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Battle for the budget blog: Opponents, supporters protest at Wisconsin School for the Deaf

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Saturday, March 12, 2011

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2:48 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 Protest Friday at Wisconsin School for the Deaf

DELAVAN — State employees at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan are organizing a rally from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today to protest Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Protesters will line up on both sides of Wisconsin Highway 11, from WSD to Delavan-Darien High School, according to Merryann Wen of Delavan, a learning support aid at the school.

Wen said organizers are expecting a large crowd to turn out. She's heard from people in Rock and Racine counties, as well as staff from the Ethan Allen School for Boys and UW-Whitewater.

As a state employee, Wen, a member of AFSCME, said she would feel the effects of the budget repair bill almost immediately.

7:49 a.m., March 11, 2011 The bill passes, but what's in it?

Lot's of folks were wondering what was in and what was out of the budget-repair bill after the Senate's surprise vote Wednesday. The bill passed the Assembly yesterday, and now awaits Gov. Walker's signature. The AP summarized the provisions of the bill HERE.

Live video stream from Capitol protests Wednesday evening.

Live video stream from Capitol protests Wednesday evening.

8:56 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2011 Assembly expected to pass modified bill eliminating most collective bargaining rights for public workers

Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate voted Wednesday night to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers by splitting from the legislation the overall budget repair bill. A special conference committee of state lawmakers approved the bill and the Senate then quickly convened to pass the measure. The Assembly most likely will take up the bill Thursday, then send it to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature. MORE

Friday, March 4, 2011 Capitol to close at 6 p.m.

Following a week of court battles over access to the state Capitol, police will close the building today at 6 p.m.

"It's my sincere hope we get compliance at 6 o'clock and everyone will leave the Capitol," Michael Huebsch, secretary of the Department of Administration was quoted as saying on the JSOnline All Politics blog.

Most media outlets reported yesterday that pink slips would be forthcoming today for about 1,500 state workers. As of 4:30 p.m. however, there's been no word of notices of possible layoffs being issued.

Update: The Associated Press reports that Gov. Walker today notified the unions representing state workers that layoffs would be coming. It could take up to two weeks before individual employees are notified, however.

Thursday, March 3, 2011 Resolution orders Dems to return, authorizing force if necessary

The Associated Press reports that the Wisconsin Senate has passed a resolution today calling for police to take 14 Democrats into custody for contempt after they fled to Illinois to avoid voting on a union rights bill. MORE I RESOLUTION (pdf)

3:55 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Gov. Walker delivers budget address

Read the full text of Gov. Walker's budget address HERE.

11:33 a.m., Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 Group challenges decision to limit Capitol access

A pro-union group has filed a suit in U.S. District Court challenging the Wisconsin Department of Administration's decision to limit demonstrator's access to the state Capitol.

Jeremy Ryan, executive director of Defending Wisconsin filed the lawsuit today, according to a post on the group's Facebook page.

Department of Administration officials say some protesters who refused to leave Sunday night have ignored orders to remain on the ground floor of the Capitol.

Until those protesters comply, no other demonstrators will be allowed into the building.

6:49 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 Twitter abuzz with rumor that Rep. Dale Schultz to vote no

(UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2011: Jason Stein reports in the All Politics blog on JSOnline.com that Sen. Dale Schultz has not commented publicly on his position. According to Stein, Schultz has put forward an amendment that would restore the collective bargaining rights after two years. "Senator Schultz’s position on (the bill) is well known and has not changed," spokesman Todd Allbaugh told Stein.)

ORIGINAL POST -- Although unconfirmed by major media outlets, the crowd of protesters remaining at the capitol have been energized by posts on Twitter (READ) that Republican Sen. Dale Schultz will vote no on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Schultz, described as a moderate, has previously pitched a plan to separate the collective bargaining part of the budget repair bill from the health can and pension provisions.

Although the capitol was officially closed at 4 p.m., officials announced at 6:50 p.m. that those remaining in the building will be allowed to stay.

Developments inside the capitol are being streamed via iPhone HERE.

6:05 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 Walker warns of $1 billion in local aid cuts

When Gov. Scott Walker introduces his budget Tuesday, local municipalities and school districts should brace for $1 billion in cuts.

Walker appeared on on "UpFront with Mike Gousha," a statewide TV news magazine produced in conjunction with WisPolitics.com.

He said the programs such as Badger Care will be altered so that participants who move into the workforce will be asked to pay for more of the program’s costs as they get jobs with private companies that provide health insurance.

“For people who are on, particularly in these tough economic times, we’re going to continue to provide a base safety net and for sure we’re going to find a way to continue with things like SeniorCare to make sure our seniors are protected,” Walker said on the show.

