20120524130456307

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Evenson, Tom - GOV Sent: To:

Wednesday, May 18, 201110:12 AM Evenson, Tom - GOV

Subject: Morning News Update 05.18.11

WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: GROWING MORE JOBS FOR WISCONSIN

Daily Headline Goal: Governor Walker chairs the first meeting of the WEDC

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for May 18. 2011

News Summary:

• Racine Journal Times: Governor announces $1.5 million loan for Sturtevant company, o TV: FOX6, TMJ4

• WATCH: Governor Walker on Squawk Box this morning.

• WAlCH: Governor Walker on CNN American Morning yesterday,

• Editorial: Is Walker's message what CEOs want to hear?

• Senate vote on photo ID bill delayed until Thursday.

• Wisconsin wing for national governors' meeting. • La Follette says "Walker wants to control everything ... "

Nation/World

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to Prevent Same-Sex Couples Hospital Visitation Rights Forbes

Doug asks, "Is the GOP hatred for gays so pervasive that they could really be this cold and heartless?" To which I can only answer: yes, apparently it is, at least when we're talking about the GOP in Scott Walker's Wisconsin.

Scott Walker Quietly Consolidating Power In Wisconsin BeyondChron

"It's a power grab," said Doug La Follette, Wisconsin's Democratic Secretary of State. "[Walker] wants to control everything."

The Hidden State Financial Crisis Op-Ed - Wall Street Journal My latest research into opaque state financial statements suggests taxpayers will be surprised by how much pensions are underfunded.

Newt Gingrich apologizes to Paul Ryan Politico

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich apologized in a telephone call to House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Tuesday afternoon for his remarks on "Meet the Press," where the presidential candidate referred to Ryan's Medicare proposal as "radical change."

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Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to Prevent Same-Sex Couples Hospital Visitation Rights Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to Prevent Same-Sex Couples Hospital Visitation Rights

Milwaukee

Governor announces $1.5 million loan for Sturtevant company Racine Journal Times STURTEVANT- The state will lend $1.5 million to the rapidly growing American Metal Technologies, which expects to add close to 70 employees this year alone.

Senate vote on photo ID bill delayed until Thursday Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -Senate Republicans gave initial approval early Wednesday to a bill requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls, but Democrats blocked a final vote on the measure until Thursday.

Assembly votes to give Walker veto over administrative rules Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The bill passed the Assembly, 58-34, with all Republicans voting along with Rep. Mark Radcliffe (D-B lack River Falls) and Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer (!-Manitowoc) and now goes to the Republican governor for his signature. Walker called for the change to the state administrative rules process as part of a special session on job creation he called in January, saying the bill would help him to cut through red tape that hinders businesses.

The governor is not obliged to declare war on our constitution Mclhleran- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Gov. Scott Walker pulls the plug on the state's defense of its indefensible end run around the voters' will, its "domestic partnership registry." Naturally, those who want what voters explicitly banned in 2006, a redefinition of marriage, are steamed.

Improving the DNR Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Gov. Scott Walker's plan to streamline the state Department of Natural Resources is a good idea- as long as it doesn't weaken environmental protections.

Concealing with limits Editorial- La Crosse Tribune As a society, we have spent decades arguing over the benefits and detriments of allowing people to carry concealed weapons. People on both sides of the issue hurl studies, statistics and vitriol at each other, but after all those years, we are no closer to a consensus as Wisconsin's Legislature considers the issue once again.

Madison

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Dem proposal: Use revenue windfall to reform school funding formula Wisconsin State Journal

A Democratic proposal on Tuesday called for using part of a $636 million state revenue windfall to reform the state's school funding formula. Legislature passes constitutional amendment to protect transportation fund Associated Press- Wisconsin State Journal

A constitutional amendment designed to prevent lawmakers from raiding money from the state transportation fund to pay for other items has passed the Legislature. Both the Senate and Assembly approved the proposal on Tuesday on bipartisan votes.

Legislature moves closer to repealing racial profiling law Associated Press- Wisconsin State Journal The Republican-controlled Legislature is moving closer to repealing a law that requires police to collect data about the race of drivers they pull over in traffic stops.

Green Bay/ Appleton

Editorial: School issues too important to rush Oshkosh Northwestern

Mustering confidence that a bill working its way through the state Legislature is the antidote to what ails school districts is nearly impossible.

Editorial: Legislative caucuses should be open Appleton Post-Crescent Our government meetings in Wisconsin are supposed to be open, with few exceptions, such as when discussing personnel matters or competitive bidding decisions.

Senate OKs ban on earn-a-buck Associated Press -Sheboygan Press MADISON- The state Senate has passed a bill that would curtail wildlife officials' unpopular earn-a-buck program and scale back October gun deer hunts.

La Crosse/Eau Claire

Our view: Concealed carry is wrong priority La Crosse Tribune The push for a concealed-carry law in Wisconsin raises questions that we can't seem to understand.

Budget uncertainties lead to more teacher retirements La Crosse Tribune Logan Middle School sixth-grade teacher Kathy Giese toyed with the idea of retirement at the beginning of the school year. The "final push" came with uncertainties in the La Crosse School District over a $4.4 million loss in state aid under Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget.

Veterans secretary would be appointed by governor under proposed bill Associated Press -La Crosse Tribune MADISON, Wis. (AP)- The Wisconsin state Assembly has given preliminary approval to a bill that would give the governor the power to appoint the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Democrats blocked final consideration of the bill Tuesday on a procedural move.

State Senate repeals drinking water regs Associated Press- Chippewa Herald

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MADISON- The state Senate has sent a bill that would repeal a safe drinking water requirement to the governor. The Republican measure repeals a state Department of Natural Resources rule that calls for municipal governments to install equipment to disinfect their water by December 2013.

Editorial: Is Walker's message what CEOs want to hear? Pierce County Herald Gov. Scott Walker has been taking plenty of heat in recent months over his position involving government unions and collective bargaining. Readers have strong opinions on Walker's actions, but he has done pretty well on one campaign promise: the pledge to improve the state's business climate.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Monday, May 23, 2011 9:26AM Evenson, Tom - GOV


Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for Monday, May 23, 2011

News Summary:

• Tornado hits La Crosse: No serious injuries reported. but South Side suffers major damage

• Study touts Family Care

• All UW schools push for flexibility as Madison-only plan looks unlikely • Firefighters' union boss acts like an insider

• Recalls could affect redistricting if Democrats pick up seats

WisConsin's Front Pages: Appleton Post-Crescent Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Greet\ Bay Press Gazette La Crosse Tribune Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oshkosh Northwestern Racine Journal Times Sheboygan Press Stevens Point Journal Wisconsin State Journal

Social Media Update:

Twitter Followers 1 Week Ago: 19,911 Twitter Followers Today: 20,112

Face book Likes 1 week ago: 63, 085 Facebook Likes Today: 63,183

Nation/World

The Case for Voter ID Op-Ed- Wall Street Journal On Thursday, the Wisconsin legislature sent a bill requiring photographic identification for voting to Gov. Scott Walker's desk. This follows the enactment of an even stricter law in Kansas a few weeks ago.

Tornado Kills Dozens in Missouri Wall Street Journal

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JOPLIN, Mo.-A massive tornado that tore a six-mile path across southwestern Missouri killed at least 89 people as it slammed into the city of Joplin, ripping into a hospital and leaving a forest of splintered tree trunks behind where entire neighborhoods once stood. Republicans and Mediscare Editorial- Wall Street Journal Paul Ryan's GOP critics are ObamaCare's best friends.

State budget battles are about more than cutting deficits Asheville Citizen-Times- North Carolina Earlier this year, people across the country were riveted to the politics of Wisconsin. Claiming to address the state's budget crisis, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker proposed eliminating the right of public workers to unionize.

State Legislatures Notch Major K-12 Policy Changes Education Week- Bethesda, MD Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker reads to a 3rd grade class in March at Hope Christian School Prima in Milwaukee. The Republican governor's successful push to strip teachers and most other public employees of many bargaining powers is one of the most visible in a number of ambitious, and often controversial, education agendas pushed by Republican officials around the country.

Milwaukee

All UW schools push for flexibility as Madison-only plan looks unlikely Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A three-month debate over the way the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the rest of the UW System are run has shown that all state universities are going to need more freedom from state rules to remain competitive and to offset deep proposed budget cuts, state lawmakers say.

Study touts Family Care Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In a bid to thaw Gov. Scott Walker's proposed freeze on enrollments in the state's popular Family Care program, service providers are touting a study they commissioned that says the program is cheaper than other alternatives.

Commentary: Who should make decisions on state's Medicaid policy? Racine Journal Times Lawmakers will get a second chance this spring to answer an extremely important question: Should the laws that determine which children and families get the health care they need be written by the men and women we send to Madison to represent us, or by an unelected state administrator? State proposal would send $250 million to certified capital companies Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Legislation that Gov. Scott Walker says will create jobs would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to insurance companies, while giving control bf a $250 million fund to out-of-state financial management companies that would not have to pay back the fund's principal and would keep up to 80% of its profits.

State says tunnel to Capitol was used properly Milwaukee Journal Sentinel During weeks of protest at the State Capitol, one story that continued to surface was that members of Gov. Scott Walker's administration were being spirited into the building through a tunnel from the Risser Justice Center.

Firefighters' union boss acts like an insider Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In a recent internal note to his members, Seager- who starred in an often-played TV ad for Gov. Scott Walker's campaign- said the governor, his chief of staff, Keith Gilkes, and GOP legislative leaders have assured him that a new

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alternative to the budget-repair bill is "dead on arrival." Unlike Walker's measure, the new bill- introduced by Rep. Robert Ziegelbauer, an independent from Manitowoc- would not exempt local police and firefighters from key restrictions on collective bargaining.

Wisconsin governor to sign bass culling legislation Daily Journal The Republican-backed measure would legalize culling, the practice of catching a fish alive and then throwing it back after catching a larger one. It's illegal in Wisconsin but the bill would create an exemption for bass tournaments.

State Sen. Rich Zipperer says deregulation of the telecommunications industrv will create 50,000 jobs in Wisconsin Politifact Wisconsin Barely True.

DNR must protect the public interest Editorial- Racine Journal Times No one has seen the specifics yet, but Gov. Scott Walker has major changes in mind for the Department of Natural Resources. It is a reworking that he apparently had conceived before his inauguration, and although the DNR may need fine-tuning, wholesale renovation is unwarranted.

Madison

Republicans 'on a roll,' Walker says Baraboo News-Republic WISCONSIN DELLS- Republican leaders converged Saturday in Wisconsin Dells for the 2011 Republican State Convention, celebrating the party's rise to power in last fall's election and stressing that there's more work to be done.

Biotech executive pushes for state venture capital proposal Wisconsin State Journal Carmine Durham said all he needs is some venture capital, and his Madison company, Zurex Pharma, will be able to move ahead with its anti-microbial technology aimed at reducing health care infections.

Audit bureau: State must contain overtime costs Wisconsin Reporter MADISON- State employees took home $69.7 million in overtime pay this past year, partially due to large numbers of new workers who were hired into temporary positions and then kept on the job as temps for an extended period.

EDITORIAL: Let the people see real action Beloit Daily News MINORITY DEMOCRATS howled this past week when Republicans controlling the Wisconsin Senate abruptly cut off debate- in the middle of Sen. Fred Risser's floor comments- and began voting to pass the controversial "voter ID" bill. It's not right, critics said, to deny citizens the opportunity to hear debate on critical issues of state.

Green Bay/ Appleton

Smaller, disruptive protests now hit Wisconsin Capitol Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON- As a legislative committee debated a voter ID bill at the state Capitol, a man on a Segway who was part of a small group of protesters shouted condemnations as the Republican co-chairman repeatedly called for police.

Editorial: Capitol damage is one price of openness Appleton Post-Crescent

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What price do we pay for an open government? That's a tough one. It's an abstract question that leads to an abstract answer, filled with "but" and "then" and "however." UW System: Gov. Walker not to blame for mass retirements WTAQ Radio- Green Bay

Weber said some prospective professors at Eau Claire have turned down contract offers because, "They're afraid they won't be able to feed their families."

Randy Hopper brings back 'right to know' bill Fond du Lac Reporter MADISON -A bill that would provide health care information to corrections workers who care for inmates with communicable diseases has been re-introduced.

Editorial: Keep lending change out of state budget Appleton Post-Crescent Payday lenders don't have a good reputation. But some Wisconsin Republicans are on their side.

Editorial: Concealed carry should be safe for all Sheboygan Press Wisconsin will soon be one of the most restrictive states when it comes to voting when Gov. Scott Walker, as expected, signs a bill requiring people to show a photo ID before casting a ballot.

Editorial: Right to carry concealed guns comes with responsibility Oshkosh Northwestern There have been times when Wisconsin bucked a national trend and was the better for it. When the death row cases of scores of inmates in Texas and Illinois fell apart, other states saw the wisdom of not having the death penalty and joined Wisconsin, which for a time was out of step with the rest of the country.

Wisconsin's 20 correctional facilities strain finances Green Bay Press-Gazette At $88, a day in one of Wisconsin's 20 correctional facilities costs taxpayers about as much as a night in an average hotel.

