20120524131240333

Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Evenson, Tom - GOV

Sent:
To:
Wednesday, April 20, 201112:37 PM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: RE: Phone messages
Tom I'd like you to take care of these today:
Mike- Legislative Reference Bureau
Re: Bluebook Bio
266.0346
Done
Lindsay- News 19 Lacrosse
Re: Statement on potential cuts to Salvation Army funding in budget
Waiting on policy for more details. With no details, here's my statement:
"Wisconsin faces a looming $3.6B budget deficit. Just as in middle class family budgets, Wisconsin cannot
continue to spend money it doesn't have. During these difficult economic times, everyone is being asked to
share in sacrifice as we balance Wisconsin's books."
For the rest of these people can you call and get email addresses/deadlines?
Tues 11:31am
Lance Anderson- My Governor Radio Show (Fox News contributor}
Re: Interview request (next week}, the topic is how states are fighting Obamacare
landerson@mikeonline.com
He wants an interview next week.
Tues 11:43am
Nick Ricard I- LA Times
Re: Story on public sector unions, specific example of union getting out of hand, running elected officials and how that
lilillli repair bill
nicholas.riccardi@latimes.com
Deadline: Needs answer ASAP
Tues 11:50am
Melinda Young- CCA Magazine
Re: Want to put Governor Walker on their cover, plus a feature
1
414.774.4226
myoung@communityconnectionsnews.com
Deadline: Needs answer ASAP
Mary -Illinois Statehouse News
Re: Statement on collective bargaining
217.528.1247
m.cristobal.cff@gmail.com
Deadline: Today
Cullen Werwie
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Scott Walker
Press Office: (608} 267-7303
Email: Cullen. Werwie@WI.Gov
(j
www. walker. wi.qov
From: Day, Stacy- GOV
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 11:39 AM
To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: Phone messages
Tues 10:36am
Scott litkoff- Badger Democracy.com
Re: Legislation that would involve municipal government reform. Revise statement that staff isn't working on drafting
this legislation?
608.628.8535
Tues 11:31am
Lance Anderson- My Governor Radio Show (Fox News contributor)
Re: I (next week), the topic is how states are fighting Obamacare
Tues 11:43am
Nick Ricardi- LA Times
Re: Story on public sector unions, specific example of union getting out of hand, running elected officials and how that
led to repair bill
Tues 11:50am
Melinda Young- CCA Magazine
Re: Want to put Governor Walker on their cover, plus a feature
414.774.4226
Tues 12:32pm
2
Natika --Madison Concourse Hotel
Re: Wants an official portrait of Governor Walker
Tues 1:52pm
Dana- NBC15
Re: Special election for 48'h District
274.1500
Tues 2:23pm
Mary -Illinois Statehouse News
Re: Statement on collective bargaining
217.528.1247
Tues 5:37pm
Stephanie - Dept. of Revenue
Re: Reporter from GB Press-Gazette called, wants to talk through response
6.2300 .
8:22am
Jim- Curt Manufacturing
Re: Looking for news release about his stop yesterday to put out
715.838.4122
jmckissick@curtmfg.com
9:00am
Will O'Brien- Milwaukee Business Journal
Re: Questions about Act 15 press release
Didn't leave any contact info ...
10:06am
Mike- Legislative Reference Bureau
Re: Bluebook Bio
266.0346
10:33am
Wendy Brinkerhoff -Research Intelligence Group (calling for Chris)
Re: Lexus developing new legal software that may be beneficial to press secretaries, etc., wants input on how to make
software more user friendly, wondering if he'd be interested in contributing
801.362.3261
10:35am
Joe- Lake Country Reporter, Hartland
Re: Visit to Heartland today, wondering what time
262.361.9131
10:38am
Scott Litkoff (again)
10:48am
Maryann English- Freelance
Re: Sent e-mail earlier, following up
3
10:54am
Mary -Illinois Statehouse News (again)
Deadline today
lindsay- News 19 Lacrosse
Re: Statement on potential cuts to Salvation Army funding in budget
4
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To: Evenson, Tom - GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Re: Proposed Tweet
Sure. Tweet it.
From: Evenson, Tom- GOV
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 02:40PM
To: Scott, Kevin - DOA
Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: Proposed Tweet
Collective bargaining IS a fiscal issue: http://walker.wi.gov/journal media detail.asp?orid-s6n&locid-177
Tom Evenson
Press Aide
Wisconsin is Open for Business
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
OK.
-----Original Message-----
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Monday, March 07, 2011 2:38 PM
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Evenson, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Proposed tweet
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 02:37 PM
Evenson, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
Proposed tweet
Did you know that because of collective bargaining unions didn't want an 86 year old to volunteer as a crossing guard?
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To: Evenson, Tom- GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Proposed Tweet
Good.
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2011 09:01 AM
To:_.._
Cc: ~ V ; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
Interesting column in the @Denver Post. Author notes that even FDR warned against collective bargaining for the public
sector. http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci 17523052
Tom Evenson
Press Aide
Direct Line: (6oS) 267-7303
E-Mail: tom.evenson@wisconsin.gov
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To: Evenson, Tom - GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Re: Proposed Tweet
Good. Tweet it.
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 10: 18 AM
To:........._
Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
Even more examples that show how collective bargaining impacts state/local gov'ts:
http://walker.wi.gov/journal media
Tom Evenson
Press Aide
Direct Line: (6oS) 267-7303
E-Mail: tom.evenson@wisconsin.gov
1
Cling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Kendall, Kristina <Kristina.Kendall@foxbusiness.com>
Evenson, Tom- GOV; Lott, Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
RE: STOSSEL intv request
Crews are set for 6:30AM, Stossel will probably arrive between 8:15 and 8:25AM so that we can roll promptly at 8:30
AM.
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 2:40PM
To: Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lott, Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
Subject: RE: STOSSEL intv request
Do you have an ETA on when your team will arrive, so I know what time we need to be in?
Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office of the Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email. chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
From: Kendall, Kristina [mailto:Kristina.Kendall@foxbusiness.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 2011 7:25 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: Re: STOSSEL intv request
Sorry I'm so late on this-- Jewish holidays are messing with my schedule.
We worked on the questions today and I don't think it's going to be anything outside of what the Governor will be prepared
to address: why did he propose these particular spending cuts to get a handle .on Wisconsin's budget issues? Why did he
include collective bargaining? How is this going to change Wisconsin's fiscal future? Why is it important for our leaders to
be addressing the fiscal situation (ie: why we can't continue doing what we've BEEN doing)?
I don't think there will be any surprise questions.
We will be sure to let you know if there's anything else.
Producer Mike Ricci, and Alex Martin, cell--will be our staff on location (they're also
hesitate contact them or me ~ i n g . cc'd on this email). Please
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV <Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov>
To: Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV <Cullen.Werwie@wisconsin.gov>
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV <Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>; Lott, Maxim
Sent: Tue Apr 19 18:31:56 2011
Wanted to circle up on this
1
Chris Schrimpf
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 2:01 PM
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lott, Maxim
Yes. Definitely. We'll get you something by tomorrow afternoon.
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov]
Yes. Can you also send over anything in particular he wants to discuss with Governor Walker? We want him to get the
most informed answers possible during his trip.
Chris Schrimpf
Sounds perfect. Can we get the crews into the office at 6:30AM to set-up?
You're set for 8:30am Thursday in the Governor's Office
Chris Schrimpf
2
Sent: Monday, April 18, 201111:51 AM
I definitely need to book it by tomorrow morning. Thursday morning at his office in Madison would probably be our first
choice (we'll be doing interviews with some other folks there as well). Although, Thursday afternoon in Milwaukee
would be fine, too, because there are many more direct flights.
To: Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, C u l l < : ~ n J - GOV
When do you need to book your flights? The Governor may be in Milwaukee for part of Thursday, which I would think
would be easier for you to fly into. But I should have an answer this afternoon on when and where. Thursday morning in
Madison is looking like a possibility as well.
Chris Schrimpf
There is only one direct flight a day between Madison and New York-so we're planning to book Stossel on the following
flights and are hoping you can work with us to schedule the interview within this timeframe. Thanks!
Wednesday, Apri120, 2011
2:50PM Depart LGA
Delta Flight 6533
4:41 PM Arrive MSN
Thursday, April 21, 2011
5:27 PM Depart MSN
Delta Flight 6533
9:00 PM Arrive LGA
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 10:29 AM
3
Definitely thursday, but don't have a time locked in yet. Sorry
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 09:27AM
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV; Lott, Maxim <Maxim.lott@FOXNEWS.COM>
Hi all-do you have a time/date set for the STOSSEL intv?
Thanks,
Kristina
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 12:22 PM
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lett, Maxim
Thursday should work. We are working on the schedule for next week today
Sent: Friday, April15, 201111:20 AM
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV; Lett, Maxim <Maxim.lott@FOXNEWS.COM>
We could also do Tuesday or Wednesday if that would work for the Governor.
In either his office or conference room
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Friday, April15, 2011 9:37AM
Thursday (April 21'') would definitely work for us.
Please let me know what time. Would we do the intv in the governor's office? We'll have two camera crews.
4
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 9:55AM
Kristina- We are checking on this Friday, but it's Good Friday so we're not certain of the Gov's schedule yet. Thursday
we could probably make work if it was okay for you guys.
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 8:47 AM
To: Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
I'm checking in regarding this interview request. Please see below. We'd like to do something next week (Wed, Thurs, or Fri), and
would set the rest of our schedule around it.
Please let me know.

From: Kendall, Kristina
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 12:50 PM
To: 'Cullen. Werwie@Wl.Gov'; 'chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov'
Cc: 'tom.evenson@wisconsin.gov'; Lott, Maxim
Subject: STOSSEL intv request
I just wanted to clarify our interview request:
The STOSSEL team at Fox News is working on a documentary that will air in mid-June that we've tentatively titled: "The Money
Hole"-we'lllook at how dire our fiscal situation in this country is. [The last STOSSEL documentary, FREELOADERS, broadcast 20
times and had over 12 million viewers.] We're wrapping up shooting at the end of this month.
John Stossel is interested in coming to Madison to do interviews about the budget battle in Wisconsin and would like to sit down for
an interview with the Governor. We can schedule this trip around the Governor's schedule. Days that look good on John's schedule
to make the trip include next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (April 20, 21, 22) as well as Tuesday, April 26" and Friday, April 29".
Please let me know if we can set this up at your earliest convenience.
Many thanks,
Kristina
Kristina Kendall
Executive Producer for John Stossel
Fox News and Fox Business
1211 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Sent:
To:
Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Evenson, Tom- GOV; Lott, Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Tuesday, April19, 2011 7:25 PM
to address: why did he propose these particular spending cuts to get a handle on Wisconsin's budget issues? Why did he
Producer Mike Ricci, cell:-and Alex Martin, cell:-will be our staff on location (they're also
cc'd on this email). contact them or me
'
From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV <Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov>
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV <Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>; Lott, Maxim
Sent: Tue Apr 19 18:31:56 2011
Chris Schrimpf
1
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 2:59PM
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Monday, April18, 2011 1:56PM
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 2:54PM
You're set for 8:30 am Thursday in the Governor's Office
Chris Schrimpf
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV; Lott, Maxim
2
Chris Schrimpf
Wednesday, April20, 2011
2:50 PM Depart LGA
Delta Flight 6533
4:41 PM Arrive MSN
5:27 PM Depart MSN
Delta Flight 6533
9:00 PM Arrive LGA
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 09:27AM
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lott, Maxim <Maxim.lott@FOXNEWS.COM>
3
Thanks,
Kristina
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2011 12:22 PM
Subject: RE: STOSSEL intv request .
Chris Schrimpf
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov
Sent: Friday, Apri115, 2011 9:37AM
Thursday (April 21") would definitely work for us.
From: Schrimpf, Chris : GOV [mailto:Chris.Schrimpf@wisconsin.gov]
Kristina- We are checking on this Friday, but it's Good Friday so we're not certain of the Gov's schedule yel Thursday
Chris Schrimpf
4
Please let me know .
.:.Kristina
To: 'Cullen.Werwie@WI.Gov'; 'chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov'
Hole"-we'lllook at how dire our fiscal situation in this country is. [The last STOSSEL documentary, FREELOADERS, broadcast 20
to make the trip include next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (April 20, 21, 22) as well as Tuesday, April 26'" and Friday, April 29'".
Many thanks,
Kristina
Kristina Kendall
New York, NY 10036
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
Kendall, Kristina <Kristina.Kendall@foxbusiness.com>
Tuesday, Aprill9, 2011 7:25 PM
Cc:
Subject:
Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lett, Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
Re: STOSSEL intv request
Producer Mike Ricci,
cc'd on this email). Please don't hes;italte
Alex Martin, cell:
contact them or me i you
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV <Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>; Lett, Maxim
Sent: Tue Apr 19 18:31:56 2011
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Monday, April18, 2011 2:59PM
be our staff on location (they're also
1
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Monday, April 18, 20111:56 PM
Chris Schrimpf
Chris Schrimpf
2
Wednesday, April20, 2011
2:50PM DepartLGA
Delta Flight 6533
4:41PM Arrive MSN
5:27PM Depart MSN
Delta Flight 6533
9:00 PM Arrive LGA
Thanks,
Kristina
Sent: Friday, April15, 201112:22 PM
3
Sent: Friday, Apri115, 201110:41 AM
Chris Schrimpf
Thursday (April21") would definitely work for us.
Chris Schrimpf
4
Please let me know.
-Kristina
To: 'Cullen.Werwie@Wl.Gov'; 'chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov'
Cc: 'tom.evenson@wisconsin.gov'; Lett, Maxim
Hole" -we'll look at how dire our fiscal situation in this country is. [The last STOSSEL documentary, FREELOADERS, broadcast 20
to make the trip include next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (April 20, 21, 22) as well as Tuesday, April 26" and Friday, April 29".
Many thanks,
Kristina
Kristina Kendall
I 2 I I Avenue of the Americas, I 7th Floor
lilililiiiilOJ
6
5
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 4:17 PM
Kendall, Kristina; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc:
Subject:
Evenson, Tom - GOV; L o t ~ Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
The crew should email me when they arrive and what entrance they are at so I can let them in the building which will be
locked at the time.
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 1:43 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Lett, Maxim; Ricci, Michael; Martin, Alexandra
Crews are set for 6:30AM, Stossel will probably arrive between 8:15 and 8:25AM so that we can roll promptly at 8:30
AM.
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 2:40 PM
Chris Schrimpf
be addressing the fiscal situation (ie: why we can't continue doing what we've BEEN doing}?
1
Producer Mike Ricci, cell: and Alex Martin, be our staff on location (they're also
cc'd on this email). Please don't hesitate to contact them or me you need anything.
Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV <Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>; Lott, Maxim
Sent: Tue Apr 19 18:31:56 2011
Chris Schrimpf
Chris Schrimpf
2
. Subject: RE: STOSSEL intv request
Chris Schrimpf
Qffice of the Governor
I definitely heed to book it by tomorrow morning. Thursday morning at his office in Madison would probably be our first
Chris Schrimpf
Wednesday, Apri120, 2011
2:50 PM Depart LGA
Delta Flight 6533
3
4:41PM ArriveMSN
Thursday, April2l, 2011
5:27 PM Depart MSN
Delta Flight 6533
9:00 PM Arrive LGA
Thanks,
Kristina
Sent: Friday, April15, 201112:22 PM
Chris Schrimpf
4
Thursday (April 21")would definitely work for us.
Chris Schrimpf
Please let me know.
-Kristina
To: 'Cullen.Werwie@Wl.Gov'; 'chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov'
Hole" -we'll look at how dire our fiscal situation in this country is. [The last STOSSEL documentary, FREELOADERS, broadcast 20
5
an intervie_w with the Governor. We can schedule this trip around the Governor's schedule. Days that look good on John's schedule
to make the trip include next Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (April 20, 21, 22) as well as Tuesday, April 26'" and Friday, April 29'".
Many thanks,
Kristina
Kristina Kendall
Executive Producer for John Stosse/
New York, NY 10036
6
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good. Tweet.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011 8:48AM
Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Re: suggested tweet
2011 08:15AM
Cc: Tom - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: suggested tweet
Did you know that collective bargaining caused the Outstanding First Year Teacher to be laid off one week after winning
her award?
Chris Schrimpf
Press Q[fice: 608-267-7303
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
..
From:
Sent:
To:

Cc:
Subject:
Good. Tweet it.
Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Evenson, Tom- GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet
Sent: Friday, March 04 2011 09:03AM

Cc: Evenson, Tom- GOV
Subject: Suggested Tweet
Here's an example of collective bargaining that not only has a fiscal impact but hinders a communities ability to
deal with a blizzard. http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editoriallarticle 4163c08e-4607-lle0-
8d0c-001cc4c03286.html
Union's grievance feeds Walker's plan
http :1/www. journaltimes.com/news/opinion/ editorial/article 4163c08e-4607 -11 e0-8d0c-
001cc4c03286.html
Timing, it is said, is everything.
That includes bad timing.
Local67 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, may well have garnered the
prize in that department when they filed a grievance against the City of Racine for hiring outside contractors to
help dig out from the Feb. 1-2 blizzard that overwhelmed southeast Wisconsin.
The union filed the grievance on Feb. 18. The headlines in the newspaper that day were "Senate Dems flee
Capitol"-- headlines that marked the escalation of the fight over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill that
would strip many public sector unions of most of their collective bargaining rights.
If he hasn't said it already, we wouldn't be surprised to see Gov. Walker point to the AFSCME grievance and
say: "That's what I'm talking about."
It is a good example-- or actually a bad example-- of the difficulties municipalities have had in dealing with
unions over work rules and contracts.
In the blizzard grievance, Local 67 said the city violated their collective bargaining agreement when it hired
private contractors to help with the post-blizzard snow removal between Feb. 2 and Feb. 11. Under the contract,
1
Racine can "contract out for goods or services, however there shall be no layoffs or reduction in hours due to
any contracting out of work."
The city called on private contractors to help deal with the 2 feet of snow that shut down the city for almost two
days and trapped many residents in their homes UJ,:!til plows could finally get through.
Deputy City Attorney Scott Letteney said the city did not reduce Local67 members' hours-- as many of them
filed for overtime. Nor were there layoffs. Indeed, the dig out required as much help as could be found.
The union apparently believes they were deprived of work done by the private contractors-- that it would just
have taken longer, or perhaps generated even more overtime.
But, as Letteney pointed out, the city can also take whatever action is necessary during an emergency -- and
this, of course, was more than a usual snow emergency.
Perlu.!Ps even more bizarrely, the union grieved that unlike city employees who got paid days off on Feb. 2,
L o c ~ i 67 members were denied pay for the day when they were absent or late because of the blizzard. Yes, it is
true that many non-essential office workers and others were told not to come to work -- and they were paid for
the day because the city "made work not available to them."
But there was work that day available to plow drivers --that's, after all, what they do.
The City of Racine is disputing the grievance claim -- as it should.
Local 67, meanwhile, has provided anununition for the battle in the Capitol that may well put an end to this
kind of nonsense and stifle the union's ability to file complaints over legitimate issues as well.
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
ThtJrsclay, March 03, 2011 6:33 PM
Cc:
Subject:
Re: Suggested Tweet
Good.
Sent: 03, 2011 06:30 PM
Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Evenson, Tom - GOV
The Ozaukee County Board understands and supports our budget repair bill
http://www. json line.com/news/ozwash/117364643. html
Ozaukee County Board backs Walker repair bill
e-mail
print
By Don Behm
March 3,2011 5:35p.m. I(OJ COMMENTS
The Ozaukee County Board has adopted a resolution supporting Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill that curtails
public employees' collective bargaining powers.
The board approved the resolution Wednesday on a 21-5 vote, with three supervisors abstaining. Two supervisors
were absent.
Additional retirement system contributions from county employees alone will cut county spending by $1 million a year,
Board Chairman Robert Brooks said.
Walker's legislation, which aims to close a gap in the current state budget, is stalled in Madison because 14 Democrat
senators fled the state two weeks ago rather than provide the necessary quorum needed for final adoption.
Walker's budget-repair bill would require most public employees- except fire and police -to pay 5.8% toward their
pensions and 12% of their healthcare benefits. It would also dismantle most other elements of collective bargaining,
which has prompted daily protests in Madison and beyond.
Chris Schrimpf
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
ue>tJay, March O;t, 2011 8:13AM
Cc:
Subject:
RE: Suggested Tweet
Yes.
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 8:10AM
To:--
Cc: ~ V ; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
A local elected official writes why collective bargaining must be reformed.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/1171 07328.html
Chris Schrimpf
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:46 AM
To:
Subject:
Chris Schrimpf; Evenson, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet '
Good. tweet it.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
From: Chris Schrimpf <chris.schrimpf@gmail.com>
Date: 1\):1, ?I Feb, 20.1 I Q2:53:20 -0600
To: Tom- GOT<Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>; Werwie, Cullen J-
GOT <Cullen. Werwie@wisconsin.gov>
State Journal says running away is irresponsible.
http:/ /host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/editorial/article 5606ac8!-c8ea-5682-9cl c-1 af2e9071 e77 .html
They made their point.
Now its time to get back to work in Madison, not Rockford, Ill., or Chicago.
The Senate Democrats who fled Wisconsin for Illinois last week need to do the jobs they were elected to do at
the state Capitol in Madison. Running away from their problems wont solve them.
All14 Democrats in the 33-member Wisconsin Senate staged a walkout from the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison
on Thursday.
They bolted to prevent the 19 Republicaos who control the Senate from potentially voting in favor of GOP Gov.
Scott Walkers controversial budget repair bill. The proposal, which the Democrats adamaotly oppose, includes
sweeping limits to collective bargaining for public employee unions.
So the Senate is now stuck because it needs at least 20 members for a quorum before it cao vote on fiscal
matters.
And thats one more senator thao the Republicao majority has.
State law allows the Senate to use law enforcement to force absent members back to the Capitol. But because all
of the Democrats are apparently holed up out of state, theyre outside the jurisdiction of Wisconsin law
enforcement.
So Wisconsin sits aod waits. For how long? Until Walker apologizes for winning the last election?