Read more HERE

4:00 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011Live video stream: Protesters refuse to leave capitol

WATCH: Fox News video stream is HERE.

Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," Gov. Scott Walker reinforces his argument that stripping workers of collective bargaining rights is necessary to give the state the flexibility to get its finances in order.

Meanwhile many protesters indicate they won't leave when police attempt to clear the building at 4 p.m. today.

The Department of Administration said the Capitol is in bad need of cleaning after 13 days of 24-hour occupation. Protesters have not trashed the building, but it has taken on the funky locker room aroma of body odor, sweaty feet and deodorant.

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO sent out a press release Sunday predicting hundreds of protesters would risk peaceful arrest.

~Associated Press

Video chat rooms at Ustream

4:00 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011Live video stream: Protesters refuse to leave capitol

3:18 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 West Coast rendezvous for Democrat 14?

The 14 Democrats boycotting the Wisconsin Assembly have been seen several times this week nibbling at the borders of their home state. On Wednesday, we reported some of the group had been confronted by angry tea party members outside a Harvard, Ill., hotel. (See below) The JSOnline All Politics blog reports a group also was seen in Woodstock.

But now, a California group is offering to whisk the senators off to the sunny West Coast.

In a news release sent to WalworthCountyToday.com, educators from San Diego community colleges invited Wisconsin State Senators to stay with them in San Diego “until such time that workers’ rights cease being attacked” in that state.

The group is affiliated with the California Federation of Teachers and offered to pay airfare to San Diego and to cover food and lodging costs by “opening our homes to all members of the delegation."

6 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 Video: Assembly erupts after vote on budget repair bill

12:39 p.m. Battle for the budget photo gallery

Photographer Terry Mayer has documented protests from Elkhorn to Madison over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill. Launch the gallery HERE. Look for more photos in this week's Walworth County Sunday newspaper.

11:37 a.m. Anonymous websites take aim at Elkhorn teachers

Several new websites and a Facebook page are taking aim at teachers in the Elkhorn Area School District.

Called the Elkhorn Area School District Whiny Teacher Association, the website, elkhornwisconsinwhinyteachersassociation.blog.com appears to take issue with unionized teachers in the Elkhorn Area School District.

The site's apparent tongue-in-cheek message reads, "Under the threat of having to pay for some benefits, the honorary Elkhorn Area School District Whiny Teachers Association is in full session!

"What a shame! Teachers will have to pay something toward their health insurance AND NOT THE TAXPAYERS DOING IT FOR THEM!"

The website has shown up on at least four blogging platforms, as well as the press release site, www.prlog.com

The sites do not identify who is behind setting them up.

Public employees, including teachers unions, have been rallying at the state Capitol for a week in opposition to a bill that would strip them of most of their collective bargaining rights, as well as setting minimum contributions for health and retirement benefits.

10:29 a.m. Senate Democrats confronted by tea party activist in Harvard, Ill.

Update Wednesday: Cal Skinner, a retired Republican Illinois state senator who writes the McHenry County blog also received a tip about the Wisconsin senators in Harvard.

See the photos HERE.

Skinner writes that the senators asked him not to identify the location so they could continue helping out the McHenry County economy. Skinner goes on to suggest lots of nice locations in McHenry County, including Woordstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Harvard.

The Contingent was last seen heading south on Route 23.

Tuesday's post: Several of Wisconsin's absent state senators were confronted late this morning in Harvard, Ill., by an organizer with the Northern Illinois Tea Party.

A tea party activist, who identified himself as Doc, told reporter Todd Mishler that he was tipped off that some of the senators were meeting with the media at the Heritage Inn and Suites in Harvard.

He said he approached the senators and asked why they weren't back in Wisconsin doing their jobs, and if they were paying with their state credit cards. The senators declined to answer and were last seen packing up their laptops and briefcases.

9:28 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 Assembly session drags on, Senate Democrats continue holdout

Debate and discussion on the budget repair bill went on through the night continues this hour in the state Assembly. Assembly Democrats are using their time to discuss procedural points, as well as proposing more than 100 amendments to the bill. The Senate is expected to return to session today at 11 a.m., however the holdout Democrats are not expected to be present.

Watch live on www.WisconsinEye.com.

1:48 p.m. Senate adjourns while Assembly session drags on

The Wisconsin Senate adjourned by mid-day today, unable to vote on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill because the 14 Senate Democrats refuse to return to Madison.

In the Assembly, tempers have flared as Democrats accused Republicans of skirting rules during a vote late last week.

The chamber has been in session since 11 a.m., and debate on the actual bill only began about 1:30 p.m.

