It’s Time to Stop the Power Struggle, Restore Balance in State
The following statement was issued Monday, February 21st by Leon Burzynski, President of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA):
Last Friday, public employees through their union, offered major concessions related to their pension and health care plans, as Governor Scott Walker set forth in his budget plan, in exchange for retaining their right to bargain collectively and have a voice through their union. Despite the fact that these same workers already made significant concessions during Governor Doyle's administration, last week public employees were willing to accept Governor Walker's proposal on pension and health care plans to help solve the state's budget challenges. They felt it was time to restore balance to the state and move forward. The Governor's rejection of their offer is a slap in the face to working people in our state.
Wisconsin workers – public and private – are not responsible for the state budget challenges. While the Governor talks about Wisconsin's budget challenges, last month he added $120 million to the 2011-2013 deficits alone by passing tax breaks predominantly for large corporations. In dealing with the state's budget challenges, what sacrifices is the Governor asking of wealthy Wisconsin citizens and these corporations to balance the state budget?
Communities across Wisconsin are voicing their opposition to the Governor's "Budget Repair Bill" that hurts Wisconsin middle class families. Collective bargaining is not responsible for our budget challenges. Bargaining collectively and having a voice through one's union has been and must continue as a great tradition of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin retirees know the value and benefit of having a voice through their union. That’s why they have been out at the capitol, out in their communities, speaking to their social networks and the media about what this affront really means. They also know that workers like nurses, highway workers and teachers are essential to the well-being and safety of our families and communities. They make Wisconsin a great place to raise a family and retire. They deserve better!
It’s time to stop the power struggle. Our leaders, including Scott Walker, need to work together to create and maintain quality jobs here in Wisconsin and to address the problems facing the middle class. If the Governor refuses, state lawmakers need to stand up and open a dialogue to get the state moving forward.
Contact: Billy Feitlinger (608) 239-5384 for more information or interviews with retired workers
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Video of protests by Matt Matt Wisniewski
Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill Protest from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.
Part II
Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest Pt 2 from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.
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