Wisconsin stands tall in Mississippi Green Bay Press-Gazette Monument marking sacrifice of Wisconsin soldiers in Civil War turns 100


Tornado hits La Crosse: No serious injuries reported, but South Side suffers major damage La Crosse Tribune A tornado ripped through La Crosse's South Side on Sunday afternoon, leaving a wake of leveled buildings, downed power lines and debris that stretched nearly halfway across the city. The storm downed trees and wreaked havoc along a 1.5-mile stretch along a four-block wide path. The worst damage was along Green Bay and Redfield streets, where treetops were shorn, roofs and siding torn off houses and debris left hanging from tree limbs and power lines.

Our view: Gun records shouldn't be state secret La Crosse Tribune Sunshine and fresh air are crucial to democracy. Secrecy leads to suspicion. As never before, people are justifiably suspicious when government tries to pat us on the head and tell us there are some things we really don't need to know as citizens. La Crosse mayor declares state of emergency Associated Press -Janesville Gazette

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LA CROSSE, Wis. {AP) -A powerful storm sideswiped this western Wisconsin city on Sunday, tearing roofs from homes and littering streets and lawns with downed trees and debris.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Recalls could affect redistricting if Democrats pick up seats Marshfield News Herald WASHINGTON-- With control of the state Legislature and governor's office, WisconsinRepublicans were in position to have their way in redrawing congressional district boundaries based on the 2010 census.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Wednesday, May 25, 2011 9:14AM Evenson, Tom - GOV


WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: GOVERNOR CONTINUES TO IMPROVE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

Daily Headline Goal: Governor Signs Common-Sense Voter ID Bill

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for May 25, 2011

News Summary:

• Walker not counting on union savings this year

• Walker signs land line phone bill

• Walker: Wisconsin open for business. Illinois going backward

• Small businesses back Walker agenda during round table discussion • Some Wisconsin school districts being asked to release names of teachers who called in sick during budget

protests

• Wis. lawmakers agree to change Minn. tuition deal

Wisconsin's Front Pages: Appleton Post-Crescent Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Green Bay Press Gazette La Crosse Tribune Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oshkosh Northwestern Racine Journal Times Sheboygan Press Stevens Point Journal Wisconsin State Journal



Face book Likes 1 week ago: 63, 085 Face book Likes Today: 63,179

Nation/World

Walker not counting on union savings this year Associated Press- Forbes MADISON, Wis.-- Gov. Scott Walker no longer expects to see the savings from forcing state workers to pay more for their health insurance and pension benefits before the start of the next budget year in July.

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Violent storms kill13 in Okla .. Kan., Ark. Associated Press EL RENO, Okla.- Violent storms with winds of more than 150 mph slammed into a chunk of the central U.S. overnight, killing at least 13 people in three states, flattening homes, crushing cars and ripping apart a rural Arkansas fire station.

Milwaukee

An irresponsible bill Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A state Senate committee will vote on a concealed-carry bill Wednesday that requires neither a permit nor training. The committee should require both.

At least be fair Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The Legislature should retain the state's regional transit authorities. But if it does disband them, it should at least do so in a fair manner.

Budget committee backs benefit cutbacks Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Many of those who take part-time government jobs in the future would not receive retirement benefits under a measure adopted Tuesday by the Legislature's budget committee.

Walker signs land line phone bill Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -Many long-standing regulations on traditionallandline telephones will be dropped under a bill signed Tuesday by Gov. Scott Walker that is the first big rewrite of the state's telecommunications laws since 1994.

Walker: Wisconsin open for business, Illinois going backward Racine Journal Times MOUNT PLEASANT- Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin and Illinois are headed in opposite directions, and this state would be a good place for some Land of Lincoln businesses to come to.

Rep. Mason disputes Walker job-growth claims Racine Journal Times Mason, D-Racine, said, "Everyone is glad there are jobs coming back in the economy. My frustration is: By and large, he is taking credit for things that were put in place during the (former Gov. Jim) Doyle administration and are now coming to fruition and having some success."

New dollars would go to malpractice fund, delay union concessions Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- The state would use a huge influx of new tax money expected over the next two years to help pay a looming debt to a medical malpractice fund but drop some $30 million in concessions from state workers, under draft legislation circulated Tuesday by Republican lawmakers.

Madison

Wealthy 'burbs don't need vouchers Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal Giving children in poverty private-school vouchers to escape failing public schools in Milwaukee is one thing.

GOP lawmaker proposes Arizona-style immigration bill

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Wisconsin State Journal A bill mirroring some of the tough enforcement measures of Arizona's controversial immigration bill was introduced Tuesday by a state Republican legislator in Wisconsin.

Revamped concealed carry bill up for committee vote Wednesday Wisconsin State Journal Measures that would allow people to carry concealed weapons may not be speeding through the Legislature as easily expected, partly because of recall efforts targeting Republican senators.

Public financing for candidates on chopping block Wisconsin Reporter MADISON -Wisconsin may shift taxpayer money from publicly financing statewide candidates in elections to incoming voter ID restrictions.

Walker calls for special election to fill Parisi's seat Wisconsin State Journal Gov. Scott Walker on Tuesday called for a special election to fill the Assembly seat vacated in April when voters elected former state Rep. Joe Parisi as Dane County executive.

Green Bay/ Appleton

Small businesses back Walker agenda during round table discussion Oshkosh Northwestern Small business owners reinforced the importance of Gov. Scott Walker's agenda of deregulation and tax relief during a roundtable discussion in Oshkosh Tuesday about how the state can help foster job growth. Bill would give new businesses in state an electric rate discount Appleton Post-Crescent GREEN BAY- New and existing industrial plants in Wisconsin could pay less for electricity as part of a continuing effort among Republicans to foster economic development through financial incentives for businesses.

Rep. Michelle Litjens meets with constituents in Winchester Oshkosh Northwestern WINCHESTER- An Oshkosh-area legislator said the state's police and fire fighters were excluded from Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to limit the bargaining power of public unions and require increased contributions to health insurance premiums and pensions because taking on all of the public employees at once would have been too difficult.

Editorial: Safety first on concealed carry Appleton Post-Crescent There's a reason - a very good reason -why hunters have to take a 10-hour training class before getting a hunting license.

Editorial: Disclosure needed for permit holders Green Bay Press-Gazette A bill that would allow Wisconsin residents to carry concealed weapons also would keep the public from knowing the identity of individuals licensed to carry those hidden weapons. Lawmakers should strike the secrecy provision from the bill.

Some Wisconsin school districts being asked to release names of teachers who called in sick during budget protests Associated Press- Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON -Some Wisconsin school districts are being asked to release the names of teachers who called in sick during protests in February at the Capitol.

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Our view: Walker signing law we don't need La Crosse Tribune With the stroke of a pen today, Gov. Scott Walker will officially solve a problem that we don't have.

Damage costs hit $9 million La Crosse Tribune A tornado that tore through La Crosse's South Side on Sunday afternoon left at least $9 million in damages in its wake.

Changes to SeniorCare rejected Associated Press -La Crosse Tribune MADISON- Wisconsin's popular prescription drug program for senior citizens will remain the same under a plan approved Tuesday by the Legislature's budget committee, which rejected proposed changes to the program sought by Gov. Walker.

Wis. lawmakers agree to change Minn. tuition deal Associated Press- Chippewa Herald MADISON -Wisconsin college students will soon have to pay more to attend the University of Minnesota under a change to the popular tuition reciprocity agreement approved Tuesday by the Wisconsin Legislature's budget committee.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:03AM Evenson, Tom - GOV


WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: GOVERNOR FOCUSES ON EDUCATION, TOURISM

Daily Headline Goal: First Lady Encourages Summer Reading

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for Wednesday, June 1, 2011

News Summary:

• Wisconsin Supreme Court challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg concedes defeat to David Prosser

• GOP panel votes for corporate tax break • 77,000 feds paid more than governors




Face book Likes 1 week ago: 63,179 Face book Likes Today: 63,287

Nation/World

77,000 feds paid more than governors Washington Times More than 77,000 federal government employees throughout the country- including computer operators, more than 5,000 air traffic controllers, 22 librarians and one interior designer -earned more than the governors of the states in which they work.

GOP governors playing with fire Washington Post Blog

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For many Republican governors, losing states' rights should be very, very unpalatable. Moreover, once control of a state's exchange is ceded to Washington, it's going to be difficult to get it back.

In Symbolic Vote, House Rejects Raising Debt Limit Wall Street Journal The House on Tuesday soundly rejected a bill to increase the federal borrowing limit by $2.4 trillion-a symbolic vote that House GOP leaders said demonstrated that Congress will not increase the debt ceiling unless it is linked to a deficitreduction plan.

Our Current Time for Choosing Jon Huntsman - Wall Street Journal Anyone who disagrees with Paul Ryan's Medicare reforms has a moral obligation to propose an alternative.

Milwaukee

GOP panel votes for corporate tax break Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Republican lawmakers voted Tuesday to trim taxes for corporations and investors while further cutting tax credit programs for the working poor.

A race finally ends Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel JoAnne Kloppenburg conceded the state Supreme Court election Tuesday, ending a long and contentious campaign against Justice David Prosser, who now is free to begin a new 10-year term on the court Aug. 1.

Budget panel votes to close Southern Oaks and Ethan Allen Associated Press- Racine Journal Times MADISON- The Legislature's budget committee voted Tuesday to shut down two juvenile reform schools in southeastern Wisconsin and move the inmates across the state to other facilities.

Newly ratified Palmyra-Eagle teacher contract eliminates seniority Walworth County Today "The elimination of contract language on seniority allows administrators more flexibility to staff the classrooms in their buildings," Schlender said.

NAACP wants rights programs audited Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The Milwaukee NAACP has asked Gov. Scott Walker to appoint a group to review the state budget bill to make sure it's in compliance with state and federal civil rights laws. The NAACP also called on Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele for a five-year review of city and county procurement systems.

Stable leadership Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Superintendent Gregory Thornton's contract extension gives much-needed stability to the school district. Now Thornton must rally the community to enact his vision.

Abele names Doyle appointee to top staff job Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Abele also has announced he will keep Sue Black in charge of parks and C. Barry Bateman in charge of the airport but has not filled other key posts yet. Abele was elected AprilS to fill out the remaining year left in Gov. Scott Walker's county executive term.

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Madison

Protesters greet governor's school visit Baraboo News Republic Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker visited Baraboo's East Elementary School on Tuesday, chatting with educators about their successful efforts to promote students' reading skills.

It's a wake-up call, all right Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal What Wisconsin's mud-bath judicial elections need are extinction. Wisconsin should appoint its Supreme Court members based on merit- not on the latest partisan fight at the Capitol or wildly-misleading TV ads that trash the reputations of both candidates.

Recall-targeted GOP senators challenge validity of petitions Wisconsin State Journal Three Republican state senators who are likely to be scheduled for recall elections on July 12 are asking that judges stop the elections because of alleged irregularities in the filing of recall petitions.

Budget committee approves additional DNA analysts for state Justice Dept. Associated Press- Wisconsin State Journal Republican Gov. Scott Walker's budget allocates $770,300 over the next two fiscal years to pay for six more analysts and supplies.

Campus Connection: Fiscal bureau puts out UW-related budget papers Capital Times The Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to take up the University of Wisconsin System's budget later this week.

Green Bay/Appleton

Wisconsin Supreme Court challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg concedes defeat to David Prosser Associated Press- Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON -Wisconsin Supreme Courtchallenger JoAnne Kloppenburg conceded defeat on Tuesday to incumbent Justice David Prosser, saying she did not think a court would overturn the election results that were affirmed following a statewide recount.

Judge's ruling puts people above politics Editorial- Sheboygan Press We don't yet know whether the collective bargaining issue will again come before the Legislature, but if it does, lawmakers should follow the provisions of the Open Meetings Law this time around.

Appleton schools. teachers consider contract extension Appleton Past-Crescent APPLETON- Negotiators for the Appleton Area School District and its teachers union exchanged proposals for a contract extension Tuesday that would have teachers pay more for health insurance and retirement in exchange for stability and slightly higher pay.

Wisconsin GOP state Sen. Robert Cowles of Green Bay faces recall election Associated Press- Green Bay Press-Gazette MADISON- State election officials cleared the way Tuesday for a recall race against state Sen. Rob Cowles and two other Republicans, but temporarily delayed a decision on petitions to oust Sen. Dave Hansen and two Democratic colleagues.

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Editorial: Family Care needs to be reassessed Appleton Post-Crescent

Family Care is one of those ideas that sounded almost too good to be true.

Wisconsin budget committee trims tax credit for poor Associated Press -Green Bay Press-Gazette Republicans who control the Joint Finance Committee raised the percentage for families with two children but reduced it beyond the governor's recommendation for families with three or more children. The moves would save the state about $600,000 over the next two fiscal years.

Editorial: DA pay wise investment in public safety Oshkosh Northwestern Gov. Walker included an additional $1 million per year in his biennium budget to address the pay progression freeze. The Joint Finance Committee rejected that boost and proposed for DAs to maintain current funding if a lawyer retires.

Walker to be in Sheboygan to present tourism grants Sheboygan Press

Gov. Scott Walker will be in Sheboygan on Thursday to award a pair of tourism promotion grants that will be used to help market the Nations Cup sailing race in September and the Sheboygan Shindig in October.