Republicans are expecting Democrats to submit more than 100 amendments.

10:43 a.m. Supporters of Walker bill to rally on the square in Elkhorn as well

Supporters of Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill are planning an "I Stand With Scott Walker" rally this evening on the square in downtown Elkhorn.

Organizers are asking supporters of the bill to gather from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the corner of Walworth Avenue and Wisconsin Street, according to a reader post on WalworthCountyToday.com.

The rally will be held at the same time that labor groups are planning a candle-light vigil in opposition to the bill.

9:17 a.m. Republicans expect more that 100 amendments when they convene at 11 a.m.

The state Assembly is expected to take up Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill at 11 a.m. today.

Watch the proceedings live HERE.

Reporter Todd Mishler interviewed with Rep. Evan Winn of Whitewater a short time ago, who said he's heard that Democrats will propose 100 to 150 amendments to the bill as a way to slow down progress towards passage.

Winn, a Republican who represents the 43rd Assembly District, admitted its been a wild week at the state capitol. He told Mishler the chaotic scene of protesters inundating the capitol reminded him of when he served in Iraq and spent his days hunkered down in a Humvee.

Mishler will have complete coverage of Walworth County's legislative contingent in this week's Walworth County Sunday newspaper.

8:41 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 Walker plans a live "fireside chat" at 6 p.m.

In the 6 p.m. speech, Walker is expected to discuss the state’s budget challenges, "divisions that have arisen over the past week" and his vision for moving forward.

10:13 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 Labor groups plan candlelight vigil Tuesday on the Elkhorn square

Labor groups in Walworth County are planning a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening to oppose Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Tuesday's vigil is planned for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the square in downtown Elkhorn, according to a news release.

Organizers expect representatives from the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and local American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME) and other labor organizations, as well as small business owners and community members opposed to Walker's budget repair bill.

2:04 p.m., Monday, Feb. 21, 2011 In other words, bill would require employees to pick up half of pension contribution

Gov. Walker's budget repair bill would require employees to begin contributing 5.8 percent of their pay to their pension.

The 5.8 percent that the bill would require employees to begin contributing is 5.8 percent of an employee's salary. That means employees would begin picking up 50 percent of their pensions for the first time.

The retirement contribution of a Walworth County employee receiving mid-range pay of about $45,000 is about $5,220, with both the employee and employer portions being paid for by the county.

Under the bill, employees would be required to pay their portion, which would deduct about $2,600 annual from their paychecks.

So where does the 5.8 percent number come from?

The Wisconsin Retirement System sets the contribution amount annually. Here's how the Wisconsin Retirement System explains it:

"The WRS contribution rates are set in June each year by an independent consulting actuary and approved by the Employee Trust Funds Board."

In 2010 it was 5.5 percent and in 2011 it is 5.8 percent for both employee and employer contributions, or a total of 11.6 percent of an employees salary.

Currently, the employer pays both portions. The budget repair legislation would prohibit employers from paying the employee share.

From the bill:

"Current law also requires the employer to pay all of the employer required contributions, but permits the employer to also pay all or part of the employee required contributions. This bill provides that an employer may not pay any of the employee required contributions under the WRS or under an employee retirement system of a first class city or a county having a population of 500,000 or more."

Read the full bill HERE.

The change in the law would have a quick and significant impact on local budgets. Elkhorn, for example, estimates it would save about $66,000 in the current budget alone, just on pension costs. Read story HERE

8:24 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 In show of solidarity, Cairo supports Madison protesters with free pizza

Although crowds dwindled significantly today from Saturday's estimated 60,000, the protesters that did remain received some support in the form of free pizza.

As the Wisconsin controversy over a controversial budget repair bill has gone from a state story to a national story, some who support those opposed to the bill are finding creative ways to help out.

Folks from around the country, and around the world, are calling in to the pizza joint, Ian's on State Street, and paying for slices to be either given away or delivered to protesters.

The Politico website reports that more than 350 slices were give away my noon today and more than 1,000 were given away yesterday, along with 300 whole pies.

And in an apparent act of solidarity, at least one supporter from Cairo has donated to the pizza fund.

12:04 p.m., Feb. 19, 2011 Counter demonstrations begin at the capitol

Police are preparing for perhaps the biggest crowd to converge on the capitol over the showdown on the budget repair bill. In addition to setting minimums for state employee health and pension benefits, the bill strips nearly all collective bargaining rights for all public employees in Wisconsin.

Gov. Walker argues the change is needed to allow the state and local governments to balance their budgets.

At noon, supporters of the bill began their rally at the east entrance of the capitol. Organizers say they're expecting as many as 60,000 supporters to show up.

