What's wrong with Governor Scott Walker ... recall campaign video

What's wrong with Walker ... listen to someone who knows him up close and politically!

More Strange - Collective Bargaining NOT or Collective Ideology by Republicans

Let's see was it not just a month ago that a $636 million dollar surplus was identified and now to balance the budget the Legislature just has to have collective bargaining in the budget (if the Supreme Court does not go along with them)!  The Governor wants to hand out between $6K and $7K tax breaks for every kid in Milwaukee County so they can go to corporate schools ... and he wants to do it for other counties too!  Is it not also the case that the Governor is going change rules for Seniorcare and Badgercare so fewer people are eligible ... that is not a tax increase?  Does the Governor think that reducing the income of most state and municipal employees income by more than 10% is not a tax increase.  Those are just the things I can easily recall ... who are the Republicans kidding ... and Fitzgerald thinks the Democrats are lying?  He is just picking on the people he thinks he has prevented from voting ... next time!  Ask a preacher's son WWJD!

World SafetyNet - Make It Bigger Not Smaller - NPR

More than 1 billion people in the world are living with some sort of disability, according to a new international survey. That's about 15 percent of the world's population, or nearly one of every 7 people.

The above is from the story by NPR which makes you wonder about Wisconsin and what Governor Scott Walker wants to do to Medicaid recipients in our state.  WWJD.

Nearly 1 In 7 People On Earth Is Disabled, Survey Finds

The report includes a foreword by theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who can't feed himself or get dressed or speak without assistance because of his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a debilitating and usually fatal disease. He says there's a moral duty to help disabled people.

WI 1848 Forward: World #SafetyNet - Make It Bigger Not Smaller - #NPR : #Obama #47% #99% #Dems #OWS vs #1% #Elites 

Madison - Capitol - East Mifflin in the Rain - Walkerville 6 6 2011 Monday AM Pics/V

Walkerville at Capitol 6 6 2011 Monday 5:30AM. Just a few unedited pictures, mostly from this morning. A rough video is available below. It is raining with reports of severe storms in Reedsburg.

6 4 2011 Saturday evening

Sunday evening 6 5 .. great music

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain - Sleeping in chair

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain

Morning 6 6 Walkerville rain

Saturday Checking out Walkerville 6 4

Saturday Checking out Walkerville 6 4

#Walker -ville WI 1848 Forward: #Madison - #Capitol - Tents East Mifflin in the Rain - 6.6.2011 Monday AM Pics/V

The Madison Times: Faith groups ask WWJD? by A. David Dahmer May 27, 2011

You just have to have faith that lobbyists and pay-to-play politicians will use their moral compass and do the right thing - or know what the right thing to do is!

From the article (click title) -

“Every budget is a statement of values, especially budgets that are made in difficult times. Our budgets are, in fact, moral documents, describing the priorities, our values, and our willingness as people of faith to live out our call to work for justice and to care for the most vulnerable among us. The governor has proposed a budget that he says will close our state's budget deficit. It is our belief that his proposed budget, in fact, creates a moral deficit in our state. [It’s a] moral deficit in as much as it fails to address the common good and protect our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. As people of faith, we know that decreasing the cost of being rich while increasing the cost of being poor is not ethical. A budget that is balanced on the back of workers and the poor is not just, it is not moral, and it is certainly no solution.”

Those were the words of Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM) Executive Director Linda Ketcham who spoke at a news conference as representatives of communities of faith gathered May 18 for the unveiling of the Wisconsin Values Budget.

Medicaid: Death by a Thousand Cuts or Ten Thousand or More - Making It Personal

Walker's War on Education: Plans to teach all 3rd Graders to read ... a busy year!

Governor Walker is going to be very, very busy with his "Read to Lead" program since he is now going to do the job of all the Reading Specialists he eliminated!  He may not have time to pass "anti-collective bargaining legislation" - you know - something has to give when you are so busy.  Do not worry, the RECALL Senators, like Darling and even Senator Luther Olsen will help him out!

Walker's War on Education: Eliminate Reading Specialists  from blog on 4/7 (did I miss anything - this has not changed?) Click!

 

Walker pushes "Read to Lead" in Milwaukee  from 5/3 story - sorry you have to go to the site to see him demonstrate his technique. Click!