Xcel seeks rate increases La Crosse Tribune

Xcel is asking that the rate increase take effect Jan. 1. It first must be approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, which could hold public hearings in the fall before making a decision in December.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Bill would change Wis. presidential primary date Associated Press- Wausau Daily Herald

A bill introduced by GOP Rep. Gary Tauchen of Bonduel would move the presidential primary from the third Tuesday in February to the first Tuesday in April. That means the presidential primary would be held the same day as the spring nonpartisan general election.

Donna Seidel Column: GOP crime plan is no reform Wausau Daily Herald

Wisconsin's Republican legislators recently repealed almost all of the criminal justice reforms implemented in 2009 by legislative Democrats and former Gov. Jim Doyle. I voted against this Republican proposal because it wastes taxpayer dollars and moves our state backwards just as we were beginning to make much-needed progress in criminal justice reform.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Monday, June 06, 2011 8:06 AM Evenson, Tom - GOV


WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: IT'S WORKING

Daily Headline Goal: Quick action by the Court is important

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for June 6, 2011

News Summary:

• "Walkerville" and the budget dominates statewide news coverage

• JFC concludes, budget moves onto full legislature for debate, passage


Watch: Television Clips for June 4-5



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Nation/World

Wisconsin activists create Walkerville to taunt governor, tout change

CNN Eighty years after Hoovervilles sprung up around the country, and four months after tens ofthousands

descended on the Wisconsin state capitol, progressives have a new home in what they're calling Walkerville.

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Wisconsin Protesters Erect 'Walkerville' Tent City To Protest Scott Walker's Budget Cuts Huffington Post "It's pretty tough for these politicians to ignore us when we're right there," said Peter Rickman, a University of Wisconsin-Madison law student and Teaching Assistants' Association member who is helping to organize the event. "It is a galvanizing, symbolic action of working folks standing up and saying enough is enough."

Wisconsin's Newest 'City,' 'Walkerville,' Protests Budget NewsMax The tense times over Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget measures have evolved into to tent time for some in the state capital, in a protest village that organizers are calling "Walkerville." A Madison city commission approved plans for a tent city in which folks who oppose the Republican governor's budget measures will camp along downtown streets across from the state Capitol starting tonight.

Milwaukee

loved by Republicans, loathed by Democrats, Scott Walker remains in a political class by himself Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In a Wisconsin poll taken two weeks ago, Gov. Walker's approval rating among Republican voters was 87%. His approval rating among Democratic voters was 9%.

Wisconsin GOP leaders encouraging colleagues to place fake Democrats on recall ballots Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In letters obtained by No Quarter, local Republican Party officials are encouraging their GOP colleagues to collect enough signatures to get a fake Democratic candidate on the ballot in each of two upcoming recall elections.

Board mum on Nickolaus election inquiry Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Waukesha- Although the state Government Accountability Board promised to release a detailed report of its April investigation of Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus' election operation by late June, it's unclear now when or if the report will be coming.

Brookfield teen with Down syndrome earns Eagle Scout rank Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Brookfield - More than 70 people gathered last week at Dixon Elementary School to celebrate the promotion of Brookfield teenager Jonathan Schmit, who has Down syndrome, to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Madison

Officials to 'Walkerville' residents: Camping on Capitol grounds not permitted Wisconsin State Journal Capitol police noted that the building will be open Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. via doors at North Hamilton Street and Martin luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Protesters Pitch Tents In Madison To Oppose Budget WISC-TV

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The lines have been drawn and the troops have been rallied yet again. Armed with camping gear, protesters are uniting in opposition to the budget proposal being advanced by Walker and his Republican allies in both houses ofthe state Legislature.

Live coverage of the Walkerville encampment at the Wisconsin Capitol Isthmus Live stream.

Find a fair way of redistricting Editorial- Beloit Daily News SILLY CITIZEN, all this time you were under the impression that voters choose the politicians who represent them in government.

Green Bay/Appleton

Executive residence honors Civil War soldiers Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter MADISON- In recognition of the 150th anniversary ofthe Civil War, Gov. Scott Walker has announced the addition of Civil War-themed artwork and artifacts to decorate the interior of Wisconsin's Executive Residence.

State, local officials come out against budget mandate that calls for private companies to be hired for certain road work Oshkosh Northwestern Local and state officials have lined up in opposition to a state budget amendment they say is likely to drive up local road costs by banning equipment sharing and mandating private companies be hired for certain work.

Editorial: Cutting technical colleges at odds with job growth Oshkosh Northwestern Something funny happened on the way to 250,000 jobs. As Wisconsin was embroiled in a debilitating debate over collective bargaining for public employees, Gov. Scott Walker submitted a biennium budget that undermines the ability oft he state to attract and retain the good paying jobs needed to stabilize and expand our economy.

Budget committee's plan will limit access to state officials' financial records Fond du Lac Reporter MADISON - Public access to information about the finances of state officials would be limited under a provision recently passed by a state budget-drafting committee.

'Walkerville' protest tents set up near Wisconsin Capitol in Madison Associated Press- Green Bay Press-Gazette MADISON -Those against Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal are settling in for the long haul, pitching tents on the Capitol Square. Budget Bill Protesters Create "Walkerville" Tent City WBAY-TV Nearly three months after they began voicing their opposition to the budget repair bill, protesters are at it again.

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Madison approves 14-day permit for 'Walkerville' rally Wisconsin Reporter- Eau Claire Leader-Telegram MADISON -The woman hollering words from the Declaration of Independence while rushing toward the rope line was one of the most noticeable interruptions in Friday's meeting ofthe Joint Finance Committee.

Legislature to begin debating state budget this week Wisconsin Reporter- Eau Claire Leader-Telegram MADISON -At a meeting punctuated with protesters singing, speaking out ofturn and being removed from the room, the Joint Finance Committee completed the proposed 2011-13 biennial budget at about midnight Friday- but not before adding some last-minute provisions that had Democrats seething.

Video: Group gets permits to set up tents near the Capitol WEAU-TV Organizers of the 'We are Wisconsin' event say they're planning to have a permanent presence near the capitol square area over the next couple of weeks.

'Walkerville' tent city up and running WXOW-TV "This is all part of the anger and frustration at politicians that aren't listening to working class folks from around this state," said organizer Peter Rickman.

Wausau/Rhinelander Our View: GOP right to include police, firefighters in bill · Wausau Daily Herald Regardless of where you land on the issue of collective bargaining for public employees, you might agree that it was unfair and illogical for Gov. Scott Walker to exempt police and firefighters from his anti-union bill.

State Senate bill would allow stores to sell alcohol at 6 a.m. Stevens Point Journal Sen. Pam Galloway, R-Wausau, said she signed on as a co-author of a bill that would allow retailers to sell alcohol two hours earlier than they can now, after hearing from several local grocers who support the measure. The Wisconsin Grocers Association also backs the bill.

MADD urges lawmakers to allow police stops as means of deterring drunken driving Wisconsin Rapids Tribune The Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization is starting a campaign to convince state officials to allow sobriety checkpoints in Wisconsin.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Tuesday, June 07, 2011 8:31AM Evenson, Tom - GOV



Daily Headline Goal: It's Working


News Summary:

• Wis. Supreme Court hears nearly 6 hours of testimony yesterday re: the budget repair bill.

• Barack Obama administration rejects Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's request for high-speed rail

Amtrak funding

• Weiner Now Says He Sent Photos.


Watch: Television Clips for June 6




Nation/World

U.S. funding for future promises lags by trillions

USA Today

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The federal government's financial condition deteriorated rapidly last year, far beyond the $1.5 trillion in new debt taken on to finance the budget deficit, a USA TODAY analysis shows.

Weiner Now Says He Sent Photos Wall Street Journal Rep. Anthony Weiner on Monday admitted sending sexually suggestive photographs or messages to six women online over three years, but said he wouldn't resign over his behavior or the lies he told to cover it up.

Anthony Weiner's Judgment Editorial- Wall Street Journal Last November, 67,000 citizens ofthe 9th U.S. District in Queens, New York, voted to return Anthony Weiner to the House of Representatives. Agree or disagree with his politics and style, Mr. Weiner became a principal player at the highest level of our public life. That's over, blown up by Mr. Weiner's singular lack of judgment.

ObamaCare's Next Constitutional Challenge Op-Ed- Wall Street Journal The constitutional battle over ObamaCare has largely focused on the constitutionality of the individual mandate. Namely, does forcing individuals to buy health insurance violate the commerce clause?

Milwaukee

Feingold leads Capitol protest; tent city erected Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold led a crowd of hundreds of marchers, taxicabs and an antique fire engine around the Capitol Square in a demonstration Monday against Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill, and at least eight people were arrested.

Wisconsin Supreme Court weighs its role in collective bargaining case Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- State Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Monday about a Dane County judge's ability to halt a law limiting collective bargaining by public workers, giving Republicans who control the Legislature hope the court may act quickly in their favor.

Find the right balance Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Legislators need to ensure that a measure that would provide discounts for manufacturers on their energy bills doesn't become a burden for homeowners and small businesses.

Wisconsin budget includes big policy issues Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- As the budget committee wrapped up work last week, Republicans largely avoided putting earmarks in the state budget bill but injected new and far-reaching policies into it.

Business production tax break added to state budget Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Aiming to make Wisconsin more attractive to business, Republican lawmakers have proposed reducing the state tax on the production earnings of manufacturers and agricultural businesses to almost nothing by 2016.

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State school official blasts voucher program expansion to Green Bay Milwaukee Journal Sentinel State Superintendent Tony Evers on Monday blasted the Legislature's budget committee for its late-night vote Friday to expand to Green Bay a program that allows students to attend private and religious schools at taxpayer expense.

Preventing fraud Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The latest revelations alleging fraud in the FoodShare program should prompt state officials to tighten supervision. Requiring photos on recipients' Quest cards could help.

Localities still shedding jobs Daily Reporter States such as Wisconsin, New Jersey and Ohio have first-term governors who "are trying to make their names by cutting spending," Naroff said. "It wasn't the 'in thing' before to become a governor and immediately slash and burn. Now, you've got economic and political realities that are different from any time before."

Choose your own fake outrage: Scott Walker's art collection, or Face book food stamps? A. V. Club Milwaukee While the rest of Milwaukee was enjoying a weekend full of sun, drink, and thrillingly skimpy outfits, the more politically minded among us were enjoying what they enjoy best: fake outrage. In one corner, members of the Anti-Scott Walker Fun Club cried foul after learning the boy governor recently removed a painting from his Executive Residence.

Helping criminals hurts justice Editorial- Racine Journal Times Crime shouldn't be a family affair. The state has a peculiar exemption for family members who aid or assist relatives to escape police or hide evidence- they can't be prosecuted.

Madison

Justices split politically as court takes up collective bargaining law Wisconsin State Journal As the state Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on a Dane County judge's order blocking a law that curtails collective bargaining by public employee unions, questions from the justices appeared to fall mostly along the court's political divide.

State Supreme Court justice: 'Where does it stop?' Wisconsin Reporter "If the court prohibits the enhancement of an act ... what about enjoining a senator from introducing legislation?" Gableman asked.

UW System broadband expansion plan in danger Wisconsin State Journal The University of Wisconsin System would be forced to return about $37 million in federal funds intended to extend broadband Internet across Wisconsin, under a provision passed by the Legislature's budget committee Friday.

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EDITORIAL: Madison does not know best Beloit Doily News IT ISN'T OFTEN we have an opportunity to say this: Three cheers for a politician with the guts to tell the truth.

Green Bay/Appleton

Barack Obama administration rejects Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's request for high-speed rail Amtrak funding Appleton Post-Crescent Democratic President Barack Obama's administration has rejected Wisconsin's applications for $232 million in high-speed rail funding to improve Amtrak service on the Hiawatha line. Ridership on that line grew to a record 800,000 passengers last year, according to the governor's office.

Republicans ask Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to act in union case Associated Press- Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON - Attorneys for Republican lawmakers asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday to overturn a judge's order blocking the state's polarizing union powers law. Democrats urged the justices to uphold the ruling or make the GOP go through the usual- and slow- appeals process.

State, local superintendents condemn voucher program Associated Press- Green Bay Press-Gazette MADISON -Wisconsin state Superintendent Tony Evers says expansion of school vouchers for Green Bay should be removed from the state budget.

Editorial: Open records take hit in budget bill Appleton Post-Crescent Every year, elected officials and candidates are required to fill out what are called "statements of economic interest." They're records of officials' finances that are part of the state's open government principles.

Editorial: Don't erode local control Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter But Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee want to chip away further at the standard of local control. A provision in Walker's budget plan, which the committee approved with some changes, puts limits on local governments' property tax authority.

Fond du Lac arts groups respond to state budget cuts Fond du Lac Reporter Local arts groups say they understand that cuts are necessary but they are afraid of what so deep cuts will bring.


Date set for recall vote on Kapanke seat La Crosse Tribune The Government Account-ability Board on Friday set a July 12 date for recall elections of six Republican senators. If more than one Democratic challenger emerges, July 12 will be a primary and Aug. 9 the general election.