American Majority, a Virginia-based conservative group with a branch in Wisconsin is organizing the event.

The rally is expected to feature Andrew Breitbart, who runs a high-profile group of conservative websites, and Madison talk-show host Vicki McKenna.

The rally will be the first time significant numbers of Walker supports will be at the capitol.

About 200 pro-public employee union protesters slept overnight in the capitol, according to the Associated Press. Their protest began about 10:30 a.m.

5:44 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 Assembly recesses until Tuesday without action on bill

The state Assembly has recessed after failing to vote on Gov. Walker's controversial budget repair bill. The Assembly isn't expected to return until 10 a.m. Tuesday morning.

After the session began, Republicans halted the vote and will allow Democrats to offer amendments to a bill when they return to session.

The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill before next week either. Fourteen Senate Democrats are believed to be out of the state, preventing action on the bill to proceed.

4:13 p.m. Assembly expected to reconvene at 5 p.m., may take up budget repair bill.

The state Assembly is expected to reconvene at 5 p.m., according to the Legislature's website. It is unknown if the Assembly will move forward on passage of Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill. Representatives have been meeting in their caucuses throughout most of the day. When the session begins, proceedings will be webcast live at WisconsinEye.com.

1:38 p.m. From Jackson to Breitbart, out-of-state groups drawn to Wisconsin

The protests in Madison over a controversial budget repair bill is increasingly attracting attention from out-of-state interests.

Civil rights activist Jessie Jackson arrived in Madison and is expected to address opponents of the bill at 5 p.m.

Yesterday, progressive MSNBC talk show host Ed Schultz from the Ed Show broadcast live from Madison. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow had an extended segment on the protests as well.

Tomorrow, supporters of the bill are expected to have their turn at the capitol.

The rally will be held at the east entrance from noon to 3 p.m. and organizers say they're expecting as many as 60,000 supporters to show up.

American Majority, a Virginia-based conservative group with a branch in Wisconsin is organizing the event.

The rally is expected to feature Andrew Breitbart, who runs a high-profile group of conservative websites, and Madison talk-show host Vicki McKenna.

11:35 a.m. Walker sends State Patrol to track down key Democrat

The Associated Press reports that the Wisconsin State Patrol was dispatched this morning by Gov. Scott Walker to Senate Democratic Minority Leader Mark Miller's suburban Madison home to bring him back to the capitol. Miller, however, was not home.

With Democrats saying they won't return before Saturday, it was unclear when the Senate would be able to begin debating Gov. Scott Walker's measure meant to ease the state's budget woes. Democrats who disappeared Thursday at first kept their whereabouts secret, then started to emerge to give interviews and fan the protests.

Supporters of Rep. Evan Wynn, R-Whitewater, hold signs outside of the assemblyman's home Thursday morning in support of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill. The photo comes via Rep. Wynn's office.

11:19 a.m. Tea Party, union members square off outside Rep. Wynn's home

Whitewater Police Chief Jim Coan reported that a peaceful, hour-long demonstration happened this morning in front of the home of freshman state Rep. Evan Wynn (R-Whitewater), starting at 6:30.

About 35 Wynn supporters, mostly Tea Party members and supporters of the proposed conceal and carry law, were in front of his home, and about 15 opposed to Gov. Scott Walker’s initiative to strip bargaining rights from state unions were on the other side of the street.

Coan said the opponents identified themselves as being from a Milwaukee AFL-CIO office and firemen from outside of the area.

9:59 a.m. Tea Party groups plan Saturday rally to support budget repair bill

Supporters of Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill are planning a counter protest at the state capitol Saturday.

Tea Party groups are planning a rally from noon to 3 p.m. at the State Capitol South Entrance, according to the JSOnline.com All Politics Blog.

The rally is being organized by American Majority, a Virginia-based conservative group with a branch in Wisconsin.

Here is the group's news release:

"As the week has progressed, Wisconsin and the Nation have watched schools across Wisconsin close due to teachers participating in a 'sick out,' the unions busing people in from other states to inflate their rally numbers in Madison and legislators fleeing the state to avoid the vote on the budget repair bill. It's time the voices of the Wisconsin people are heard."

8:52 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 Assembly to begin deliberations at 9 a.m. on budget repair bill

Note: Members of the Assembly recessed shortly before 10 a.m. into their respective caucuses.

The Wisconsin Assembly is expected to begin deliberations at 9 a.m. today on the controversial budget repair bill.

The original plan was to have the bill taken up in the Senate yesterday, then move on to the Assembly for a vote shortly after.

That plan got sidetracked when all 14 Democrats in the Senate fled to Illinois. The Senate needs 20 members present to call for a vote on a fiscal bill, and there are only 19 Republicans.