 

5/30: I just heard that he has some up coming demonstrations of his masterful techniques at various schools - sorry - don't know the schedule!

 Notice "experts" and DPI are represented - but this is one of those "strange bedfellows" political situations - everyone is trying to be positive - but you can be sure under the covers that there are real policy differences  ... with the Governor trying to "privatize education" by making a lot of noise about reading for kids!

Maybe we should all go the "publicity/press conference" tomorrow!  Governor's press release from WisPolitics.com

Governor’s Read to Lead Task Force
5/31/2011
1 p.m.

Governor’s Conference Room,
115 East,
State Capitol.

Governor Scott Walker, Chair

Superintendent Tony Evers, Vice-Chair

Members: Mara Brown, Kathy Champeau, Steve Dykstra, Michele Erikson, Representative Jason Fields, Marcia Henry, Representative Steve Kestell, Rachel Lander, Senator Luther Olsen, Tony Pedriana, Linda Pils, and Mary Read.

Guests: Professors from UW colleges of education

Welcome and opening remarks by Governor Walker and Superintendent Evers.

Introductions from task force members and guest members representing UW colleges of education.

A discussion of teacher training and professional development including current practices and ways to improve.

Short break.

A discussion of reading interventions including current practices and ways to improve.

A discussion of future topics and future meeting dates.

Adjournment.

Governor Scott Walker
Chair

JSOnline: Another reason to recall Hopper

The JSOnline headline is about a bill to give breaks to insurance companies.  This is one that you should ask for a public hearing before Joint Finance ... write and call now!

State proposal would send $250 million to certified capital companies - Firms would keep 80% of profit, wouldn't have to repay principal - Kathleen Gallagher - Journal Sentinel May 22, 2011

From source -

Legislation that Gov. Scott Walker says will create jobs would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to insurance companies, while giving control of a $250 million fund to out-of-state financial management companies that would not have to pay back the fund's principal and would keep up to 80% of its profits.

The proposal is supported by a group of Republican lawmakers led by Sen. Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) and Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel). But some others - including at least one Republican legislator - are calling it a massive corporate giveaway.

The program is called the Jobs Now Fund and represents part of the $400 million Wisconsin Jobs Act. It aims to jump-start job creation in Wisconsin by promising $200 million in future tax credits in exchange for $250 million raised from insurance companies.

Joint Finance Comm. Emails, Homepages

In Milwaukee - Seeking a new life, Burmese refugees find roaches and blight

The context of understanding - what do Burma, the Karen people, Milwaukee, Grothman and Walker, human rights, collective bargaining, unions and recall elections have in common.  You will need to examine both links!

Burma refugees move to Milwaukee slums May 21, 2011 by Cristalyne J Bell

This kind of "human abuse" (see the link below) in our own backyard yard reminds me that we seem to live in a "moment" that is yelling "me first" and "it's mine".  Politicians who refer to people as "thugs" only because they are taking actions (such as occupying the Capitol) that might thwart their own ambitions to prevent voting, suppress minorities, give tax breaks to wealthy individuals and corporations in the name "job growth" and "efficiency" have to be voted out of office.

JSOnline: Seeking a new life, Burmese refugees find roaches and blight

#Refugees #Burmese In #Milwaukee #WI 1848 Forward: Seeking a new life, Burmese refugees find roaches and blight

Rally - We Are Wisconsin and Wisconsin Wave 5/14

Today's RALLY!  Great sound track in video of stills!

WSJ 5/14/11 pm: Thousands gather at Capitol to ‘keep the pressure on’ Walker

Farm Bureau’s Statement on DNR Proposal (code - privatize)

How can you comment on an "unreleased" DNR plan ... someone is cooking in the backroom or creatively plowing the back 40!  Comment on spin and spin it some more!  I really wanted to see the "unreleased" plan but I cannot find it? Surprise?!

From source (click on title) -

Farm Bureau’s Statement on DNR Proposal

May 13, 2011

MADISON – Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker’s unreleased plans for greater efficiencies at the Department of Natural Resources.

“The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation applauds any efforts to make state government more responsive to the people it serves.  


SO YOU want to SOUND OFF!

BeHeard EasyAccess Format

ALEC again - Prisons and Profit - In Wisconsin????

ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) ... is this what Walker wants to do in Wisconsin?  Could be highly profitable for his cronies ... get rid of all those state employees! Click on the title (above) and see the source where someone pointed me ...