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Cling, Lane - GOV


Wednesday, June 08, 2011 8:39AM Evenson, Tom - GOV



Daily Headline Goal: Governor participates in Special Olympics opening


News Summary:

• Orrin Hatch: Wisconsin Gov. Walker "Did A Great Job"

• F-16 pilot escapes serious injury in Adams County crash

• Revenue department mistakenly withdrew extra money from 5,100-plus taxpayers

• Number of schools missing academic goals grows

• Wisconsin Supreme Court recount cost $520,000-plus






Nation/World

Orrin Hatch: Wisconsin Gov. Walker "Did A Great Job"

TPM

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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stopped by the Hill today to discuss his accomplishments with Senate Republicans, seeking to garner support for the embattled state senators facing recall petitions in the aftermath of a vote to seriously curtail public employee bargaining rights.

Scott Walker Ditches Symbolic Painting of Homeless, Low-Income Kids Mother Jones Even Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker's home redecorating plans have caused an uproar. In his first six months in office, Walker sparked a national controversy by trying to curb collective bargaining rights for most public-sector unions, not to mention slash education funding and social and health services for his state's citizens.

Wisconsin high court quizzes both sides on union law Reuters The Wisconsin Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Monday in the legal challenge to the controversial state law that eliminates most collective bargaining rights for public workers.

Pawlentv's Growth Marker Editorial- Wall Street Journal Among GOP Presidential contenders, Tim Pawlenty is offering the most ambitious reform agenda so far, and his economic address yesterday continued the trend. While details remain to be filled in, the former Minnesota Governor is rightly focusing on a growth revival that ought to define the 2012 campaign.

No, You Can't Keep Your Health Insurance Op-Ed- Wall Street Journal ObamaCare will lead to a dramatic decline in employer-provided health insurance-with as many as 78 million Americans forced to find other sources of coverage.

Republicans Call for Weiner to Resign Wall Street Journal Republican leaders called Tuesday for the resignation of New York Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, putting pressure on leaders of his party who have stopped short of demanding that the embattled lawmaker step down over a sexting scandal.

Milwaukee

Openness under attack Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Legislators slipped a provision into the state budget that would prohibit conflict of interest statements from more than 2,000 public officials from being released by email or fax by state ethics officials to members of the public. Instead, the public would have to show up in person to receive these statements.

A goody for cops Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Fired Milwaukee police officers should not be paid or receive benefits while they appeal their dismissals, but that's what will happen in most cases if a bill passed in the wee hours on Friday in Madison becomes law.

Concerns raised over move to restrict access to ethics statements Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Madison- Ethics data from 2,500 state and local officials would get harder for citizens to obtain under a budget amendment that has drawn criticism from both a free-market conservative and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Senators tangle over bill to outsource road help Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison - Counties and local governments would have to give more of their highway work to private contractors under a budget provision that is drawing opposition from lawmakers from both parties.

Nonpartisan Government Accountability Board faces partisan charges Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Republicans are leveling charges of bias and partisanship against a state elections and ethics agency they helped set up just four years ago with the idea of making it completely nonpartisan.

Arrest this talk of sobriety checkpoints Racine Journal Times While its collective heart is in the right place, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has steered the battle in the wrong direction.

More MPS schools failing mandates Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Milwaukee Public Schools had 94 of the 228 public schools in Wisconsin that missed the so-called adequate yearly progress, or AYP, requirement ofthe No Child Left Behind Act, according to information released Tuesday by the state Department of Public Instruction.

Madison

Revenue department mistakenly withdrew extra money from 5,100-plus taxpayers Wisconsin State Journal The Wisconsin Department of Revenue says it automatically withdrew money from the accounts of more than 5,100 taxpayers in error but it has corrected the problem.

F-16 pilot escapes serious injury in Adams County crash Wisconsin State Journal An F-16 pilot escaped serious injury Tuesday when he ejected shortly before his plane crashed into a vacant house in Adams County.

Green Bay/Appleton

Editorial: New UW split plan seems like a good alternative Green Bay Press-Gazette The state budget package approved last week at the committee level contains no plan to split the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the UW System, a wise move at this juncture.

Number of schools missing academic goals grows Appleton Post-Crescent Eighty-nine Wisconsin schools including Neenah High School, along with the Milwaukee, Madison and Racine districts, are on a list released Tuesday for repeatedly failing to meet the federal No Child Left Behind law.

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Editorial: Gun law with few limits is unsafe Appleton Post-Crescent The call of law enforcement has become clear: There have to be permitting and training requirements in any concealed carry bill that the state Legislature passes.

Green Bay school vouchers likely to stay in Wisconsin budget, GOP Senate leader says Green Bay Press-Gazette Changes to the budget as passed out of the Joint Finance Committee last week are being discussed, but a provision expanding voucher schools to Green Bay likely will be kept, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Tuesday.

Sen. Joe Leibham says GOP colleagues stood firm Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter TWO RIVERS- Joe Leibham said Monday fellow Republican state senators didn't get "squishy" when reviewing the budget the past several weeks. Unemployment appeals backlog easing at Department of Workforce Development Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON - The Wisconsin agency that sends out unemployment checks continues to have a backlog of appeals cases and is missing federal standards for timely handling of appeals.

Schreiber Foods to build new $50M headquarters in Green Bay on site of closed Washington Commons mall Green Bay Press-Gazette Schreiber Foods will build a new corporate headquarters and global technology center on the site of the closed Washington Commons mall in downtown Green Bay. Wisconsin Supreme Court recount cost $520,000-plus Sheboygan Press MADISON (AP) -The recent recount in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Justice David Prosser and challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg cost counties more than $500,000, an Associated Press survey found.

Stop protest candidate shell game Editorial- Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter A game is afoot to prop up "Democratic" candidates to run in Wisconsin recall elections to force primaries and give Republicans more time to campaign.


Our view: State right to crack down on fraud La Crosse Tribune Cracking down on fraud and reining in waste and abuse has been a top priority of Gov. Scott Walker. That's why we look forward in early July to a preliminary report from his Commission on Waste, Fraud and Abuse that was formed in January. The commission has met several times, and we're eager to hear its recommendations.

Wausau/Rhinelander Our view: GOP right to include police, firefighters in bill Marshfield News Herald

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Regardless of where you land on the issue of collective bargaining for public employees, you might agree that it was unfair and illogical for Gov. Scott Walker to exempt police and firefighters from his anti-union bill.

State budget proposal would remove broadband access Wausau Daily Herald Broadband Internet access planned for the Wausau region and other parts ofthe state would disappear in a proposal approved by state lawmakers last week.

5

Oling, Lane - GOV


Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:05AM Evenson, Tom - GOV



Daily Headline Goal: Wisconsin Business Climate Improves


News Summary:

• VIDEO: Governor Walker participates in the 2S'h Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in Waukesha

• Recall elections set for 3 Democratic senators

• Editorial: Fake candidates lower bar even more

• Our view: Here's one job we don't need filled

• Our View: A lot oftools in Madison

Wisconsin's Front Poges: Appleton Post-Crescent Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Green Bay Press Gazette La Crosse Tribune Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oshkosh Northwestern Racine Journal Times Sheboygan Press Stevens Point Journal Wisconsin State Journal





Nation/World

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker gets heat for removing painting of children

Los Angeles Times

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The painting's removal was reported recently in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The oil painting, which stands 40 inches by 50 inches, hung above the fireplace mantel in the governor's mansion. It has been replaced by a painting ofthe bald eagle named Old Abe, a Wisconsin military mascot during the Civil War.

It's come to this: Wisconsin liberals protest Scott Walker at ... Special Olympics ceremony HotAir Via the Maciver Institute and Ann Althouse, who marvels at the PR savvy of people attempting to get good press by protesting at a Special Olympics event.

Illinois Tax Firesale Wall Street Journal A case study in high corporate rates and special favors.

President Obama Authors The Economic Recovery That Isn't Forbes At the end of this month, President Obama's economic recovery will be two years old. Let's look at what we can expect in terms of results.

Obama's Worst Week, Pawlenty's Best Wall Street Journal If next year the American people pull the plug on the Obama presidency, mark down the past week as the beginning of the end ... and what looks like the real beginning ofTim Pawlenty's candidacy.

A Short History of Political Suicide Wall Street Journal Woodrow Wilson's most famous piece of political advice was "Never murder a man who's committing suicide." Rep. Anthony Weiner's critics might keep that in mind. The Twitter disaster has undoubtedly ended his hopes of being New York City's next mayor and may well cost him his seat in Congress.

Rich, Famous and Powerful Converge at Bilderberg CNBC Its secrecy only serves to add fuel to the innumerate conspiracy theories that circulate around the event, with Internet message boards often channelling Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown and putting the "club" in the same bracket as the Freemasons and "Illuminati."

Milwaukee

Recall elections set for 3 Democratic senators Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- The state Government Accountability Board voted Wednesday to set recall elections for three Democratic state senators, bringing to nine the number of senators facing recall elections.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce survey turns optimistic following change in Madison Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Executives surveyed by Wisconsin's largest business lobbying group overwhelmingly say the state is "going in the right direction," a near-complete reversal of sentiment from a year ago that comes against a backdrop of exceptional political animosity.

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Walker expects quick move on collective bargaining Today's TMJ4

VIDEO.

Assembly votes to repay $200 million raided from malpractice fund Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- The Assembly voted Wednesday to end the state's early-release program for prisoners and repay more than $200 million for lawmakers' illegal raid of a medical malpractice fund four years ago.

Private schools debate accepting voucher students Racine Journal Times RACINE- So far there are more area private schools interested in being voucher schools than not.

Madison

Votes mean more than volume Wisconsin State Journal Protesters hollering and disrupting meetings at the state Capitol can't escape this political reality: Votes still beat volume. Wisconsin Assembly approves Walker appointment for veterans secretary AP- Janesville Gazette MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The state Assembly has passed a Republican bill that would give the governor the power to appoint the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary.

Senate backs changes in Wisconsin primary dates AP - Wisconsin State Journal The state Senate passed a pair of Republican bills that would rearrange the dates of Wisconsin's presidential and fall partisan primaries.

Capitol Report: Walker privatization plan scaled way back Capital Times An attempt by Gov. Scott Walker to privatize the state's food and medical assistance programs has been largely scuttled, causing Dane County officials to hail the recent move by the Legislature's finance committee as a victory for the state's neediest residents.

Green Bay/Appleton

Editorial: GOP trying to pull off another kind of election fraud Sheboygan Press Republican lawmakers have cried for years now that there is rampant voter fraud in Wisconsin elections. So much so that they have been pushing for a law to require people to show an ID card with their photo on it before they can vote.

Editorial: Fake candidates lower bar even more Appleton Post-Crescent

In a year when the bar keeps getting set lower and lower for Wisconsin politics, we have a new low.

Editorial: State budget

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Green Bay Press-Gazette The state budget proposal to be debated next week is a departure from others passed in recent decades, but it still contains the kind of policy issues that each political party in power cannot resist including.

Legislature should open secret caucuses Editorial- Oshkosh Northwestern The state legislature needs to take bold, bipartisan action to restore public confidence in good government in Wisconsin. Legislators should pass a bill to make their political caucuses comply with the state's Open Meeting law.

Wis. lawmakers toss racial profiling data effort AP- Wausau Daily Herald MADISON -The state Legislature has given final approval to a Republican bill that would scrap requirements that police collect data about the race of drivers they pull over.


Our view: Here's one job we don't need filled La Crosse Tribune Wanted: Fake politicians. The Republican Party seeks dedicated members who are willing to resign from the party to pose as a Democrat. Interested applicants will need to participate in a primary election to buy time for the real Republican candidate.

Shilling responds to spoiler La Crosse Tribune Democrat Jennifer Shilling issued a statement Wednesday blasting Republicans for trying to force a primary in her race against Sen. Dan Kapanke. The remarks were Shilling's first on the issue since the Tribune broke a story last month about a secret GOP tape detailing a strategy to run a spoiler candidate against her.

Dairyland Power set to move nuclear waste to dry casks La Crosse Tribune Dairyland Power will begin removing spent fuel from its Genoa nuclear plant and encasing it in steel and concrete casks later this spring, nearly a quarter century after the plant ceased operations.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Our View: A lot of tools in Madison Wausau Daily Herald Political shenanigans might be an effective instrument in the short-term, but we wonder about the long-range effect on state leadership. Will we ever be able to trust these folks with the powerful tools voters gave them when they were elected?

Wis. lawmakers debate end early prison release Stevens Point Journal MADISON- State lawmakers are debating a Republican bill to end former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle's early prison release program.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Tuesday, June 14, 2011 8:57 AM Evenson, Tom - GOV



News Summary:

• Collective bargaining limits to be added to state budget

• Wisconsin Senate, Assembly expected to pass budget by end of the week

• Why ObamaCare Is Losing in the Courts • WSJ: Tough start for first lady Tonette Walker






Nation/World

Why ObarnaCare Is Losing in the Courts

Waf/ Street Journal

When we first articulated ObamaCare's fundamental constitutional flaws in these pages nearly two years ago,

our objections were met with derision by the law's defenders. Those who have been following the unfolding

litigation are no longer laughing.

Uncertainty Is Not the Problem

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Wal/ Street Journal Many commentators blame our continuing economic woes on "uncertainty." They allege that recent and anticipated dramatic policy changes make business planning difficult, and that this is retarding growth and employment. This view is not wrong-but our main problem is not the uncertainty surrounding new policies. It is the policies.