Like it or not, the majority of Wisconsin voters elected Walker and other Republicaos to run the statehouse for
the next two years. The Democrats caot change that until subsequent elections.
1
Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, met with the State Journal editorial board late Tuesday afternoon, urging us
to urge the governor to slow down his bill. We agreed with Erpenbach that the public deserves more than a
week to consider such a major piece Of legislatior( And we said so in an editorial Thursday morning.
But we dont agree with Erpenbach failing to show up for days to work and, on Sunday afternoon, suggesting
from a hotel in Chicago that the Senate Democrats might not return until Walker gives in to their demands.
Thats irresponsible.
Moreover, Erpenbach has his own history of rushing legislation. We scolded him back in 2009 for scheduling a
public hearing with barely 24 hours notice. We did so even though we strongly supported the bill he was
moving a statewide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
The many lawmakers who opposed the controversial smoking ban didnt head for the hills. They responsibly
showed,up at the state Capitol to represent their constituents as best they could, even though their side didnt
prevail.
Erpenbach and his Senate Democratic colleagues hiding out in Illinois should do the same.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris Schrimpf; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Evenson, Tom- GOV
Re: suggested tweet
Yes. Yes. Yes. Tweet it.
From: Chris Schrimpf
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:22:18
To: Werwie, Cullen J-
GOT <Tom.Evenson@wisconsin.gov>;
Evenson, Tom-
Collective bargaining has a fiscal impact. Here's one example http://www.facebook.com/govemorscottwalker
Many school districts participate in a union run insurance plan because the teacher's union bargains to get
districts across the state to participate. Union leadership benefits from members participating. If school districts
emolled in the state employee h ... ealth plan, it would save school districts up to $68 million per year. See More
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
201112:51 PM
Cc:
Subject:
Evenson, Tom - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet
Good.
S e ~ 1 8 , 201112:47 PM
To:__.
Cc: Evenson, Tom -GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
MJS on what they call the "Dem's Tantrum" http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/116434554.html
The Dems' tantrum
In a snit, Senate Democrats run and hide - making a mockery of the
democratic process.
Feb. 17, 20111(234) Comments
Democrats in the state Senate threw a temper tantrum Thursday - essentially they took their ball and went home.
Actually, they didn't go home. They apparently went to Illinois, just out of reach of their obligations.
By boycotting an expected vote on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, they were able to prevent action on
the measure. Twenty senators are required for a quorum; the Republicans have only 19.
The Walker plan is deeply divisive. We're not supportive of some aspects of the bill, either, including those that
will make it nearly impossible for unions to negotiate. And we think that police and firefighter unions should
not be excluded as they are now. But public worker benefits need to be reined in, and Walker is right to target
them.
State Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), apparently with plenty of time on her hands Thursday afternoon, posted
on her Facebook page, "brb," slang for "be right back." Too bad she and her colleagues weren't.
One leading Democrat - Obarna was his name, as we recall- put it well after winning the White House in 2008:
"Elections have consequences," he told Republicans at the time. Indeed they do. The Democrats' childish prank
mocks the democratic process.
Meanwhile, some Wisconsin teachers decided to make a mockery of their own profession by penalizing their
students after an irresponsible call to action by Mary Bell, the chief of the state teachers union.
1
"On Thursday and Friday, we are asking Wisconsinites to come to Madison," Bell, president of the Wisconsin
Education Association Council, said Wednesday. She then claimed disingenuously that she wasn't telling the
union's 98,000 teachers to walk off their jobs.
Unfortunately, that's what many of them did. There were no classes in Madison schools. Port Washington High
School had to close. The same was true at other schools around the state. Do these teachers care more about
their jobs than their kids? We wonder.
Both Senate Democrats and teachers should get over their snits and get back to work
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
11ur>uory, February 17, 2011 7:24PM
Cc:
Subject:
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Evenson, Tom - GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet
Good. Tweet it.
S e n ~ 17, 2011 06:40PM
T o : ~
The Chicago Tribune with a strong editorial on labor vs the common good in Wi
http://www .chicagotribune.com/news/ opinion/editorials/ ct-edit-union-20110217 ,0,2260656,print.story
Lost: The common good
6:05PM CST, February 17,2011
America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces.
Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can
justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.
But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so
many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass
demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion
deficit they face over the next two years?
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their wages
toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest
employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.
Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective
bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.
No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the
employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."
Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature.
Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to
1
join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and
Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.
Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer
workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common good.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument
caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly
support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The
poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a
favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.
Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One
reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They
understand that if their company carmot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to
the U.S. auto.industry.
Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public
unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management- witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat
Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit
over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the
table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work
from those same employees and their unions.
Many states - Illinois is not yet among them- are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.
It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against
public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the frmctions of any organization of government
employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.
Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve
a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor
versus the common good.
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent:
To:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 6:00 PM
Evenson, Tom- GOV
Subject:
sure
Chris Schrimpf
RE: Suggested Tweet
From: Evenson, Tom - GOV
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 5:59PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Subject: Re: Suggested Tweet
I can post text and not article if you want
S e n ~ a r y 16, 2011 05:57PM
To:...........,
Subject: RE: Suggested Tweet
Good point
Chris Schrimpf
Sent: 16, 2011 5:53 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Mixed bag. I would say this without linking to this story.
P .5. I don't think many people even know what collective bargaining is.
Sent: 16, 2011 05:48 PM
1
Subject: SuggestedTweet
There are a lot of voices not at the capitol today who recognize the need to reform how our government works
http://www. fox6now. com/news/witi-20 11 0216-budget -opinion. 0.2276692. print. story
Public opinion is mixed on Governor Walker's budget repair bill
Scott Walker's plan could be passed before March
TamiHughes
FOX6 Reporter
WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE
FOX6 Reporter Tami Hughes drove up and down Capitol Dr. trying to gauge the public opinion on Governor
Scott Walker's budget repair bill. After traveling from Shorewood to Brookfield, FOX6 finds there aren't any
clear winners.
Gas station attendant Gene Jacobsen believes state workers should be grateful they still have a job. He says,
"Gotta bite the bullet... What would you rather have a job with benefits that you have to pay for a little, or no job
at all?"
Shorewood High School students used their lunch break to support their favorite public employees. Junior
Eileen O'Meara-Stillwell says, "Our teachers do so much for us, and they deserve our support, and they don't
deserve their benefits to be taken away."
Shorewood High School Senior says , "It's not greed, because right now they aren't being paid very much. They
are underpaid workers."
FOX6 found no support for Walker's plan at Capitol Dr. and Teutonia Ave. Terry Spresberry said, "It's wrong.
It's hurting a lot of people."
John Denman said, "The working man is paying so much now, and it's hard when you're running a household to
really come up with the extra cash to pay for things like health care."
There was more overall support for Walker's plan in Brookfield. During our last stop we talked to Eric Walcher,
and he said, "Getting more money into the economy works out well for me, because then I'll be able to manage
my own money. Not have the union manage my money."
Andy Wolf says, "There's some cutbacks, but we're all facing it in the business world. We're all facing it right
now." ,
Many who said they support public employees say they disagreed with the decision to protest outside Walker's
personal home. They also thought teachers should have stayed in school.
Walker backers say they don't believe collective bargaining should be ended.
2
Chris Schrimpf
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
Sent: We,dnesday, February 16, 2011 5:57 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good point
Chris Schrimpf
RE: Suggested Tweet

Sent:- 16, 2011 5:53 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Mixed bag. I would say this without linking to this story.
, Evenson, Tom- GOV
P .5. I don't think many people even know what collective bargaining is.
16, 2011 05:48PM
To:._.._
There are a lot of voices not at the capitol today who recognize the need to reform how our government works
http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-20110216-budget-opinion.0.2276692.print.storv
Public opinion is mixed on Governor Walker's budget repair bill
Scott Walker's plan could be passed before March
Tami Hughes
FOX6 Reporter
WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE
FOX6 Reporter Tami Hughes drove up and down Capitol Dr. trying to gauge the public opinion on Governor
Scott Walker's budget repair bill. After traveling from Shorewood to Brookfield, FOX6 finds there aren't any
clear winners.
1
Gas station attendant Gene Jacobsen believes state workers should be grateful they still have a job. He says,
"Gotta bite the bullet... What would you rather have a job with benefits that you have to pay for a little, or no job
at all?"
Shorewood High School students used their lunch break to support their favorite public employees. Junior
Eileen O'Meara-Stillwell says, "Our teachers do so much for us, and they deserve our support, and they don't
deserve their benefits to be taken away."
Shorewood High School Senior says , "It's not greed, because right now they aren't being paid very much. They
are underpaid workers."
FOX6 found no support for Walker's plan at Capitol Dr. and Teutonia Ave. Terry Spresberry said, "It's wrong.
It's hurting a lot of people."
John Denman said, "The working man is paying so much now, and it's hard when you're running a household to
really come up with the extra cash to pay for things like health care."
There was more overall support for Walker's plan in Brookfield. During our last stop we talked to Eric Walcher,
and he said, "Getting more money into the economy works out well for me, because then I'll be able to manage
my own money. Not have the union manage my money."
Andy Wolf says, "There's some cutbacks, but we're all facing it in the business world. We're all facing it right
now."
Many who said they support public employees say they disagreed with the decision to protest outside Walker's
personal home. They also thought teachers should have stayed in school.
Walker backers say they don't believe collective bargaining should be ended.
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Good.
Monday, February 14, 2011 6:39 PM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Evenson, Tom - GOV
Re: suggested tweet
S e n ~ : Monda Febr 14, 2011 06:23PM
To:
Cc: erwie, Cullen J - GOV; Evenson, Tom - GOV
Have to admire someone like Patricia Roch. "you have to say what's best for the state and what can I do"
http://www. fox11 on I ine. co mid pp/news/Budget-repair -bill-impact-on-education
Budget repair bill impact on education
Teachers unions plan more protests
Updated: Monday,14 Feb 2011,6:05 PM CST
Published: Monday, 14 Feb 2011,5:45 PM CST
Reporter: Ben Krumholz
GREEN BAY- Union leaders in Northeast Wisconsin spent part of Monday letting their members know how they should feel about
Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill proposal. Some unions, including teachers unions, also started organizing protests.
"'As educators, as teachers, we're not against looking at ways to help to solve this fiscal problem that we have," said T ani Lardinois, the
president of the Green Bay Education Association. "What we are saying is don't take away our right to have a say so in what our work
environment is."
Don't expect everyone in an education union to be involved with protests. Retired teacher, Patricia Roch of Neenah says she will sit out
any protest.
"Finally somebody is taking fiscal responsibility in this state," said Roch.
Roch realizes Walker's plans will likely affect her benefits, but she is all for cutting spending.
"I can see how my union is trying to stand up for its teachers but there just comes a time when there is a line in the sand and you have
to say what's best for the state and what can I do," said Roch.
"It's so much larger than what he has given the public the opportunity to realize,'' said Lardinois.
Lardinois says stripping away collective bargaining rights has received the most publicity in Walker's repair bill. But she wants people to
realize it will also take away teachers' ability to negotiate for tools and teaching methods that are necessary for their classrooms.
Governor Walker says the bill will actually benefit students.
"It will insure more of those dollars that go to local governments, in particular that go to school districts from the state government and
from the local taxpayer actually go into the classroom and they won't be eaten up through larger benefits,'' said Walker.
And while teachers say they will continue to protest to make their voice heard, Roch says she has a message for both sides.
1
"People really need to look at this with an open mind. Not just what's good for them, but what is good for Wisconsin," said Roch.
Bay Lakes United Educators says it will protest at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College on Tuesday during a visit from Lieutenant
Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.
The Green Bay Education Association says it will hold a protest at the Brown County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m.
The Senate could vote on the bill as early as Thursday.
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
27, 201110:01 AM
Cc:
Subject:
Re: Suggested Tweet
Good. Tweet it.
2011 09:34AM
To=....-.
The hugely Dem Mass. House voted overwhelmingly for collective bargaining reform noting it will avoid layoffs and
reductions. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/20ll/04/2z/house votes to limit bargainin
g on health care/
Chris Schrimpf
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
rsday, February 17, 2011 7:24PM
Cc:
Subject:
Evenson, Tom - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Suggested Tweet2
Excellent. Tweet it.
17, 2011 06:54PM

Cc: Evenson, Tom - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Subject: Suggested Tweet2
The Wall Street Journal editorializes on our modest proposal
http://online. wsj.com/article/SB1 00014240527 48704657704576150111817 428004.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Athens in Mad Town
A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.
For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we recommend a
look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the past few days,
thousands have swarmed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawmakers and disrupt Governor Scott
Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government unions.
Mr. Walker's very modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to collectively
bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases would be capped at the
federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum. The bill would also require
union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip in 12.6% of the cost of their health
insurance premiums.
If those numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was 7.5% in 2009, according
to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.
Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New Jersey.
Wisconsin is running a $13 7 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6 billion short in the
next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save the state $300 million over
the next two years, and the altemative would be to lay off 5,500 public employees.
None of this is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from the
98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday when 40% of
its teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is "all about the children." By the way, these are some
of the same teachers who sued the Milwaukee school board last August to get Viagra coverage restored to their
health-care plan.
1
The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that the
Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of President
Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that while he knows
nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the Capitol building.
"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're social workers and they're police officers," he said,
"and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill because it
explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to think about with his
own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it appears that the 2012 campaign is
already underway.
The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the rush to democracy," offered Democratic State Senator
Bob Jauch. "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."
The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in November
when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or labor reforms that
routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that Republicans and voters will give
up.
While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies walked out
of the state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate must be present to
hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short. By the end of the day some
Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to short-circuit democracy?
Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for years
and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the government also would
no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the unions. Instead, unions would be
responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also require unions to be recertified armually by a
majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability inside unions.
The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or constitutional
right. It is the result of the growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during the middle of the last
century. John Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown to California workers in
1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective bargaining rights for public
employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it or harmed it outright.
And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power. Their
campaign cash-collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then supposed to
represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on both sides of the
bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as Franklin Roosevelt and
Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers, even as they championed private
unions.
***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed, and
overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean and the U.S.
economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want refmm, and Mr. Walker is trying to
deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin understand that this battle is
ultimately about their right to self-government
2
Chris Schrimpf
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Evenso,n, Tom- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Re: Th tweet
Would like to do ur tweet about the de press corps from official account too. Had to push back on another AP story,
which they are supposedly fixing.
On
> Perfect.
>Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>-----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Schrimpf
> Date: Thu, 14 Apr
>To:
> Cc: Evenson<tom.evenson@wi.gov>; Cullen
> Werwie<cullen.werwle@wisconsin.gov>
>Subject: Re: Th tweet
>
wrote:
>Our reforms do save$- over 700 mil a year. Rep Kucinich asked about
>issue of annual vote- NOT about total issue of collective bargaining.
>
>
>On Thu, Apr 14, 2011 at 9:26PM, ~ r o t e :
>
Our reforms do save$$$ Rep Dennis Kucinich asked about issue of
annual vote- NOT about total issue of collective bargaining.
>>
>
>
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Wednesday, February 02, 201111:37 AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M -
GOV
FYI in Florida voters believe 64-28 that state workers should contribute to their pensions, which they currently don't do.
http://www. quinn ipiac.ed u/x1297 .xmi?Releasel D= 1554
Chris Schrimpf
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From: Hamblin, Gary H - DOC
Sent: Friday, February 18, 201111:47 AM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV To:
Keith,
This is the body of an email that is being circulated in the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls area.
There will be buses leaving the Labor Temple in Eau Claire EVERY single darn
day until this is over!!!! Fill them up. Use appropriate leave time and RDO's or
trades. This includes over the weekend, next week ... until this is done. That means
every single member can attend!!!!! Recruit, organize, and and UNITE!
Friday, buses and caravans of middle class Union members and supporters are
coming from New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Iowa ... WI is officially now being
called ground zero by the press for the national fight and national attacks on Unions
and the middle class.
It is getting bigger and bigger each day. Teachers, Teamsters, Steelworkers ... all
Unions and those NOT in the public sector ARE joining us and the movement.
Locally, 400 kids from Chi-Hi (highest area turnout) walked out first and second
hour. They walked to the courthouse and returned to school. Watching the
interviews ... wow, don't underestimate these young folks and how much they DO
understand the issues. Today we picketed in front of the Chippewa County
courthouse. On the way home my family and I stopped at the fire stations in
Chippewa and the firefighters support us and will publicly support us Goining many
firefighters across the state denouncing this insanity).
Hudson, a conservative and wealthy area of the state has cancelled school for Friday
due to not having enough faculty to teach. This is going on all over the state.
Ed Shultz from MSNBC is conducting his nightly show from Madison. Rachel
Maddow, yesterday and today, devoted almost her entire show to what is occurring.
They both are getting out the facts of how Walker says there is no money, but yet
has given $142 million in tax cuts since inauguration day to create this "false debt".
The SAME message this Local delivered to legislators in which many of you
witnessed in Madison Tuesday. They are receiving information and exposing it on
national television what is actually going on here. Exposing how the Americans for
Prosperity which is a front right wing group for the Koch billionaire brothers are
financing these initiatives across the nation. These same two billionaire brothers
who destroyed the middle class private sector by financing the support for all the
bogus free trade agreements.
AND LETS NOT FORGET THE BRA VERY OF 14 DEMOCRAT SENATORS
WHO, WITHOUT A CHANCE TO GRAB A TOOTHBRUSH, SAY GOODBYE
TO FAMILY AND CHILDREN, GRAB DEODORANT, A CHANGE OF
1
CLOTHES ... SAID THAT THEY ARE GOING TO EXERCISE THEIR
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND PROTEST THE LACK OF DEMOCRACY
OCCURRING. THEN THE FITZGERALD BROTHERS CALLED THEIR JUST
RECENTLY POLITICALLY APPOINTED DAD (BY WALKER) WHO IS
GUESS WHAT?? ... THE TOP DOG FOR THE TROOPERS. SO AS THEY HAD
THE TROOPERS BEING ORDERED BY THE FITZS' DAD TO FIND THE
SENATORS (AT LEAST ONE ANYWAY) AND BRING THEM IN. THEY LEFT
THE STATE JURISDICTION OF THE FITZGERALD RAN TROOPERS.
In the very near future this area just may be conducting additional pickets, but in
some more strategic locations.
All kinds of civic and civil organizations are coming out in support of us including
church groups. The catholic church has already publicly denounced it. Ask your
church if they will support us and publicly.
We may be having some signs made for Local businesses who are willing to display
the sign in their window which would say one thing, "SUPPORT PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES".
This guv plans to introduce (among other crazy things) next week his actual two
year budget bill for 2011-2013 which would remove the University of Wisconsin
Madison from the University of Wisconsin system .
. THEY PICKED THE WRONG FIGHT WITH
THE WRONG PEOPLE AND IN THE
WRONG STATE! SOLIDARITY
From the Department of Corrections: Please consider the environment before printing this message.
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Tuesday, February 08, 201111:42 AM
VJerwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV
URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Protect Wisconsin Workers
Importance: High
This is the message the SEIU employees received after the state of the state address on Tuesday.
0 = ~ - - - -
I
On Tuesday night, Governor Walker issued his 'State of the State' address that puts the needs of big business
over working families by calling for an increase in pension and healthcare premiums for all state workers
including SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin members. Governor Walker admits our state workers "have had to do
more with less" but thinks only corporations rather than the hard working families of Wisconsin deserve
breaks. Despite his admission, he is calling for state workers to pay an additional 12% towards their
healthcare costs and another 5% towards their pensions.
State workers have already shouldered their burden to help the state deficit by agreeing to 16 furlough days,
insurance premium increases and zero per cent pay increases over the next contract. This amounts to a
total of 9% pay decrease for every state worker. Now Governor Walker is asking for more sacrifices by
working families while he sits backs and fails to create a single idea around job creation.
1
0 ---
Governor Walker has passed a series of bills through the state legislature that will create few if any jobs, and
actually ADD over $130 million to the state deficit! Rather than create new jobs, these bills give
corporations tax breaks and protect big business from liability.
Wisconsin already has one of the leanest public sector workforces in the country. Balancing the budget on the
back of hardworking public servants will make it impossible for them to deliver the kinds of important local
services that keep our communities strong, healthy, and safe. Instead of allowing politicians to attack the
state workers in our communities, we should be doing more to protect everyone in our state's
shrinking middle class. They want to pit public workers like correctional officers, nurses and cops against
working families who pay for those services. The result will be less protection on our streets and in our
homes, more crowded classrooms, higher patient loads at state facilities and dangerous bridges and tunnels.
We cannot let this happen. We cannot sit this one out. Take action today, and commit to fighting back. Sign up
now to protect fellow SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin brothers and sisters to tell our elected officials, "We want
jobs now, not corporate handouts!"
To get involved, CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP to be part of this important effort! or contact us at 608-277-
1199 or toll free at 1-888-285-1199. Be part of the solution, get involved.
Sign up at http://hcwi.seiu.org/page/siqnuo/201 012SignupForF airWagesBenefits
SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU) HEALTHCARE WISCONSIN
Madison Office (Main): 4513 Vernon Blvd., Suite 300, Madison, Wl53705 608277-1199, 888-285-1199
Milwaukee Office: 260 E. Highland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-455-3840, 877-306-1199
LaCrosse Office: 2421 Larson St., LaCrosse, Wl54603 608-787-8835, 877-787-8835
2
This email was sent to:
rosescotcharter.net
To unsubscribe, go to:
http:f/hcwl.seiu.orq/unsubscribe
(
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 10.0.1204/ Virus Database: 1435/3420- Release Date: 02/03/11
From the Department of Corrections: Please consider the environment before printing this message.
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Greg Hubbard
Friday, February 11, 2011 2:49 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Eric schutt; Murray, Ryan M - GOV
UW HEALTH
It appears from our initial review of the budget adjustment bill that it eliminates collective bargaining for ALL UWHC
employees. It doesn't simply move the state employees over to the authority. As you know we currently bargain with
many of the employees currently employed by the authority--the thought was that the state employees would simply be
included with the groups we already bargain with.
Can you let me know if and when I can talk to one of you guys?