Democrats say they're trying to slow down the process and force negotiations on stripping public workers of most of their collective bargaining rights.

This morning on Milwaukee's WTMJ radio, Gov. Scott Walker repeated his call for the senators to come back to work. He said he was unsure when they would return, but some reports say it won't be until Saturday.

If the bill does come up for a vote in the Assembly today, all four Assembly members that represent parts of Walworth County told the Gazette they will vote for the measure. The four Republican include:

Tyler August, who represents the southern half of Walworth County, excluding Elkhorn.

Steve Nass, who represents Elkhorn, as well as the townships of Sugar Creek, LaFayette, Spring Prairie, Troy and LaGrange.

Evan Wynn, who represents Whitewater and Whitewater Township.

Amy Loudenbeck, who represents Richmond Township.

Download a copy of the budget repair bill HERE.

Updates of today's schedule can be found on the Assembly's website HERE.

Deliberations will be broadcast online through WiscosinEye.com

3:02 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 Walker to Dems: "Show up to work"

Gov. Scott Walker released a statement this afternoon, urging Democrats to return to the senate to continue work on the budget repair bill. Walker is expected to meet with the news media at 4:45 p.m.

"Out of respect for the institution of the Legislature and the democratic process, I am calling on Senate Democrats to show up to work today, debate legislation and cast their vote. Their actions by leaving the state and hiding from voting are disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of public employees who showed up to work today and the millions of taxpayers they represent."

Walker is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:45 p.m. Watch live on Fox 6 HERE.

2:54 p.m. 25,000 flock to capitol protests

The Department of Administration estimates that about 20,000 people are on the grounds of the state capitol, with 5,000 crammed inside.

Nine protesters have been reported to have been arrested, although it is unclear what the charges are.

State police continue to looking to return at least one Democratic senator to the senate chamber to have enough members present to take a vote. Democrats say the boycott is aimed at forcing negotiations on the bill that is quickly moving through the legislative process. MORE.

12:55 p.m. UWW students protest bill

About 100 UW-Whitewater students protested the budget repair bill Thursday afternoon.

12:24 p.m. Police hope to round up one Dem so vote can proceed

Senate Democrats have reportedly left Madison in their effort to stall action on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

At 11:35, Republican Senate President Mike Ellis announced a "call of the house" to send police to force errant Democrats to return to the chamber, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

"The Senate is now under a call of the house, and we will try to find the members who decided not to come to work today," Ellis was quoted as saying.

Action on the bill cannot proceed, because 20 senators are required to move a fiscal bill forward. All 19 Republican senators are present, but the 14 Democrats are nowhere to be found.

11:24 a.m.Democrats walk out of Senate session.

MADISON -- Democratic state senators failed to show up at the state capitol on Thursday in protest of the governor's budget repair bill, according to an Associated Press report.

State Sen. Tim Cullen said that the senators have left and were not in chambers when the Senate went in to session at 11 a.m.

Republicans have a quorum, however they need 20 senators present to move a fiscal bill forward. With only 19 Republicans present, the Senate session has stalled.

10:51 a.m.Quick vote unlikely in Senate

The Senate is expected to convene at 11 a.m. to take up the budget repair bill, but it won't be a quick vote according to legislative staffers.

Reporter Darryl Enriquez talked to a staffer in Sen. Mary Lazich's office a short time ago, who said they expect senators to recess into their respective caucuses shortly after 11 a.m.

Democrats will be briefed on the bill by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, which could take several hours, the staffer said.

Senators will be called back into full session after that.

10:32 a.m. Senate to begin deliberations at 11 a.m. on budget repair bill

The Wisconsin Senate is expected to begin deliberations at 11 a.m. on the controversial budget repair bill.

Demonstrators opposed to the bill began gathering early Thursday in front of the Senate chambers where lawmakers will take up Republican Gov. Scott Walker's bill to end collective bargaining, except on issues of salary, for most public employees.

The bill will first be debated in the Senate, then move to the Assembly some time this afternoon. Legislative leaders have said they have enough votes to pass the measure in both houses.

Download a copy of the budget repair bill

Updates of today's schedule can be found on the Senate's website HERE.

Deliberations will be broadcast online through WiscosinEye.com

7:55 a.m. Walworth County schools remain open

Walworth County schools remain open today, having escaped the outbreak of closures forced by teachers calling in sick to protest Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Nearby, the Racine Unified School District has canceled classes for students, as well as the Edgerton School District. For the second day, the Madison school district has cancelled classes.

In southern Wisconsin, dozens of schools have closed, however staff attendance is required.