Scott Walker Press Office: (608) 267-7303 Email: Cullen. Werwie@W.Gov 55 fl www.walker.wi.gov jou From: Jason Stein [mallto:jstein@journalsentinel.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 12:12 PM To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: text of story Here’s the text of that story. I'm providing this because we would do it for any reader. | can't provide more because that’s where | draw the limit with average readers in terms of helping them but also guarding my time. -) Porn-viewing parole agent regains job Senator says ruling, complete with back pay, is ‘outrageous’ PATRICK MARLEY Publication Date: January 25, 2006 Page: 01 Section: A News Edition: Final Madison — A Shawano probation and parole agent who was fired in 2004 for accessing Internet pornography and other inappropriate sites for hours a day over at least five months has his job back — with a raise. He also will receive a year of back pay. ‘A.Henry Hempe, a Madison arbitrator, ruled in November 2005 that the agent, Thomas DeLeon, should have received a ‘one-day suspension instead of being fired for the repeated infractions. The decision stems in part from the Department of Corrections’ "relatively light discipline for first-offense misuse of state computers,” he wrote. DeLeon was reinstated in December. Department officials are preparing a payment of about $45,000 for back wages. ‘The department must also pay any medical expenses for DeLeon that would have been covered by the state’s insurance plan during his yearlong absence, the arbitrator ruled. The order prohibits DeLeon from using the Internet. During the time DeLeon was viewing pornography at work, he was being paid for more than 10 hours of overtime a week, according to department documents requested by the Journal Sentinel under the state’s open records law. State Sen, Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) called the decision "outrageous" when told of it Tuesday, but said there was little the department could do. “They don’t have any choice (other than to follow it), but it’s almost comical at this point that they would allow this guy to 26stay on the job,” he said. Quala Champagne, the state administrator of community corrections, said she and her colleagues were shocked by the ruling, which cannot be appealed, "v'm stunned by the decision," she said. "I think we took strong and fair action, and appropriate action, in this situation.” Hempe wrote in his decision that DeLeon fell into a "vicious downward spiral" after his best friend committed suicide in the fall of 2003, which Hempe said led to DeLeon viewing pornography as an escape. Hempe also said he believed DeLeon’s claims that he minimized the pornographic sites on his computer screen during much of his time online because his supervisor never saw him logged onto the Web. Hempe also said DeLeon’s previously unblemished personnel record played a role in his decision, as did the fact that he had not fallen behind on his work. Hempe scolded the department for not referring DeLeon to an assistance program after being confronted with "clues that something was very wrong" with him, ‘The overall picture presented of DeLeon during the arbitration hearing "suggests a man with conventional, healthy, family- oriented values," Hempe wrote, "It is not the picture of a man with an abiding obsession or addiction to watching bizarre, debasing pornography.” The arbitrator cited 10 other recent cases in which corrections employees viewed pornography on state computers, in some cases repeatedly. None of those others was fired, he said. ‘The Department of Corrections released a copy of the decision three weeks after the Journal Sentinel requested it. Release of the document was delayed to give DeLeon time to decide if he wanted to try to block the release of the decision in court, a course of action he chose not to take. The department censored references in the report to DeLeon’s medical condition, citing state and federal health privacy laws. DeLeon and Tom Corcoran, the president of the union that represents probation and parole agents, did not return calls, Tuesday. DeLeon had been making a base salary of about $44,500 annually when he was fired. When he returned this past December, he made $44,921 — about 20 cents more an hour — because of an automatic pay raise that kicked in at the end Cf 2004, said department spokesman John Dipko. Computer misuse uncovered In the fall of 2004, a computer technician at the department noted that DeLeon was logging on to the Web for long periods and visiting inappropriate sites, including music chat rooms, eBay, a site that claimed to sell egal marijuana and "even bizarre (though legal) forms of pornography that in some cases plumbed the depths of human depravity," according to the arbitrator. Computer logs showed DeLeon spent an average of 4.2 hours a day on the Web in the fall of 2004, according to the department. On Sept. 15, 2004, he was logged on for 10 hours and 5 minutes, which the skeptical arbitrator called “unbelievable.” ‘At a department hearing, DeLeon maintained he was only visiting Web sites after he had performed his duties. He claimed he was unaware he could approach his boss for additional tasks, the decision said. aAfter he was fired, DeLeon’s union appealed, which put the issue before Hempe. High marks from supervisor DeLeon’s supervisor, Kathy Dagnon, spoke highly of him during the arbitration hearing. She said she had never seen him view Web sites — pornographic or otherwise — even though she could clearly see his computer screen during frequent Visits to his office. DeLeon told the arbitrator he started encountering problems in October 2003, after his unnamed friend committed suicide. The problems grew worse when a business he started with his wife failed. He told officials the Internet became "the total wrong diversion for my need to escape.” He said he believed he started visiting the Web more frequently in May 2004, five months before he was caught by the department. DeLeon expressed regret for his actions, saying they had put strain on his family and fellow workers. But he said the computer logs did not accurately reflect his behavior at work because much of the time he minimized the windows so he could do his job. Probation and parole agents are eligible for overtime if they have heavy caseloads. Based on his caseload, DeLeon was eligible for — and received — 44 hours of overtime a month. That amounted to more than $1,400 a month in extra pay. Copyright 2006, Journal Sentinel inc. All rights reserved. (Note: This notice does not apply to those news items already copyrighted and received through wire services or other media.) mweb/wmsal.wm.request?HIT 10015281 3600PWRT91.14/mweb/wmsal.wm.request?HIT_10015281 3600PWRT91.1415 of 53 mweb/wmsql.wm.request?HIT_10015281 3600PWRT91.16/mweb/wmsalwm.request?HIT 10015281. 3600PWRT91.16 Recipient Email Address: Sender Email Address: Email Subject: Comments to add to Email:Downing, Karley - GOV Stephen Hayes Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:10 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Any guidance on thus? Same stuff Scott is willing to deal on or are they wa! Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: John McCormack Date: March 8, 2011 4:04:49 PM EST. To: Stephen Hayes Subject: Fwd: thoughts? ——------- Forwarded message — From: John McCormack Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 4:04 PM Subject: thoughts? To: "Welhouse, Andrew" just saw this. they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker By Greg Sargent ‘Two Wisconsin newspapers, the Milwalkoe Joumal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, are now reporting that two more Wisconsin GOP Senators are wavering in their support for Governor Seott Walker: Iman in with the Groon Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Rob Coves sid Monday that his Republican colleagues should be prepared to mest Democrats halfway on aspects ofthe collective bargaining bill that don't help balance the budget or save taxpayers money. "The important par isthe monetary concessions. Tha’ the pat that helps balance the budget, The other things aze less monetary in nature,” said Cowles, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. "Ws the challenge ofthe Senate to go through thove and find a conclusion on items that have Title or no connection to finance," Tae Journal Seatine! reported Monday that Sen, Luther Olsen of Ripon also favored some negotiation with, Democrats. “They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got to negotiate, you cant give up the whole ship.* sea sei. ‘Olsen sad he's forwarded tothe governor undisclosed ideas for comprom m4John McCormack Staff Writer ‘The Weekly Standard 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 John McCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard Office Cell: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 35Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chis - GOV Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:14 PM To: Welhouse, Andrew Subject: RE thoughts? | assume you told TWS no worries on this? Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Bmnail: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin. gov From: Stephen Hayes [mailto Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:10 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Any guidance on thus? Same stuff Scott is willing to deal on or are they waffling? Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: John McCormack a) Date: March 8, 2011 :49 PM EST To: Stephen Hayes Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Forwarded message ————- From: John MeCormack Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 4:04 PM Subject: thoughts? To: "Welhouse, Andrew" just saw this. they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker By Greg Sargent ‘Two Wisconsin newspapers, the: Wisconsin GOP Senators are wav’ iwalkee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, are now reporting that two more Jn their support for Governor Seott Welker: nan imerview withthe Green Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Rob Cowles said Monday that his Republican colleagues should be prepared to meet Democrats halfvay on aspects ofthe collective bargaining bill don't help balance the budget or save taxpayers money. 2"The important pert isthe monetary concess things are less monetary in nature," said Cowles, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Con 1, That's the prt that helps halance the budget. The other “Ifa the challenge ofthe Senate to go through those and find a conclusion on items that have litle or no connection to finance.