Missouri River Breaches Levee, Threatens City Wal/ Street Journal A large breach opened Monday morning in a Missouri River levee, as officials said a temporary levee built up in the last week was no longer big enough to protect the southwestern Iowa city of Hamburg.

Obama: My family would be fine with just 1 term Associated Press WASHINGTON- President Barack Obama says his wife and daughters aren't "invested" in him being president and would have been fine had he decided against running for re-election. But he says they believe in what he's doing for the country.

Obama Suggests Weiner Resign Wall Street Journal "I think he's embarrassed himself, he's acknowledged that, he's embarrassed his wife and his family," Mr. Obama said in an interview Monday with NBC News.

Milwaukee

Expense of fake Democrats in primaries will top $400,000 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- A plan by Republicans to run fake Democratic candidates in this summer's recall elections would cost taxpayers upward of $428,000, according to election clerks.

GOP redistricting plan has Republican Cong. Sean Duffy's re-election in mind Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Republicans are taking aggressive steps to protect House freshman Sean Duffy under a draft redistricting plan that hasn't been released to the public but is circulating among Wisconsin members of Congress.

No reason to go back Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The state should not return to a for-profit bail bondsman system. Regulating such a system would be difficult, and there are too f)lany concerns about due process and fairness.

Property rights limited in budget bill Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Owners of land that sits in the way of a highway or power line project would have a harder time challenging a government takeover oftheir property if a proposal inserted into the state budget becomes law, property rights advocates say.

Collective bargaining limits may rejoin state budget bill Milwaukee Journal Sentinel GOP plans to pass union rules again if state justices don't act in time.

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Public interest trumps desires of those in Madison Editorial- Racine Journal Times Once again, state legislators have placed their self-interest ahead of the standard for open government.

Madison

Collective bargaining limits to be added to state budget Wisconsin State Journal- Lo Crosse Tribune "If need be, we are going to have to pass collective bargaining again because it is such an integral part of not having those services slashed and those people laid off," Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said of the plan, which is currently held up in court.

Tough start for first lady Tonette Walker Wisconsin State Journal MAPLE BLUFF- Five months after her husband was sworn in, first lady Tonette Walker held a coming-out party of sorts earlier this month, taking to the trails at High Cliff State Park in Sherwood for an initiative promoting a healthy lifestyle and the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

Boot beer brouhaha from budget Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal It's too complicated and hasty to stay in the state budget- especially when it has so little to do with spending state money.

Republican legislators should stand with Wisconsin. not Walker The Capital Times Until now, Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to remake Wisconsin as a brutish state where schools are underfunded, local services are starved, local democracy is rendered dysfunctional and working people can't get a break was just that- an "attempt."

Green Bay/Appleton

Wisconsin's budget debate to begin under heightened security at state Capitol Associated Press- Appleton Post-Crescent MADISON - Debate over Wisconsin's next budget is scheduled to begin today under heightened security in the state Capitol, with the likelihood that lawmakers will once again vote on taking away collective bargaining powers for most public workers.

Editorial: Wisconsin Legislature shouldn't undermine low-cost Internet network Appleton Post-Crescent One of the casualties oft he state budget bill could be the Internet network that serves schools, libraries and government in Wisconsin.

Internet costs could triple for public schools, libraries under budget bill addition Oshkosh Northwestern Critics warn the provision inserted into the state budget bill on June 3 would unravel WiscNet, a nonprofit offering cheap high-speed Internet access to public agencies, and force its members to purchase from more expensive private companies.

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Restore transit options for seniors Editorial- Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Gov. Scott Walker's state budget proposal drastically cuts state transit funding to already struggling local public transportation programs. This is frightening, not only for seniors and people with disabilities, but for taxpayers and for our state's economy.

Ziegelbauer in favor of proposed budget Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter "It is fair to say that I have not voted for any budgets that have passed," said Ziegelbauer, elected to the first of his 10 two-year terms in the Assembly in 1992.

Wisconsin Senate, Assembly expected to pass budget by end of the week Green Bay Press-Gazette Tomorrow begins what is expected to be a quick but contentious week of deliberations on the 2011-13 budget, a $66 billion spending plan highlighted by major cuts to education and aid to communities in an effort to eliminate a $3 billion deficit.


Our view: 6 a.m. alcohol sales no reason to worry La Crosse Tribune Do a quick search ofthe archives at www.lacrossetribune.com with the word "alcohol," and you'll get a sobering review of a great deal of misery involving drinking in our community.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Recycling advocates say cuts slice deep Wausau Daily Herald State and local officials said they're happy to see mandatory recycling programs still in Wisconsin's budget but are less pleased about a cut in state aid that helps pay for them.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:29AM GOV DL All Staff

Subject: Morning News Update for 02.23.11

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for Februarv 23. 2011

News Summary:

• Video: Gov. Walker speaks to taxpayers about the budget repair bill in his first fireside chat last evening. • Assembly Democrats hold filibuster overnight, call Governor's fireside·chat "The King's Speech." • Senate Democrats say they've "given up on the governor" - now targeting moderate Republican senators to switch

their votes. • Senate Republicans are attempting to lure Dems back by holding paychecks in Madison, bringing Voter ID to the

floor. • Fmr. Gov. Tommy Thompson praises the Governor in an interview with Politico.

Governor Walker- Television Clips for Feb 22

Wisconsin's Front Pages:

Appleton Post-Crescent Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Green Bay Press Gazette La Crosse Tribune Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Oshkosh Northwestern Racine Journal Times Sheboygan Press Stevens Point Journal Wisconsin State Journal

Nation/World

Back my union rights bill by Friday or 1.500 public workers will lose their jobs, warns Wisconsin's governor Daily Mail- United Kingdom Gov. Scott Walker said up to 1,500 workers could lose their jobs by July, but failed to say which workers would be targeted. The warning came as protests over union rights bills blew up in Indiana and Ohio.

Class war in Wisconsin The Guardian - United Kingdom The unions have taken a heroic stand against Governor Scott Walker. But if internal rifts are not solved, it could be labour's last.

Battle of Madison tests US stomach for long struggle Financial Times - United Kingdom Wisconsin's elegant State Capitol building in Madison resembles a college dormitory.

Thompson praises Walker, remains silent on labor law Politico Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson was, in his way, the Scott Walker of the late 1980s and early 1990s, one of a cadre of young Republican governors who overturned a longstanding status quo and whose policy innovations -- welfare reform first of all-- transformed the nation.

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Wisconsin Democratic Senators Have 'Pretty Much Given Up On The Governor' Huffing ton Post "We had a Senate Democratic caucus last night, and we've pretty much given up on the governor," said state Sen. Jim Halperin (D). "I think this is a governor who is a very stubborn individual and maybe does not understand fully the collateral consequences of his stubbornness. So we've decided to refocus on the people we believe may be flexible to some degree, and that's Senate Republicans. A lot of those Senate Republicans have been around a long time, and I think understand the gravity of eliminating rights from people."

The Means of Coercion Wall Street Journal The privileged are revolting in Wisconsin.

(Video) Wis. governor refuses to give in to protests USA Today MADISON, Wis. -Huge crowds gathered at the Capitol for an eighth day Tuesday to protest Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to cut union benefits and end most public workers' collective bargaining rights as the state Assembly debated the bill and Senate Democrats stayed in exile.

Our view: In Wisconsin budget battle. bad behavior all around Editorial- USA Today In Wisconsin, today's Ground Zero for state budget battles, it is not hard to see bad behavior all around. Teachers are playing hooky to protest Gov. Scott Walker's plan to trim their benefits and clip back the power of their union. Democratic lawmakers are hiding out in Illinois to prevent a GOP majority from working its will. And Walker, a newly elected Republican, has chosen this moment of fiscal crisis to pursue questionable tax cuts and a risky attack on collective bargaining.

Wisconsin Republicans Trv to Lure Back Dems by Moving Controversial Voter ID Bill Fox News Wisconsin Republicans are trying to lure Senate Democrats back to the state capital by moving ahead with a controversial bill that would require voters to show photo ID before casting a ballot.

Wisconsin governor signs bill to make tax hike votes tougher Reuters The measure, which was proposed by the Republican governor, requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate and Assembly to raise income, sales or franchise tax rates instead of a simple majority vote.

Bob McDonnell: I stand with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker CBS News "We made tough choices, what I think the president failed to do this time," McDonnell said. "That's what Scott Walker and many other governors, Republican and Democrat, are doing is to say we can't afford to do things the same way."

Union Leader Minces No Words When Labor Issues Are at Stake New York Times MADISON, Wis.- As executive director of the main union of Wisconsin state employees, Marty Beil is at the vortex of the hurricane here- and that makes some union members gulp.

Wisconsin Power Play by Paul Krugman -New York Times So it's not about the budget; it's about the power.

It's Crunch Time for Organized Labor Wall Street Journal Labor unions are facing the most direct challenge to their political and financial clout since Ronald Reagan broke the airtraffic controllers union 30 years ago.

Inside Capitol. Wisconsin protesters create a city Associated Press - Reuters For more than a week now, several hundred protesters have spent the night sleeping inside the Capitol building, a vigil that has turned the rotunda into an il).door campground.

What Wisconsin Has Wrought: Labor Unrest Spreads

2

TIME Magazine As demonstrations in Wisconsin over Governor Scott Walker's efforts to limit collective bargaining for many state employees entered a second week and national media swarmed Madison, similar protests swelled in state capitals across the nation.

Wis. Democratic senators still hiding out despite threat of recalls, having paychecks withheld Associated Press -Minneapolis Star Tribune MILWAUKEE- Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson packed just his toothbrush and one extra shirt as he and 13 fellow Democrats fled the state to avoid near certain passage of the Republican governor's contentious plan to strip government workers of their collective bargaining rights.

<Video) Wisconsin Democrats stage overnight filibuster Associated Press - MSNBC MADISON, Wis. -Democrats kept the Wisconsin Assembly up overnight with a droning filibuster in another desperate attempt to block the Republican governor's bold plan to strip public sector workers of nearly all of their bargaining rights.

Making sense of Wisconsin's union showdown Steven Pearlstein - Washington Post A dirty little secret about column writers is that we each have a handful of road-tested templates that we use all too frequently to make sense of something that has happened and demands our wise opinionation.

Union battles in 3 states escalate LA Times Democrats in Indiana's House flee to block anti-union legislation, and protesters rally in Ohio against a bill that would curb public employees' collective bargaining rights. In Wisconsin, Gov. Walker threatens to lay off workers if his proposal doesn't pass.

Busting the unions Op-Ed- LA Times The manufactured budget 'crisis' in Wisconsin is being used as cover for an assault on the rights of American working people.

Scott Walker's Big Speech That Didn't Change Anything Slate Magazine "Given the size of his power grab," said Democratic Rep. Jon Richards, "maybe we should call it The King's Speech."

How the GOP Can Win the Budget Battle Fred Barnes- Wall Street Journal Republicans won a blockbuster victory in November's election after a campaign focused on cutting government spending and reducing debt. Then they got the bad news: Americans are leery of cutting specific programs.

Milwaukee

Orte small step ... is all it takes Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Gov. Scott Walker sat down Tuesday night for a heart-to-heart talk with the people of Wisconsin, and he gave it to them straight: We're in a real fix. We have a big budget hole to fill.

Walker in middle of perfect storm Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Calm and unflappable in the wake of daily demonstrations at the state Capitol, Walker has emerged as a new face on the national scene and a new political hope for the national Republican Party.

Senate Republicans to withhold Democrats' pay Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -- Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to make Democrats hiding out in Illinois come back to Wisconsin to pick up their paychecks.

Walker praises civil debate. stresses budget realities Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- In a televised speech Tuesday, Gov. Scott Walker called for civility and declined to back down from his tough stance with public employee unions.

3

Indiana House at standstill after Democrats walk out Milwaukee Journal Sentinel All but two of the Indiana Legislature's 40 House Democrats walked out of the statehouse Tuesday in a bid to delay action on three bills that would curtail collective bargaining rights.

Senate -without Democrats -breezes through limited agenda Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison - Name by name, their absence was noted, the clerk efficiently reading tbe roll call, tbe words met by silence.

Assembly member accepts responsibility for ticket in massage parlor case Milwaukee Journal Sentinel State Rep. Gordon Hintz, ticketed tbis month as part of an investigation into prostitution at an Appleton massage parlor, said Monday he would take responsibility for his actions.

UW Hospital surprised to find its workers in budget-repair bill Milwaukee· Journal Sentinel University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics- which doesn't receive state money directly- would be barred from collectively bargaining with its roughly 5,000 union employees under Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget-repair bill.

Time to come home Editorial - Racine Journal Times Senate Democrats have made the point. Now it's time for them to go back to Madison.

County resolution opposing Walker's bill sent to committee Racine Journal Times RACINE COUNTY- A resolution asking the governor to handle collective bargaining aspects of a budget repair bill tbat would essentially eliminate unions' rights separately is going to a committee.

Wisconsin lawmakers take up bill to weaken unions Associated Press - Racine Journal Times MADISON, Wis. (AP) -With their Senate colleagues still in hiding, Democrats in th<!W'isconsin Assembly began introducing a barrage of 100 amendments Tuesday to try to stymie the Republican governor's plan to strip unionized public employees of most of their bargaining rights.