Greg Hubbard
Hubbard Wilson & Zelenkova
44 E. Mifflin Street, Suite 605
Madison, WI 53703
p: 255-0566
c:
ghubbard@hwz-gov.com
www.hwz-gov.com
1
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
NancyGmail
Tuesday, February
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: WALKER FAN- LETTERS SENT TO MADISON CHAMBER/JENNIFER
ALEXANDERamber.com/about/press_room/60
Keith, Sorry to bother you if there's a better way to foiWard these to Governor Walker. My friends wanted him to see
there support in light of recent comments from GMCC.
Nancy Mistele
Message-----
From: Mary Feldt
To: jalexander@greatermadisonchamber.com
Cc: jburda@greatermadisonchamber.com
Subject: Budget repair http://www.meatermadisonchamber.com/about/press room/60
Jennifer, this is personally from me and I am very disappointed in your email to members sent on Friday.
My understanding of the GMCC is that it was to represent all of the members and help bring business to the area. I must
say that I have seen a shift to the progressive side by the Chamber and have not been happy with that shift. This,
however, is quite over the top. It certainly would have been better to keep silent. By the way, I would like to know how
the state's economy will be better off debating this for months on end and probably without an outcome needed to right
this state.
We voters in the state have elected the Republicans to correct what has been happening to put us in this terrible
situation. I for one am tired of giving up things and continuing to pay more to the public sector employees. I am sure that
most of the workers do a great job; there are many private sector employees doing a great job as well and who have
sacrificed and still pay more in taxes for the union workers and their increases.
I assume your email was approved by the board, or maybe not. You are certainly not representing MANY of your
members.
It is hard to contain my anger, frustration and disappointment personally. I realize my one voice means little, but I think
others are feeling the same way even if they do not let you know.
By the way, how do you feel about the Dems running away? Considering your email, you probably think it is
appropriate.
What is your position on the doctors writing bogus medical excuses? Do you think the teachers who use those excuses
should be fired? What awonde1ful example the doctors and teachers are setting for the students. Are these the people we
want teaching our kids and taking care of us?
Who is going to clean up the capitol building?
The teachers union in Madison is determining what day the Madison Schools should open again. This is one of the
reasons this needs to stop. This is not for the employees; this is so the unions continue to be more powerful than the
people of this state and can bring in more money to support themselves. Things have been so one sided for so many years
something drastic has to happen.
Collective bargaining is not a right, it is a privilege that has been misused and abused or we would not be at this point.
1
Mary Feldt
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
NancyGmail
Tuesday, February
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: WALKER FAN RESPONSE THE GMCC
Keith, Another letter sent to GMCC. Sender wanted me to forward to Governor Walker.
Nancy Mistele
----- Originai.Message -----
Frorri: MarY Feldt
To: Nancy Mistele
Subject: FW: State of Wisconsin Budget Bill
From: MOmentum
Sent: Sunday, February
To: Jennifer Alexander
Cc: Sen.risser@legis.wisconsin.gov; Brett Hulsey
Subject: Re: State of Wisconsin Budget Bill
Jennifer,
Are you kidding?!
Where was your hand-wringing when Doyle tried to ram through his union favors in the last hours of his
administration? What is an "adequate" period oftime to debate these issues-- the average of 15 to 18 months of
previous contracts ... with no resolution?
Is it "adversarial" to finally tell the truth: the state is BROKE and free pensions and healthcare are alien ideas to
most small businesses.
Good grief! The state is lagging FAR FAR behind the private sector in feeling the fallout from an economy
devastated by over-spending, over-taxing and over-reaching government. Have you ever worked with
government employees at the state level who, because they deigned to award you a contract, they in turn
demanded tickets, passes, rounds of drinks for their friends and other freebies and demanded you bury their bar
bills in your company's expenses? I have. Maybe not all, but many state employees are so used to having every
demand met by their dues: supported elected officials that they can't concieve of what is fair or even possible
anymore.
If you are truly working hard on behalf of Madison area businesses and our economy, start by forgoing the
wishy-washy, middle-of-the-road, don't-offend-anyone pronouncements and instead add to the public debate by
publishing facts and figures: e.g. the number of Chamber members who offer pension plans, the average
contribution their employees make to healthcare plans, etc. Help put the debate in perspective.
We pay $1,000+ a month in property taxes (with no sidewalks or street lights) ... and nobody is giving us a free
pension to offset that deal.
Maureen Kennedy Boelter
1
On Fri, 2/18/11, Jennifer Alexander <ialexandei@J!reatermadisonchamber.com> wrote:
From: Jennifer Alexander <jalexander@greatermadisonchamber.com>
Subject: State of Wisconsin Budget Bill
To:
Dear GMCC Member:
I know that many of you have grave concerns regarding the issues that are at the forefront in Madison. I do too.
These are difficult times. Like the private sector, the state is faced with difficult decisions. It is a time and an economy
that requires everyone to tighten their belts, private sector and public sector alike.
The GMCC supports the work to address the state budget deficit and the efforts toward improving the state's
economy. That support ends at the adversarial way elected officials are approaching it. Public policy issues of this
magnitude should not be rushed through the legislative process. Given this state's long history of collective bargaining,
policy changes of this magnitude should be thoroughly debated for an adequate period of time, in good faith by both
sides, with all potential consequences considered. Currently, that is not happening.
The state budget bill and upcoming legislation are likely to impact greater Madison's economy. Please know that your
chamber has been and will continue to work hard on the behalf of Madison area businesses and our economy.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Jennifer Alexander, President
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
615 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 71
Madison, WI 53701-0071
608-443-1946 (Lisa Loniello, assistant)
608-256-8348-office 608-256-0333-fax
jalexander@greatermadisonchamber.com
2
www.greatermadisonchamber.com
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Schrimpf, Chris- GOV
Monday, February 14, 201111:46 AM
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV
Walker's plan to save schools $3 million has teachers contributing more to pensions,
premiums
Couple of interesting passages in this article: At the same time, teachers' union contracts have so far done little to address out-of-
c o ~ t r o l health insurance costs and ballooning retirement benefit liabilities at a time when revenues continue to shrivel. The J,Tiost recent two-year
contract settled in October included some benefit changes but still increased compensation costs by $5 million between the 2008-09 school year and
the current year.
New financial projections show the district will face a $1.3 million deficit this coming school year and another shortfall of$7.6 million in the
following 2012-13 school year.
Those shortfalls are exacerbated. in part, because of the state's massive deficit. Walker said he would cut state funding to schools to help balance the
budget. He said his proposal to strip unions' bargaining rights would give school boards more power to control the largest parts of their budgets.
Salaries and benefits account for roughly 80 percent of the Oshkosh school district's spending. Teachers currently pay 5 percent of their health
insurance premiums and contribute nothing toward their pensions.
Walker's proposal to increase those contributions would allow the Oshkosh district to save about $3.3 million in 2011-12 and $3.4 million in 2012-
13, according to a Northwestern analysis.
Those savings each year equal roughly t h ~ cost of 58 full-time teachers.
http:/ /www.thenorthwestem.com/article/20 ll 0214/0SHOl 05/11 0213046/Walker-s-plan-to-save-schools-3-
million-has-teachers-contributing-more-to-pensions-premiurns
Walker's plan to save schools $3 million has teachers contributing more to pensions,
premiums
BY ADAM RODEWALD OF THE NORTHWESTERN FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Oshkosh schools would save more than $3 million each of the next two years ifteachers were forced to contribute more to their pensions and health insurance premiums.
Gov. Scott Walker said last week he wants al1 public employees, including teachers, to pay 12.6 percent oftheir health insurance premiums and
contribute 5.8' percent of their salaries to the Wisconsin Retirement System pension program.
Walker also proposed taking away public sector unions' ability to negotiate for anything but their base salary, and any requests for raises higher than
the consumer price index would need to be approved by a referendum.
The Republican-controlled Legislature will vote on the plan this week. If passed, the rules change would have an immediate impact on the Oshkosh
Education Association, which reaches the end of its current contract on June 30.
The new laws would take effect July 1.
1
School officials said they would still work collaboratively with emplovees to resolve compensation and workplace issues even if the state removes
the unions' collective bargaining rights.
''Philosophically, I think it's better to do things collaboratively,"
said school board president John Lemberger. "In terms of employee relations and morale, if teachers can be part of the solution in a collaborative
way, we could end up in the same place but with a much happier group of employees."
Superintendent Don Viegut has been working to foster a more positive and collaborative culture in the district since he took over in July 20 I 0.
Difficult budget cuts, frequent leadership turnover and division among the school board had battered employee morale.
Taking away bargaining rights might hinder his effort to reunite district employees and leaders.
At the same time, teachers' union contracts have so far done little to address out-of-control health insurance costs and ballooning retirement benefit
liabilities at a time when revenues continue to shrivel. The most recent two-year contract settled in October included some benefit changes but still
increased compensation cost_s by $5 million between the 2008-09 school year and the current year.
New financial projections show the district will face a $1.3 million deficit this coming school year and another shortfall of $7.6 million in the
following 2012-13 school year.
Those shmtfalls are exacerbated, in patt, because of the state's massive deficit. Walker said he would cut state funding to schools to help balance the
budget. He said his proposal to strip unions' bargaining rights would give school boards more power to control the largest parts of their budgets.
Salaries and benefits account for roughly 80 percent of the Oshkosh school district's spending. Teachers currently pay 5 percent oftheir health
insurance premiums and contribute nothing toward their pensions.
Walker's proposal to increase those contributions would allow the Oshkosh district to save about $3.3 mi11ion in 2011-12 and $3.4 million in 2012-
13, according to a Northwestern analysis.
Those savings each year equal roughly the cost of 58 full-time teachers.
OEA president Len Herricks said he's confident the school board would continue working side-by-side with teachers to resolve the deficit and
address other school issues even if they can't bargain.
"The thing what needs to be noted here is we have an excellent collaborative working relationship with the board. It works on a problem-solving
basis. We deal with issues that come along, both large and small," Herricks said. "The board we have in place right now is also very interested in
working together with all its employees to do the very best for the students we have in our schools."
The school board already operates an unofficial bargaining unit with principals and other administrators called the Administrator Compensation
Committee, said Director of Human Resources Patti Vickrnan.
"I would see (teacher) negotiations being no different than that," Vickman said. "If the governor is able to gain support for the changes he wants to
make, that is the landscape we will have to work in but we'd still work collaboratively with all our employee groups."
2
No matter what happens to the unions. discussions will likely remain arduous. In addition to financial woes, schools face a mounting movement to
reform teacher evaluation systems and pay schedules to better hold educators accountable. The Oshkosh district also is embarking on a strategic
planning process that almost certainly will include facilities and curriculum changes to integrate new technology.
"It definitely is going to be an extraordinary year for bargaining," said Bill Bracken, a labor relations attorney that represents school boards during
negotiations. "We're just waiting for Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans in the state Legislature to come out with the rules to the game. and I
think there will be big changes."
Chris Schrimpf
3
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Keith Gilkes -The Champion Group
Monday, February 14, 2011 8:34 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: Walker
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jenissee Volpintesta <jvolpintesta@wisaflcio.org>
Date: February 14, 2011 6:47:25 PM CST
Subject: Walker appearance
Scott Walker will be in Milwaukee on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at Grover Piston
Ring- 2759 S 28th street between 9:00 and 9:30am, he will have media with him.
Please join us in solidarity as we take action and demand our voices are heard!
Thank you,
Jenissee Volpintesta
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO
Greater Milwaukee Area Organizer
Milwaukee Area Labor Council
633 S. Hawley Rd.
Milwaukee, Wl53214
Cell: 262-364-6751
Office: 414-771-7070 x18
ivolpintesta@wisaflcio.org
Keith Gilkes, President
The Champion Group, LLC
E-mail: kgilkes@ChampLLC.com
1
Oling, Lane c GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
........ 20117:42AM
Schutt, Eric - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV
Washington Post Column Today
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/24/AR2011022406520_pf.html
Rubicon: A river in Wisconsin
By Charles Krauthamrner
Friday, February 25, 2011;
The magnificent turmoil now gripping statehouses in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and soon others marks an epic
political moment. The nation faces a fiscal crisis of historic proportions and, remarkably, our muddled,
gridlocked, allegedly broken politics have yielded singular clarity.
Atthe federal level, President Obama's budget makes clear that Democrats are determined to do nothing about
the debt crisis, while House Republicans have ann.ounced that beyond their proposed cuts in discretionary
spending, their April budget will actually propose real entitlement reform. Simultaneously, in Wisconsin and
other states, Republican governors are taking on unsustainable, fiscally ruinous pension and health-care
obligations, while Democrats are full-throated in support of the public-employee unions crying, "Hell, no."
A choice, not an echo: Democrats desperately defending the status quo; Republicans charging the barricades.
Wisconsin is the epicenter. It began with economic issues. When Gov. Scott Walker proposed that state workers
contribute more to their pension and health-care benefits, he started a revolution. Teachers called in sick.
Schools closed. Demonstrators massed at the capitol. Democratic senators fled the state to paralyze the
Legislature.
Unfortunately for them, that telegenic faux-Cairo scene drew national attention to the dispute - and to the
sweetheart deals the public-sector unions had negotiated for themselves for years. They were contributing a fifth
of a penny on a dollar of wages to their pensions and one-fourth what private-sector workers pay for health
insurance.
The unions quickly understood that the more than 85 percent of Wisconsin not part of this privileged special-
interest group would not take kindly to "public servants" resisting adjustments that still leave them paying less
for benefits than private-sector workers. They immediately capitulated and claimed they were only protesting
the other part of the bill, the part about collective-bargaining rights.
Indeed. Walker understands that a one-time giveback means little. The state's financial straits- a $3.6 billion
budget shortfall over the next two years - did not come out of nowhere. They came largely from a half-century-
long power imbalance between the unions and the politicians with whom they collectively bargain.
In the private sector, the capitalist knows that when he negotiates with the union, if he gives away the store, he
loses his shirt. In the public sector, the politicians who approve any deal have none of their own money at stake.
On the contrary, the more favorably they dispose of union demands, the more likely they are to be the
beneficiary of union largess in the next election. It's the perfect cozy setup.
1
To redress these perverse incentives that benefit both negotiating parties at the expense of the taxpayer,
Walker's bill would restrict future government-union negotiations to wages only. Excluded from negotiations
would be benefits, the more easily hidden sweeteners that come due long after the politicians who negotiated
them are gone. The bill would also require that unions be recertified every year and that dues be voluntary.
Recognizing this threat to union power, the Democratic Party is pouring money and fury into the fight. Fewer
than 7 percent of private-sector workers are unionized. The Democrats' strength lies in government workers,
who now constitute a majority of union members and provide massive support to the party. For them,
Wisconsin represents a dangerous contagion.
Hence the import of the current moment- its blinding clarity. Here stand the Democrats, avatars of reactionary
liberalism, desperately trying to hang on to the gains of their glory years - from unsustainable federal
entitlements for the elderly enacted when life expectancy was 62 to the massive promissory notes issued to
government unions when state coffers were full and no one was looking.
Obama's Democrats have become the party of no. Real cuts to the federal budget? No. Entitlement reform? No.
Tax reform? No. Breaking the corrupt and fiscally unsustainable symbiosis between public-sector unions and
state governments? Hell, no.
We have heard everyone - from Obama's own debt commission to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-
call the looming debt a mortal threat to the nation. We have watched Greece self-immolate. We can see the
future. The only question has been: When will the country finally rouse itself?
Amazingly, the answer is: now. Led by famously progressive Wisconsin- Scott Walker at the state level and
Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan at the congressional level- a new generation of Republicans has
looked at the debt and is crossing the Rubicon. Recklessly principled, they are putting the question to the nation:
Are we a serious people?
Chris Schrimpf
2
Oling, Lane - GOV
From:
Sent:
To:
Ken Harwood Editor <editor@WisconsinDevelopmentNews.com>
Thursday, February 17, 201112:26 PM
Gilkes, Keith - GOV
Subject: WDN - Week of 2.10.11 to 2.17.11
Wisconsin Development News
1,2/17/2011
Volume 4- Issue 7- Circulation 5,000- Week of 02.10.11 to 2.17.11
Online at WisconsinDevelopment.com - Moble App- Searchable at Search WDN -
Edited and compiled by Ken Harwood
"New" WON Tool Box - Links you can use everyday to help you and Wisconsin
grow!
Controversial budget bill passes committee, moves to Senate
~ i s c o n s i n - 2/17/2011 With a key committee vote out of the way/ Republican
leaders plan to soon pass a bill that would effectively strip collective bargaining
rights from most public workers in Wisconsin
1
suggesting only modest changes to
the proposal introduced by Gov. Scott Walker ...
Ken Notes: I have limited the articles on budget because there are so
many. There are a few opinion pieces further down. Also my comments
will not take a position other than - I would hope that we, as a State, can
work together to promote Wisconsin as a great place to work and do
business. Right now the national attention we are getting is not
accomplishing this. I will address this in my column next month. I will
also try to address how all this impacts development as we move forward.
Let me know what you think ...
EPIC In-ground stadium comes with big challenges
1lerona - 2/16/2011 The sheer enormity of Epics explosive growth can be
enough to make the average Plan Commission members head spin
1
but the
commission kept itself together long enough Monday to pose some tough
questions about the companys plan to build a 13
1
000-seat underground
amphitheater ...
Mifflin Street construction
1
1 fMadison - 2/16/2011 The citys Planning Division is recommending approval for
demolition of the one-story commercial building that formerly housed Planned
Parenthood at 416 W. Mifflin St. and the single family home at 424 W. Mifflin St.,
in addition to rezoning property to construct a four-story building with 46
residential units. The Planning Division wants the Plan Commission to forward the
request.. .In a nutsheii ... The case for it ... The case against it...To get involved ...
Ken Notes: I like this approach by the State Journal Staff ... In an perfect
world there would be two actual projects on the table. There are not but
the ideas are well presented ...
Schreiber Anderson Associates
Energy Efficiency Event- Thursday, February 24, 2011
~ a d i s o n Area - Please join us for this free event to learn about the short-term
and long-term fiscal benefits of efficiency and sustainability improvements. This
event is targeted for existing commercial/industrial businesses of all sizes, and
those involved in the commercial and industrial development processes for new
construction (real estate brokers, economic development professionals,
developers, construction contractors, etc) ...
It's official; worst housing bust ever
1 fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 At this point, it's almost piling on to continue writing
about the housing slump. But given that sprawl development has played such a
key role in driving the nation's growth since World War II, it's important to note
that U.S. housing prices have now fallen further during this economic downturn
(26 percent), than during the GreatDepression (25.9 percent) ...
Ken Notes: Too bad we can not focus on fixing this ...
KELLER,INC.PLANNERS,ARCHITECTS,BUILDERS
1,1/27/2010
Walker proposes to increase number of appointed employees in state
government
2
1 lwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Little-discussed provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's
controversial budget repair bill would greatly increase the number of employees
that Walker appointees could hire and fire, deepening his administration's
influence within state agencies ...
School boards association changes tune, fears harm from Walker bill
1 fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Wisconsin Association of School Boards executive
director John Ashley is asking legislators to modify Gov. Scott Walker's budget
repair bill in a letter sent to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance ...
Coldwell Banker Success
Borders University Avenue store to close as company files for
bankruptcy
@ladison - 2/16/2011 Borders Books West will be one of 200 of the companys
stores closing in the next few weeks after the company filed for bankruptcy
protection on Wednesday, and the announcement came as a surprise to many
who shop at or live near the busy location ...
Ken Notes: This is too bad. The area has great potential. Apple should buy
Borders, create a $99 ereader, and a new outlet for Tech, books and
music "Apple Style" the ultimate app store. Tell Steve he has the capital ...
Wireless advances could mean no more cell towers
1RNational - 2/16/2011 As cell phones have spread, so have large cell towers_
those unsightly stalks of steel topped by transmitters and other electronics that
sprouted across the country over the last decade ...
Ken Notes: Very interesting article. The best part is that the require a
fiber backbone that could dramatically improve all communication, not
just cell phones. The UW and State could get ahead of the curve on this
one and lead the way into the next gen of communication.
Coakley Brothers
3
Highest standard in the moving industry - Milwaukee - Madison -
Nationwide
UW-Madison could become semi-private
1 fuw Madison - 2/16/2011 UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has known for
more than a month that Wisconsin's flagship university might be splitting from the
UW System and gaining some key flexibilities and freedoms thanks to the Walker
administration according to a memo obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ...
Ken Notes: The memo is HERE.
Biddy urges lawmakers to slow down
1 fuw Madison - 2/16/2011 Biddy Martin is urging state leaders to hold off on
passing Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill ....
Ken Notes: I linked directly to her statement. I remain a fan ...
UW' s Synchrotron Center targeted to lose federal funding
1 luw Madison - 2/16/2011 The future of a major UW-Madison science center --
the Synchrotron Radiation Center -- is in jeopardy after it was targeted to lose its
annual federal funding under President Barack Obama's proposed budget...
Common Area Services
State returning $23 million grant for broadband
~ i s c o n s i n - 2/16/2011 Due to federal regulatory hurdles, Wisconsin is
declining a $23 million federal grant designed to expand broadband fiber to
schools and libraries across the state. "If DOA accepted the grant without meeting
all of the precise federal regulatory requirements, Wisconsin taxpayers would be
required to repay the $23 million back to the federal government," Mike
Huebsch ...
Ken Notes: I get the regulation part being a major hurdle, when a mayor
many programs looked too good to be true and in the end they were. But,
broadband in Lafayette County would mean jobs ...
4
Highlights of Obama's $3.73 trillion budget
1 rNational - 2/16/2011 A look at what President Barack Obama has requested in
his $3.73 trillion budget for the 2012 fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.. ..
Ken Notes: Very interesting - every 10th grader should have to read this ...
Federal Budget Deficit
1 WNational - 2/16/2011 Not since World War II has the federal budget deficit
made up such a big chunk of the U.S. economy. And within two or three years,
economists fear the result could be sharply higher interest rates that would slow
economic growth ....
Eco-Fusion Design (New Info For Professionals)
Please click for special message for Developers Builders Architects ...
