By Dustin Beilke
Governor Scott Walker's so-called budget repair bill would cut out the hearts of public employee unions, essentially killing them. Walker also calls for a review of the Wisconsin Retirement System, and calls into question whether Wisconsin retirees should continue to have defined benefit pensions like they do now. We know that what impacts the contracts of active employees often impacts the benefits of retired employees in predictable and unpredictable ways.
We also know that Walker's bill would substantially reduce the standard of living for every public education employee in the state, making it ever less likely that great educators will be able to afford to do the work they were born to do. That hurts kids, limits economic development, and harms everyone in the state.
Apparently some people want it this way. But most people do not, and thousands of people statewide are hitting the streets and having their voices heard. There are rallies, pickets, candle light vigils, phone banks and letter campaigns taking place in every part of our great state.
WEAC.org has several suggestions for how you can join them along with a lot of background information about Walker's bill.
You can also call me or e-mail me. My e-mail address is beilked@weac.org and my phone number is 608.298.2500.
See you at the Capitol.