Capitol capacity: Lawmaker voices concern about building's structural integrity Daily Reporter - Milwaukee State lawmakers Tuesday took measures to reclaim portions of the Capitol building from protesters who have crowded inside for more than a week.

Harley-Davidson, union reach contract settlement Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Harley-Davidson Inc. has reached a tentative contract settlement witb tbe labor unions at its Kansas City, Mo., manufacturing plant.

Public school districts advised to decide on layoffs Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Public school officials are being advised to approve preliminary layoff notices for staff by the end of tbe month, before many of them usually contemplate workforce reductions and before they know how much money tbey can raise for the next school year.

State reviewing complaints over doctors' excuse notes Milwaukee Journal Sentinel · Staff at the state Department of Regulation and Licensing have begun to review roughly 300 e-mail complaints about doctors issuing excuse notes for protesters at the state Capitol over the weekend, officials said Tuesday.

Madison

Civil debate shines on Square Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal It's no small thing that only a handful of people have been arrested for minor offenses during the huge and ongoing rallies at and around the state Capitol in Madison this past week.

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Labor group calls for general strike if budget bill is approved Wisconsin State Journal The 97-union South Central Federation of Labor of Wisconsin is laying groundwork for a general strike if Gov. Scott Walker succeeds in enacting legislation that would strip most bargaining rights from most public employee unions.

Local leaders from throughout the state ask GOP to not end collective bargaining Wisconsin State Journal Gov. Scott Walker says sweeping changes to collective bargaining in the state budget repair bill can help local officials absorb looming cuts in state aid, but many local officials are saying "No thanks."

Legislative stalemate continues into pre-dawn hours as talk goes on Wisconsin State Journal The stalemate continued late into the night Tuesday as the state Assembly attempted to work through dozens of amendments proposed by Democrats - most of them meant to stall the progress of Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill.

Let it breathe. Separate issues. Editorial- Beloit Daily News WHETHER EITHER SIDE wants to admit it or not, there are two separate issues in play regarding the showdown in Madison.

GOP staying on message The Capital Times Assembly Republicans didn't stray from the party message Tuesday, telling dozens of reporters packed inside a Capitol hearing room that the state is broke and, despite the tens of thousands of protesters, say a majority of Wisconsin is behind them.

Walker's plans not what local governments asked for Editorial- The Capital Times A non-compromising Gov. Scott Walker insists that he must strip away the bargaining rights of public employee unions so that local governments and school districts have the flexibility to deal with their own budgets, which he has promised will be hit by huge cuts in funds they now receive from the state.

Governor's budget repair bill ushers in health care changes Wisconsin Reporter MADISON - More than 6o,ooo individuals could find themselves without state government-backed health care next year iflawmakers approve of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Green Bay/ Appleton

Municipal leaders await impact of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill on self-insured health programs Appleton Post -Crescent APPLETON- Will Gov. Scott Walker's push for higher employee contributions for health care cause teachers to drop their coverage and seek benefits through family members working in local government?

Wisconsin Democrats' runaway gambit in response to budget vote likely futile Appleton Post-Crescent In an eleventh-hour scheme designed to block passage of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, 14 state Senate Democrats fled to Illinois and deprived the 19 Republicans of the 20-vote threshold needed to take up the fiscal measure.

Capitol dispute proves that votes count Editorial- Sheboygan Press If you're a public employee or the spouse of a public. employee and you didn't vote, you know now that elections lead to consequences.

Walker states his case Sheboygan Press MADISON- Gov. Scott Walker says failing to pass a bill stripping union rights for Wisconsin public workers would have 11dire consequences ...

Transit funding needs to be sustained

5

Editorial- Appleton Post-Crescent Delaying passage of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill has allowed legislators to uncover more of its ramifications.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Metro Ride faces $1M loss in federal aid Wausau Daily Herald Wausau's Metro Ride program could lose more than $1 million in federal transportation grants if Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill makes it through the Legislature unchanged.

6

Oling, Lane - GOV


Thursday, February 24, 2011 8:38AM GOV DL All Staff


Office of Governor Scott Walker- Mornin!; News Update for February 24. 2011

News Summary:

Governor Scott Walker- Television Clips for Februarv 23



Nation/World

Rove: Obama's Badger State Blues by Karl Rove- Wall Street Journal A union defeat in Wisconsin could hurt the president's re-election bid.

Wisconsin Senators Remain Out of Reach Associated Press- Wall Street Journal MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin's Assembly reached a deal early Thursday to limit further debate on a bill taking away collective-bargaining rights for public workers, while state patrol officers were being dispatched to the homes of Democratic state senators in the hopes that would force them to come back in session to take up the measure.

Life on the Run For Democrats In Union Fights New York Times CHICAGO- By now, Jon Erpenbach, one of 14 Democratic state senators on the run from Wisconsin, has switched hotels in this city three times, a necessity, he says, as word kept slipping out about where he was staying.

Oban1a Sits Out State Fights Wall Street Journal President Barack Obama, after initially lending his support to organized labor, has stepped back from the fights spreading in state capitals from Wisconsin to Tennessee, leaving union officials divided about his tactics.

GOP Retreats on Indiana Labor Law Wall Street Journal Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker laid out his strategy for ending a standoff with Senate Democrats from his state during a prank telephone call placed by a liberal activist posing as conservative billionaire donor David H. Koch.

Sparring Unions Now Working as One Wall Street Journal

1

Leaders of major public and private sector unions have agreed to set aside longstanding divisions and turf battles and coordinate in a campaign to counter challenges to their political and contract-bargaining power in a growing number of states.

The Public Worker GrayY Train Wall Street Journal Many government employees are paid up to 30% more than those in the private sector.

Daniels in the Lions Den by John Fund- Wall Street Journal Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels did himself no favors with conservatives yesterday in his response to a walk-out by Indiana state legislators.

WI Senate Majoritv Leader: We Could Vote on Collective Bargaining Without the Democrats Weekly Standard "It's certainly possible, you know, from a procedural perspective," Fitzgerald told THE WEEKLY STANDARD. "We can pass it with a simple majority" present in the Senate chamber.

Scott Walker's Views on Collective Bargaining No Surprise by Stephen Hayes- Weekly Standard AB AFSCME's Abelson said in the Journal-Sentinel's article on that very press conference: "His union-busting attitude shouldn't surprise anybody."

As Goes Wisconsin ... So Goes the Nation by Joe Klein- TIME Magazine Randall Wentz works for the University of Wisconsin, vetting scholarship applications. He is a public employee, a union member. He makes $3o,ooo per year.

Wisconsin Gov. Walker is winning Washington Post Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, by holding firm, is winning his face off against the public employee unions and their Democratic handmaidens. Yes, the state senate Democrats remain in an undisclosed location in illinois, but their situation has become a whole lot more precarious.

Wisconsin lawmakers agree to advance budget debate Associated Press - Chicago Tribune Assembly Democrats have agreed with Republicans to limit the number of amendments they'll introduce to 38, and they will stay within the 10-minute limit for arguing each amendment.

Governor Scott Walker. PUNKED! Wall Street Journal Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker laid out his strategy for ending a standoff with Senate Democrats from his state during a prank telephone call placed by a liberal activist posing as conservative billionaire donor David H. Koch.

Tim Pawlentywades into debate on unions. Gov. Scott Walker State Column Appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavnto, Mr. Pawlenty said, "The notion that they're doing their job ... by not doing their job is preposterous."

Sandoval won't draw line over collective bargaining like Wisconsin governor Las Vegas Sun But on collective bargaining rights for public employees - the issue in national focus as Wisconsin teachers and government workers protest a push to roll back their ability to collectively bargain- Sandoval parts ways with the national agenda pushed by the Republican CEOs who control29 statehouses.

Budget battles stretch across U.S. CNN Legislatures from New Jersey to California are struggling to tackle yawning deficits, longstanding pension obligations and health benefits and some broader questions about how unionized labor will fit into America's evolving political landscape.

Milwaukee

2

Walker should resign by Sen. Tim Carpenter- Milwaukee Biz Times Governor Walker, this tape would make Richard Nixon blush. If the recording and the items discussed by you are indeed your plans, you have no business being in public office in our State, and should resign.

End to marathon Assembly debate could come today Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Democrats in the Assembly early Thursday announced an agreement that could finally bring an end to the nearly two solid days of debate on amendments to Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Caller posing as major GOP contributor dupes Walker Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Scott Walker took a prank phone call Tuesday, and Wisconsin learned a lot about its new governor.

Walker devoted 20 minutes to Koch call. Why? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel No wonder; Koch is one of the biggest financial backers of conservative causes in the country, including Walker's campaign for governor. ·

Erpenbach: Trooper move a waste of resources Milwaukee Journal Sentinel State Sen. Jon Erpenbach CD-Middleton) said Thursday that Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald's order dispatching state troopers to try to find Erpenbach and the other 13 absent Democratic senators and return them to the Capitol was a waste of resources.

Madison

Green Bay/Appleton

Billionaire Koch brothers inspire wrath of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's oppponents Appleton Post-Crescent · WASHINGTON - For more than two decades, Charles and David Koch have been quietly building the foundation for a conservative movement that critics say is at the center of the dispute between Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and public employee unions.

La CrossefEau Claire

Prankster who duped Walker says it was easy Associated Press - La Crosse Tribune Ian Murphy is editor of the website the Buffalo Beast in New York. He said Wednesday he came up with the prank to test how easily Koch could speak to Walker when Democrats complained the governor doesn't return their calls.

Senate to take up photo ID bill Associated Press - La Crosse Tribune MADISON, Wis. -The Wisconsin state Senate plans to take up a bill requiring voters show identification at the polls even though 14 Democrats don't plan to be there.

3

Cling, Lane - GOV


Thursday, February 24, 201110:04 AM GOV DL All Staff


Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for Februarv 24. 2011

News Summary:

• Assembly expected to vote on passage of budget repair bill today. • Yesterday, Sen. Chris Larson said they were excepting food donations, but today his story changes. • Prank phone call to Governor Walker makes news, Sen. Tim Carpenter calls on the Governor to resign. • 200 mayors, school board officials from 20 cities organize against governor's bill.

Governor Scott Walker- Television Clips for February 23



Nation/World

Rove: Obama's Badger State Blues by Karl Rove- Wall Street Journal A union defeat in Wisconsin could hurt the president's re-election bid.

Wisconsin Senators Remain Out of Reach Associated Press- Wall Street Journal MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin's Assembly reached a deal early Thursday to limit further debate on a bill taking away collective-bargaining rights for public workers, while state patrol officers were being dispatched to the homes of Democratic state senators in the hopes that would force them to come back in session to take up the measure.

Life on the Run For Democrats In Union Fights New York Times CHICAGO - By now, Jon Erpenbach, one of 14 Democratic state senators on the run from Wisconsin, has switched hotels in this city three times, a necessity, he says, as word kept slipping out about where he was staying.

Obama Sits Out State Fights Wall Street Journal President Barack Obama, after initially lending his support to organized labor, has stepped back from the fights spreading in state capitals from Wisconsin to Tennessee, leaving union officials divided about his tactics.

GOP Retreats on Indiana Labor Law Wall Street Journal

1

Meanwhile, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker laid out his strategy for ending a standoff with Senate Democrats from his state during a prank telephone call placed by a liberal activist posing as conservative billionaire donor David H. Koch.

Sparring Unions Now Working as One Wall Street Journal Leaders of major public and private sector unions have agreed to set aside longstanding divisions and turf battles and coordinate in a campaign to counter challenges to their political and contract-bargaining power in a growing number of states.

The Public Worker GravvTrain Wall Street Journal Many government employees are paid up to 30% more than those in the private sector.

Daniels in the Lions Den by John Fund- Wall Street Journal Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels did himself no favors with conservatives yesterday in his response to a walk-out by Indiana state legislators.

WI Senate Majority Leader: We Could Vote on Collective Bargaining Without the Democrats Weekly Standard "It's certainly possible, you know, from a procedural perspective," Fitzgerald told THE WEEKLY STANDARD. "We can pass it with a simple majority" present in the Senate chamber.

Scott Walker's Views on Collective Bargaining No Surprise by Stephen Hayes - Weekly Standard As AFSCME's Abelson said in the Journal-Sentinel's article on that very press conference: "His union-busting attitude shouldn't surprise anybody."

As Goes Wisconsin ... So Goes theN ation by Joe Klein- TIME Magazine Randall Wentz works for the University of Wisconsin, vetting scholarship applications. He is a public employee, a union member. He makes $3o,ooo per year.

Wisconsin Gov. Walker is winning Washington Post Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, by holding.firm, is winning his face off against the public employee unions and their Democratic handmaidens. Yes, the state senate Democrats remain in an undisclosed location in Illinois, but their situation has become a wholelot more precarious.

Wisconsin lawmakers agree to advance budget debate Associated Press - Chicago Tribune Assembly Democrats have agreed with Republicans to limit the number of amendments they'll introduce to 38, and they will stay within the 10-minute limit for arguing each amendment.

Governor Scott Walker. PUNKED! Wall Street Journal Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker laid out his strategy. for ending a standoff with Senate Democrats from his state during a prank telephone call placed by a liberal activist posing as conservative billionaire donor David H. Koch.