Progressive competition edges out once-favored McDonell for county
exec
~
EIDane County- 2/16/2011 For years, many saw Dane County Board Chairman
Scott McDonell as the natural successor to County Executive Kathleen Falk,
waiting in the wings through multiple Falk terms to get an opportunity to lead
county government ...
Ken Notes: It does appear that my dream of middle ground cooperation,
moderation, and planning may not be in the cards at any level. I am an
editor I blogger I columnist without a country.
Parisi, Bruskewitz advance to general election in county executive
race
~ a n e County- 2/16/2011 State Rep. Joe Parisi and Dane County Board
Supervisor Eileen Bruskewitz will face off against each other in April to be the next
Dane County executive. Parisi won Tuesday's primary with 26 percent of the vote,
while Bruskewitz finished second with 22 percent ...
MSA Professional Services
5
Walker could use $37.7 million award for online consumer
marketplace
fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Gov. Scott Walker is accepting a $37.7 million federal
grant to help create an information technology network for a system of health
exchanges required under national health care reform ...
Wetland regulations take a soaking
2/16/2011 Late Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, without the typical
fanfare, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill that allows a single developer to build in
an environmentally sensitive area near Lambeau Field in Green Bay ...
Ken Notes: Again I need to point out both the developer and the tenant
want to expand publicly available wetlands in an area far more beneficial
to wildlife and the environment.
Madison Gas and Electric
Former Gov. and Mrs. Doyle move to Madison's Far West Side
- 2/16/2011 Former Gov. and first lady Jim and Jessica Doyle bought
a house at the end of December in the Hawks Ridge Estates neighborhood on
Madison's Far West Side ...
Ken Notes: Welcome! Can we show you something in a condo downtown
as well ...
China a1,1to imports nearly double in 2010
- 2/16/2011 China's imports of foreign cars nearly doubled last year,
with Japanese and German models most in favor among buyers looking to
upgrade their vehicles, an industry association said Tuesday ...
Ken Notes: Germany gets it, do we?
GM head vows to focus on China
6
1 fNational - 2/16/2011 China will play a much bigger role in General Motors
Co.'s plans including clean energy vehicles as it moves to capitalize further on
rapid growth in the world's largest auto market, the company's CEO said
Tuesday ...
Ken Notes: Let's hope so.
Findorff - Character Community Craftsmanship
~
Findorff, builders of Madison's finest projects ... and Milwaukee read
below!
OPINION - Dane County's efforts to protect employees likely to
backfire
rru
L.::Jbane County- 2/16/2011 Jonathan Barry is a former Dane County executive
and state representative - Gov. Walker is that rare political leader who actually
means what he says and then does it. It is remarkable how many people are again
and again surprised each time he follows through on another of his clearly stated
goals ... Hows this going to work out? ...
OPINION - Engage public workers in dialogue and creative solutions
~ i s c o n s i n - 2/16/2011 Gov. Walker needs to take some basic organizational
leadership courses to help him understand how to engage employees in coming up
with creative and innovative ways to deal with budget deficits. The move to ignore
the unions is not a budget issue, but rather a political one ...
Ken Notes: I like the insight in these two opinions. I am not sure we could
get to nirvana but the unions I have worked with were often able to read
the tea leaves and reach some compromise.
OPINION - Walker gins up crisis to reward cronies
1 fwisconsin - 2/16/2011 Wisconsin needs to be fiscally responsible. There is no
question that these are tough times, and they may require tough choices. But
Gov. Scott Walker is not making tough choices. He is making political choices, and
they are designed not to balance budgets but to improve his political position and
that of his party ....
Ken Notes: and to be fair, one from the other side ...
7
Page 1 of5
Downing, Karley - GOV
From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 7:04 PM
To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Briefing
Legislative Affairs Team
Legislative Contacts:
Representative Weininger and Representative Mursau' s Office both contacted us regarding pier
regulation legislation.
o Representative Kapenga's Office contacted us regarding charter school provisions in the budget.
Committee Actions Tomorrow:
Committee
A. Urban and Local Affairs
Hearing
S. Judiciary, Ethics, and
Date
3/29/2011
Government Operations Hearing 3/29/2011
Joint Committee on Finance
Hearing
S. Agriculture, Forestry and
Higher Education Hearing
A. Jobs, Economy, and Small
Business Exec
Joint Committee on Review of
Administrative Rules (JCRAR)
Exec
8/2/2011
3/29/2011
3/29/2011
3/29/2011
3/29/2011
Time Room
10:00 300 NE
10:00 300 SE
10:00 412 E
10:30 201 SE
11:00 328 NW
11:00 330 sw
Bill
AB 60- individuals and officers who may
covered by a county blanket bond
SB 19- disinfection of municipal water
supplies
Agency briefings for DOA, DOR, Tourisrr
and the Supreme Court
Confirmation of Alberta Darling as a
member of the College Savings Program
Board
SB 28- Composition of the UW Board of
Regents
AB 53- creation of 3 additional enterprise
zones
AB 13- Development opportunity zone fo
Beloit
NR 411- Construction and operation
permits for indirect sources
NR 404.04 (3)- Particulate matter,
secondary standard
LRB 1483/1 (Senate), LRB 1756/1
(Assembly)- wind energy system rules
CR 10-098- Payday lending
Page 2 of5
Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Team
Commerce
State Fire Marshall Office
o Interest in creating this office with one high level person who would act as key leader in the
state for fire service
Cascade Tissue Group
o DNR Deputy Sec. Moroney and Jason met with executives in Eau Claire today
o Company will add a new paper machine and keep plant in Eau Claire
New Companies to WI
o 2 companies (1 from IL and 1 from MI) will start conducting business in WI in Pewaukee
and Madison respectively
Venture Capital
o Draft sill yet to be released from Budget Office
Tourism
LFB Budget Analysis
o Reviewed analysis in advance of Tuesday's testimony by Secretary Klett
DOT
Motor Carrier Permits
o DOT resolved an issue a business had with trying to receive pe1mits for its vehicles
Definition of Major Highways Progmm
DATCP
o Reggie Newson communicated to Rep. Petrowski's office the changes to the definition of the
Major Highways Program under the Governor's Budget proposal
ATCP 110, 111, 114, 125, 134
o Spoke with Ross Kinzler about the rules.
DNR
Recycling
o DNR has proposed two modified recycling aid programs for review.
Army Corps of Engineers
o Asked to set up a meeting with the Governor's Office regarding DNR regulation changes.
Patrick will meet with a representative April 5
PSC
Chair of Public Service Commission
o Governor announced today that former Rep. Phil Montgomery will act as Chair
JOBS Hotline
2 calls received
o Call from Glenn Hetzer of Powder Booth Restoration
o Hetzer is cmTent1y located in Illinois and wants to move to Wisconsin
Human Services and Education Team
DHS Update
1. Discussed tobacco control money being utilized for cessation instead of prevention
2. Road Show Update:
8/2/2011
Page 3 of5
a. Wed.: Eau Claire; April s
1
h: Fennimore; Aprill4
1
h: Milwaukee potentially moved to
Waukesha; April21 st: Kimberly; and April26
1
h: Wausau
3. Transfer ofFoodShare & SSI from DRS to DCF
a. Options need to be discussed on the transfer
4. Discussion on potential number of retirements within DRS. There are a significant number of
highly skilled workers who will be retiring. A nationwide search will be needed for soine ofthem
in order to fill these specialty positions.
NGA Medicaid Taskforce
1. There will be 3 more conference calls to discuss the list of desired Medicaid flexibilities.
2. Governors will have a conference call in 3 weeks on the Medicaid flexibilities
3. New date: May 16
1
h will be the potential DC meeting with the Governors to discuss a potential
white paper on flexibilities by states and/or letter to the Administration and to Congress
a. The visit may include a meeting with Secretary Sebelius
Education
Superintendent Evers agreed to be vice chair of Read to Learn Taskforce to malce recommendations on
third grade reading initiatives. DPI reiterated its preference that the $600,000 in the budget is housed in
DPI rather than DO A.
Education News
Milwaukee could b.ecome first American city to use universal vouchers for education (Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel)
Milwaukee's private school voucher program has broken new and controversial ground often in its 21-
year histoty. Now, it is headed toward what might well be another amazing national first.
If Gov. Scott Walker and leading voucher advocates prevail, Milwaukee will become the first city in
American histoty where any child, regardless of income, can go to a private school, including a religious
school, using public money to pay the bill.
State-union battles revive hope for school-choice reforms (Washington Times)
By DickArmey
After a major loss in their battle with Wisconsin taxpayers over collective bargaining powers, teachers
unions are reeling. States are caught in a vicious cycle in which the private sector is shrinking while
public liabilities grow and politicians have finally realized they must rein in spending and restore
economic sanity to their budgets - even if that means pushing back against union influence.
Justice and Local Governments Team
Waste. Fraud and Abuse:
The WFA Commission meeting notice for Friday has been released.
Local Governments:
Wisconsin State Journal. Madison school budget has smaller property tax levy
"This is certainly positive from the perspective of property taxpayers, however it is incorrect to assume that this tax
decrease is a result of our budget reductions," Nerad said in a statement.
"The property tax decrease is being imposed on us by the state through the governor's budget proposal."
The biggest factor in closing the remaining gap is requiring employees to pay half of their annual pension
contribution, saving the district $11.5 million.
8/2/2011
Page 4 of5
The agreement allowed the district to require employees to pay up to 5 percent of their health insurance premium
next year, but Nerad is proposing other cuts to avoid that option. Other districts are requiring employees to pay up
to 12 percent of their premium, which Walker is requiring of state employees.
"One of our budget goals was to delay for at least one year any increase in employee contributions for health
insurance premiums," Nerad said.
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. Two Wisconsin Rapids school unions reach deals on contracts
Following a closed-session discussion, which included an evaluation of Dickmann's first school year on the job as
superintendent, the School Board extended her deal by a year. It's now set to expire June 30, 2013.
Dickmann's extension also included a wage freeze. The district's administrator contract stipulates an annual salary
of $125,000.
The ChipJ:)ewa Herald. School board approves modified employee contracts
Union workers have agreed to increased benefit pay-ins- 5. 8 percent toward the state pension fund and an
additional12. 6 percent toward the district's insurance costs.
With that, the district's estimated budget shortfall of $2.8 to $4 million will drop to $550,000 to $1.25 million, District
Business Manager Chad Trowbridge told the board earlier this month.
o Oshkosh Northwestern. Walker's proposal to reduce stale rules regulating phosphorus content in runoff may
not reduce city's costs
Oshkosh Wastewater Utility Superintendent Steve Brand said complying with the phosphorus regulations Gov.
Scott Walker wants to eliminate are expected to cost the city an estimated $30 million. The money, currently
included in the city's 2015 capital improvement program would pay for a wastewater plant upgrade to filter out
phosphorus.
The budget bill also proposes to eliminate pollution control regulations that require storm water utilities to reduce
the volume of temporary suspended solids in storm runoff. Current law requires the city to reduce the volume of
temporary suspended solids by 40 percent by 2013. Oshkosh met a requirement to reduce pollution by 20 percent
by 2008 through construction of detention basins, street sweeping and other measures.
Oshkosh Public Works Director David Patek said the city is unlikely to meet the 40 percent reduction level by 2013,
but continues to work toward it. He said the value of pollution reduction to a community that prides itself on its
waterways means he plans to continue to design pollution controls into storm water management projects even if
Walker's proposal passes.
Veterans:
I am working with the various VSO's to organize a press conference to talk about the Governor's budget
and the wins in it for veterans. The goal is 3pm on Friday either at a New Berlin VFW or a Brookfield
Legion Hall.
I am meeting with four applicants to serve on the veterans board this Thursday. I should have
recommendations for Keith by Friday.
Justice:
I Met with Brittany Zimmerman's parents about passage of Katie's law. They believe it will help find
Brittany's killer. Senator Harsdorfwill be authoring it with an expected introduction in the summer. II would
require DNA at every felony arrest.
Fond du Lac Reporter. Walker's budget denies funding for police network
La Crosse County Sheriff Steve Helgeson's agency was one of the first to join, but stopped using it in 2009.
The concept looked promising, the sheriff said, but the network hasn't gained momentum. Too few agencies,
8/2/2011
Page 5 of5
especially his neighboring departments in western Wisconsin, whose information is the most valuable to his
agency, have joined, he said. And agencies that participate don't share enough data, he said. His county has a
common record management software system many of the smaller jurisdictions use, he added.
"II just hasn't seemed to be as valuable as it sounded like it would be in the beginning," he said. "I was pretty
excited, but after it rolled out, it seemed to sputter."
8/2/2011
-
Page 1 of3
From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 6:49PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia- DOA; Jensen,
Jodi- DOA
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Eberle, Ed- L TGOV;
Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA;
Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Contact with Legislative Offices
Representative Jim Ott's office plans to move forward with a bill to repeal wind siting legislation
from last session.
Representative Loudenbeck' s office called concerning the possibility in Medicaid payment delays
if the budget repair bill does not pass soon
Representative Murtha's office called concerning family planning cuts
Representative Weininger called with questions concerning how the parole system works
Tomorrow's Senate Session
SR 4-SR 17: imposing penalties and costs on Dem Senators for being absent without leave
Tomorrow's Assembly Session
SB 7- auto insurance repeal (final passage)
SS AB 8- rules bill (final passage)
SJR 3- commending the UW-Whitewater football team
SJR 13- naming Bob Uecker Day
Tomorrow's Committee Meetings
Secretary Gottlieb will have a public hearing and exec on his continuation in the Senate.
Committee on Transportation and Elections
AB 3 8- creation of retail TIF district in Brookfield will have an exec in the Assembly Committee
on Jobs, Economy and Small Business
AB 8- delayed filing of certain fmms in Milwaukee TIF will have an exec in the Assembly
Committee on Ways and Means
DNR
EPA recommendations
8/2/2011
o DNR is putting together a list of EPA regulations that place a burden on entities within WI
o EPA requested this information in order to avoid needless burdens that stunt economic
growth
Page 2 of3
DOT
Transportation Legislative Proposals
o Meeting with Rep. Petrowski's office on Wednesday to go over the proposals he would like
to introduce on the Assembly Committee on Transportation
o Waiting to hear back from Sen. Lazich's office regarding her interests on what proposals to
introduce during committee
RTA's Sales Tax Authority
o Meeting on Tuesday with Greg Hubbard of Hertz to go over the tax referendum language
regarding SERTA's authority on the sales tax
Tourism
Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism (3/6-3/8)
o Governor Walker gave opening address today kicking off the conference sharing his vision
for the state's tourism industry
o Spoke to Secretaty Klett, who said the conference is going very well and the enthusiasm of
the attendees is vety high
JOBS Hotline
1 call received today, however individual did not leave contact info
Education and Health Care Policy Team
NGA Update
With recent discussions of health care and Medicaid implementation, the NGA (Governors Gregoire
and Heineman) have formed the NGA Medicaid Task Force.
Members of the task force will include: NGA Executive Committee members, HHS Committee
Chair and Vice-Chair.
The taskforce will prioritize and refine a list of potential progratn changes to be proposed to the
Obama administration and Congress.
Education
Glenn Grothman is upset with the funding levels for low spending school districts in the budget bill.
He thinks that they should be penalized less since they have less money that they can recoup to cover the
cuts. He is threatening to not suppott the budget bill if this isn't changed.
March 31st education conference with the George W Bush Institute: We are finalizing the list of
patticipants and agenda for the day-long conference. We will brief you on the final details soon.
'
News
Keep, tweal' child care ratings (Wisconsin State Journal)
"As the state budget debate proceeds, Walker should keep an open mind on ways to roll out Y oungStar
with greater incentives for improvement."
Local Governments:
140 teacher retirement reguests approved
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
"GREEN BAY- The Green Bay School Board has approved a large number of retirement requests from
teachers and administrators.
With the fitture of the state budget uncertain, I40 teachers and I5 administrators asked to join the
emeritus program. That works out to about I out of every I2 teachers in the district.
The emeritus program gives one titll vear's salary paid over three years. That is in addition to ]lfmSion
benefits. In return, the retiree provides I 0 days_ of service to the district each year during that time. The
emeritus program is something that has been negotiated into the teachers' contract through collective
bargaining.
Last year 26 teachers and staff members applied for the program.
Several other area school districts (many who do not have the emeritus program) have reported rises in
retirement filings as well. "
An average teacher's salary at Green Bay is $51,355. If this is the teachers salary at retirement, that puts
the cost of this emeritus program at $1,711.83 per day of work. However, the salary used to calculate
this benefit is the highest salary the teacher ever earned. This would malce the per day cost likely much
higher.
In Madison, they have an emeritus program in which the teachers don't have to work at aU to qualify
for the benefit. The Madison teachers get 19 percent of their highest salary for three years after
retirement. At the Madison average teacher salary of $52,022, this would equate to a monthly nayment
of $823.68 for no days of service at all to the district.
Essentially, you get paid almost one thousand a month for three years for nothing. This amount is likely
conservative because retired teacher salaries are likely higher than the average salary.
The Milwaukee teachers union has a second pension above and beyond the WRS that cost the
district $16.6 million in FYI!. This pension is 4.2% of salary.
Justice:
Tami Jackson of OJA want the acting director, Darcey Varese to be named 1033 Federal
Property Program and the IT contact for the state. I have DOA reviewing these requests.
Waste, Fraud and Abuse Commission:
We have scheduled the next WF A commission meeting for this Friday at 1 Oam. We will have a
presentation by DOA similar to the presentation at the Governor's retreat. Also, public
comments submitted via the Governor's website will be distributed to the commission members.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of4
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 6:47PM
Legislative Contacts
Representative Stone inquired about dogs and research labs in the budget
Senator Vukmir's office inquired about school and municipality relief
Representative Kooyenga inquired about the GAAP Accounting Deficit and a constitutional
amendment
Representative Loudenbeck inquired about the expired development opportunity zones in the
budget.
Committee Actions
Secreta1y Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate Committee on Transpmiation and Elections 3-0.
AB 38- creating retail TIF district in Brookfield was passed out of Assembly Committee on Jobs,
Economy, and Small Business 14-1 (Krusick)
AB 8- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF district was passed out of the Assembly
Committee on Ways and Means 11-0
Senate Session
Secretary Gottlieb was confirmed by the Senate; 19-0
Assembly Session
SJR 3- commending the Whitewater football team conculTed in
SJR 13- naming Bob Uecker Day concuned in
SJR 7- commending UW- Madison football team concUITed in
AB 4- repeal of auto insurance passed 61-34 (Dem support from Danou, Fields, Molepske,
Radcliffe)
SB 21- creation of a retail TIF in Brookfield concurred in
SB 11- filing of certain forms for Milwaukee TIF concurred in
DATCP
A TCP Board Meeting
8/2/2011
o The majority of the time was spent on public appearances, all nine spoke in favor of the
PACE program.
o The board requested that the Secretmy notify those who testified how they should pursue
their agenda of supporting working lands-via AB 34 and SB 24.
o The Secretary gave the Board an update of the state and federal budgets.
o DBA
o DBA President Jeny Meissner sent in a letter of supp01t to the Governor
Legislation regarding Abolishing RTA's (authors: Nass/Grothman)
o Communicated the governor's office position onRTA's to DOT
o DOT will not register a position on legislation
Hiawatha Line
o MMAC supports upgrades to train line
o Communicated the Governor's support for the Hiawatha line to Reggie Newson
o Told Reggie Newson that DOT should seek federal funds to help fund train line
General Transportation Aids and Transit Funding
Page 2of4
o DOT put talking points together to brief the following stakeholders regarding GT A and
Transit funds: WI Towns Assoc., League of WI Munic., WI Counties Assoc., WI County
Highway Assoc.
American Council of Engineering Companies
o Secretary Gottlieb to address the group tomolTow
Venture Canital
Fund-of-Funds
o Researched andrepmted info on three fund-of-funds models (Utah F-o-F, Alberta
. Enterprise- Alberta, Teralys Capital- Quebec)
D Block Issue
o Spoke to Tom Fonfara, and he sent me the groups who are in support and against the
commercial auction ofD Block
JOBS Hotline
1 call received today, forwarded to Commerce
Education and Health Care Policy Team
Health Care
Office of Free Market Health Care: Met with OCI and DHS on the formation of the health care
exchange.
o Secretary Smith will be holding a department "Town Hall Meeting" tomorrow, Wednesday,
March 9th from 1-Spm.
1. The purpose is to collect thoughts on cost savings, efficiencies, and overall operational
improvements on DHS programs
a. Will forward ideas to the Governor's Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Commission
2. Discussions will be had on BadgerCare Plus; FamilyCare, Long Term Care, and IRIS;
SeniorCare; State Facilities and Dept Admin
o Met with DCF, DWD, and our legal staff on the elimination of the daycare provider collective
bargaining provision to ensure that we're taking the proper actions to reduce the likelihood of a
lawsuit. The consensus is to have the Governor issue an Executive Order repealing Doyle's EO
172 when the budget repair bill passes. DCF is required to issue a letter on the matter as well.
Education
o DPI will have a Request for Infmmation (RFI) for the Wisconsin Student Information System for
our review by early to mid April. They noted that there is not language in the budget requiring
districts to implement this system. **This must be required of districts or the system may not
prove worthwhile.**
8/2/2011
Page 3 of4
Health Care News
Report finds room for improvement in licensing kinship foster parents (Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel)
Walker's elimination of family planning funds could jeopardize federal dollars, close clinics (fhe
Capitol Times)
Education News
With Governor Walker's Proposal, Wisconsin Once Again Leads the Nation in Education
Reform (Heritage Foundation)
In 1990, Wisconsin set an education reform example for the nation with the passage of the
Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP). Twenty years later, Governor Scott Walker (R)
has identified the obstacle that keeps more children in his state and across the nation from
similarly benefiting from parental choice in education: union collective bargaining power
protecting their interests rather than the needs of children.
Fenty bacls Gov. Scott Waller in Wise. union fight (Washington Post)
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker this morning got some rare Democratic support for his high-
profile push to eliminate most state workers' collective barganing rights-- from former D.C.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty ....