* ‘The Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Sen. Luther Olsen of Ripon also favored some negotiation with Democrats. “They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got to negotiste, you cart give up the whole ship,” Olsen sui, (Olsen said he's forwarded to the governor undisclosed ideas for compromise. John McCormack Staff Writer ‘The Weekly Standard Office: Cell: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 John MeCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard Office: Cell 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 2BWelhouse, Andrew Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:17 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV FW: thoughts? Here's what | sent him Frot Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:17 PM To: "John McCormack’ Subject: RE: thoughts? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Here's another quote from that same Green Bay Press Gazette BLOG POST: “Cowles intends to vote with Republicans on Walker's bill, though he understood why some might question its Inclusion of the collective bargaining overhaul.” We're as solid as we've ever been. Andrew Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:05 PM To: Welhouse, Andrew Subject: thoughts? just saw this. they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker By Greg Sargent ‘Two Wisconsin newspapers, the Milwalkee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, are now reporting that two more Wisconsin GOP Senators are wavering in their support for Governor Scott Walker: In an interview with the Green Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Rob Cowles said Monday that his Republican colleagues should be prepared to meet Democrats halfway on aspects of the collective bargaining bill that don't help balance the budget or save taxpayers money. “The important part is the monetary concessions. That's the part that helps balance the budget. The other things are less monetary in nature," said Cowles, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. “it's the challenge of the Senate to go through those and find a conclusion on items that have little or no connection to finance.” The Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Sen. Luther Olsen of Ripon also favored some negotiation with Democrats. 2»“They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got to negotiate, you can't give up the whole ship," Olsen said. Olsen said he's forwarded to the governor undisclosed ideas for compromise. John McCormack Staff Writer ‘The Weekly Standard (‘a —_ 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 2Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:18 PM To: WeeklyStandard-National, Stephen Hayes Subject: RE: thoughts? Zero concern, We're solid. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gow From: Stephen Hayes [mailto Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:10 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Any guidance on thus? Same stuff Scott is willing to deal on or are they waffling? Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: John MeCormack Date: March 8, 2011 To: Stephen Hayes Subject: Fwd: thoughts? --———- Forwarded message ~ From: John McCormack as Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 4:04 PI Subject: thoughts? To: "Welhouse, Andrew” just saw this. they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker By Greg Sargent ‘Two Wisconsin newspapers, the Milwalkee Joumal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, are now reporting that two more ‘Wisconsin GOP Senators are wavering in their support for Governor Scot Walker: In an interview with the Green Bay Press Gazete, Sen, Rob Cowles seid Monday that his Republica colleagues shouldbe prepared to meet Democrats halfway on aspects ofthe collective bargaining bill on'thelp balance the budget o sve texpayers money. 18“The important partis the monetary concessions Thats the part that helps balance the budget. The other id Cowles, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committe, things are less monetary fo nature, "ifs the challenge of the Senate to go though those and find conclusion on items that have litle oF no ‘connection o finance.” “The Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Sen. Luther Olsen of Ripon also favored some negotiation with Democrats, "They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got to negotiate, you ean give up the whole ship,” (Olsen said. (Olsen said ets forwarded to the governor undisclosed ideas for compromise John McCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard Office Cell: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 John MeCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505, Washington, DC 20036 19Downing, Karley - GOV. Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:22 PM Welhouse, Andrew - LEGIS Fw: thoughts? My response From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 03:18 PM To: WeeklyStandard-National, Stephen Hayes Subject: RE: thoughts? Zero concern. We're solid. Chris Schrimpf Conmtunications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Stephen Hayes [mailto Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3: ‘To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Any guidance on thus? Same stuff Scott is willing to deal on or are they wafiling? Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: John MeCormack a Date: March 8, 2011 4:04:49 PM E To: Stephen Hayes Subject: Fwd: thoughts? —---~--- Forwarded message From: John McCormack Date: Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 4:04 PM Subject: thoughts? To: "Welhouse, Ane" J just saw this, they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker By Greg Sargent 16‘Two Wisconsin newspapers, the Miwvalkee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, are now reporting that two more ‘Wisconsin GOP Senators are wavering in their support for Governor Scot Walker: Inn interview wi the Groen Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Rob Cowles said Monday thet his Republican colleagues should be prepared to meet Democrats halfway on aspecs of te collective bargaining bill that ‘don't help balance the budget or save taxpayers money. "The important parti the monetary concessions. Thats the part that helps balance the budget. The other in nature” said Cowles, co-chair ofthe Joint Legislative Audit Committee things are less mone! "its the challenge ofthe Senate to go through those and find « conclusion on items that have little or 20 connection to finance." ‘The Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Sen. Luther Olsen of Ripon also favored some negotiation with Democrats. “They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got fo negotiate, you can't give up the whole ‘Olsen said. (Olsen said he's forwarded to the governor undisclosed ideas for eompromise, John MeCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard Office: Cell: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 John MeCormack Staff Writer The Weekly Standard 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 ‘Washington, DC 20036 7Downing, Karley - GOV. Stephen Hayes Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:24 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Re: thoughts? Excellent, thanks. Sent from my iPhone On Mar 8, 2011, at 4:18 PM, "Schrimpf, Chris - GOV" wrote: Zero concer. We're solid. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris schrimpf@wisconsin. gov From: Stephen Hayes [mailto Sent: Tuesday, Match 08, 2011 3:10 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: Fwd: thoughts? Any guidance on thus? Same stuff Scott is willing to deal on or are they wafiling? Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: ‘ From: John McCormack Date: March 8, 2011 4:0. To: Stephen Hayes Subject: Fwd: thoughts? PM EST Forwarded message From: John McCormack (ia Date: Tue, Mar 8 2011 at 4:04 PM Subject: thoughts? ‘o:"Welhouse, Andre" ja just saw this, they going to cave? Report: More Wisconsin GOPers wavering in support for Walker 4By Greg Sargent ‘Two Wisconsin newspaper, the Milwalkee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette, re now. sparing that two more Wiseonsin GOP Senators are wavering in their support for Governor Scott Walker: nan interview with the Green Bay Press Gazette, Sen. Rob Cowles said Monday thet his Republican colleagues should be prepared to meet Democrats halfway on aspects of the that dori hep balance the budget or save taxpayers money. collective bares "The important partis the monetary concessions. That's the part that helps balance the budget. The other thi Legislative Audit Committe, are less monetary in nature,” sald Cowles, co-chair ofthe Joint "Ws the challenge ofthe Seoate to go trough those and find a conclusion on items that have litle or no connestion to finance." ‘The Journal Sentinel reported Monday that Sen, Luther Olsen of Ripon als favored some negotiation with Democrats "They're in the minority but holding some cards so you've got to negotiate, you can't give up the whole ship." Olsen said, ‘Olsen said he's forwarded to the governor undisclosed ideas for compromise. John McCormack Staff Writer ‘The Weekly Standard fice: Ce 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 Washington, DC 20036 John McCormack Staff Writer ‘The Weekly Standard 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 505 ‘Washington, DC 20036 1Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 3:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert ~ Here is the Governor's final draff for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, 'd very much appreciate a guick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher, 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. 2Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performanoe instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America, Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, ‘our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov 3BDowning, Karley - GOV From: Ser To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Tuesday, March 08, 2011 6:47 PM Murray, Ryan M = GOV Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing Legislative Affairs Team Legislative Contacts Representative Stone inquired about dogs and research labs in the budget Senator Vukmit’s office inquired about school and municipality relief Representative Kooyenga inquired about the GAAP Accounting Deficit and a constitutional amendment Representative Loudenbeck inquired about the expired development opportunity zones in the budget. Committee Actions Sceretary Gottlicb was confirmed by the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections 3-0. AB 38- creating refail TIF district in Brookfield was passed out of Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy, and Small Business 14-1 (Krusick) AB 8- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF district was passed out of the Assembly Committee on ‘Ways and Means 11-0 Senate Session Secretary Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate; 19-0 Assembly Session SIR 3- commending the Whitewater football team concurred in SIR 13- naming Bob Uecker Day concurred in SJR 7- commending UW- Madison football team concurred in AB 4- repeal of auto insurance passed 61-34 (Dem suppoit from Danou, Fields, Molepske, Radcliffe) SB 21- creation of a retail TIF in Brookfield concurred in SB 11- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF concurred in Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team DATCP ATCP Board Meeting © The majority of the time was spent on public appearances, all nine spoke in favor of the PACE program, © The board requested that the Secretary notify those who testified how they should pursue their agenda of supporting working lands—via AB 34 and SB 24, © The Sceretary gave the Board an update of the state and federal budgets. DBA © DBA President Jerry Meissner sent in a letter of support to the Governor 8por © Legislation regarding Abolishing RTA’s (authors: Nass/Grothman) ‘© Communicated the govenor’s office position on RTA’s to DOT © DOT will not register a position on legislation © Hiawatha Line 0 MMAC supports upgrades to train Tine © Communicated the Governor’s support for the Hiawatha line to Reggie Newson o Told Reggie Newson that DOT should seek federal finds to help fund train line © General Transportation Aids and Transit Funding o DOT put talking points together to brief the following stakeholders regarding GTA and Tratisit funds: WI Towns Assoc., League of WI Munic., WI Counties Assoc., WI County Highway Assoc. + American Council of Engineering Companies © Secretary Gottlieb to address the group tomorow Venture Capital © Bund-of-Funds ‘© Researched and reported info on three fund-of-funds models (Utah F-o-F, Alberta Enterprise — Alberta, Teralys Capital — Quebec) © D Block Issue ©. Spoke to Tom Fonfara, and he sent me the groups who are in support and against the commercial auction of D Block JOBS Hotline © Leall received today, forwarded to Commerce fealth Care Office of Free Market Health Care: Met with OCI and DHS on the formation of the health care exchange. © Sccretary Smith will be holding a department “Town Hall Meeting” tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9th from 1-Spm. 1. The purpose is to collect thoughts on cost savings, efficiencies, and overall operational improvements on DHS programs a. Will forward ideas to the Governor's Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission 2. Discussions will be had on BadgerCare Plus; FamilyCare, Long Term Care, and IRIS; SeniorCare; State Facilities and Dept Admin ‘© Met with DCF, DWD, and our legal staff on the elimination of the dayeare provider collective bargaining provision to ensure that we're taking the proper actions to reduce the likelihood of a lawsuit. The consensus is to have the Governor issue an Executive Order repealing Doyle's EO 172 when the budget repair bill passes, DCF is required to issue a letter on the matter as well. Education : © DPI will have a Request for Information (RFI) for the Wisconsin Student Information System for our review by early to mid April. They noted that there is not language in the budget requiring districts to implement this system, **This must be required of districts or the system may not prove worthwhile.** Health Care News Report finds room for improvement in licensing kinship foster parents (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 9Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics (The Capitol Times) Education News © With Governor Walker’s Proposal, Wisconsin Once As (Heritage Foundation) In 1990, Wisconsin set an education reform example for the nation with the passage of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP). Twenty years later, Governor Scott Walker (R) has identified the obstacle that keeps more children in his state and actoss the nation from similarly benefiting from parental choice in education: union collective bargaining power protecting their interests rather than the needs of children, in Leads the Nation in Education Reform © Fenty backs Gov. Scott Walker in Wise. union fight (Washington Post) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker this moming got some rare Democratic support for his high-profile push to climinate most state workers’ collective barganing rights -- from former D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty... When discussion turned to Walker's anti-union push, Fenty jumped right in. "This is kind of what I faced in four years as mayor," Fenty told hosts Mike Bamicle and Mika Brzezinski. © Voucher numbers might not soar initially (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) For Milwaukee Public Schools officials, envisioning a potential cut of more than $74 million in next school year’s budget is troubling. But picturing what that cut means alongside the potential expansion of amain district competitor - private schools that attract publicly funded Milwaukee students - adds another level of concem, Justice and Local Governments Team Local Governments: * Andrew Pederson called from the Village of Bayside concerned about levy limits and debt. 1 informed him that there are no limitations on debt or the ability to levy to pay it back. T also had a good conversation and he may provide more information for the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission to review. © James Tipple of Wausau sent a letter opposed to the collective bargaining being in the budget repair. A letter response has been drafted and is in approval. Justice: * Racine Journal Times. More people qualify for public defenders under budget The budget includes a measure thet, for the first time since 1987, raises the income limit to qualify for a public defender. State Public Defender’s Office estimates say their case load could inerease by 13,000. To help handle that influx, the governor provided funds to boost their staffing levels Waste, Fraud and Abu: 10‘The next hearing of the WFA Commission is set for Friday at 10am at DOA. Craig is excited to get moving and even coming to Madison a day early to meet with Cindy Archer and Jan Mueller of the Audit Bureau. Corrections: ‘* Wausau Daily Herald, Lincoln Hills expansion good for state Amid lots of bad news for local municipalities, school boards and state employees, Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal last week contained at least one piece of great news for Lincoln County: Lincoln Hills School not only will remain open, but it will expand, aDowning, Karley - GOV Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Tuesday, March 08, 2011 5:48 PM Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV AP Story MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has offered to keep certain collective bargaining rights in place for state workers in a proposed compromise aimed at ending a nearly three-week standoff with absent Senate Democrats, according to e-mails released Tuesday by his office, ‘The e-mails, some dated as recently as Sunday, show a softened stance in Walker's talks with the 44 Democrats who fled to Iinois to block a vote on his original proposal that would strip nearly all collective bargaining rights for public workers and force concessions amounting to an average 8 percent pay cut. Under the compromise floated by Walker and detalied in the e-mails, workers would be able to continue bargaining over their salaries with no limit, a change from his original plan that banned negotiated salary increases beyond infiation. He also proposed compromises allowing collective bargaining to stay in place on mandatory overtime, performance bonuses, hazardous duty pay and classroom size for teachers, ‘The increased contributions for health insurance and pension, which would save the state $330 million by mid-2013, ‘would remain. The unions and Democrats have agreed to those concessions to help balance a projected $3.6 billion budget shortfall Sen. Bob Jauch, one of the 14 AWOL Democrats, said he hoped the compromise would serve as a blueprint for future negotiations. But he and Sen, Tim Cullen, who were both working with Walker's administration, said the latest offer was inadequate. ‘The e-mails show that Jauch had wanted even more items to be subject to bargaining that Walker seeks to eliminate, including sick leave and vacation pay. “I consider the lines of communication stil open,” Cullen said Tuesday. "Whether there's going to be any communicating, remains to be seen, These things ebb and flow." Walker has repeatedly said that he would not budge on the key parts of the bill that's been stymied in the Senate after Democrats left 19 days ago. Since then, the pressure to deal has increased as protests reached as large as 80,000 people, polls show the public want a compromise and recall efforts were launched against 16 senators, inoluding eight Republicans. ‘Some of the iterns in Walker's compromise plan could only be bargained if both sides agree to take them up. Workplace safety would be subjected to bargaining regardless. Walker also proposed allowing collective bargaining agreements to last up to two years, instead of the one-year limit in his original proposal. Unions would only have to vote to remain in existence every three years, instead of annually as Walker initially proposed. Additionally, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority employees would not lose all union bargaining rights and the Legislature's budget committee would have to vote fo approve any changes to Medicaid programs sought by Walker's administration. Under the original bill, the Department of Health Services could make cuts and other changes to programs benefiting the poor, elderly and disabled without requiring a hearing or vote by the legislative committee. ‘Senate Republicans spent hours going over the compromise plan Tuesday morning in a closed-door meeting, Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said. He acknowledged that pressure was increasing on the senators, saying the recall efforts launched against eight Republicans was "on everybody's minds." 6“Everybody's obviously receiving a lot of pressure," Fitzgerald said. "| had people on my front porch before | left this morning.” He didn't say whether Senate Republicans agreed with the concessions Walker proposed on Sunday said support for the underlying bill remained strong. "Were rock solid, we're fine,” he said. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.govSchrimpf, Chris - Gov Wednesday, March 09, 2011 634 AM Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Fw: Strange But True Provisions of Collective Bargaining In your radio intvws this morning, when possible I'd try to talk about all these costs of collective bargaining we've put out. And the other point is that over and over again we've tried to give dems a path home. From: GOV Press Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 01:34 PM To: GOV Press. Subject: Strange But True Prot ions of Collective Bargaining March 8, 2011 For immediate Release Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303 Strange But True Provisions of Collective Bargaining Madison—Today Governor Walker's office released additional examples of how collective bargaining impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government. The following are some of the items contained in collective bargaining provisions: 1. Employer must provide bulletin boards to post information about union social and recreational activities. The size and location of the board is subject to collective bargaining. 