Tim Pawlenty wades into debate on unions. Gov. Scott Walker State Column Appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavuto, Mr. Pawlenty said, "The notion that they're doing their job ... by not doing their job is preposterous."

Sandoval won't draw line over collective bargaining like Wisconsin governor Las Vegas Sun But on collective bargaining rights for public employees - the issue in national focus as Wisconsin teachers and government workers protest a push to roll back their ability to collectively bargain - Sandoval parts ways with the national agenda pushed by the Republican CEOs who control29 statehouses.

Budget battles stretch across U.S. CNN

2

Legislatures from New Jersey to California are struggling to taclde yawning deficits, longstanding pension obligations and health benefits and some broader questions about how unionized labor will fit into America's evolving political landscape.

The Nation: The 'Koch Caller' Exposes Scott Walker by John Nichols - NPR The phone rang in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's office and the caller identified himself as David Koch, the billionaire who has funded the Tea Party movement and whose business interests stand to benefit from the so-called "budget repair bill."

Milwaukee

Walker should resign by Sen. Tim Carpenter -Milwaukee Biz Times Governor Walker, this tape would make Richard Nixon blush. If the recording and the items discussed by you are indeed your plans, you have no business being in public office in our State, and should resign.

Vos: The hard reality Racine Journal Times While the debate over Governor Walker's budget repair bill rages on at the State Capitol, I wanted to take a moment to provide some clarity on the issues, which unfortunately have divided our community.

Doctors' notes inexcusable Editorial- Racine Journal Times While we never attended medical school, we know enough about the human condition to say confidently there are better cures for illness than to drive across the state and mill around in the frigid air for hours or days.

Opportunity knocks Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel With Senate Democrats still AWOL and Gov. Scott Walker still intransigent, a deadline is fast approaching that, if missed, could cost the state real money.

End to marathon Assembly debate could come today Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Democrats in the Assembly early Thursday announced an agreement that could finally bring an end to the nearly two solid days of debate on amendments to Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Caller posing as major GOP contributor dupes Walker Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Scott Walker took a prank phone call Tuesday, and Wisconsin learned a lot about its new governor.

Walker devoted 20 minutes to Koch call. Why? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel No wonder: Koch is one of the biggest financial backers of conservative causes in the country, including Walker's campaign for governor.

Erpenbach: Trooper move a waste of resources Milwaukee Journal Sentinel State Sen. Jon Erpenbach CD-Middleton) said Thursday that Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald's order dispatching state troopers to try to find Erpenbach and the other 13 absent Democratic senators and return them to the Capitol was a waste of resources.

Walker would appoint most of UW board Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Republican Gov. Scott Walker would appoint a majority of a board that would run the University of Wisconsin-Madison independently of UW System governance under a plan spelled out in a document released Wednesday by UW-Madison officials.

Madison

Absent state senators paying for their own food and lodging. not accepting donations Wisconsin State Journal

3

"We all are paying our expenses personally," said Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, on a phone call from someplace in Illinois. But that's not what you said yesterday. Senator. "Larson said some people have donated food, he said, but he declined to name them."

Senior Senator says state's image dropping under Walker The Capital Times During a phone call from an undisclosed location in northern Illinois, the state's longest-serving senator said the tone and the overall content of a prank conversation between Gov. Scott Walker and a supposed billionaire backer has "diminished the image of the office ofthe governor."

Republican senators push forward with bills Wisconsin Reporter MADISON -Amid the continuing protests in and around the Capitol, Republican state senators worked on new legislation Wednesday while awaiting the return of the Senate's 14 Democrats.

More state employees looking at retirement in wake of collective bargaining proposal Wisconsin State Journal · The agency that administers the retirement system for state employees has seen a 50 percent increase in retirement estimate requests from state employees so far this year compared to the first seven weeks of 2010, officials said Wednesday.

Walker's claim on health insurance savings for public schools questioned Wisconsin State Journal School districts required to offer health insurance through WEA Trust, a company created by the teachers' union, would save $68 million a year if employees could switch to the state health plan, Gov. Scott Walker said this week, repeating a claim he made last year.

Details released for potential University of Wisconsin-Madison split Wisconsin State Journal UW-Madison would be governed by a 21-member board of trustees- 11 appointed by Gov. Scott Walker- under a proposal likely to be included in Walker's budget.

Walker's deadline to refinance bonds matches 2004 deadline Wisconsin State Journal Gov. Scott Walker's Friday deadline for the passage of his controversial budget repair has more to do with logistics than politics.

Budget Blog: Assembly reaches deal on debate, Senate sends law enforcement to Dem homes WisPolitics.com The state Assembly reached a deal this morning on additional amendments that could wrap up its marathon session some time after noon today.

Voter ID bill still too restrictive Editorial - Wisconsin State Journal But the bill majority Republicans are speeding through the Legislature is still too restrictive.

Green Bay/Appleton

Wisconsin Senate Democrats need to return, do their jobs Editorial - Green Bay Press-Gazette After a week of killing time in Illinois, Wisconsin's 14 state Democratic senators should return to the duties they were elected to uphold.

Billionaire Koch brothers inspire wrath of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's opponents Appleton Post-Crescent WASHINGTON - For more than two decades, Charles and David Koch have been quietly building the foundation for a conservative movement that critics say is at the center ofthe dispute between Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and public employee unions.

Madison does not compare to global unrest Editorial -Sheboygan Press

4

As the protests in Madison continue, workers and those who support Gov. Scott Walker's proposal remain in a stalemate, steadfast in their convictions.

Prescription for trouble if agency makes state's medical decisions Editorial- Appleton Post-Crescent The protests in Madison have centered on benefits and collective bargaining, but Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill has another provision that can have a huge impact on people who have little voice.


Local leaders frustrated by lack of budget specifics La Crosse Tribune "It will give us more tools," Harter said. "I can't say ifthe city would use those tools."

Prankster who duped Walker says it was easy Associated Press - La Crosse Tribune Ian Murphy is editor of the website the Buffalo Beast in New York. He said Wednesday he came up with the prank to test how easily Koch could speak to Walker when Democrats complained the governor doesn't return their calls.

Senate to take uu photo ID bill Associated Press - La Crosse Tribune MADISON, Wis. -The Wisconsin state Senate plans to take up a bill requiring voters show identification at the polls even though 14 Democrats don't plan to be there.

Doctor who allegedly signed sick notes received 'threats of violence' La Crosse Tribune MADISON- At least one doctor allegedly involved in writing sick notes for protesters at the Capitol last weekend has received "threats of violence," the dean of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health said in a statement Wednesday.

Senate passes repeal of racial profiling law Associated Press -La Crosse Tribune MADISON, Wis. -The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a repeal of a law that requires law enforcement agencies to collect data about the race of drivers they pull over in traffic stops.

Governor's fishing opener heading to Lake Wissota Chippewa Herald For the first time since 2002, the Wisconsin Indianhead Country's annual Governor's Fishing Opener will be returning to Chippewa County.

Wausau/Rhinelander

200 mayors, school board officials from 20 cities organize against governor's bill Associated Press - Wausau Daily Herald MADISON- Local government officials from across Wisconsin are publicly registering their opposition to Republican>'\. Gov. Scott Walker's plan to cut most collective bargaining for nearly all state employees.

Superior/Duluth

Jauch says governor 'outrageous' for failing to meet with Superior delegates Superior Telegram Jauch noted that Walker is the first governor who didn't meet with Superior Days delegates in the event's 26-year history.

DWD Secretary Blames Jauch For Lack Of Follow-Through Ashland Current Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Manny Perez yesterday said a lack of follow-through on the part of State Senator Bob Jauch's (D-Poplar) office resulted in the department not meeting with the Superior Days delegation.

5

Oling, Lane - GOV


Friday, February 25, 2011 8:47AM GOV DL All Staff


Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for February 25, 2011

News Summary:

• Assembly passes budget repair bill on a 51-17vote. GOP Reps. Tranel, Nerison, Kaufert, and Spanbauer voted no. Most Dems did not cast their votes. ·

• Senator Fred Risser says that neither he nor his 13 colleagues plan on coming back today. But they will caucus later this morning.

• Newspapers editorialize over the prank phone call. • City of Sheboygan says Governor's budget repair bill could cost tbem $1.4m offederal transit aid- forcing tbem to

end trans. services.

Governor Scott Walker- Television Clips for February 24



Nation/World

Oh. To Be a Teacher in Wisconsin Wall Street Journal How can fringe benefits cost nearly as much as a worker's salary? Answer: collective bargaining.

Wis. Assembly reaches deal to end debate, vote Associated Press -Bloomberg Wisconsin Democrats in the state Assembly agreed to a deal in the pre-dawn hours Thursday to limit debate and reach a vote, perhaps by midday, on a bill taking away public workers' collective bargaining rights. Republican leadership in tbe Senate meanwhile dispatched police officers to the homes of some of the 14 Democratic lawmakers who have been on the run for a week to avoid voting on the proposal, to compel them to return.

Walker's Bill Gives Wisconsin Police a Pass on Pension Payments by Mark Niquette- Bloomberg Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker exempted police and firefighters from a bill limiting collective bargaining to avoid jeopardizing public safety, a spokesman said. A similar bill in Ohio includes the groups.

Arizona Senate Leadership stands with Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker The State Column

1

Senate President Russell Pearce and members of the Republican Leadership in the Arizona State Senate today announced they are in full support of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his efforts to institute common sense reforms to benefit programs for Wisconsin state workers.

Wisconsin Unions vs. The Tea Party: A Classic Double Standard Wall Street Journal Loud protests by Wisconsin public employee unions against a budget reform proposal from new Governor Scott Walker have drawn considerable national network news attention since Thursday, the day Democratic state senators fled the state in a last -ditch gambit to prevent the bill from becoming law.

Gov. Scott Walker could win in Wisconsin by compromising Washington Post HAVING SEEN close to home the influence that public-sector unions can have on politics and budgets, we understand where Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker CRl is coming from.

Union Power for Thee, But Not for Me Wall Street Journal The union horde is spreading, from Madison to Indianapolis to a state capital near you. And yet the Democratic and union bigwigs engineering the outrage haven't directed their angry multitudes at what is arguably the most "hostile workplace" in the nation: Washington, D.C.

The State Business Tax Revolt Wall Street Journal Governors get a jump on corporate tax reform.

Milwaukee

Budget-repair bill approved in early-morning vote Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- After a bitter, 61-hour debate that was the longest in living memory, the sleep-starved state Assembly voted in just seconds early Friday to approve a watershed proposal repealing most union bargaining rights held by public workers.

Those other parts Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The public has focused, with good reason, on collective bargaining restrictions in Gov. Scott Walker's budget-repair bill. But other items deserve more scrutiny, and to get it, they should be stripped from the bill and debated separately.

'Scott! David Koch' Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel And then Walker signed off with a breezy, "Thanks a.million!" Which, unfortunately, may have been the most revealing statement of all.

Raw Video: See The Assembly Vote As It Happened Today's 1MJ4 MADISON- To Republican Assembly members, it was time. From Democrats to their counterparts, it was "Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!"

School districts prepare for layoffs ahead ofWalker's budget proposal Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "I'm completely nervous," Cudahy School District Superintendent Jim Heiden said. "Walking into buildings and seeing teachers break into tears when they see you- I mean, that's the level of anxiety that's out there."

Senate gives preliminary approval to photo ID bill Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The 19 Republican members of the Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a state law requiring a photo identification to vote, an issue with a deep partisan split.

Madison

Risser says 14 Dem senators have 'no intent to come back today' Wisconsin State Journal

2

Risser said the senators, who fled last week in an attempt to stop Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill from passing, will be meeting later Friday morning.

Marathon Assembly Session Ends in Sprint of "Shame" Wisconsin Reporter MADISON - A marathon session from the Wisconsin Assembly lasting more than sixty hours ended in a sprint of "shame."

Schultz compromise still best Editorial - Wisconsin State Journal Are Gov. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Legislature capable of a "thoughtful approach" to ending their budget stalemate?

Madison School District preparing hundreds of teacher layoff notices Wisconsin State Journal The Madison School District and others across the state are scrambling to issue preliminary layoff notices to teachers by Monday due to confusion over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill and the delay of the state budget.

Lawmakers approve rule that could halt sleepovers in Capitol Wisconsin State Journal Lawmakers approved a rule change this week that clears the way for Capitol police to close down the statehouse at 6 p.m. on Saturday and end the biggest rally in recent memory. The only question now is whether Gov. Scott Walker will ask the officers to enforce the rule. Cullen Werwie, the governor's spokesman, said Thursday the final decision has not been made.

Koch executives vow to "continue to fight" in Wisconsin The Capital Times "With the Left trying to intimidate the Koch brothers to back off of their support for freedom and signaling to others that this is what happens if you oppose the administration and its allies, we have no choice but to continue to fight," says Richard Fink, the executive vice president of Koch Industries. "We will not step back at all."

Green Bay/ Appleton

Budget bill could cost Sheboygan $1,4M for transit Sheboygan Press Sheboygan's transit system could lose $1.4 million a year in federal funds should the state Legislature approve Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill without any changes, which could put an end to the service because the city couldn't afford to make up the difference, Mayor Bob Ryan said.