When discussion turned to Walker's anti-union push, Fenty jumped right in. "This is kind of
what I faced in four years as mayor," Fenty told hosts Mike Barnicle and Mika Brzezinski.
Voucher numbers might uot soar initially (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
For Milwaukee Public Schools officials, envisioning a potential cut of more than $74 million in
next school year's budget is troubling. But picturing what that cut means alongside the potential
expansion of a main district competitor- private schools that attract publicly funded Milwaukee
students - adds another level of concern.
Local Governments:
Andrew Pederson called from the Village of Bayside concerned about levy limits and debt. I
informed him that there are no limitations on debt or the ability to levy to pay it back. I also had
a good conversation and he may provide more information for the Waste, Fraud and Abuse
Commission to review.
James Tipple of Wausau sent a letter opposed to the collective bargaining being in the budget
repair. A letter response has been drafted and is in approval.
Justice:
Racine Journal Times. More people qualify for public defenders under budget
The budget includes a measure that, for the first time since 1987, raises the income limit to qualifY for a
public defender. State Public Defender's Office estimates say their case load could increase by 13,000.
To help handle that influx, the governor provided funds to boost their staffing levels.
8/2/2011
Page4 of4
Waste, Fraud and Abuse Connnission:
The next hearing of the WFA Commission is set for Friday at lOam at DOA. Craig is excited to
get moving and even coming to Madison a day early to meet with Cindy Archer and Jan Mueller
of the Audit Bureau.
Conections:
Wausau Daily Herald. Lincoln Hills expansion good for state
Amid lots of bad news for local municipalities, 'school boards and state emplovees, Gov. Scott Walker's
budget proposal last week contained at least one piece of great news for Lincoln County: Lincoln Hills
School not only will remain open, but it will expand.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of4
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2011 7:10PM
Jodi- DOA
Cc: Eberle, Ed - L TGOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly - GOV;
Culotta, Jason - DOA
Legislative Team
Rep. Tiffany staff inquired about revenue limits in proposed budget
Rep. Marklein staff inquired about school choice changes in budget
Rep. Kramer staff inquired about changes to 4K in budget
Rep. Molepske inquired about potential incentives for Joerns Health Care to stay in Stevens Point
Rep. Knudson inquired about the reasoning for including meat inspectors in the budget- will be setting up
a mtg for him and DATCP
Committee Actions
SB 23- preemption of ordinances concerning employees health, medical, or family leave passed the
Senate Committee
AB 2- creation of 4 rural enterprise zones was passed out of the Assembly Committee on Rural
Development
Senate Session
Secretary Klett was confirmed by the Senate 19-0
Secretary Stepp was confirmed by the Senate 19-0
SJR 3- creates rule fining legislators absent from session $100 was passed 19-0
AB 38- creation of a Tl D in Brookfield will be heard by the Assembly Committee on Jobs.
Tomorrow's Senate Session
SB 4- creation of 4 rural enterprise zones
Confirmation of Secretary Perez
SB 23- preemption of ordinances concerning employees health, medical, or family leave
AJR 5- commending Reince Priebus on his election as chairman of the RNC
Commerce
Planning for the WEDC is moving ahead
8/2/2011
o Ryan and Jason met with Mike Klonsinski and Dave Volz
o They are still looking for a list of potential nominees to the WEDC Board
o The WEDC will coordinate with the regional economic development groups with:
Coordinating branding among all 7 regions
Page 2of4
Developing a common computer/IT system among the regions and the WEDC so information
can be shared rapidly
Establishing a consistent set of core capabilities among the regions
o Five divisions are planned for the new Corporation
Business Development
Industry Development (clusters)
Marketing Research
Business Climate (identifying barriers to economic growth)
Administration
A state Economic Development Council meets monthly comprised of DWD, DOR, and Commerce
o Economic information is shared among the agencies at an early stage
o The Governor's office will be invited to the next meeting
DNR
Submitted information on Great Lakes watershed restoration funding by WI agencies to OMB.
o DNR, DATCP and DOA-CMP all contributed
o Great Lake states provide this information once a year.
o Currently, DNR is trying to work with other states to gather more useful data.
PSC
Chris LaRowe of WSTA called about the library aid provision in the budget
o WSTA would like to see the Universal Service Fund SEG support of library aids replaced with other
funding
o The budget cuts library aids by 10%, but does not reduce the USF fee by a corresponding amount
JCRAR's repeal of the PSC wind siting rule
o Speaking with Sen. Vukmir's office, the committee intends to introduce legislation to guarantee
repeal of the rule
o The committee's intention is for PSG to re-write the rule and re-submit it to the Legislature
Health Care
Mendota Mental Health Institution Tour: Visited units such as the Adult Program, Forensic Program, Juvenile
Treatment Center, and Civil Treatment
Attendees: Secretary Smith, Deputy Secretary Rhoades, EA Kevin Moore, Kimber & Becky
1. Staff are pleased with the funding increase in the budget
2. The Juvenile Treatment Center has been in operation for 15 years, utilizing proven treatment methods that
are nationally recognized for their rehabilitation success. Most boys come from backgrounds with broken
homes, abuse, and little family/church/school support. Leads to the question of whether different strategies
should be pursued with foster care, teen sexual education/teen bilth rate reductions, child and family
mentoring, and basic family support agendas.
Weeldy Meeting with Kevin Moore (DHS)
1. Secretary Smith and Deputy Secretary Rhoades will hold town hall meetings throughout WI on DHS
changes in the budget in mid-March
a. Planned stops will include Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Eau Claire, La Crosse, and Wausau
2. **There is an ongoing investigation regarding possible fraud in the MiLES program linked to Food Share.
There could be a possible link to someone within DHS. **
3. Enrollment has increased in state healthcare programs for the month of February.
Education
8/2/2011
Page 3 of4
Met with Mark Levine (Wisconsin Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)
o Would like to see financial aid follow students rather than being distributed as a block grant to each
campus
o Wants our HEAB appointee to be someone with financial aid experience
Sen. Olsen will be offering an amendment to Sen. Darling's charter school bill that would, among other things,
allow districts to run chatter schools in lieu of- rather than in addition to- its traditional public schools.
News
Budget cuts $834 million from schools (Milwaukee Joumal Sentinel)
State and local funding for general Wisconsin public school operations would drop 5.5% in 2011-'12 while
Milwaukee's private-school voucher program could be poised for a massive expansion under Gov. Scott Walker's
budget proposal, one that slashes $834 million in state K-12 education spending over the next two years.
Proposed Budget Will Improve Educational Options, Raise Standards (Maciver Institute)
The state's K-12 reforms appear to have been influenced by Florida's sweeping changes from a decade earlier- a
buckshot approach that created significant improvements in the state. Items such as a reading initiative to ensure
that students can read before graduating to fourth grade, expansion of charter and virtual school legislation, and a
greater focus on school choice mirror some of the developments that reversed the downward trend of educational
achievement that Florida faced as the new millennium dawned.
o Senator Van Wanggaard wants to amend the budget to allow local communities of opting into the state
health insurance plan even if they are not in the WRS.
Local Governments:
Janesville Gazette. Editorial: Local contracts spell trouble with budget plan
Finally, an editorial board gets it.
The City of Wausau council member Sheri Abbotts called upset about transit aids. Our position was
relayed to her and also assured her that if the potential was out there we would address it at that time.
o Stevens Point JournaL Almond-Bancroft teacher contracts settled
After nearly two years of negotiations, the School Board unanimously accepted the agreement. The contract
expires June 30, 2011, and all payments and financial implications will be retroactive.
The 4 percent total package increase is broken down into a 2.61 percent salary increase and a 1.39 percent
benefit increase retroactive for the 2009-10 year, District Administrator Dan Boxx said. In 2010-11, there is a 2.38
percent increase in salary and a 1. 62 percent increase in benefits.
The teacher base salary of $30,200 was increased to $30,800 for 2009-10, and then to $31,330 for 2010-11.
"We have had a traditionally low base salary, so now we were able to increase our base salary to be a little bit
competitive with surrounding school districts," he said.
There were no surprises in this contract, Boxx said, and he built his budgets assuming a 4 percent total package
increase for each year.
In return, the teachers agreed to tJaV 3 percent of the insurance premiums for the 2009-10 school year, and 6
percent for 2010-11. Before this agreement, the district paid 100 percent.
Racine Journal Times. City approves more union contracts in advance of budget bill
8/2/2011
Page 4 of4
According to the approved 2011-2012 contracts, the four unions agreed to start paying the employee portion of
the pension contribution that the city currently pays, half of 11.6 percent of their payroll, beginning March 13.
However, offsetting that impact would be a 2. 9 percent pav raise also effective March 13, which is the start date
proposed for employee's pension contributions under the bill.
Wausau Daily Herald. Mayor Tipple halts union negotiations
Tipple was out of town this week and unavailable for comment. But Joe Blair, president of the AFSCME Locals
1287 and 1287CH, said the two unions agreed to "major changes" in contracts regarding insurance payments,
pension and compensation. He declined to offer specifics about the concessions unions made, and said Tipple's
moratorium wasn't expected.
Veterans:
Veterans board chair, Dan Naylor called upset about the budget. Specifically, he is concerned about
how the $13 million surplus at the end of the biennium in nursing homes and the VTF was calculated. He
was told it is due to the budget repair bill compensation savings. Also, he was concerned about the
veterans department reorganization. He was told it was moving the State Approving Agency to the new
DRL to improve efficiency.
WDV/l;
Some of the VSO's contacted me upset about the department's negative press release (link above) on the
budget. The VSO's are supportive of the budget and are thinking about doing a joint release in support soon.
Justice:
Tami Jackson from OJA called to inform us that some of the groups who received earmarks from the
federal Byrne Justice grants are upset they will now have to compete and show results to receive them.
8/2/2011
-
Page 1 of3
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2011 7:22PM
Jodi- DOA
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Eberle, Ed - L TGOV;
Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason- DOA
M!gislative Affairs Team
Legislators' Office Contacts
Representative Petryk's staff contacted us regarding education changes in the budget The Representative
was meeting with his local school boards to discuss the budget provisions.
Senator Galloway's office inquired about BadgeCare
Representative Louden beck inquired about the amount of hits to her school and communities
Rep. Pridemore's office inquired about the civil service system
Rep. Tranel is concerned about how many people in his district will be laid off
Rep. Kramer's office inquired about the dogs being moved shelters to research labs in the budget
QATCP
Received a letter from the USDA Sec. regarding the 2008 Farm Bill.
Includes definition of "disaster county" and outlines requirements to attain declarations from the USDA
Secretary (rather than the President).
DATCP has this information.
DNR
Working with DNR on response to City of Chippewa Falls regarding silica particulates.
The City asked for a circumvention of normal procedures for what they saw as a pressing matter.
o DNR is currently conducting a silica study, will continue as per normal procedure.
P S ~
Broadband Service
DOT
o Maine Governor LePage wrote a letter to the FCC in support of the commercial allocation of 700
MHz D Block of broadband service, instead of allocation straight to public safety
o Dan Leary ofT-Mobile would like to Governor Walker to write a letter to the FCC in support as well
Eminent Domain
8/2/2011
o Governor's Office met with Reggie from DOT and ATC rep to discuss their eminent domain proposal
o Currently, trial attorneys are gaming the system and collecting immensely high attorney fees, which
affect the rate payers of the utilities, DOT (taxpayers) and local municipalities
o DOT Proposal: Change statutes to ensure good faith negotiations by governmental entities and
property owners during real estate acquisition for highway and infrastructure projects and to reduce
litigation costs during negotiations and mitigate disputes over fair market value
Would like to place a cap on how much the trial attorneys can recoup in attorney fees (last
session, cap proposal from Gov. Doyle was $5,000, but JFC removed at Gary Sherman's
Page 2 of3
request)
ATC would like to place this in the state budget as part of the JFC process
Commerce
DOT EA Reggie Newson, Commerce EA Dave Volz, and Jason met with some Verona- and Shanghai-
based Chinese business leader
They would like to help arrange a trip by the Govenor to China to promote economic ties
As a first step, they would like the Governor to meet with General Counsel from the Consulate in Chicagq,
who will be visiting Madison in April
Commerce is working on scheduling this with Dorothy,
An international company is looking to locate to Waukesha County and bring 120 good-paying jobs
o Alerted Dave Volz and he will contact
The Town of Brookfield TIF (proposed Von Maur department store) is being opposed by the owners of
Brookfield Square, a national firm called CBL
CBL contests the need for this leigslation and says the develops are poaching existing retail clients from
Brookfield Square for this new development
The vice chair and CFO of CBL, Michael Lebovitz, is willing to fly here from Chattanooga to meet with
the Governor and discuss this further
Health Care
Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center Tour: Visited units for Ch, 980 persons committed under Wisconsin's
sexually violent persons law.
Attendees: Secretary Smith, Deputy Secretary Rhoades, EA Kevin Moore, Kimber & Becky
1. Staff pleased with the funding level in the budget.
2. The facility is nationally renowned for treatment associated with their patients. They frequently receive
requests from other states to tour their facility and contract out doctors and specialists to discuss the
treatment programs they utilize.
3. The program consists of several phases with multi-disciplinary achievements. The length of time in
treatment is dependent upon the success of program completion and by the patient's mastery of self-
management skills.
DCF is terminating its contract with Controltec, which was hired by the past administration to develop and
implement the finger scanning system for children in WI Shares. Our DCF team has found that the technology
isn't available for small children under 4 years old, since their fingerprints change over time due to growth.
Controltec had a Feb 1st due date which they haven't met. DCF plans to stop wasting money on the contract and
pursue other (realistic) options to eliminate WI Shares fraud.
Education
Met with Mike Thomas who represents School Specialty, Inc. His group believes it can help districts save
significant amounts of money through efficiencies outside of the classroom and without additional impact on pay
and benefits. One way they feel they can save is to consolidate services statewide (like we are doing with the
Student Information System). They consider transportation and food service to be especially good targets.
Newsworthy Information
Politifact: The Maciver Institute says average annual salary and benefits for Milwaukee Public Schools
teachers tops $100,000 (TRUE)
The conservative think tank said the average annual compensation for a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher would
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
exceed $100,000 in 2011. As of July 1, 2011, according to the school district, that figure will be $101,091.
Maciver's claim is true due to the double pensions that the teachers receive.
Local Governments:
s;reen Bay Press Gazette. Green Bay City Council committee declines to support public employee unions
The City Council's Advisory Committee voted 4-2 against the resolution, which stated that the city "stands in
solidarity with the hard-working men and women of the public sector."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Ozaukee County Board backs Walker repair
The board approved the resolution Wednesday on a 21-5 vote, with three supervisors abstaining. Two
supervisors were absent.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Waukesha County Board to vote on resolution backing repair bill
According to the proposed Waukesha County resolution, Waukesha County's employee benefits are rising at a
five-year average of 4. 1% per year and represent 30.2% of personnel costs in the 2011 budget.
Hutton's resolution calls for support of Walker's bill and urges state representatives to pass it "so that employees'
benefits will no longer be a mandates subject of collective bargaining."
Janesville Gazette. Reopening contract would put members at risk, leader says
One of the Janesville School District's employee unions is saying, "f\iQ," to the school board's invitation to reopen
its contract.
AFSCME Local 938 will not reopen because that would put members at risk, said Ed Sadlowski, field
representative for AFSCME Council 40.
Janesville Gazette. Edgerton, Milton teachers want to talk
Gallup said the union plans to offer concessions in benefits, including savings in health insurance of up $3,000
per teacher. The union now has health care coverage under the WEA Trust.
Justice:
I spoke to Chief Kevin Wilkinson of the Neenah Police Department and he said the Chiefs are concerned
that the budget repair exempts covered police and fire but not those nonunion employees. He would like
to see both exempt from paying into the pension or health insurance
8/2/2011
Page 1 of3
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 7:11 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Archer,
Cynthia - DOA
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J- GOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV;
Eberle, Ed - L TGOV; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Polzin,
Cindy M -GOV
Legislative Update
Representative Louden beck called inquiring about the amount of shared revenue cut for the City of Beloit.
Representative Wynn's office called asking what other options are available to the state if we are unable to
see the potential savings from the refinancing of debt.
Tomorrow's Committee Actions
Secretary Stepp is scheduled to receive her hearing and exec in the Senate Committee on Natural
Resources
JCRAR is scheduled to take up a motion to suspend the wind siting rules
Secretary Klett and Secretary Perez are scheduled to receive their hearings and exec's in the Senate
Committee on Workforce Development, Small Business, and Tourism
SB 12- allowing retailers offer discounts equal to the sale tax is scheduled for a public hearing in the
Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Small Business, and Tourism
Tourism
Tourism Promotion Funding
o Spoke with Chet Gerlach of Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions
o Stressed importance of promotional funding in tourism
DOT
Eminent Domain
o DOT and American Transmission Company discussed potential legislation
o DOT, ATC and Governor's Office to meet on this issue Friday
DOT Legislative Proposals
o Sen. Lazich and Rep. Petrowski to get back to the Governor's Office on which legislative proposals
they each would like to introduce in their respective committees
Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
o Rep. Petrowski's Office had concerns with this issue, and was referred to Reggie Newson at DOT
and their attorney to discuss legalities and federal funding process
Highway 41 Interstate Conversion
8/2/2011
o Secretary Gottlieb would like to !<now the governor's stance on this issue for when he meets with
U.S. Rep. Petri during this week's D.C. delegation meetings
o If we were ready to go ahead with the project, DOT would be ready to make an announcement this
fall. ..
o ... Probably put signs up by 2013
o Business community in the area is behind this project
Page2 of3
1-94 East-West Resurfacing Project
o Website:
Federal Airport Funding
DNR
o LFB called DOT regarding the potential impacts as a result of a loss of collective bargaining of those
mainly of firefighters, but also all support employees airports
o DOT says that there does not appear to be any potential loss of funds associated with the loss of
collective bargaining for the aforementioned employees
o DOT would like to promulgate rule that would bring compliance with Fed. Regulations
Changes include:
Adding several definitions
Modify land-use category descriptions
Redefine local citizen and governmental participation requirements for determination
whether or not barrier construction is desired by public
Non-compliance may result in loss of federal funding for certain airport projects
Dairy Business Association is meeting with Sec. Stepp on Thursday
o Silage leachate and air permits for manure digesters are some of the issues the industry would like
to see addressed
Recommendations for the Natural Resources Board
o Several names were forwarded to Eric Esser the DNR executive leadership team
WHEDA
WHEDA came to agreement with the Bankers Association on several legislative proposals
o Waiting on Wyman Winston to share the agreed aras for me
Local Governments:
Fond du Lac Reporter. County expects to OK four union contracts this week
1. Employees will contribute 5.8 percent of their retirement and county workers already are contributing
12-15 percent of their medical insurance costs.
2. The higher (lremium is for those employees who do not complete a health risk assessment.
3. Salaries would have a zero percent increase for 2011 and would be capped at the consumer price
index (up to 2 percent) for 2012.
Fond du Lac Reporter. Waupun Board extends teacher contract
1. A two-year salary schedule freeze with no lane movement.
2. A 50 percent contribution to the retirement system (currently 5.8 percent).
3. A 10 percent reduction in health insurance costs with the district paying a fixed monthly premium
rate of $640 for single coverage and $1.425 for family coveragg for a plan in which: the employee
may elect the current plan or similar and pay the premium difference; the employee may elect a plan
at the district-reimbursed cost; or the employee may elect a less-expensive plan and receive
payment for the difference.
4. This will be a giant step in assuring the financial stability of the district, Childs said. While the
governor's proposal would reduce district costs by some $850,000 over two years, the new proposal
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
would reduce costs by _$1.405.000 over that same period, he points out.
Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. Nekoosa teachers agree to contract
Justice:
1. The deal, which backdates to July 1, 2009, includes a salary base increase of 0.23 percent for the
2009-10 school y.ear for teachers, and a 0.11 percent base increase for the current school year. The
agreement also includes forming a teacher appraisal committee that will use student test scores as
part of the teacher evaluation system.
I met with Wynn Collins, Kent Lovern (Milwaukee), Melinda Tempelis (Outagamie), and Adam Gerol
(Ozaukee) of the WDAA to discuss the budget. I let them know that in keeping with the Governor's
promises pay progression would be in the budget, but increased positions would not. I told him that
request would hopefully be chipped away at in the next budget. They hoped to meet with the Governor
and other law enforcement stakeholders on a regular basis. I said I would work with Wynn to try to make
that happen.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of3
Sent: Thursday, February 24,201111:10 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Jensen, Jodi - DOA; Archer, Cynthia
-DOA
Cc: Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly - GOV;
Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Subject: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
Contact with Legislative Offices
Representative Bies was concemed that teachers were not included in Chapter 230 protections that
apply to state and UW employees. Expressed to the Representative that amended bill does offer
grievance procedure and other protections for teachers.
Milwaukee Police Department has approached Senate Republicans to repeal changes in the last
budget that disallow police officers in Milwaukee from receiving pay when on disciplinary
suspension for breaking Department rules. May look to amend budget bill in JFC to include this
provision.
Senate considering either moving Wirch!Barca bill to add 3 enterprise zones or to have Senator
Hopper draft a similar proposal. This would be in addition to another bill that would add 4 rural
enterprise zones.
Representative Bernier wants info1mation about why a teacher in her district is getting fired today.
Told her we were aware of W ASB newsletter to districts.
Senator Lazich is interested in introducing legislation to move up Wisconsin's primary date to be in
compliance with the federal MOVE Act.
Senate Session
SB 7- Voter ID bill was taken to final passage.
SJR 13- Resolution honoring Bob Uecker passed 19-0.
-
Tomorrow's Senate Calendar
SJR 11- naming 2011 World Veterinary Year
AJR 13- honoring Capitol Police and security personnel at the Capitol
SB 11- Filing of certain f01ms for a TIF District in Milwaukee
SB 21- Creation of TID in Brookfield
Assembly Session
Continuing to debate amendments on BAB.