2. When a local union meets the following conditions are subject to bargaining: 1. lighting, 2. vision care and examinations, 3.noise, « 4. chairs, 5. desks, 6. footrests, 7. adjustable terminals and keyboards, 8. work environment design (wall cover, carpet, windows), 9. room temperature, 3. Starting of vehicles during cold weather is subject to collective bargaining. 4. Paid time off to donate blood. Earlier today, Governor Walker's office released some specific examples and new details to show how collective bargaining fiscally impacts government and how reforming collective bargaining can improve government. A Year's Worth of Pay for 30 Days of WorkUnder the Green Bay School District's collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year’s worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts. At the average annual salary for a Green Bay teacher of $51,355, this amounts to a daily rate of pay of $1,711.83, or an hourly rate of $213.98. Since most retiring teachers receive higher than average salary, these amounts are, in practice, much higher. Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/14 ‘Teachers Receiving Two Pensions Due to a 1982 provision of their collective bargaining agreement, Milwaukee Public School teachers actually receive two pensions upon retirement instead of one. The contribution to the second pension is equal to 4.2% of a teacher's salary, with the school district making 100% of the contribution, just like they do for the first pension. This extra benefit costs taxpayers more than $16 million per year. Source: February 17, 2010 Press Release, Process of developing FY11 budget begins Milwaukee Public Schools ‘Almost $10,000 Per Year for Doing Nothing While the Green Bay Emeritus Program actually requires teachers to at least show up for work, the Madison Emeritus Program doesn’t even require that. In addition to their pension payouts, retired Madison public school teachers receive annual payments of at least $9,884.18 per year for enrolling in the Emeritus Program, which requires ZERO days of work. When this program began, 20 days of work per year were required. Through collective bargaining, the union successfully negotiated this down to zero days. Source: Madison Teachers Inc. Website Yesterday the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed ‘A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and serves everyday free of charge. Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood." But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple. Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is needed, then one should be officially hired by the city. Source: WAOW-TV, 1/27/10 $6,000 Extra for Carrying a PagerSome state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay each week, whether they are paged or not. For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation. Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24 Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher ‘A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at great cost to the taxpayers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08 ‘Outstanding First Year Teacher’ Laid Off Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after being named Outstanding First Vear Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs to be made based on seniority rather than merit. Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, “Given the opportunity, of course | would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10 Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in medians and right-of- ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more. Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10 The $150,000 Bus Driver In 2008, the City of Madison’s highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned $159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per year in 2009. "That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary Poulson. Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10$150,000 Correctional Officers Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as “sick leave stacking.” Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay, and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime. This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only working 8 hours. In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in 2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than $123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181. Source: Department of Corrections Previously the Governor's office released these examples of the fiscal impact of collective bargaining: in Milwaukee County alone, because the union collectively bargained for paid time off, fourteen employees receive salary and benefits for doing union business. Of the fourteen, three are on full-time release for union business. Milwaukee County spent over $170,000 in salary alone for these employees to only participate in union activities such as collective bargai Surrender of Management Rights Because of collecting bargaining, unions have included provisions in employee contracts that have a direct fiscal impact such as not allowing management to schedule workers based on operational needs and requiring notice and approval by the union prior to scheduling changes. As County Executive Walker attempted to reduce work hours based on budget pressures and workload requirements by instituting a 35 hour work week to avoid layoffs, which the union opposed. Additionally, government cannot explore privatization of functions that could save taxpayers money. WEA Trust Currently many school districts participate in WEA trust because WEAC collectively bargains to get as many school districts across the state to participate in this union run health insurance plan as possible. Union leadership benefits from members participating in this plan. If school districts enrolled in the state employee health plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. Beyond that if school districts had the flexibility to look for health insurance coverage outside of WEA trust or the state plan, additional savings would likely be realized Viagra for Teachers The Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) tried to use a policy established by collective bargaining to obtain health insurance coverage that specifically paid for Viagra. Cost to taxpayers is $786,000 a year. Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/tealth/milwaukee-schools-ban-viagra-teachers-union-sues- discrimination/story?id=11378595, Unrealistic Overtime ProvisionsGn a state level, the Department of Corrections allows correctional workers who call in sick to collect overtime if they work a shift on the exact same day. The specific provision that allows this to happen was collectively bargained for in their contract. Cost to taxpayers $4.8 million aeDowning, Karley - GOV. GOV Press. Wednesday, March 09, 2011 8:52 AM GOV Press: Subjects ICYME: Union appeals snow blizzard grievance. ICYMI: Union appeats snow blizzard grievance. http:/wanw journaltimes. com/news/localigovt-and-poliicsfarticle_12fd1340-4a48-11e0-bfef-001c04c03286.htm! Union appeals snow blizzard grievance RACINE — A city union has appealed the city’s initial denial of its grievance for hiring outside contractors for the February blizzard’s aftermath. ‘American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 67 claims the city violated their collective bargaining agreement when it hired private contractors to help with the post-blizzard snow removal between Feb. 2 and Feb. 11, according to a grievance filed Feb. 18. ‘A supervisor denied the grievance on March 2 and as per the grievance procedure outlined in their collective bargaining agreement, the union moved forward to the second step, filing an appeal on March 3, according to documents, ‘The grievance cites a provision in the 2009-2010 contract they had been working under in February, which states: The city has management rights “to contract out for goods or services, however there shall be no layofis or reduction in hours due to any contracting out of work.” Deputy City Atomey Scott Letteney, Iead union labor negotiator for city, said the city did not lay off Local 67 members or reduce their hours, as many of them filed for overtime. He also pointed to a provision in the contract that allows the city “to take whatever action” necessary in an emergency. If the appeal is denied by city managers, the issue could go to mediation and if that doesn’t work, arbitration. Local 67 represents about 210 members of three unions that include public works and parks employees, City Hall clerical and Police Department clerical employees. Scott Sharp, president of Local 67, did not return a call for comment Tuesday. 100Downing, Karley - GOV From: Sent: ‘Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:07 AM To: Evenson, Tom - GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpt, Chris - GOV Subject: Fw: ICYME Union appeals snow blizzard grievance. Tweet (link to release): ‘The snow should remind about the union grievance in Racine on snow removal after the blizzard last month: From: GOV Press ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 08:51 AM To: GOV Press ‘Subject: ICYMI: Union appeals snow blizzard grievance, ICYMI: Union appeals snow blizzard grievance. hitp://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_12{d1340-4a48-11e0-bfef-001c04c03286.htm! Union appeals snow blizzard grievance RACINE — A city union has appealed the city’s initial denial of its grievance for hiring outside contractors for the February blizzard’s aftermath, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 67 claims the city violated their collective bargaining agreement when it hired private contractors to help with the post-blizzard snow removal between Feb, 2 and Feb. 11, according to a grievance filed Feb. 18, A supervisor denied the grievance on March 2 and as per the grievance procedure outlined in their collective bargaining agreement, the union moved forward to the second step, filing an appeal on March 3, according to documents. ‘The grievance cites a provision in the 2009-2010 contract they had been working under in February, which states: The city has management rights “to contract out for goods or services, however there shall be no layoffs or reduction in hours due to any contracting out of work.” Deputy City Attomey Scott Letteney, lead union labor negotiator for city, said the city did not lay off Local 67 members or reduce their hours, as many of them filed for overtime. He also pointed to a provision in the contract that allows the city “to take whatever action” necessary in an emergency. If the appeal is denied by city managers, the issue could go to mediation and if that doesn’t work, arbitration. Local 67 represents about 210 members of three unions that inchide public works and parks employees, City Hall clerical and Police Department clerical employees. Scott Sharp, president of Local 67, did not return a call for comment Tuesday. 