Georgia: Buying Immigrants and Selling Peaches!

Prisons for Profit - PBS NOW - Ideological Target - You Think?

Being a corrections officer -

#ALEC again - #Prisons and Profit - In #Wisconsin ???? #WI #GOP #1% #elites vs #47% #Latino #99%

Video - Madison WI - Capitol starring Reverse Robbin Hood! 5/11/2011-Noon Rally

About 100+ people gathered for this parody event about Governor Walker getting Robin Hood wrong ... more like Rob(b)in(g) Hood with tax the poor and give to the rich!

Upd. (Humor)Mtg 5/9 1:30 - Republicans Selling Milwaukee Schools - Charter School Buyers?

Do you think there is any fiscal impact (don't worry about academic/sports impacts) if we just let Milwaukee Schools sell assets to Charter Schools and the like?  Not to the Wisconsin State Budget!   The Charter Schools will be all loaded up with State Taxpayer "Voucher" money - failed banks like the no risk loans!

All while Walker is away making a speech on the subject (out of state)!  WisPolitics.com has just reprinted the Press Release from AFP (although hard to tell)
 Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to deliver school choice policy address at D.C. summit 5/9

From DC and Facebook 5/9: Anti-voucher protest in Washington, DC today at pro-voucher conference featuring Gov. Scott Walker.

Easy Email Below!

Senate

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Committee on Education

---

The committee will hold an executive session on the following items at the time specified below:

Monday, May 9, 2011
1:30 PM
300 Southeast
State Capitol

Senate Bill 20

Relating to: authorizing the City of Milwaukee to sell city-owned property used for school purposes.

By Senators Darling, Lazich, Carpenter and Grothman; cosponsored by Representatives Honadel, Fields, Pridemore, Berceau, Thiesfeldt, Strachota, Bies, Rivard and Marklein.

Senator Luther Olsen
Chair

Walker's Wars: Safety Net - 1 in 7 depend on FoodStamps

While Governor Walker continues to strategize  on how to cut Medicaid-BadgerCare-SeniorCare and destroy homerule by counties and municipalities the WSJ reminds us how desperate many Americans ( 1 in 7 ) have become ... May 3, 2011, 2:10 PM ET  - About 1 in 7 in U.S. Receive Food Stamps by Sara Murray

Growth in the food stamp program appeared to reach a plateau in February — with 14.3% of the population relying on the safety net program.

The number of food stamp recipients was essentially flat in February, the most recent month available, with 44.2 million Americans receiving benefits, according a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Title will take you to the article and here are some other links from the article ... keep your sniff meter out -

• Number of the Week: Millions Set to Lose Unemployment Benefits
• States to Raise Taxes on Businesses to Shore Up Unemployment Insurance
• High-Earning Households Pay Growing Share of Taxes

WI 1848 Forward: #Walker 's Wars: #SafetyNet - 1 in 7 depend on #FoodStamps http://wi1848forward.blogspot.com/2011/05/walkers-wars-safety-net-1-in-7-depend.html?spref=tw

WI 1848 Forward: #Walker 's Wars: ON the #SafetyNet - 1 in 7 depend on #FoodStamps #SNAP #Medicare #ACA

Walker gets idea from China but with a twist

Let's say upfront that this is satire so those of you with your concealed weapons will not threaten me with bodily harm! What a day it has been!  Faustian bargains!

Chinese iPad Factory Staff Forced To Sign 'No Suicide' Pledge

From the posting -

"Employees at Foxconn facilities in China, used to manufacture the iPhone and iPad, were forced to sign a pledge not to commit suicide after over a dozen staff killed themselves over the last 16 months. The revelation is the latest in a series of findings about the treatment of workers at Foxconn plants, where staff often work six 12-hour shifts a week, 98 hours of overtime in a month, and live in dormitories that look and feel like prison blocks."

Walker declares 'State Employee Recognition Day'  but you have to sign first then we will recognize you ... and just retire ... no suicides unless you are ill!

From the source -

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has proclaimed Wednesday "State Employee Recognition Day," months after pushing a bill that would strip most of those workers of their collective bargaining rights.

Walker praised state workers for cutting costs in tough economic times while noting their essential service to the state. He also unveiled a state worker recognition program earlier this week, which would reward employees who provided "outstanding conduct in serving the people of Wisconsin."