Economic Develonment Team
Met with American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity
8/2/2011
o Would like Wisconsin to act in more of an "observer role" rather than participate in the Midwest
Greenhouse Gas Accord
o Supportive of a federal solution regarding greenhouse gases, rather than by region
-
Venture Capital
Met with Sen. Kanavas and SWIB to discuss Fund-of-Funds Model
DNR
Spoke with the DNR Green Bay Regional office about the tribal plan for a Waste to Energy plant
o They answered some constituent questions that came in
Page 2 of3
Basically, the DNR has yet to receive an application for a permit of any sort from the Oneida Seven
Generations LLC, so they cannot speculate on the project
Dog Breeder Rule
Spoke with Sen. Darling's office, they want the rule to be implemented with as little fuss as possible
o The Sen. invested a lot of time into the law, does not want to have to go through the process again
Education Meeting
o Met with Tom Llujack from UW-Milwaukee who is concerned about the cuts that the university is
facing. He is worried that they will receive little flexibility to offset the cuts.
]._ocal Governments:
La Crosse Tribune. Local leaders frustrated by lack of budget specifics
"Our platform reflects members' points of concern, and we haven't addressed collective bargaining in proposals as
sweeping as what the bill contains," John Reinemann, legislative director for the counties association told the
Capital Times. "While we have some platform positions calling for changes to mediation, we don't have any calling
for change to the concept of collective bargaining."
Applied evenly to each of the state's 442 school districts, that could translate to a cut of nearly $3.5 million for the
La Crosse School District.
That is "an unprecedented number," said Janet Rosseter, the district's director of business services.
According to the governor's office, school districts would save $488 million per year under his plan.
Rosseter estimates the district would save about $2.5 million if employees pay half their retirement fund
contributions. She has not calculated the savings from employees paying 12.6 percent of health insurance
premiums.
About three quarters ofthe district's teachers are on family plans and pay 10 percent. Those on single pla!JQJ1ill'
nothing.
Appleton Post Crescent. Government officials throughout Wisconsin struggle to back budget repair plan
"To throw the whole system out, I'm not sure that's the right response, but that's what's proposed. That's what's on
the table," Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna said.
Still, he explained that taking a stance against the governor's proposal now is hvpocritical. 'We've lobbied for a lot
of the changes that are contained (in the bill) but not the extent that they're contained here."
Voter ID:
Wisconsin State Journal. Editorial: Voter ID bill still too restrictive
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
Furthermore, the sponsors of this bill have shown precious little evidence of problems at the polls that conceivably
this bill would fix.
SB 6 is likely to face legal challenges. And it definitely shouldn't be rushed into place for the AprilS election. That's
too little time for poll workers to prepare.
Slow this bill down. Think things through. Don't go overboard in limiting ballot access in a state proud of its long
history of high participation in elections.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Sen. Leibham's voter photo JD bill amended
Jhe Badger Herald. Voter JD passes through committee
The Chippewa Herald. Senate to take up photo JD bill
Justice:
Racine Journal Times. Senate passes repeal of racial profiling Jaw
Many police chiefs from Racine County said they were having officers comply with the law, but don't like it. They
say it takes up too much of officers' time, puts officers at risk and the data collected is subjective.
8/2/2011
-
Page 1 of2
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 6:59 PM
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia - DOA; Jensen,
Jodi- DOA
Cc: Matejov, Scott- GOV; Eberle, Ed - L TGOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Lied I, Kimberly - GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
PSG
-
o Spoke with Village of Rothschild President on the proposal for We Energy to build biomass fueled
cogeneration facility in Rothschild
o Village President would like the new commissioner of the PSG, whenever he or she is appointed, to
be brought up-to-speed on situation
o PSG has discretion over project
DOT
o Budget Repair Bill: Federal Transit Funding
o Had conference call with Reggie Newson and Brian Hagedorn
o DOT received a request for information from FTA, Chicago Office
o Trans 405 (Sitting Noise Barriers)
o DOT would like to promulgate rule that would bring compliance with Fed. Regulations
JOBS Hotline
Changes include:
Adding several definitions
Modify land-use category descriptions
Redefine local citizen and governmental participation requirements for determination
whether or not barrier construction is desired by public
Non-compliance may result in loss of federal funding for certain highway projects
o Company in Minnesota is looking to expand in Osceola
Health Care Meetings
Met with John Torinus on reforming the health plans for state employees and Medicaid recipients. He
discussed his success at reducing health care costs with his company by utilizing consumer-driven plans,
HSA's, real transparency with health care costs, and free on-site primary care. He suggested people we
should include in the discussion to reform our health plans.
Met with Navitus (Mike Heifetz) to discuss improving the state's phmmacy management. Mike will be
approaching JFC members with a budget mnendment that gives incentives to teachers and local
municipalities to join the ETF pool. He estimates that it would decrease phatmacy costs by 15-20%.
News
Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance's Hypocrisy Exposed (ABC for Health)
"The hypocrisy of the Wisconsin Commissioner oflnsurance's office was exposed as the state
8/2/2011
Page 2 of2
announced the acceptance of $38 million in health reform money. The Affordable Care Act includes the
creation of insurance exchanges, and Wisconsin's new "Early Innovator" grant will facilitate that
process."
Corrections:
Budget analysts at Corrections confirmed that if last years overtime numbers held steady and we were out
from under the collective bargaining contracts, which allow for pay status/work status, sick leave overtime
stacking, the state would have saved nearly $5 million out of a $27 million overtime total (FY201 0). That is
nearly a 20 percent reduction in overtime costs. That is even assuming overtime is paid time and a half
which is required under federal fair labor standards over 40 hours.
Dennis Schuh, EA at Corrections is having his staff write a letter needed to perform certain hiring
requirements at the same time in order to both transfer staff to and hire new staff at Lincoln Hills. The
letter will be sent to DOA and signed by Cindy Archer to authorize this. It is needed if we are to get
Lincoln Hills ready within 3 months of Ethan Allen and SOGS closing.
Senator Harsdorf's staff called concerned that correctional officers were walking out of a prison near her
district. We followed up with Corrections and they confirmed it was only a rumor and there were no
higher sick days than usual today.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of3
Sent: Thursday, February 17,2011 7:33AM
To: Gilkes, Keith- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Huebsch, Mike- DOA; Archer, Cynthia- DOA; Jensen,
Jodi- DOA
Cc: Eberle, Ed - L TGOV; Matejov, Scott- GOV; Hagedorn, Brian K- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV;
Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta, Jason - DOA
Senator Zipperer, Representative Nerison, Representative Wynn, and Representative Jacque reached out
to our office with specific questions regarding the Budget Adjustment Bill
Committees
SB 15- repeal of data collection bill- had a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Safety
and Urban Affairs
JFC plans to vote on the Budget Adjustment Bill later tonight
Commerce
Centergy - Central Wisconsin Alliance for Economic Development
DATCP
o Spoke to Barb Fleisner- Executive Director about her group wanting to set up a meeting with the
governor and business leaders
o Dorothy and scheduling is aware and has received the group's request
Spoke with Jeff Lyon on the three WHEDA ag lending proposals
DOT
1. Sec. Brancel will verify with us tomorrow whether they're ready to share with legislators or need
modification
Met with a representative of the State Engineers Assn.
o They have a study showing at least $5 million Trans Fund SEG could be saved by using fewer
consultants
o Will pursue the matter with Reggie Newson
Former (D) Senator Goyke is working with Sen. Erpenbach on the State potentially losing FED
transit funding as a result of the of eliminating collective bargaining rights
o We have the opinion that the Fed is wrong on this issue and the Budget Repair Bill is compliant with
federal code
SB 15 and AB 18: Data Collection
o State Patrol to testify on informational basis only during Friday's committee hearing
o DOT and State Patrol will not pub/ical/y or privately oppose a potential amendment that would
eliminate the primary seatbelt enforcement provision
Hwy 23 reconstruction detour in Princeton, WI
8/2/2011
o Business owner from Princeton working towards a "Citizens Preferred" detour, instead of the original
proposed by DOT
o Sent information to Reggie Newson to make him aware of situation
JOBS Hotline
First Name Last Name
Paul Craig
Ken Pierson
NGA Update
Description of Call
says he is losing his job as a teacher
because of the budget repair bill; as a result
he is also closing his business because he
needs to find a new job
called JH earlier; has not heard from
Commerce
2013 Annual Meeting Location Search
Comments
Contacted by
GOV; left a
message
Contacted by
GOV; forwarded to
Nate Yahn for
Commerce action
I. We will submit a letter suggesting Milwaukee as the Host City (**Deadline: Feb. 25
1
h)
2. This is only a letter of intent. No additional materials are needed at this time.
Page2 of3
3. Prior to the 2011 Annual Meeting, all states will be notified by NGA as to additional materials that are
required for consideration. (Videos, additional letters, brochures, etc.)
4. The 2013 location decision will be made sh01tly after the 2011 Annual Meeting after a site visit is
completed.
a. **Governor Walker should lobby the executive committee at the Annual Meeting in July to
have Milwaul<ee be the host city for 2013. **
Health Care Meetings
American Cancer Society (Gail Sumi):Senator Darling and Rep. Strachota will be authoring legislation
iprohibiting state-regulated health plans from requiring patients to pay a higher copayment,
deductible, or coinsurance for oral chemotherapy than is tequired for injected or intravenous chemotherapy. WI
would become the 12th state in the nation providing this access.
ThedaCare: Jeffrey Remsik & Tony Driessen (DeWitt Ross Stevens):_ThedaCare is a regional hospital system
in the Fox Valley affiliated with 5 local hospitals. They have implemented "Lean Methodology" which has helped
reduce costs by more than $27 million and has improved health care quality. They want to help us implement
more performance-driven reimbursement for Medicaid.
News
Federal education secretary to tall< with Gov. Walker (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is expected to call Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday, a
spokesman for the federal agency said.
UW -Madison head supports split from UW system (Milwaukee Joumal Selltinel)
"I'm hopeful that when Gov. Walker introduces his budget uext week that he'll include flexibility for UW-
Madison and other UW institutions in some form," UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin said in a statement.
Local Governments:
The Wisconsin Counties Association contacted the Governor's and leadership offices to express concerns
over extending civil service protections to county employees. They were contacted by Ryan Murray to
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
address their concerns.
Waste. Fraud. and Abuse:
Just a couple of the supporters of the budget adjustment bill contacting through the Waste, Fraud, and
Abuse webpage:
Abuse Commission Comments
I think Governor Walker's proposal to reduce spending and lessen the power of the unions is wonderful. We need
to do things like this to help cut spending and to balance the budget with out raising taxes.
Aoouse Commission Comments
Kill the Union's stranglehold they have on Tax Payer's funds! Good on ya Govenor. Balance the budget and
restore individual's liberty to protect themselves in this state. Keep up the good work, I know it's not easy but you
have more support for this reform than the media will lead us to believe.
-
Corrections:
Wausau Daily Herald. Editorial: State should retain Lincoln Hills School
"A panel appointed by Gov. Jim Doyle to study the issue punted on the decision, failing to reach the number of
votes needed to offer an official recommendation. But the panel voted 5-3 in favor of closing Ethan Allen, and in
its final report, it made clear that if the state were to close one of the two facilities, the state would be better
served by keeping Lincoln Hills open."
"Ethan Allen inmates filed twice as many complaints in 2009 as Lincoln Hills kids. And staffers filed 109
grievances with Ethan Allen, compared with zero at Lincoln Hills."
8/2/2011
Page 1 of5
To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Contacts with Legislative Offices:
Representative Bies had questions regarding police exemptions in collective bargaining bill
Representative Pellyk had questions regarding State Labor Management mediator
Representative Marklein's Office called with questions concerning the suspension of Executive
Order # 108- apprenticeships.
Assembly Session
SS SB 12- appropriations bill is scheduled to be taken up and passed tomorrow
Senate Session
SS SB 12- appropriations bill is scheduled to be taken up and passed tomorrow
AB 4- auto insurance mandate repeal is scheduled to be given its final passage tomorrow.
SJR 17- honoring the life of David Kachel
SJR 18- honoring the life of Carl Otte
Commerce
JFC Testimony Prep
o Nate met with Dep. Sec. Klonsinski, Dave Volz and Sen. Hopper
Venture Capital
o Ryan and Jason with the budget office and Jeff Craver on the venture capital draft
U.S. Tl'ade Representative
o Mary Regel, Director ofBureau ofExportDevelopment of WI Dept. of Commerce, will be
the state's POC on federal trade policy
o Sent letter today
Assembly Committee on Financial Institutions
o Secretary Bildsten to continue meeting with representatives this week
DOT
HSRGrant
o Letters of support received from Mayor Tom Barrett, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Greater
Milwaukee Committee and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce for HSR
Grant.
Federal Tl'ansit Funds
o Update from DOT on effects of2011 Wisconsin Act 10
JFC Testimony
o Sec. Gottlieb did a great job testifying
Recycling
o Representative Meyer has concerns about recycling.
8/2/2011
Page 2 of5
o Referred him to the alternate proposals DNR brought to Nygren, Vos and Darling.
Phosphorus
o Spoke to John Keckhaver about phosphorus tule changes in the errata.
o The WI Lakes offered to help set up meetings on the rules, if needed.
JFC Testimony
o Secretary Stepp testified before Joint Finance today.
DATCP
JFC Testimony
o Secretary Brancel testified before Joint Finance today.
Legislative Meetings
o Representative Meyer asked them to come to him to talk about the budget/JFC testimony
NGA Taskforce
Medicaid Taslilorce
Health Ca1e and Education
I. Calls will be conducted for staff only on Aprill3
1
h, 15th, 2oth, and 22nd
2. Re-defined list of flexibilities will be sent to offices tomorrow
3. Govemors only phone call last week of April
NGA 2013 Milwaukee Bid
1. The final bid packet was completed today
2. It will be mailed tomorrow (or Wednesday at the latest) after printing
DHS
1. Program emollment has increased fiom last month
2. FamilyCare Audit: DHS will be receiving the audit today, will conduct a preliminary review
a. Possible public release will be April 18th
3. BadgerCare Basic Audit
a. Release date will follow closely after FamilyCare audit
4. FoodShare will be going to DCF. Dennis and Eloise spoke last week and finalized the transfer via
the budget.
DWD
Spancrete Group, Inc., Waulesha: Filed notice of intent to permanently close its operations at 1600
East Main Street, Waukesha, effective May 30, 2011. The closing affects 45 employees who were laid
off in November 2010.
Education
Met with Paul Nelson From W AICU about new federal rules dealing with institutions of higher
education.
Met with the Lt Governor and Van Walling on STEM Van is advocating for a statewide STEM mandate
for K-12 and a NGA conference on STEM.
Education News
South Division students take MATC class for college credit, prenaration (Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel).
The initiative, called Driving Dreams through Education, is one of 10 funded across the country by the
Ford Motor Co. Ford has awarded a $20,000, two-year grant to the League of United Latin American
Citizens to administer the program developed by LULAC, MA TC and Milwaukee Public Schools. Next
school year, the program will pay for 10 more students to participate.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of5
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
WF A came up as a topic at today's cabinet meeting. The agency template was also sent to all
WFA task forces and EA's so they can begin sending examples ofWFA to the commission. April
26 is the likely date of the next WF A meeting. DCF claims has agreed to testify and we are
reaching out to DHS and DCF enrollment program integrity folks as well.
Veterans:
I met with Board Chair Dan Naylor and Marv Freedman. They wanted to discuss working
together going forward. I said it would be productive to wait until the Governor has appointed 4
new members to the board before picking a secretary. They seemed to agree. The meeting went
well until Dan Naylor brought up a quote from the Governor in 2010 critical of the board. It
seems unclear if Mr. Naylor and Mr. Freedman are serious about working together.
Local Government:
Stevens Point Journal. Teachers' union makes concessions to help Tomonow River school deficit
AMHERST-- The Tomorrow River teachers union agreed to salary and benefit concessions this week
that will save about $400,000 next school year.
To help address a $1.2 million budget deficit, the district and the union, known as the Tomorrow River
Education Association, signed a memorandum of agreement to extend its current contract to the 2011-12
school year with the following changes that take effect July 1, said district bookkeeper Becky Galvin:
.Oshkosh Nmthwestern. 5-year Oshkosh Area School District deficit tops $21M despite union
concessions
District revenues are projected to continue shrinking and the cost of current operations will keep
climbing. This will force the Oshkosh school district to scale back between $4 million and $7 million in
spending every year beginning in 2012-13.
District staff has agreed to freeze their wages for one year and begin paying more toward their pensions
and health insurance to fi'ee up millions from the district's budget.
The concessions are more than enough to absorb school jim ding cuts proposed in Gov. Scott Walker's
biennial state budget, but the district still has an underlying structural deficit that could exceed $21
million by the 2015-16 school year.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Oconto Falls School District may reduce school year
School district officials and teachers approved a one-year contract extension last week that opens the
door to reducing the school year by three days,from 180 to 177 in 2011-12.
"It's something that we're leaning toward," Superintendent David Polashek said. He estimates the move
could save the district about $30,000 in reduced costs in areas such as wages, utilities and busing.
State lmv now requires a 180-day school calendar, but a provision in Gov. Scott Walker's proposed
biennium budget would allow districts to adjust the number of days schools are in session. Required
hours of instruction would remain the same. The Oconto Falls district could move forward with its plan
only if Walker's biennial budget is adopted
Janesville Gazette. Janesville teachers pledge support for community fund drive to help schools
8/2/2011
Page 4 of5
Parr said the idea is for JEA members to contribute I.5 percent of their salaries during the fiscal year
that starts July I, but it's up to each teacher to decide what to contribute.
Jf all of this year's teachers were employed next year and that percentage was applied to their salaries, it
would yield $684,5IO, said Steve Speny, district human resources director.
Parr said the I. 5 percent figure is the amount of the teachers' raise during the coming year.
Teachers are in the middle of a four-year contract that included a wage fieeze in 2009-I 0, a 2 percent
increase last fall, another 0.5 percent increase in Janumy, I. 5 percent in 2011-20I2 and 2 percent in
20I2-I3.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Editorial: Cities deserve clarity on water runoff regulation
Oshkosh has plans to borrow $30 million to upgrade its wastewater plant to bring it into compliance with
the new limits. The city uses chemical treatment to reduce phosphorus discharges fiom the plant, but
would need new controls to meet significantly reduced limits. The cost would be paid over years by
residents and businesses as part of their water bills.
Racine Journal Times. Editorial: Requirements on residency a local issue.
Mayor Barrett and the Milwaukee City Council have unanimously called on the Legislature to defeat the
residency-ending legislation.
We're with them. What business is it of the state to meddle in these local affairs? The state of Wisconsin
has no vested interest in this -save political payoffs. The city of Milwaukee has had its residency
requirement for more than 80 years, and there is no shortage of interest when it looks to hire new
recruits.
Justice:
.Wausau Daily Herald. Walker seeks to expand Internet Crimes Against Children division
Price said ICAC's biggest challenge is keeping up with constantly changing computer technology that
Internet predators use to hide their illicit activity. People searching for child pornography meet on
websites and chat rooms where they can share or download files with the images. The predators often
have complex software programs that can hide child pornography on hard drives and servers that can
store a vast number of files.
Agents can spend hours searching for child pornography images and the department lacks server space
to store predator's computer files for analysis, Price said.
"I wonder if a million dollars is enough with the advancement of technology and the skills the offenders
are developing," Merrill Police Chief Ned Seubert said.
Intergovernmental Issues:
Wall Street Journal. Conflict brews over proposed cuts to Michigan Schools
Mr. Snyder has proposed a range of actions to tackle the state's $I.8 billion budget deficit. In addition to
the cuts to schools, he's proposing reductions in aid to local governments, closing a prison, eliminating a
tax credit to the working poor, reducing higher education budgets by I5%, trimming compensation for
public employees by $I80 million, and removing many tax incentives such as one to the film industry.
8/2/2011
Page 5 ofS
As part of broad spending reductions in his proposed 2012 budget, the governoris seeking school-funding
cuts of up to 4%. The cuts come after years of shrinking school budgets that have forced districts to close
schools, lay off nonessential staff and reduce extracurricular activities.
Randy Monday, school superintendent in Monroe, Mich., near the Ohio border, says the cuts would cost
his district of6,300 students about $3.5 million. "It's torture," he said. "I just cut $3.5 million last year."
8/2/2011
From: Wodiska, Joan [JWodiska@NGA.ORG]
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:20PM
To: Hogan, Pat- GOV
Subject: Opinion Piece: Education Governor
Opinion: The rebirth of the education governor
By Chester E. Finn, Jr.
Page 1 of2
Thirty years ago, Saturn started its current revolution around the Sun, Mt. St. Helens erupted, and Americans began to
understand that governors are the most impottant people in U.S. K-12 education. They control, on average, about half
of schools' budgets. They propose, lobby, and ultimately sign legislation that spans the spectrnm from teacher
evaluations and collective bargaining to textbook adoption. Today, with bold gubernatorial leadership on display once
again, we do well to recall some of the pioneering "education governors" of the 1980s, men and women who set about
to reform their states' public schools-indeed, to overhaul their states' entire K-12 system.
Most of them were considered political "moderates"-mind you, that was neither a slur nor an endangered species in
the '80s--and they definitely came from both parties. Prominent among them were Dick Riley (D-SC), Tom Kean (R-
NJ), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Jim Hunt (D-NC), John Engler (R-Ml), Bill Clinton (D-AR), Tommy Thompson (R-
WJ), Ann Richards (D-TX), and Rudy Perpich (DFL-MN)-to name a few.
These leaders ushered in statewide academic standards, new tests, the concept of results-based accountability, some
fresh thinking about teachers and principals, chatter schools, and plenty more. Teamed up (in 1989) with the first
President Bush in Charlottesville, they also produced a set of "national education goals" such as this land never had
before, and they helped to comprise a new panel in Washington to monitor the country's progress toward those goals.
What charged them up at the time was the need for economic development and competitiveness for their states,
complaints from their employers and universities about the umeadiness oflocal high school graduates, and mounting
costs, coupled with the frustration that education consumed huge chunks of their budgets, yet they had relatively
minimal control over what those funds purchased. (They were also fired up by A Nation at Risk.) So they exerted
themselves as never before.
