Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Is Aiming at Unions, Not the Budget

I feel the federal government should limit or eliminate federal funds to Wisconsin as long as Walker feels he can infringe on the rights of people. I would just about bet he kept his true agenda hidden before he was elected, but even if he was "elected to do a job or most likely paid to do it", the people of the U.S. elected officials to do one as well. If the federal government could with hold funds for not reducing speed limits to "55 mph" (not so long in the past), I am sure they could limit federal money to states violating rights by "bought politicians".

D Truth of IL 12:11AM March 02, 2011

“As part of his campaign platform, Walker proposed cutting state employee wages and benefits.. ”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Walker_(politician)

He did get elected on it...

Bill Hedges of MO 5:14PM February 23, 2011

Pay and benefits aside, public sector unions are a special interest that needs to be expunged from the political process. For the record, I oppose all special interests that have the ear of our politicians because of the money they provide. I would be for completely taxpayer funded elections to rid the system of the pernicious influence of outside money.

It is insanity that public sector unions contribute heavily to Democrats who in turn after election determine the pay and benefits of those in the public sector unions. If this is not cronyism then I don't know what is. Governor Walker simply wants to elminate bargaining on everything but pay. What is wrong with doing away with archaic and sometimes obstructionary work rules? What is wrong with raising teacher pay but bringing their benefits packages more in line with those in the private sector.

I live in New Jersey and my wife works for an international pharmaceutical company. Even with excellent reviews, she routinely receives raises of about 2 percent. Of that raise, some of that goes to increased health care contributions. It is difficult for me to understand why anyone would think it is right to raise property taxes, further cutting into that raise, so that teachers can continue paying nothing for health care and pension benefits on top of guaranteed raises in the order of 3 to 4 % per year, not counting step increases. Teachers in New Jersey have the highest compensation rates in the nation as it is. Incredibly, teachers in my home district get paid nearly $2,000 extra per year if they volunteer for lunch room duty (1 period per day). How many of us have eaten lunch at our desks while working and received nothing? It was only after the budget was voted down that they "heroically" accepted Governor Christie's proposal to pay a mere 3 % into their own healthcare plans. This was a cynical move on their part to save their fellows from being laid off.

In listening to one of the labor leaders in Wisconsin, he was heard to remark that while the union did concede the benefits package but was resistant to having changes made to collective bargaining during lean times because flush times would surely return. In other words, a tactical retreat now, with a return to business as usual when things get better. The unions and by consequence, the Democratic party, fears that rank and file member, if given the choice just might not decide to pay into the union coffers without the mandatory payroll deduction.

If any good has come of this recession, it is that is has placed hot klieg lights on the many abuses of government and it cronies who, in spite of what they believe, should be accountable to the taxpayer.

Mike of NJ 9:40AM February 23, 2011

They ran away at a time when they are needed most!

What does this say of "leadership"? Good Grief, dude .....many on-the-fencer's are going to turn to Tea Party/Republicans after this one!

Madison Man of WI 4:45AM February 23, 2011