98Downing, Karley - GOV From: DWD MB Communications Office Sent: ‘Wednesday, March 09, 2011 $:16 AM To: Barroilhet, Dan - DW; Bartol, Fred - OWD; Baumbach, Scott C - DWD; Beckett, Laura L - DWD; Berge, Sharon - DWD; Bemstein, Howard I - DWD; Black-Radloff, ita - DWD; Bolles, John - DWP; Brockmiller, William ~ DWD; Crary, Cathy - DWD; Denis, Gary J - DWD; Dipko, John A - DWO; Falk, Elizabeth C - DWD; Fosdick, Anna - DWD; Gerits, Karen - DWD; Grant, Ken G - DWD; Grosso, Eric - DWD; Hodek, Scott A - DWD; Holt, Deb - DWD; Jones, Richard - DWD; Kikkert, Becky - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly - GOV; Lingard, Sue - DWD; Maxwell, Georgia E - DWD; McDonald, Scott - DWD; Michels, Thomas A - DWP; 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 - DW; Richard, JoAnna - DWO; Redgers- Rhyme, Anne M - DWD; Sachse, Jeff A - DWD; Schmalle, Verlynn C - DWD; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Shutes, David | - DWD; Solomon, Brian - DWD; Spurlin, Dennis A - DWD; Thompson, Heather - DWD; Udalova, Victoria M - DWD; Vue, Mai Zong - DCF; Weber, Sue - DWD; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Westbury, John R - DWD; Westfall, Grant - DWD; Williamson, Linda - DWD; Winters, Dennis K - DWD; Wisnewski, Jerry - DWD; Wolfe, Brian M - DWD; War, Mark W - DWD Subject: Articles from CustomScoop Wednesday 3.09.11 CustomScoop Clip Report T wanted to draw your attention to these articles that appeared in my CustomScoop online news result report. alk: Si ing 100 ‘Source: Wisconsin State Journal end Madison.com (WI) 91575 [indexed At: 03/09/2011 8:36 AM Keywords: Worker's Compensation (1) ‘Abstract: ... the year, they hadcreated the nation’s first effective workers’ compensation programto protect people injured on the Job. They passed laws to regulatefactory safety, encouraged the Editorial: County can help stimulate job growth Source: Oshkosh Nortwestem (WI) 21400 |Jandexed at: 03/09/2011 51 Keywords: Jobless (1) ‘Abstracts... that for Oshkosh to snap out ofthe jobless recovery from the recession that officially ended in 2009, we will need more ofthe .. | Fox Cities Chamber presents job fair ‘Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WI) 52000, [Indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:30 AM 95Keywordst workforce cevelopment (2) i ‘Abstract: ... which is being presented with the Fox Valley Workforce Development board and the Fox || Cities Workforce Center, ‘held in the University of Wisconsin-FOx . | | | FVTC's Jol ‘Source: Appleton Post-Gazotte & Post Crescent.com (WI) $2000 [indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:14 AM Keywords: workforce development (2) Abstract: To explore job opportunities, visit the Fox Cites Workforce Development Center, 1802 ipoleton Road, Menasha, The entrance (No. 4) is on the west side of Bi would end covenai e ‘Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent. com (WI) 52000 [Indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:14 AM Keywords: Wisconsin Covenant (6) ‘Abstract: ... Nativity Story,” and hearing of how...- 11:41 am Wisconsin Covenant program ensuring ollege assistance to students who make pledge would end under Gov. Scott Walker's | |Governor to promote tourism Byline: Key James, Source: Wisconsin Dells-Events (WI) 2000 Hindexed At: 03/09/2011 4:07 AM Keywords: Governor Scott walker (6) ‘Abstract: ... on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 4:54 pm Gov. Seott Walker, Governor's Council On Tourism ‘Login to post your comment. If you don't have an account, |Anger brews over government workers’ benefits ‘Source: Appleton Post-Gazette & Post Crescent.com (WE) $2000 Hl [Indexed At: 03/09/2011 4:04 AM, Keywords: Governor Scott Walker (8) ‘Abstract; ... Selected for you by 2 sponsor: - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker proposes union ‘Compromise in @-malls showing talks aver state budget bill 161 Bob Kowalczyk column: . i jowest. ‘Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI) 56300 Hindexed At: 03/09/2011 2:25 AM | Keywords: Unemployment Insurance OR unemployment benefits (1) Jobless (1) i ‘Abstract: ... New jobless claims fal to lowest level since August 2008 WASHINGTON The number of U.S, workers who Job center tenants moving downtown. Byline: Kyle Rogersriver news Source: The Rhinelander Daily News (WI) 4100 [Indexed At: 03/09/2011 2:23 AM Keywords: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (1), Job Center (7) Abstract: .. Kyle Rogersriver news Job center tenants moving downtown County hoping to have ‘proposal for secondprase bids in six weeks The «. Yes We Can‘ Create Jobs and Reduce Deficit Spending ‘Source: Milwaukee Business Journal (WI) 10400 [Registration Required) Indexed At: 03/08/2011 2:50 PM ie‘Keywords: Jobless (1) Abstract next few months, how the nation responds to Joblessness and the deficit will determine the Strength of the recovery. Edward Mazria, Founder and ... ————— AARP Survey: Hall + African Americans in NY-Wil i Economy Doesn't Improve ‘Source: Milwaukee Business Journal (WI) 10400 [Registration Required) [indexed At: 03/08/2011 11:59 AM Keywords: workforce development (1) ‘Abstract: ... facing financial challenges and having to work longer, workforce development will be Critical to helping these mature workers update their sklls so that they can . 7Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:31 AM To: cc Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Matejoy, Scott - GOV Subject: Green Bay Governor For your stop in Green Bay wanted to make you aware the union there agreed to a renegotiated contract last night. Story is below. Memorandum of Agreement is at http://www greenbaypressgazette.com/assets/pdf/U017145638, PDF Green Bay School Board approves teachers contract Plan freezes salaries, requires greater contributions to benefits, suspends work rules 7208 AM, Mar. 9,201 | The Green Bay School Board on Tuesday approved a two-year teachers contract that freezes teachers’ salaries, requires greater contributions for health and retirement benefits and suspends work rules related to everything from class size to non-teaching duties. Green Bay School District Superintendent Greg Maass said the move will trim about $15 million in district expenses. Administrators anticipated a $20 million shortfall in next year's budget without the new contract. But that doesn't make it easier for teachers to swallow. "I feel betrayed," said Debbie Kadon, a learning disabilities teacher at Franklin Middle School in Green Bay. She's been with the district for 36 years. "We were willing to sit down at the table. This was all done without us. This ends 40 years of bargaining and negotiations." Maass said speedy approval was in the best financial interest of the district. Both sides expressed interest in signing a new contract before state legislators vote on a Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, That measure would end collective bargaining for most public employees and would require public workers to pay 5.8 percent toward retirement benefits. State workers would be required to pay 12.6 percent toward health benefits, The bill would leave it up to each school district or municipality to determine how much employees would be required to contribute toward health benefits. "Given the current state of affairs in Madison, where the two sides are unable to come to the table to find a balanced compromise, it is up to each school and municipality to make decisions and find 92 |solutions,” Maass said. "The flexibility of the agreement will enable us to keep as many staff as. possible employed in this unsustainable economy while providing a quality education to our community's children.” Maass also praised teachers. "| hope everyone in this community realizes the sacrifices our staff is making," he said. "| am convinced we can do this." ‘About 50 teachers attended the meeting. Many were teary-eyed as board members discussed the contract, which will begin July 1 and expire June 30, 2013. The meeting was not open to public comment, but some audience members showed their emotions; many laughed when board President Jean Marsch, via telephone conference call, said, "Our teachers are our greatest asset." ‘The measure was approved by a 6-1 vote. Celestine Jeffreys, who voted against the measure, asked for a delay to reconsider some nonfinancial items. Since the union already approved the contract, a delay would require further negotiations, board Vice President Katie Maloney said. The board took no action on Jeffrey's suggestion. Maass said the approved contract means the district will be able to create a 2011-12 budget that shouldn't impact current programs or services. But teachers felt they were kept out of the bargaining process, "We did not feel the board was willing to work with us," said Toni Lardinois, president of the Green Bay Education Association, which represents about 1,800 Green Bay teachers and staff, after the meeting. "We were willing to negotiate, but they weren't. It was not necessary to gut our collective bargaining. "| think you see a lot of sadness and remorse among teachers. We don't understand why this is necessary.” She said the union approached the School Board with a memorandum that would extend the current contract, but would require teachers to pay 5.8 percent toward retirement benefits and 12.6 percent toward health benefits. The board then met in closed session for seven hours on Sunday and returned a memorandum with many more changes. ‘Among those changes is a salary freeze, suspension of long-term care benefits and the eventual elimination of the emeritus program, which offers additional retirement benefits to district employees. The agreement also suspends agreements regarding school calendars, non-teaching duties, class sizes and loads, teaching hours and class assignments, transfers or reassignments. 3Members of the teachers union approved the memorandum on Monday. The new Green Bay contract would satisfy Walker's proposal, and Maass said the new contract will hold regardless of what happens in Madison Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin. govDowning, Karley - GOV ludge, Miche! Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'll send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the plece, Cheers, MJ Michael Judge WA Editorial Pa nob: From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris,Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert - Here is the Governors final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it,'d very much appreciate @ quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. 90While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. .My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing alll across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Emai: chris schrimpf@wisconsin.gov otDowning, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: ‘Wednesday, March 09, 2011 10:03 AM Te Judge, Michael Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Well be able to do it. Thanks Chris Schrimpt Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris,schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael [mailto Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'll send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the piece, Cheers, MJ Michael Judge WSJ Editorial Pago Mobile: From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft rom Governor Walker Robert — Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, 'd very much appreciate a quick response so we can offer it to another publication, Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. 