Their organizations and affiliates revved up, t
0
o. Most notable was the National Govemors Association (NGA), which
had not historically had a great deal to do with K-12 education but, beginning in 1986 with a five year Alexander-
prompted project called "Time for Results," bestirred itself both to push for education reform across the states and to
monitor progress made by them.
With the 1990s came increased federal involvement in education reform, as governors of that time helped to activate
and animate the feds. Though Bush 41 and Lamar Alexander (as his second secretary of education) didn't get much
through the Democratic Congress, President Bill Clinton signed major legislation in 1994 on which George W. Bush-
Texas's education-reform-minded governor of the late 1990s-built when he reached the White House a few years
later. The result, of course, was No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
As Washington pushed harder, however, some governors backed off. By and large, the first de<f<lde of this century was
not a time of huge gubematorial initiative on the K-12 front Reforming education seemed for a while to be Uncle
Sam's job. (Massachusetts under Bill Weld and his successors and Florida under Jeb Bush exceptions.)
8/2/2011
''
Today: ... anew crop ofreform-minded govemors
is reclaiming its territ01y in an efflorescence of
leadersllip and stafe-level initiatives.
;
Page2 of2
"
Today, however, Saturn has completed a full revolution and a new crop of reform-minded governors is reclaiming its
territory in an efflorescence ofleadership and state-level initiatives. Some of this shift back was triggered by discontent
with NCLB and some was stimulated by Race to the Top. Either way, many have perceived that the nation is still at
risk-and so are its states; that looking to Washington to solve problems is mostly futile and sometimes damaging; and
that, in the end, states bear primary constitutional and financial responsibility for K-12 education. What's more, with
states running out of money and education consuming so many billions, eking greater bang from the available bucks is
both ilresistible and unavoidable.
The NGA is back in action, too, with the Common Core State Standards Initiative (co-created with the CCSSO and a
bunch offoundation dollars). That happened before the 2010 election, which swept into office a bunch of new
governors who have set out to reform public education while cutting its budget, something more or less unprecedented.
They haven't all been Republicans (consider Phil Bredesen in Te1messee and Jack Markell in Delaware, for example-
both of their states round one winners of Race to the Top, also before the 2010 election) but most are. Prominent
among them are Mitch Daniels (R-IN), John Kasich (R-OH), Scott Walker (R-Wl) and Chris Christie (R-NJ). This
time, however, few of them would be descdbed as "moderates" and their states are awash in vivid pmtisan clashes.
That's mostly due to budget cuts and related policy changes. Austerity defmes the era and the leadership and reform
strategies of these chief executives. Yes, they want to boost achievement and to foster more school choices. Some of
them murmur about governance changes and technology. But what really seems to kindle their fires is saving money
while rewriting the ground rnles by which teachers in their schools are employed, rewriting them in ways that (a)
economize in response to diminished revenues, (b) purge the ranks of incompetents, (c) rewm-d merit, (d) open up both
the pathways by which new teachers enter and those by which veteran teachers exit, and (e) weaken the public sector
unions that have been stalwm-t supporters of the status quo (and of their political opponents).
Two of the "education governors" from the 80s and 90s went on to become president; two others became secretm-y of
education. Will today's crop of state leaders ascend to those heights? Time will tell. But we already know this: Like
Saturn, the governors are back. And ifthey are able to implement their reform agendas, preferably without totally
alienating their teachers, America's kids will be the better for it. So will our taxpayers and our competitiveness.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of3
Downing, Karley- GOV
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:45 PM
Bills Passed Today in Senate Session
SB 93- concealed carry (25-8). (Dem support: Holperin, Jauch, Lassa, Taylor, Vinehout, Wirch)
SB 107-landlord CCAP usage preemption (18-14). (No Dem Support)
SB 109- increases in penalties for soft tissue injuries to law enforcement officers (Voice Vote).
AB 148- bill to pay the bills. The Senate is expected to give final passage to this legislation at some point
tonight. It will then be ready for action by the Governor.
Assembly Session
The Assembly is scheduled to begin debate on the 2011-2013 biennial budget later this evening.
Commerce
-
WiscNet
o Tom Still from the WI Technology Council contacted our office in opposition to the JFC's action
restricting WiscNet
BioGenesis
o Jason, Nate, Commerce and DNR met with BioGenesis reps about a company contract situation with
the EPA and their interest in having operations at the Milwaukee Harbor
o Gave them some suggested contacts of organizations throughout the state, as well as DOT, DNR,
and Commerce contacts
o BioGenesis removes the pollutants from dredged material and sells the cleaned material as
topsoil
o The firm is based in Milwaukee and owned by an Iranian scientist who fled that country when the
Shah was overthrown
DATCP
o Raw Milk Enforcement Action
DOT
o This morning DATCP executed an enforcement action against a farmer in Racine County who was
selling raw milk illegally to Illinois.
o The owner admitted to operating the illegal racket
o Ashley Furniture TEA Grant in Whitehall
o DOT has not heard from the Village of Whitehall regarding the TEA grant we had discussed earlier
o DOT is reaching out to the Village to see if there is interest in starting the application process
PSC
Wind Siting Working Group
o PSC received a response from the WI Realtors Assn.
o There remain great differences among the parties involved in these talks
Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association
o Named new President, will send congratulatory letter from the governor
8/2/2011
Page 2 of3
Health Care and Education Team
DHS:
Feedback from the DHS budget town halls will be posted by the end of the week on the DHS website. A new
addition on the homepage will be Medicaid data that will be updated weekly. The Office of Integrity will be up and
running with a start date of September 1st.
Meeting with Forbes Mcintosh and Jeff Schoenfeldt: Discussed suggested vetoes and language that they
would like kept in the budget. Passed notes to Schutt and Murray.
DWD:
Secretary Scott Baumbach was confirmed by the Senate 30-1-2.
Education:
Met with SE WI Schools Ass'n today in Milwaukee. We addressed questions from roughly 30 members on
everything from choice to school finance.
1. They would like to hold small workgroups with our office and education stakeholders on specific
issues.
2. Another specific suggestion was to share your long-term education policy platform. They are one of
many groups that have wanted to know what your education vision is for the next 4 years. They
asked how our various education initiatives fit into your broader plan for education in Wisconsin. We
may want to discuss this further to review our education messaging and see if we should expand on
how certain education initiatives (such as the SIS, school grading, Read to Lead, etc) fit together.
DHS Newsworthv:
GOP Governors ask Washington to give states more flexibility on Medicaid (Fox News!
Frustrated with the rising costs of providing health care to their poorer constituents, Republican governors from 29
states sent a letter to lawmakers in Washington on Monday demanding greater flexibility in administering Medicaid
dollars.
DWD Newsworth)';
ManpowerGroup survey: Local employer hiring to be brisk (The Business Journal)
Milwaukee area employers expect to hire at a "brisk pace" during the third quarter and make the region the third-
best job market in the nation, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.
-
Education News:
Martin wasn't forced out, Reilly says (Milwaukee Journal SentinfMl
University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin was not forced out of UW, despite being
embroiled in a high-profile battle for flexibility in the face of state funding cuts, according to UW System President
Kevin Reilly.
Martin, who led an unsuccessful effort to split UW-Madison from the rest of the UW System, announced Tuesday
she is leaving her post at UW to be the president of Amherst College.
Opinion: "Waivers" Are Fine ... Back-Door Legislating Via "Strings"? Not So IYiuch (Education Weekl
By Rick Hess
There seems to be some confusion about the problem with our earnest Secretary of Education's chest-thumping
promise to take things into his own hands if Congress doesn't fix NCLB by August. The problem is not that he's
pledging to waive some of the law's goofy provisions. No one is disputing that he's empowered to do so (see, for
instance, Mike Petrilli's take here).
So, what is the problem? It's that Duncan has said that he plans to attach "strings" to those waivers, so that states
will have to adopt his priorities in order to gain flexibility. He has clearly signaled that he regards this as a back-
door opportunity to promote his preferred approach to teacher evaluation, the Common Core, and such with or
without Congressional permission. This is what has so infuriated observers.
Duncan Warns Schools on Banning Gay-Straight Clubs (Education Week)
On Monday night, the school board in West Bend, Wis., agreed to allow students at West Bend High School to
form a gay-straight alliance if students who had been previously barred from doing so dropped a federal lawsuit
against the school district.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of3
Mr. Duncan's letter to school districts was accompanied by legal guidelines from the Education Department's
Generai'Counsel Charles P. Rose. It follows an October 2010 letter to districts about how bullying, in particular of
students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, may violate students' civil rights. ("Bullying May Violate
Civil Rights, Duncan Warns Schools," Oct. 26, 2010.)
Justice and Local Governments ~ m
Local Governments and Property Taxes:
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Ziegelbauer in favor of proposed budget
-
Ziegelbauer believes the collective bargaining changes- that Assembly leadership said will be put into the 2011-
13 budget, if necessary- and other fiscal changes "will put us back on the path to prosperity almost immediately.
"(They will) get our financial system back under control without raising taxes and creating the kinds of incentives
that will stimulate economic activity in Wisconsin, especially compared to other states."
Stevens Point Journal. Stevens Point Area School District budget could change
-
Though taxes in the Stevens Point Area Public School District would drop under a preliminary 2011-12 budget
passed Monday, district leaders cautioned the numbers are in flux and will change somewhat before the budget is
finalized.
The Stevens Point Area Public School Board approved the preliminary budget by a vote of 8-0. Board member Lisa
Totten was absent.
The district's levy would drop by about $1.7 million under the budget, lowering the corresponding mill rate by 44
cents to $7.93. That means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay $793 in school taxes.
Appleton Post Crescent. Appleton teacher contract extension on hold
The current contract, which was approved in March, expires June 30. The contract extension would cover the
1,050 educators represented by AEA July 1 through June 2012.
"It has to do with the insurance carrier decision-making process," Hietpas said of the sticking point tor both sides.
"Otherwise we're pretty well in alignment."
Appleton's current carrier is WEA Trust.
When the AEA and the school board met two weeks ago to exchange proposals for a contract extension, the union
offered to have educators pay 12 percent of their health insurance premiums starting Sept. 1., as well as a 5.8
percent contribution toward their retirement benefits.
Chris Heller, AEA negotiations chairman, told the board Monday that he had been authorized by union leaders to
"offer economic concessions that will more than close the gap in regards to next year's budget concerns."
Appleton anticipates an $8 million reduction in revenues next school year.
Wausau Daily Herald. Firefighters reach deal on union contract
The agreement gives a 1. 75 percent wage increase to the union's roughly 50 members, retroactive to Jan. 1. It
does not increase firefighters' insurance contribution from 10 percent to 12. 6 percent, nor does it require union
members to pay 5.8 percent toward their retirement.
The city's Human Resources manager, /Ia Koss, said the city asked for both the police and firefighter unions to
contribute toward pensions, but the firefighters union "would not change the language" from the 2010 contract.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of2
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 6:22 PM
Representative Coggs will be meeting with the Human Services Team to talk about the details of her idea
on a task-farce to help re-train minority workers.
JFC should be through with the budget either late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Commerce
-
Wisconsin-Switzerland Trade Mission
o Received letter from the Ambassador to Switzerland inviting you to visit Switzerland on trade
relations
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
o Interested in further developing its partnership with Wisconsin industry, state government and
education regarding workforce development and commerce issues
Bio Conference
o Working with WI Technology Council and BioForward on specifics and on schedule
DOR
-
TIF Districts
o Answered questions from the Mayor of Osseo on a TID they want to amend to reflect annexed land.
o There was a problem with the timing of the application being before the land was officially annexed,
which made DOR deny the application.
Branch Legislation
o DOR has provided a preliminary analysis of the motion by JFC.
o They have identified a number of technical changes that could be made.
DOT
Tourism
o Met with WisDOT to discuss freight rail initiatives and potential legislation about road weight limits.
o Contact with a business owner concerned about road weight limits. Subsequently made contact with
the City of Stanley and Town of Thorp regarding his concerns.
United Performing Arts Fund "Ride for the Arts"
o Badger Meter, Inc. sent letter thanking the governor for his support of the ride for the arts
PSG
Wind Siting
o PSG put together wind proposal and will be meeting informally with stakeholders to hear and gather
their thoughts and ideas
o Energy Production
o Governor Parnell of Alaska wrote a letter to Governor Walker requesting him to craft a letter (similar
to his and sent to the Alaskan delegation) urging increased domestic energy production
JOBS Hotline- 2 calls received
8/2/2011
Page 2 of2
-
DCF
Meeting with Jim Leonhart regarding Early Childhood incentive for "Read to Lead".
Education
Evers met with WEAC, and they are onboard with the concept of school grading. Contacted Kestell and Olsen
about the newspaper op-ed
Education News:
The Long Reach of Teachers Unions (EducationNext/
"If you think it's far-fetched to suggest that a teachers union could play the role of political kingmaker, think again.
The largest political campaign spender in America is not a megacorporation, such as Wai-Mart, Microsoft, or
ExxonMobil. It isn't an industry association, like the American Bankers Association or the National Association of
Realtors. It's not even a labor federation, like the AFL-CIO. If you combine the campaign spending of all those
entities it does not match the amount spent by the National Education Association, the public-sector labor union
that represents some 2.3 million K-12 public school teachers and nearly a million education support workers (bus
drivers, custodians, food service employees), retirees, and college student members. NEA members alone make
up more than half of union members working for local governments, by far the most unionized segment of the
U.S. economy."
8/2/2011
Page 1 of6
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 8:44PM
Cindy met with Representative Kooyenga regarding AB 30- delegation of child by parent.
Assembly Sessio11
The Assembly is scheduled to begin debate on the budget tomorrow
Senate Session
SB 93- concealed carry (as amended)
AB 148- bill to pay the bills (final passage)
SB 107- landlord CCAP usage preemption
SB 1 09- penalties for soft tissue injuries to law enforcement officers
Economic DeveloRment and Regulatorv Reform
Commerce
Marinette Marine names new General Manager
o Former Congressman Beau Boulter called to report that Admiral Chuck Goddard (Ret.)
has been named as the general manager of the Marinette Marine shipyard.
8/2/2011
o Adm. Goddard was in charge of shipbuilding at the Navy prior to retiring in 2009.
OECD
o Confirming details and participation of WI parties for June meeting
o Working with Volz and Steve Baas
BIO International Convention
o Working with Commerce and WI Tech Council on details and scheduling
o WTC recommended restaurant venue for Monday night meeting with companies and
VIP's
Page2of6
Checking with Commerce to see if this would work
o Letter from the governor approved for the BIO Directory-- working with WTC on details
Mining
o Met with a member of the Lake Superior Binational Forum.
The group that works to protect Lake Superior, per the Boundary Waters Treaty.
EPA has a Binational Task Force that works on these matters, the Forum acts as
a consultant to the Task Force.
o They saw the initial ferrous mining legislation proposal and were concerned that it would
break certain provisions of our treaty with Canada.
Opposition to JFC Motion on Bidding Requirements for Public Works Projects
o Joint Letter from Counties of Marathon, Brown, Colombia, Adams, Dunn, Kenosha,
Waupaca, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Cities of Milwaukee and La Crosse and Villages of
Brown Deer and Fox Point
o Wisconsin Chapter of American Public Works Association
o Letter from Door County
JOBS Hotline
o 2 calls received
Education and Human Services Team
DCF was notified today by NGA that they will receive a $10,000 grant. The selection and grant is in
part of the Three Branch Institute on Adolescents in FosterCare.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of6
Interim Secretary Scott Baumbach will be confirmed by the Senate tomorrow to become Secretary of
Department of Workforce Development.
DHS Newsworthy:
FamilvCare enrollment cag in budget starts June 30 (The Racine Journal Tim}
When the program started, the purpose was to serve seniors and people with disabilities. The idea
was that it would save money because elderly people would use in-home care instead of going to the
nursing homes. But it has ended up costing the state more, said Burlington's Rep. Samantha
Kerkman, R-Powers Lake. She co-chairs the state's Joint Legislative Audit Committee, which recently
conducted an audit of the program.
State official defends freeze on FamilyGam_{Milwaukee Journal SentiiJilll
Kitty Rhoades, deputy secretary for health services, said a state audit and other data on the program
have not provided answers to how much it would cost if a scheduled unfettered enrollment expansion
were allowed. That means costs of allowing more enrollments in FamilyCare remain unknown, she
said Friday. "As it expands, (costs) are a relative unknown quantity," said Rhodes.
Progosed Medicaid cuts RUt NJ in National Debate {Associated Pressl
In New Jersey's case, changes would mean a parent of two earning more than $103 per week would
be ineligible. At issue in New Jersey is a $540 million cut to state Medicaid funding that Gov. Chris
Christie proposed for next year's budget. About $240 million comes from specific program cuts, such
as $140 million dropped from nursing home coverage.
On Political Exgediency and Health Care Reform -Guest Oginion (Kaiser Familv Health Newl
Author: James C. Capretta
DWD
Finding skilled workers a struggle for Bucyrus (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
As chairman of the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment, a state advisory panel, Sullivan
wants Gov. Scott Walker to change how the state spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year in
federal job training funds - and in the process, link the funds to reforms of local education programs.
The proposals would change how workforce investment boards - regional training entities - apply for
funds. They would need to justify each allocation with commitments to reform the curricula of each
region's kindergarten- through-12th public schools as well as each region's technical colleges.
Education:
8/2/2011
Page 4 of6
The U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Education and Workforce will markup H.R.
2117- The bill would repeal the federal regulation related to state authorization of higher
education programs. That regulation specified that colleges that enroll students through online
and distance-education programs must seek state approval to operate in all states in which
they operate. Colleges that fail to do so may lose their eligibility to award federal student aid to
that states' students.
The School Report Card OpEd is going through an redraft to address some of Tony Evers's
concerns as well as the recent announcement on NCLB by Arne Duncan (see below).
Education News:
Opinion: Revamp No Child Left Behino;l- now (Politico}
By Arne Duncan
Everyone responsible for educating children for the knowledge economy of the 21st century agrees
that America's federal education law is in dire need of reform. Teachers, parents, school leaders,
governors, members of Congress and the Education Department have all called for an overhaul of
the No Child Left Behind Act.
Education Secretary May Agree to Waivers on 'No Child' Law Requirements (New York Times!
Unless Congress acts by this fall to overhaul No Child Left Behind, the main federal law on public
education, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan signaled that he would use his executive authority to
free states from the law's centerpiece requirement that all students be proficient in reading and math
by 2014.
5 reasons to believe progress is being made to address reading crisis (Milwaukee Journal
Sentine!J.
I attended the second meeting of Gov. Scott Walker's Read to Lead Task Force recently. Unlike most
anything else going on in the Capitol, this was a civil, constructive discussion involving people of
diverse opinions. The focus of the afternoon-long session was how to improve the way teachers are
trained to teach reading.
Finding skilledworkers a struggle for Bucyrus (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
A delegation of senior Texas government authorities met Sullivan at the airport, including the mayor
of the town of Kilgore. In a one-hour lunch, they matched Bucyrus with a ready-to-occupy factory with
every possible amenity.
More important, they asked Sullivan exactly what sort of workers he needed. Sullivan said 80 with
specific skill. The state gave Sullivan a guarantee that the workers would be waiting when the doors
opened at the expansion site in Kilgore. State officials customized a recruitment, training and
certification program. One year later, when the expansion site in Kilgore opened its doors, the 80
welders were waiting.
8/2/2011
,Justice and Local Governments Team
Local Governments and Pro)lerty Taxes:
Sh_eboygan Press. Editorial: State lawmakers should stop dictating to local government
Isn't it enough that Gov. Walker and the Legislature is limiting local government's ability to raise
money to provide services to local taxpayers through limits on tax levies?
Page 5 of6
The state budget provision on road work further restricts local governments' ability to make up for
reductions in state aid or shared revenue by prohibiting them from fully utilizing their highway and
public works departments.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Editorial: Steps in the right direction but quite a few missteps, too
Whatever problems exist in the state budget proposed by Gov. Scott Walker and being worked on by
the Legislature - and there are problems - Wisconsin should see its first honest budget in a long time.
It requires more prudent spending by local governments. There are some problems with that, and
with the changes the state is making generally on collective bargaining, but labor costs do have to be
reined in.
Other states face similar problems; many of them will see massive layoffs and cuts in services.
Wisconsin's budget seeks to avoid that kind of outcome by making necessarv cuts in labor costs
without layoffs.
Education funding: Milwaukee Public Schools will be working with $182 million less than last year,
most of that from an expected loss of $82 million in state revenue and $95.5 million in grant funding.
Tough decisions will have to be made. The School Board should have made tough decisions earlier
to prepare for this day. The district must find continued cost savings.
Last week, the School Board made the right call to ask the teachers union for concessions to save
jobs. If the teachers union agrees to a 5. 8% pension contribution, which potentially could be done
8/2/2011
Page 6 of6
under legislation by the Legislature's budget committee, 198 teacher positions could be saved.
Juvenile corrections: Legislators have voted to shut down youth correctional institutions Ethan Allen
School in the Town of Delafield and Southern Oaks Girls School in Union Grove. Juvenile offenders
would be transferred from those institutions to the Lincoln Hills correctional facility in Irma in Lincoln
County, about four hours from Milwaukee. The proposal saves $23 million but will be a hardship for
Milwaukee families. Let's rethink that one.
Appleton Post Crescent. Menasha officials say service reductions are inevitable as city
struggles to balance budget
"The most equitable way now would be for those employees who did not participate in furloughs to
start paying that 5. 8 percent," Englebert said. "It's unfortunate the city police union would not help us
and take a reduction in pay," Merkes said.
Officer Jeff Jorgenson, a police union bargaining committee member, said all bargaining units were
told if they accepted a 1 percent pay increase in 2010 there would be no layoffs. He said the city has
enacted staffing reductions in the police department, never hiring another officer as discussed in late
2008 and then did not replace a lieutenant who retired in early 2010.
Legislative Meetings:
8/2/2011
I met with Senator Zipperer's staff, Chris Reader to discuss SB 1 04 with Corrections staff.
Corrections had ideas to reduce the fiscal cost. Zipperer agreed and is drafting a substitute
amendment
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 8:50AM
To: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Hogan, Pat- DOA; Himebauch, Casey - GOV
Subject: RE: Friday, June 3: Archbishop Robert C. Morlino Meeting
I'll be taking care of this one, guys. Don't worry about it.