Mercenary comes to Milwaukee - Karl Rove

From Fox6 web site - Karl earned $23,000 to speak at the event. Five hundred people were interested in what he had to say. Large numbers protesting ... not precisely stated.  The advertising is at least soothing!

Fellow Travelers - Young America's Foundation
- probably a transitory page!

NYTimes - Public Pensions, Once Off Limits, Face Budget Cuts

No Gimmicks Walker raids Emp. Trust Funds - 2nd Budget Repair

And what do you think Walker is thinking about?

Vision and Jobs (Obama) vs Cronyism (Walker) :

Infrastructure investment - Walker turns it down and then rewards his "felon" railroad campaign donor buddy!  Remember?!

From one of the sources in the blog entry (below) ...pls use the link below -

... money laundering allegations involving campaign contributions by William Gardner and the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Company (WSOR).

Governor Scott Walker today announced 11 state awards totaling $25,515,123 that will be used to construct freight rail-related facilities, and preserve and upgrade rail infrastructure as part of overall efforts to support job growth and Wisconsin’s economy. ...

2 Articles: Isthmus: Iron(y) Rails at Walker - Political Freight? PolitiScoop


From Need to Know -

Already, Republican governors from Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida have rejected over a combined $3 billion for building high-speed rail, stalling the Obama plan, at least for now.

... As the administration tries to get back on track, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat and co-chair of Building America’s Future — a non-partisan advocacy group calling for infrastructure investment — is making the case for spending now on modernizing the national transportation system, even as an emboldened Republican Party tries to cut government spending and tighten the country’s belt.

Now compare and contrast from Need to Know -

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

Vision and #Jobs ( #Obama ) vs Cronyism ( #Walker ) : #1% #elites

v2 Walker's War on HealthCare : Our Obsolete Approach to Medicaid

2/14/2013 ... Walker's Valentine to Kids ... get a job so you can pay for your own healthcare ... no more BadgerCare for you ... see what his new budget may do?!

All seems consistent with what he said a year ago ...

~  4/25/2011 -Governor Walker Op-Ed in NYTimes ... click Title!

Not a lot of content!  Makes a lot of statements that sound like facts but ...!

For example, from the source ...

We need to modernize not only Medicaid’s benefits and service delivery, but also its financing. In good times, the open-ended federal Medicaid match encourages states to overspend. Amazingly, the program is now viewed by some states as a form of economic development because each state can at least double its money for each dollar spent. That matching feature penalizes efficiency and thrift, since a reduction of $1 in state spending also means forfeiting at least one federal dollar, often more.

What does this mean?  I guess it means states waste a $1 so they can get another $1 ... I don't think so!

It is always so easy to claim something is old or outdated or inefficient!  When Governor Walker talks about those kind of things you have to be cautious about what he really means and rather than soundbites have a public discussion before he uses the legislature as his rubber stamp!

Do Not Forget ... he wants to write all the rules himself ... don't bother the legislature with any oversight!



PBS - Need to Know - The battle over Medicare and Medicaid

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

v2 #Walker 's War on #HealthCare : Our Obsolete Approach to #Medicaid #BadgerCare #wwJd

#Pocan - salaries & benefits for WI state employee ~8.5 percent of the 2009-2011 #budget

Click on title to see Polifact.com article - read the whole article before you decide who is "more" correct or "more" wrong!

I think there are other considerations to be made with respect to the UWSystem and it should not be counted in the total.  Many faculty and staff are partially or totally paid for by external grants and overhead charges associated with those grants (also true for some state agency funding).  The UWSystem is just a different kind of entity.  None the less the article makes for an interesting read in which the name of the game seems to be how to pick your favorite denominator but do not bother to distinguish how things actually work


From the source -

Pocan claimed in a blog post that salaries and benefits for state employees comprise 8.5 percent of the state budget. He did not provide evidence for the figure. In a footnote, Pocan acknowledged that two huge state operations -- the university system and corrections -- were not included, and that if they were, the figure is about 17 percent.

The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance agreed with the 17 percent, while the state budget office argued that the figure is 60 percent. Experts said the two figures are different ways to express what employees cost. But everyone agreed that Pocan’s 8.5 percent -- the main number he used, which was repeated elsewhere -- is not accurate.