9We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments, These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance ~ instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drownout the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov 89Downing, Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 10:05 AM To: Judge, Michael Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) ‘Also you can send to me, And the gov and I will ake a look. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrinpf@uwisconsin. gov From Sudge, Michael ro ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov, Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'l send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- offon the piece. Cheers, MJ Michael Judge WSJ Editorial P< rob: From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] ‘Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert ~ Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. if you choose not to run it, 'd very much appreciate a quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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.We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them teal tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too, We allow them to reward merit and performance ~ instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, cour budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown asout the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov 86Downing, Karley - GOV From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:10 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Will do, Over to you soon. Md From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mallto:Chris. Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael ‘Subject: RE: WS] OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) ‘Also you can send to me, And the gov and | will ake a look. Chris Schrimpf Commumications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael [mal ae Sent jednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 At To:-Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed In tomorrows paper. I'll send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time, Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the piece. Cheers, MJ ‘Michael Judge WSJ Editorial Pa Mobile: US| From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV {maitto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert - Here is the Governors final draft for your consideration. if you choose not to run it, I'd very much appreciate a quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, ‘she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new 81teachers be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority, Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (itis also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing, The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well.In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf ‘Commumications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@uwisconsin.gov 3Downing, Karley - GOV. From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:50 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, Here is our edit, Trimmed ita bit to fit our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics. Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off as soon as possible and we'll be all set. Also, let me know you've received ths. Cheers, MJ By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms. Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state’s budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Neatly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit, Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments, These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases—or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions, In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest, We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employces pay for their health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store, They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his ”health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). 22800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE CLARIFY. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past thiee weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Their rhetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that, currently block innovation and reform, ‘When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional, Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state’s hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America, Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms, Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them, Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wecnesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) ‘Also you can send to me. And the gov and I will take a look Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris,schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael [mail Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: HighChis, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'll send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please lot me know you've received this and someone will be avallable to sign- off on the piece. Cheers, MJ Michael Jud WSJ Editorial Page Mobile: US\ From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert ‘Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert — Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, I'd very much appreciate a quick response so we'can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing schoo! districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way goverment works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays ”nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the litle bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He | said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the thetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across. ‘America, Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris schrimpf@wisconsin.gov 80Downing, Karley - GOV From: Judge, Michael ser Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:15 PM To: Judge, Michael; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: WSJ OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Coris, please let me know you got this and that you're turning it around soon, MJ From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:50 PM To: ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV’ Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Welker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chis, Here is our edit. Trimmed ita bit o fit our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics. Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off es soon as possible and we'll be all set. Also, let me know you've received this. Cheers, MJ By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first Ict go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms, Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forees schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state’s budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance, That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom, Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit, Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local govemments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases—or both, In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. aWhile it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don't have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). 228800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE, CLARIFY. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing, The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions, Their rhetoric does not match their record on this issue. Loeal governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward produetive workers and improve their operations, Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state’s hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who ‘overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America, Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task, Bach day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Also you can send to me, And the gov and | will take a look. Chris Schrimpt Communications Director Office of the Governor %Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@Qwisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael [mail ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'l send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00am New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the piece. Cheers, MJ Michael Judge WS, Editori ‘Mobile: US. ——2 From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert - Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to runt, Id very much appreciate a quick response so we can offer itto another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week tater, she got 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers lke Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases ~ or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our §3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget.While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (itis also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across ‘America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring batance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, ‘our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than what we face today. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown, cout the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris schrimpf@wisconsin.gov 6Dow: Karley - GOV From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Wednesday, March 09,2911 12:20 PM Te mm Subject: Re: WS! OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Got it. | just need to get some time with the gov for him to see, it looks good to see. The example about is brother is 800 dollars combined, not for each item From: Judge, Michae! (rai! ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:15 PM. To: Judge, Michael ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV. Subject: RE: WS) OPED by j, Walker (URGENT!) Chis, pleas let me know you got this and that you'e turning it around soon, MS From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:50 PM To: 'Schrimpf, Chris - GOV" ‘Subject: RE: WS] OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, Here is our edit. Trimmed ita bit to fit our page, and added a few lines about indiana, which needed more specifics. ‘Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off 2s soon as possible and we'll be all set, Also, let me know you've received this. Cheers, MJ By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms. Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state's budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb, 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom, Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases—or both. 6In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store, They have two beautiful kids. They ate a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pay's nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401 (K), 728800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE, CLARIFY, He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Their rhetoric does not match thei record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state's hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!)‘Also you can send to me. And the gov and I will take a look. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chvis.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael {mailto Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrows paper. I'll send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the piece. ‘Cheers, MU Michael Judge eine Kobe: From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert ‘Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert - Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, I'd very much appreciate @ quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher, 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local 7»governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are ‘well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal govemment employees pay for their health insurance premium (itis also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools, Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 aEmail: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.govDowning, Karley - GOV From: Judge, Michael Sent: ‘Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:27 PM To: Schrimmpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE; WS) OPED by Gov. Welker (URGENT!) Ok, that section about his brother now reads: At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays a total of nearly $800 per month for his family's health insurance premium and a modest 401(k) contribution. OK? From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov} jednesdlay, March 09, 2011 1:20 PM judge, Michael ‘Subject: Re: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Got it. just need to get some time with the gov for him to see, it looks good to see. ‘The example about Is brother is 800 dollars combined, not for each item From: Judge, Michael [mai Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:15 PM To: Judge, Michael ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov IRGENT!) Chris, please let me knaw you got this and that you're turning it around soon. MJ From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:50 PM Tos 'Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, Here is our edit. Trimmed ita bit fo fit our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics, Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off as soon as possible and we'll be all set. Also, let ‘me know you've received this. Cheers, MJ By Seott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson wes named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority.Ms. Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state’s budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb, 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance, ‘That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit, Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments, These cuts lead to massive layofls or massive property tax increases—or both, In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget-repait bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest, We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other ‘workers pay for benefits, In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for thei health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401 (k). 228800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE LARIFY. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance Contributions, Their thetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that, currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped govemment become more efficient and responsive, The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state’s hard-working taxpayers, It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off.“Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the ‘countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make ‘government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) ‘Also you can send ta me. And the gov and I will take a look. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin. gov From: Judge, Michael [mai ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WSJ OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'l send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please lel me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign- off on the piece Cheers, MJ Michael Judge From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris. Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov} : Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert ‘Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert - Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, I'd very much appreciate @ quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris In 200, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got 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.Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (itis also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He ‘said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, 6‘our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown Out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov oDowning, Karley - GOV From: Schtimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:34 PM To: Subject: Re: WSJ OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Yes From: Judge, Michael a Ser jednesday, March 09, as ‘To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Ok, that section about his brother now reads: At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays a total of nearly $800 per month for his family's health insurance premium and a modest 404(k) contribution. OK? From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 1:20 PM judge, Michael ‘Subject: Re: WS] OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Got it. | just need to get some time with the gov for him to see, it looks good to see. The example about is brother is 800 dollars combined, not for each item From: Judge, Michael [mall ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:15 PM To: Judge, Michael SEED 5000", chris - Gov ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Chris, please let me know you got this and that you're turning it around soon. MJ From: Judge, Michael ‘Sent Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:50 PM To: ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV" ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, Here is our edit, Trimmed ita bit to ft our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics. ‘Othenwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off as soon as possible and well be alll set, Also, lot ‘me know you've received ths. Cheers, MJ 58By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires stafling decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms, Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forces schools to hire and fite based on seniority and union rules. My state’s budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance, That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layofls or massive property tax increases—or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit, We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other ‘workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at @ hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store, They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). 228800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE CLARIFY, He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we ate proposing, ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions, Their thetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balaneing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations, Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. ‘When Gov. Mitch Daniels repeated collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive, The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. 59Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state’s hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America, Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us (o balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Also you can send to me. And the gov and | will take a look Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov i From: Judge, Michae! (mail ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 ‘To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov, Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rab Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'l send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign off on the piece. Cheers, Mi Michael Judge WSJ Editorial Page Mobil a From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [maiito:Chris. Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov} Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert Subject: Final Draft from Governor WalkerRobert - Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. f you choose not to run it, I'd very much appreciate a ‘Quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris, In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing dacisions to be made based on seniority. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher, 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases — or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. White it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest, We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the litle bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions, In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too. We allow them to reward merit and performance ~ instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. CeThis will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It wil also be good for state and focal government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, ‘our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schtimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris schrimpf@wisconsin.gov aDowning, Karley - GOV From: ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 1:16 PM To: Subject: Re: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Final signoff is good From: Judge, Michael a Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:15 To: Judge, Michael |Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: WSI OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Chris, please let me know you got this and that you're tuning it around soon. MJ From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 To: 'Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chis, Here is our edit. Trimmed it a bit to fit our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics. ‘Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off as soon as possible and we'll be all set, Also, let me know you've received this. Cheers, MJ By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms, Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract, Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forces schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules. My state's budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance, That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases—or both, In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local govemments the tools, 3to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other workers pay for benefits, In fact, our plan cails for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401 (k). 728800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE. CLARIFY. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions, Their rhetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive, The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state's hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layofis that schools are facing all across America, Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin, From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [maitto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] ‘Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:05 AM To: Judge, Michael Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Aso you can send to me, And the gov and I wil take a look 5Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov From: Judge, Michael ae Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:46 AM Tos Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, ‘As Rob Pollock may have informed you, we plan to run Gov. Walker's op-ed in tomorrow's paper. I'l send you our edit for your sign-off by 2:00pm New York time. Please let me know you've received this and someone will be available to sign ‘off on the plece. Cheers, MJ Michael Judge WSJ Edjtorial Mobil From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV {mallto:Chris. Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:52 PM To: Pollock, Robert ‘Subject: Final Draft from Governor Walker Robert ~ Here is the Governor's final draft for your consideration. If you choose not to run it, d very much appreciate a ‘quick response so we can offer it to another publication. Thanks, Chris, In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools. 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. Megan Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contract. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; 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. We reform that process in our budget repair bill by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom. Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases - or both. In Wisconsin, we have a better option to tackle our $3.6 billion deficit. We are reforming the way government works — as well as balancing our budget. Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions. In total our 58budget repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest. We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are. well below what other workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal government employees pay for their health insurance premium (it is also worth noting that most federal government workers do not have collective bargaining for wages and benefits). For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store and they have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class family in Wisconsin. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance’ and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(k). He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. In other words, the rhetoric does not match their record and local governments can't pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Our budget repair bill gives them real tools. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools - as well as state and local governments - the tools to improve their operations too, We allow them to reward merit and performance — instead of facing the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Governor Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and effective to the people. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their job well In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our reforms will not only help balance the budget, they will help bring balance to our schools, state and local governments so they can finally reward merit and performance. Ultimately, our budget repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today. Taking on the status quo is no easy task, Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard. But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the millions of taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make goverment work for each of them. And that is exactly what our budget repair bill does. Chris Schrimpt Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.govDowning, Karley - GOV. From: Judge, Michael se Wednesday, March 09, 2011 1:13 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov, Walker (URGENT!) Great. We're all set for tomorrow's paper. Many thanks. MJ From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [malito:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 2:16 PM To: Judge, Michael Subject: Re: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Final signoff is good From: Judge, Michael ae Sent: Wednesday, Mar To: Judge, Michael iar: ‘Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Chris, please let me know you got this and that you're turning it around soon. MJ From: Judge, Michael Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:50 PM To: 'Schrimpf, Chris - GOV" ‘Subject: RE: WS) OPED by Gov. Walker (URGENT!) Importance: High Chris, Here is our edit. Trimmed ita bit to fit our page, and added a few lines about Indiana, which needed more specifics. Otherwise, just one minor query. Please address this query and sign off as soon as possible and we'll be all set. Also, let me know you've received this. Cheers, MJ By Scott Walker In 2010, Megan Sampson was named an Outstanding First Year Teacher in Wisconsin. A week later, she got a layoff notice from the Milwaukee Public Schools, So why would one of the best new teachers in the state be one of the first let go? Because her collective bargaining contract requires staffing decisions to be made based on seniority. Ms, Sampson got a layoff notice because the union leadership would not accept reasonable changes to their contact. Instead, they hid behind a collective bargaining agreement that costs the taxpayers $101,091 per year for each teacher; that protects a 0% contribution for health insurance premiums; and that forees schools to hire and fire based on seniority and union rules.My state’s budget-repair bill, which passed the Assembly on Feb. 25 and awaits a vote in the Senate, reforms this union-controlled hiring and firing process by allowing school districts to assign staff based on merit and performance. That keeps great teachers like Ms. Sampson in the classroom, Nearly every state in the country is facing a major budget deficit. Many are cutting billions of dollars of aid to schools and local governments. These cuts lead to massive layoffs or massive property tax increases—or both, In Wisconsin, we have a better approach to tackling our $3.6 billion deficit, We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing our budget, Our reform plan gives state and local governments the tools to balance the budget through reasonable benefit contributions, In total our budget-repair bill saves local governments almost $1.5 billion, outweighing the reductions in state aid in our budget. While it might be a bold political move, the changes are modest, We ask government workers to make a 5.8% pension contribution and a 12.6% health insurance premium contribution, which are well below what other ‘workers pay for benefits. In fact, our plan calls for half of what federal goverment employees pay for their health insurance premiums (it’s also worth noting that most federal government workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits), For example, my brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his health insurance and the little bit he can set aside for his 401(K). 228800 IS TOTAL FOR BOTH? PLEASE CLARIFY. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing. ‘The unions say that they are ready to accept the concessions, yet their actions speak louder than words. Over the past three weeks, local unions across the state have pursued contracts without new pension or health insurance contributions. Their thetoric does not match their record on this issue. Local governments can’t pass budgets on a hope and a prayer. Beyond balancing budgets, our reforms give schools—as well as state and local governments—the tools they need to reward productive workers and improve their operations. Most crucially, our reforms confront the barriers of collective bargaining that currently block innovation and reform. When Gov. Mitch Daniels repealed collective bargaining in Indiana six years ago, it helped government become more efficient and responsive. The average pay for Indiana state employees has actually increased, and high- performing employees are rewarded with pay increases or bonuses when they do something exceptional. Passing our budget repair bill will help put into place similar reforms in Wisconsin. This will be good for the Badger state’s hard-working taxpayers. It will also be good for state and local government employees who overwhelmingly want to do their jobs well. In Wisconsin, we can avoid the massive teacher layoffs that schools are facing all across America. Our budget- repair bill is about a commitment to the future, so our children don’t face even more dire consequences than we face today, and teachers like Ms. Sampson are rewarded—not laid off. ‘Taking on the status quo is no easy task. Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, But it should also be clear that their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and who (more importantly) want us to make government work for each of them. Mr. Walker, a Republican, is the governor of Wisconsin. “