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
(o} 608-266-1212 I (e) ryan.murrav@wisconsin.gov
From: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 7:21 PM
To: Hogan, Pat - DOA; Himebauch, Casey - GOV
Cc: Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Subject: FW: Friday, June 3: Archbishop Robert C. Morlino Meeting
Pat or Casey,
One of you should attend this. I am out tomorrow with my daughter.
Thanks,
Waylon
From: Grinder, Jennifer- GOV
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 1:21 PM
To: Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV
Subject: FW: Friday, June 3: Archbishop Robert C. M6rlino Meeting
Archbishop of Madison meeting on Friday, June 3 from 9:30am-10:00am
Page 1 of3
Please see the details below. Ryan said he would like to make it but that you should plan on
sitting in on the meeting for sure. He also said the Governor shouldn't need any talking points
or additional information as long as he has the email below.
jennifer Grinder
Scheduling Assistant
Phone: 608.266. 1212
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 10:53 AM
8/2/2011
Email below.
Topics the Archbishop wishes to discuss with the Governor:
Life issues
A follow-up on collective bargaining with regard to Catholic principles
Hopes for the future regarding Catholic Schools
Dear Dorothy
Page2 of3
Thanks very much for your phone call, and for all of your work for the state. Bishop Morlino
hopes to have a friendly conversation with the Governor regarding:
Life issues
A follow-up on collective bargaining with regard to Catholic principles
Hopes for the future regarding Catholic Schools
The bishop will be arriving with a seminarian - Mr. Joseph Baker- who. is assisting him over
the summer. He'd appreciate the opportunity for Mr. Baker to greet the Governor, but not to
stay for the meeting. For the meeting, bishop will be alone. Given that it may be somewhat
humid tomorrow the bishop will most likely drive in and not walk. Are there any arrangements
that can be made for parking?
Thanks again!
William
William D. Yallaly
Diocese of Madison
Associate Director of Communications
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
608-821-3002
wyallaly@straphael.org
jennifer Grinder
Phone: 608.266. 1212
Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2011 5:42 PM
To: Grinder, Jennifer- GOV
I'm not sure what the purpose of the meeting is?
Ryan Murray I Office of the Governor
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
8/2/2011
(o) 608-266-1212 J (e) ryan.murray@wisconsin.gov
Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2011 1:38 PM
Subject: Friday, June 3: Archbishop Robert C. Morlino Meeting
Page 3 of3
Is there any information the Governor will need for the Archbishop of Madison meeting on
Friday, June 3 from 9:30am-10:00am?
Who will staff?
Jennifer Grinder
Fax 608.267.8983
8/2/2011
From:
Sent:
Murray, Ryan M - GOV
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 7:30PM
Page 1 of5
To: Gilkes, Keith - GOV; Schutt, Eric- G ~ A ; Schrimpf, Chris-
K- GOV; Murray, Ryan M- GOV;---Eberle, Ed-
L TGOV; Hurlburt, Waylon - GOV; Liedl, Kimberly- GOV; Culotta, Jason - GOV; Polzin, Cindy M -
GOV; Kitzman, Nick- GOV; Brickman, Michael- DOA; Yahn, Nate- DOA; Roetker, Patrick- DOA;
Himebauch, Casey- GOV; Kikkert, Becky - DOA; Hogan, Pat- DOA
Subject: Fw: Daily Policy and Legislative Update
From: Kitzman, Nick - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 06:27 PM
Both the Assembly and the Senate Republicans will be caucusing tomorrow on the budget.
Wednesday's Committees Date Time Room
A. Tourism, Recreation and
State Propoerties Hearing
A. Children and Families
6/1/2011 10:00 328 NW
6/1/2011 10:00 400 NE
Bill
AB 49- including snowmaking in the definit
of manufacturing for sales and use tax
purposes
AB 125- membership of the State Trails
Council
(Info) Briefing from DCF
(Exec) SB 42- mandatory reporters for sch
district employees
(Hearing) AB 42- paternity based on genet
test results
Economic peveloruru>nt and Regulatory Reform Team
Commerce
Secretary Jadin
o Confirmation hearing- Committee voted 7-0 In Favor of Sec. Jadin to be the CEO of the WEDC
WI Technology Council
o Tom Still has requested again that an Executive Order be issued recognizing the WTC's role
Tom Joseph, CEO of Magnum Products in Berlin
o He had written the Governor asking for assistance in expanding in Wisconsin
They hope to double their employment from 250 to 500
o Placed him in touch with Commerce to review what assistance is available
Sears Corporation HQ Land Site
8/2/2011
o Received a letter from Dave Kohel Agency, Inc., a real estate company with property on 1-94 in
Kenosha Co. for sale, and is interested in selling this property to Sears, if they would be interested
Page 2 ofS
DATCP
DBA
DNR
o Met with DBA representatives to talk about their "Renew America's Dairyland Task Force."
o They want to set up this group in order to look for ways to increase milk demand in Wisconsin, thus
encouraging more production.
As opposed to artificially managing the milk market through supply controls, they want to
emphasize risk management.
The task force will come up with tools that individual farmers can use that will help them
be successful in an ever-changing market.
One way to do this is to expand and create our foreign markets for our dairy products like
cheese and whey.
o DBA will provide a scoping statement that will contain more specific details and goals for the task
force.
Stewardship
o Met with George Ermer! and Bill McClenahan from Gathering Waters
o They would like our office to check in with them if we intent to issue any partial vetoes on these
provisions
DOI
Railroads
Tourism
o Met with Sam Gratz regarding the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads
He would like to see the Commissioner's position preserved
Informed us that most of OCR's issues deal with rail crossings
o Also discussed were complaints Wisconsin businesses have had about Canadian National's service
on the old Wisconsin Central lines.
Our office will have a follow up meeting with CN on Thursday
Time Share Legislation
o Sec. Klett and Dep. Sec. Fantle met with the American Resort Development Association to hear the
group's proposals and ideas
Venture Capital
Met with Reps. Klenke and Tauchen to discuss the status of the legislation
Interest in Fund of Funds Model
WHEDA
o Spoke with an out-of-state fund manager that hoped to see the Venture Capital bill enacted quickly
and was willing to provide the 3-1 private match to the Badger Jobs Fund.
Modernization Bills
o Receiving feedback from the WBA on initial drafts
JOBS Hotline- 1 call received
Health Care and Education
DHS
Met with Rep. Kerkman and Kenosha County Human Services finance team. DHS staff joined the meeting
to understand the specific details regarding how Kenosha County claims their "wrap around" services as
part of IM and how other counties claim IM differently.
Meeting with Disability Rights Wisconsin in regards to FamilyCare and mental health.
Discussed the OCI technical bill with Rep. August. In the upcoming week or two, the Senate and Assembly
committees will introduce the technical bill as a committee bill. Timeline is to have this bill to be signed by
the governor no later than July 1st.
Education
We will follow up with Read to Lead Task Force members to schedule dates over the summer, possibly in
other cities.
8/2/2011
Page 3 of5
Howard Fuller supports choice expansion to Racine and Green Bay as long as there are income limits
WI ranks 3rd nationally in high school graduation according to a new embargoed study by Education Week.
A new nationally standardized graduation rate will lower Wl's official rate by 7-8 points from 89.0% to 81.3%.
Tony Evers will be meeting with stakeholders on school report cards later this week.
DHS News
B_epublican .. governors move ahead on health exchange (Politico}
A small but growing number of prominent, Republican governors- including Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour and
Scott Walker are taking the lead to shape a key component of the health care overhaul their party fought so hard to
kill.
-
Education News
f'ducation.spending in state higher per-student than 2Q09 national average (WTAQ)
Census figures show that Wisconsin schools spent more-per-student than the national average in 2009.
But a state education official says the Badger State is losing its standing as one of the top K-to-12 school systems
in the country.
-
Texas House Votes to Cut School Spending by $4 Billion (API
The House has voted to cut Texas public school funding by $4 billion.
Voting largely along party lines, lawmakers approved the cuts Sunday on a 84-63 vote in the Republican-controlled
House. The Senate was still debating the bill late Sunday night.
Poll measures support for school vouchers in Racine, Green Bay (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!
In the poll of voters in the Racine Unified School District, 55% said they would favor creating a school choice
program for low and middle income children in Racine, while 33% said they opposed it. The partisan support
skewed Republican, with 65% of Republican voters in favor, 46% of Democrat voters in favor, and 57% of
independents indicating they would back the voucher program's expansion in their community.
Priority should be kids' reading. not politics (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!
Since being named to Gov. Scott Walker's Read to Lead Task Force, I have come under some political scrutiny by
those who oppose the governor's conservative agenda, most notably his attempt to disenfranchise teachers of their
right to bargain collectively. Evidently, there are some who feel that it is acceptable to thwart an initiative that seeks
to remedy the deplorable state of reading achievement in our state and use it as a weapon to extract some
measure of political redress.
Local Governments and ProRerty Taxes:
Green Bay Press Gazette. Delay on water pollution rules stirs debate
The DNR estimated that the cost of the new regulations to industry and municipalities would be about $900 million
over the next 10 years.
But Scott Manley, director of environmental policy for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, which supports the
two-year delay, said the DNR's estimate is too low.
''Although we're vety disappointed that a detailed cost analysis wasn't drafted, and we believe it should have been
if the statutes had been followed, the municipal wastewater induslty predicted that the total cost could be $3
(billion) to $4 billion."
Slate Sen. Robert Cowles, R-AIIouez, said the phosphorus rules shouldn't be part of the budget debate.
"I've been arguing to take it out of the budget," Cowles said. "I think the issue needs to have public hearings and
not buried in a budget. It's not the most important issue in the world, but it is an issue. I find this vety troubling and
leaves people with a bad taste in their mouths."
Manley said the rules were rushed through the Legislature last year because DNR officials feared that a
Republican vicloty at the polls would make it more difficult to get approval.
8/2/2011
Page 4of5
Walworth County Today. Newly ratified Palmyra-Eagle teacher contract eliminates seniority
The one-year agreement was ratified May 23, 2011 at a special board meeting.
The new agreement puts the district close to balancing its budget for the 2011-'12 school year, Superintendent
Glenn Schlender said in a news release. The district had faced a $1. 15 million budget shortfall.
3. There will be a significant increase in the employee contribution toward health insurance premiums. Teachers
will pay 15% of the premiums toward health insurance. Formerly, the teachers paid $5 per month for single; $10
per month for family.
Appleton Post Crescent. Appleton schools, teachers union to consider contract extension
"We need some employee concessions in order to balance our budget, and without the budget repair bill
provisions, we really can't do it," said Don Hietpas, the school district's chief financial officer.
Appleton is looking at an $8 million reduction in revenues in 2011-12, said Hietpas, adding that right now, with the
collective bargaining measure in flux, "we don't know when we can recover that money."
Janesville Gazette. Clinton teachers agree to salary freeze
The district also will switch from the Wisconsin Education Association Council insurance to a Dean and Mercy
combination and Delta Dental insurance, school board President Rob McConnell said.
The changes will prevent layoffs or program cuts, according to a news release froin the district.
Teachers will work under a salary freeze in the 2011-12 school year, the release states. They will get pay
increases for step and lane movements, which reward teachers for the number of years worked and the continuing
education received.
In the 2012-13 school year, teachers will get a 1. 5 percent raise and will get lane movement but not step
movement, the release states.
They will contribute the full employee share to the Wisconsin Retirement System, the release states.
Teachers will contribute 8 percent toward their health insurance next year and 10 percent the following year. They
will eventually pay 12.5 percent to match what state workers will be required to pay, McConnell said.
Clinton teachers do not now contribute any money toward health insurance, he said.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. School districts press to reach agreements
The current contract for West Allis-West Milwaukee teachers expires June 30.
Rather than negotiate a new contract, the district in early May asked teachers to consider a limited agreement for
the 2011-'12 school year. The school board approved the memorandum of understanding last week.
The agreement aims to avoid a layoff of 175 to 200 teachers, said Superintendent Kurt Wachholz. The district is
required to give layoff notices by June 1.
The pact requires teachers to pay 10% toward health insurance premiums and higher deductibles and/or co-pays
on a plan design change that saves 15% to 20% over the current plan. It requires them to pay into the Wisconsin
Retirement System; reduces retirement benefits through a graduated retirement plan; and creates a district-
developed employee handbook for all issues not addressed in the agreement.
It discontinues the practice of union dues being taken from employee paychecks. It also includes a 1% salary
increase. Inflation-rate wage increases would be allowed under the collective bargaining bill.
The Menomonee Falls School Board took a different approach, approving a two-year contract to replace one that
expires June 30, despite the protests of about 100 residents at the meeting.
8/2/2011
Page 5 of5
Negotiations for a new contract began last October, said Superintendent Keith Marty. The district and teachers
union had been considering a change in insurance carriers to save the district money before the collective
bargaining bill was introduced, he said.
With anticipated state aid cuts, the district faced a $5 million deficit, Marty said. The insurance contract expires
June 30, and the district is required to give 30 days' notice of a switch.
Switching from WEA Trust to Humane will save the district $1.3 million per year. Teachers will contribute 8% to
15% of the premium.
The second year of the new contract also includes merit pay language and language to guide layoffs away from
seniority, Marty said.
By requiring teachers to pay their share of the retirement plan as of July 1, the district saved another $1.5 million
per year, he said.

The Petersen veteran's board bill passed a Senate Committee with Senator Cullen in support of it.
We reached out to former state representative John Town send and a Senator Kapanke recommendation
Dan Bohlin to apply to serve on the Veterans' Board.
Legislative Council seems to believe Carl Krueger is eligible to serve on the board. We are getting the
memo in case we need a backup name for the board from the 4
1
h congressional.
8/2/2011
Page 1 of4
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 6:49PM
Senate and Assembly Session Tomorrow
SB 15- repeal of the collection of certain traffic data (final passage)
SB 57- repeal of early release (final passage)
AB 23- disinfection of municipal water supplies (final passage)
AB 7- voter I D (final passage)
Today's Committee
SB 95- omnibus education bill had a joint hearing in the Senate and Assembly Education Committees.
AB 129- venture capital bill had a joint hearing in the Senate and Assembly Economic Development
Committees.
Commerce
Venture Capital
o Assembly and Senate Joint Economic Development Hearing on venture capital bill today
o Sen. Groth man opposes CapCo Model
o Hearing went well- broad support from industry
Orion Energy Systems
WHEDA
o Meeting with Kevin Crawford and the company COO to discuss issues on energy efficient
investments
o Also, Orion is possibly interested in the use of a presently vacant facility in Manitowoc (former Busch
facility) for some of its operations
Venture Capital
o WHEDA applying in June for funds from the Fed for their proposed venture capital fund
o If Feds approve funds for WHEDA, will not need legislative approval for creation
Credit Unions
o Cooperative Network against JFC action regarding credit union conversion into mutual savings
banks
JOBS Hotline
1 call received
DATCP/DOT/Commerce
Truck Weight Limits
8/2/2011
o A small group met to discuss this issue.
Timber groups, the WI County Highway Association, Senator Leibham's office, and Gold'n
Plump were represented on top of agency staff.
o DOT has proposed that we can set the state limit for truck weights at 90,000 lbs on 6 axles.
o This weight distribution satisfied those present and the cost of the weight increase does not exceed
benefits.
Page 2of4
Current weight limit is 80,000 lbs on 5 axles.
o DOT would like to start the process of convening a task force to look into establishing priority routes
for industries to use.
This will help determine where to invest in infrastructure.
Health Care and Education
-
DWQ
Met with Georgia from DWD on Money Mission, a video game for high school students that the department is
considering to promote a greater understanding of financial literacy. The game takes students through a variety of
employer opportunities from the hiring process to the management of their own business.
-
Education
-
A joint education hearing was held today on SB96 which makes a number of mandate-related changes.
The authors (Kestell and Olsen) testified for a couple of hours and seemed open to making some changes
to the bill.
The Rocketship schools people were happy to hear that SB 20 (charter school buildings) passed.
Held interviews today for the UW Board of Regent student (traditional and non-traditional) positions. Eric
Esser will have our recommendations.
DHS News
Editorial: Lawmakers No easy fix for Wisconsin health care_ftl.gpleton Post Crescent}
It appears the increase in enrollment during the five-year period put Wisconsin on a path toward promising
beyond what it could afford. But the $6.6 billion Medicaid budget in 2010- comprised of both state and federal
dollars -was years in the making and had as much to do with trends in the health care industry as the state's
commitment to provide low-cost insurance for low-income families.
Editorial: Other view- SeniorCare works, so don't cut it (Wausau Dailv Herald)
Fortunately, several Republican legislators agree on the value of SeniorCare and oppose Walker's proposal. With
their party holding the majority in both the Assembly and the Senate, their support will be crucial. Let's hope they
win out. SeniorCare does work.
Wait lists loom under proposed freeze on FamilyCare (Wausau Dailv Herald!
One problem counties might face is that since becoming part of the FamilyCare program, they no longer have
staff members or resources to help people waiting for the long-term care provided through FamilyCare.
DCF News
Editorial: Child support collection cuts hurt families (La Crosse Tribune!
Once that money is collected, it often frees children and families from being dependent on other state-funded
programs. Talk all you want about waste, fraud, and abuse. These are children in need- children who need and
deserve support.
-
Education News:
The Failure of American Schools (The Atlantig
Three years ago, in a New York Times article detailing her bid to become head of the American Federation of
Teachers union, Randi Weingarten boasted that despite my calls for "radical reform" to New York City's school
system, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and I had achieved only "incremental" change. It seemed like a strange thing
to crow about, but she did have something of a point. New York over the past nine years has experienced what
Robert Schwartz, the academic dean of Harvard's education school, has described as "the most dramatic and
thoughtful set of large-scale reforms going on anywhere in the country," resulting in gains such as a nearly 20-
point jump in graduation rates. But the city's school system is still not remotely where it needs to be.
Arts, gym to take a hit at MPS (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
With MPS proposing the elimination of 28 full-time art teachers, 37 full-time physical education positions and 20
full-time music positions, the arts, as most adults know them, could be dead next year in city schools.
Parochial schools try to keep music, art at all costs (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}
While arts education is likely to take a hit in urban public schools due in part to Gov. Scott Walker's biennial
budget, many private schools remain committed to providing specials, though parents in some cases pay extra for
8/2/2011
Page 3 of4
it.
Green B<!Y-rui'Late schools want school-choice voucher Rrogram. too (Green Bav Press-Gazettru
Representatives of three Green Bay private schools and private-school advocates joined today to support a plan
to bring a school-choice voucher program to Green Bay.
Proponents of the plan say the program would provide lower- to lower-middle income families an opportunity to
send children to private or parochial schools.
~ D U R i e will match class of 2011's donations !Wisconsin State Journal)
Frequent UW-Madison donors John and Tashia Morgridge have pledged to match gifts that this year's graduates
give the university. Through Dec. 31, the Morgridges will match gifts ranging from $20.11 to $120.11 to support a
graduate's college, school or department, or the university as a whole.
Local c:;overnment and Property Taxes:
Wausau Daily Herak!. Firefighters, police officers to fight bill that would limit their collective bargaining
ability
Given the recent election successes of Republicans statewide, Klug thinks many voters whose personal finances
have suffered have turned on unions, whose members often are long-tenured employees with good benefits.
"Things have taken a turn with the economy, and (unions) are sticking out a bit," Klug said. "It's too bad. I'd hope
people would look at the unions and see how they have protected workers' wages and benefits."
Sheboygan Press. Sheboygan area officials upset over tax freeze proposal
Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan has a mixed view on the tax freeze proposal, saying that "it makes sense and it
doesn't make sense."
"We've been trying to hold the line on taxes here in the city for the last six years," Ryan said Saturday. "One thing
it does do is it takes all taxing entities and makes them all follow the same guidelines. Our school district has
raised taxes significantly year after year; I find it counterproductive for us here in the city to continue holding the
line on taxes when other entities don't. So from that respect I can't say I totally disagree with it.
Justice:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. GOP panel cuts plan for prosecutor raises
Less than a week after state prosecutors appeared to have won a showdown with Gov. Scott Walker over
additional furlough days before July, they suffered a different funding defeat at the hands of the Republican-
controlled Joint Finance Committee.
The committee late Thursday nixed a proposal from Walker's initial budget plan that would have generated $2
million for prosecutor raises over the next biennium from a surcharge on court filing fees. The funds were
intended to slow what prosecutors say is damagingly high turnover among the ranks of experienced staff.
But law enforcement agencies argued that same $2 million is crucial to maintaining an electronic file-sharing
system that allows greater cross-jurisdictional coordination.
The Petersen veteran's board bill will be voted on tomorrow. It is expected to pass. Hopper mentioned to
the Petersen office he may be scheduling a hearing on the bill the 25th
Waste, Fraud and Abuse:
I had a meeting with DOA analysts, payroll employees, and Matt Moroney to discuss a Fair Labor
8/2/2011
Page4 of4
Standards Act issue that may be inflating hourly wages. OSER is recommending changes and the
compensation plans should be able to improve this as well. It may become part of the WFA
recommendations.
Concealed Carry:
Wisconsin State Journal. Editorial: Aim for sensible gun law
. Permits and background checks shouldn't be viewed as Big Brother intrusions. They're similar to what Wisconsin
has long required for anyone who wants to drive a motor vehicle on public roads.
Wisconsin's gun debate has moved past the competing and contradictory data on crime statistics before and after
certain states allowed their citizens to carry concealed guns.
Corrections:
Oshkosh Northwestern .. Bill would repeal the state's Early Release Program
"The general public views it as dangerous," Suder said. "It is viewed as a closed-door process that is suspect
because you have nameless, faceless bureaucrats who are letting people out."
Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett said the early release program was not put together
correctly by Doyle because it doesn't require input from others involved the judicial process.
"If you're not willing to let anyone know what you're doing, it's a budgeting gimmick," Gossett said.
8/2/2011

20120524131240333

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Descrição original:

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

20120524131240333

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Evenson, Tom - GOV

Você também pode gostar