Health care costs at heart of budget crisis Editorial- Appleton Post-Crescent Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill has created tension between public and private sector workers. Everyone can agree, however, on a core issue in the debate: Health care costs are way too high.

Assembly Democrats stall budget repair bill; session drags on by Scott Bauer - AP- Green Bay Press-Gazette MADISON -The state Assembly appeared at times to be close to voting on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill Thursday night after more than two days of filibustering.

Republicans outside Wisconsin soften tough talk on unions Associated Press - Oshkosh Northwestern WASHINGTON (AP) - With a wary eye on Wisconsin, Republican leaders in several states are toning down the tough talk against public employee unions and, in some cases, abandoning anti-union measures altogether.

Assembly passes bill taking away union rights Associated Press - Oshkosh Northwestern

Neenah Republican Rep. Dean Kaufert says protesters disregard civility. threaten family Appleton Post-Crescent NEENAH- The uproar caused by Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip unionized public employees of many of their bargaining powers has crossed the line of civility for state Rep. Dean Kaufert.

Green Bay City Council asked to back unions Green Bay Press-Gazette

3

A Green Bay alderman wants the City Council to support public employee unions by passing a resolution declaring them "intrinsic to the Wisconsin tradition of innovative and progressive public service."

Area teachers. union members hold demonstrations on Green Bay area bridges Green Bay Press-Gazette Area teachers and union members gathered at a few bridges in Green Bay and De Pere on Thursday to protest Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill and request a "bridge to resolution."


Walker says he'll talk with Democrats in Madison La Crosse Tribune 6:30p.m. update: MADISON, Wis. -Gov. Scott Walker says in a column that he'll "cooperate and communicate" with Senate Democrats only if they return to Madison. Walker made the comments in a column he wrote on Thursday.

Call shows Walker not about to budge Editorial-La .Crosse Tribune Gov. Scott Walker did himself no favors when he fell for a prank phone call on Tuesday from an a blogger passing himself off as conservative businessman David Koch.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Stevens Point mayor delivers resolution to Madison Stevens Point Journal MADISON-- A resolution passed by the Stevens Point City Council on Wednesday made its way into the hands of Madison legislators Thursday.

Nationwide Insurance to lay off 40 in Wausau Wausau Daily Herald Nationwide Insurance will lay off about one-third of its Wausau workforce as it shifts a local department to Ohio in an effort to improve efficiency, a company spokeswoman said Thursday.

4

Oling, Lane - GOV


Thursday, March 03, 2011 8:58AM GOV DL All Staff


WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: GOVERNOR WALKER'S BUDGET LAYS FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Office of Governor Scott Walker Morning News Update for March 3, 2011

News Summary:

• Editorial boards across Wisconsin say: "Open the Capitol." • Nationwide analysis of budget and collective bargaining battle continues.

Governor Walker Television Clips for March 2

Wisconsin's Front ]'ages:


Nation/World

Rosen: Unions are "busting" taxpayers Denver Post Wbat I don't like is the mentality of their unions. And I agree with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said "the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service."

For Governors: Responsibility Equals Invisibility by E.J. Dionne- Washington Post WASHINGTON-- If you want to get national attention as a governor these days, don't try to be innovative about solving the problems you were elected to deal with-- in education, transportation and health care. No, if you want ink and television time, just cut and cut and cut some more.

Message to the GOP: Austerity Is Not Enough Karl Rove- Wall Street Journal Yesterday Congress passed a resolution ensuring there will be no government shutdown for the next two weeks. But the threat will remain center stage unless Republicans and Democrats can agree on the budget for the remainder of this fiscal year. Who would be blamed if they can't?

Obama's Health Waiver Gambit Editorial - Wall Street Journal 'I am aware that I have not convinced everybody here to be a member of the Affordable Care Act fan club," President Obama told a group of Governors over the weekend, and he could have mentioned a majority of the public too. But he did promise to give states "the power to determine their own health-care solutions." If only this were more than political maneuvering.

1

Bill Gates Says Benefits Costs Hit Schools Wall Street Journal Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates will step into the national debate over state budgets Thursday with a call for states to rethink their health care and pension systems, which he says stifle funding for public schools.

Milwaukee

Open the Capitol Editorial -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The administration's security rules go too far.

State budget talks hold promise, then halt Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- After making apparent headway on ending their budget stalemate, Republicans and Democrats by the end of Wednesday remained bitterly divided in their positions despite exchanging a private offer and counteroffer.

Largest unions pay leaders well. give extensively to Democrats Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The Center for Public Integrity found compensation for leaders of the 10 largest unions ranged from $173,000 at the United Auto Workers to $618,ooo at the Laborers' International Union of North America, and almost $48o,ooo for the president of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees. The latter is the target of GOP governors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Kansas.

A political cost-benefit analysis of Gov. Walker's battle with unions Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In purely political terms, Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to disarm public employee unions in Wisconsin is a classic high risk/high reward move.

A closer look at Wisconsin's image as a political battleground Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin's reputation as a battleground state on the 50-yard line of American politics is one of many reasons why the budget battle in Madison has drawn so much national attention.

Ethan Allen employees stunned by decision Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Town of Delafield- Staff members at Ethan Allen School for Boys said Wednesday they were stunned and saddened by the announcement that the juvenile corrections facility will be closed by the state to save money, a move that likely will leave a number of the workers there without jobs.

Milwaukee officials say lifting residency requirements will hurt citv Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Milwaukee officials paint a grim picture of what would happen to the city under Gov. Scott Walker's budget provision that lifts a residency requirement for more than 5,000 Milwaukee Public Schools teachers.

Madison

Senate Republicans turn up heat on missing Democrats Wisconsin State Journal Senate Republicans stepped up efforts Wednesday to force their 14 absent Democratic colleagues home, instituting fines for the defiant lawmakers and penalties for their staffers.

Walker's budget would force many people on SeniorCare into federal program Wisconsin State Journal Some of the people most clearly affected by Gov. Scott Walker's proposed changes in Wisconsin's Medicaid program are those with a prescription drug plan unique to the state: SeniorCare.

Walker's budget all but kills public financing for Supreme Court races The Capital Times Are you interested about how the state's new campaign funding law for Supreme Court will work? Take a good look, because the spring election is probably the last time you'll see it.

2

Keep Wisconsin's Capitol open and safe Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal And as iflaw enforcement didn't have enough challenges already, Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney made matters worse. Mahoney pulled his deputies from security duty at the Capitol, saying their job isn't to serve as "palace guard."

Capitol standoff. court actions continue as protesters - and legislators - move outside Wisconsin State Journal On Tuesday, several dozen protesters slept outside the Capitol in a camp they've dubbed "Walkerville." They urged others to join them Wednesday and to donate supplies for the cold night ahead.

Municipalities. school districts prepare for fiscal challenges Janesville Gazette Between 90 and 200 jobs are on the line in the Janesville School District in part because of Gov. Scott Walker's proposed cut in state school aid.

Walker's ax falls Associated Press -Beloit Daily News MADISON, Wis. (AP)- Gov. Scott Walker is plowing ahead with his full plan for balancing Wisconsin's budget, proposing massive cuts to public schools even as he faces a stalemate over his proposal to strip public workers of collective bargaining rights.

Green Bay/Appleton

Wisconsin Senate Democrats seek compromise on budget repair bill Green Bay Press-Gazette Senate Democrats are working with Republican leadership on a compromise to get the 14lawmakers back in Wisconsin so business can resume on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Editorial: Common sense needed on Capitol access Appleton Post -Crescent , The debate over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill has also created a debate about how open the state Capitol should be to those protesting the bill.

Proposed Universitv of Wisconsin campus split opposed by UW-Green Bay chancellor Thomas Harden Green Bay Press-Gazette Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to remove the flagship Madison campus from the University of Wisconsin"'- System would hurt the remaining campuses, UW-Green Bay Chancellor Thomas Harden said Wednesday.

432nd Civil Affairs Battalion deployment ceremony set for Saturday Green Bay Press-Gazette A deployment ceremony for the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Kress Events Center on the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay campus.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill calls for end to recycling mandate Appleton Post-Crescent Add recycling program administrators to the list of people in the state who are nervous about Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget plan.

La CrossejEau Claire

Walker touts budget in Eau Claire Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Gov. Scott Walker said he needs Democrats to stop stalling on a budget-repair bill so that schools and local governments will have the tools necessary to manage future cuts in state funding.

Kami.nke unfazed by recall effort; Dems' resolve firm La Crosse Tribune Sen. Dan Kapanke of La Crosse is one of a dozen Wisconsin senators targeted by recall efforts. The state Democratic party, which registered the recall Wednesday with the state's Government Accountability Board, now has 6o days to collect more than 15,500 signatures to bring about a special election for the second-term Republican.

School leaders; Referendums possible but are unlikely source of revenue

3

La Crosse Tribune Area school administrators say they could still ask voters to support levy referendums despite Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal that requires districts to shoulder huge cuts without raising property taxes.

Area emergency officials prepping for major floods La Crosse Tribune Gary Simenson remembers the flood of '65. Simenson, emergency management director for the town of Campbell, saw flood waters fill the basement of his parents' town of Campbell home with water coming within inches of the first floor.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Merger would put boys. girls side by side Wausau Daily Herald IRMA-- For the first time in 17 years, girls are coming back to Lincoln Hills School, but the young men won't notice them if school officials have their way.

Piau to bring 114 jobs to Lincoln Hills School could ease pain of high unemployment, school funding loss Wausau Daily Herald IRMA-- Lincoln County officials say Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to add 114 jobs at Lincoln Hills School could bring millions of dollars to the local economy and promises to be a boon to businesses and schools.

Our View: Budget process will be painful at local level Wisconsin Rapids Tribune That's not to say everyone opposes the plan. Views on the overall document likely are split, mostly along party lines. Walker's fellow Republicans will and have proclaimed it the best option, or at the very least a solid starting point, a return to fiscal responsibility.

Walker: Unions can give even more to help budget Marshfield News Herald WAUSAU-- Gov. Scott Walker had a suggestion for local officials who argue the governor's proposed changes to collective bargaining won't offset state budget cuts: Require even larger employee contributions toward health insurance than he initially proposed.

Governor Walker presents budget cuts for schools Marshfield News Herald Gov. Scott Walker's two-year budget calls for a wide range of cuts and no tax increases, specifically for the state's public education system.

Lockout could sack Green Bay economy Wisconsin Rapids Tribune A National Football League player lockout could have a significant economic impact on the Green Bay area, but it won't shut down public and business operations at Lam beau Field.

Superior/Duluth

Jauch returns briefly to Wisconsin: stalemate trudges on Duluth News Tribune MADISON- Wisconsin Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, confirmed Wednesday that he and Sen. Tim Cullen of Janesville were the two Democrats who met with Sen. Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald on Monday at a Kenosha, Wis., McDonalds.

4

Oling, Lane - GOV


Friday, March 18, 2011 9:18 AM GOV DL All Staff


WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: BUDGET REPAIR BILL SAVES GOVERNMENTS MONEY; JOBS COMING TO WISCONSIN

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for March 18. 2011

News Summary:

• Governor Walker will visit City Brewery in La Crosse this afternoon to make an economic development announcement.

• Governor Walker announced funding for two businesses in Southern Wisconsin to create hundreds of new jobs.

o Catalyst Exhibits. Inc. • FOX, TMJ4

o Stoughton Trailers • WKOW, WISC

• Dane County District Court judge says she will rule today on whether to block the budget repair bill from being published on March 25.

• Governor Walker asks President Obama for federal relief in 10 counties from February's blizzard. • Marathon County votes "no" on contract extensions, La Crosse County votes "yes" on contract

extensions.

• UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow to remain in Wisconsin despite New York job offer. • Lebanese government calls for a cease-fire following U.N. Security Council votes 10-0-5 on no-fly zone.

Governor Walker- Television Clips for March 17


Nation/World

Unions attack New Mexico governor for firing labor board Reuters

1

New Mexico's governor broke the law by firing all members of the state's Labor Relations Board and unions seek to reverse the move by an appeal to the state Supreme Court, a union leader said on Thursday.

Libya Declares Cease-Fire Wall Street Journal Libya's foreign minister Friday said the country will abide by the United Nations Security Council resolution calling for military action in Libya, and will implement an immediate cease-fire and end all military operations across the country.

Progressive Government Is Obsolete Wall Street Journal Across the country, the interests of organized labor, elected officials and taxpayers are colliding over wages, work rules and the astronomical costs of retiree pensions and health care.

President 'Present' Wall Street Journal Obama dodges the big decisions to keep his approval ratings up.

U.S. Officials Don't Expect Radiation From Japan 'Wall Street Journal SAN FRANCISCO-- U.S. government agencies said Thursday they have increased monitoring of radiation levels along the West Coast, but they don't expect a significant amount of radiation will reach U.S. shores from Japan.

Milwaukee

Walker gives himself more power to fill high state jobs Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -Gov. Scott Walker will be able to name political appointees to fill three dozen civil-service jobs that handle open records requests from the public under the budget-repair law he signed last week .

. Legislators' immunity at issue in open meetings case Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- State lawmakers are immune from civil lawsuits, and that will play a role in two cases attempting to overturn a new law that eliminates most collective bargaining for public workers.

Walker reins in water rules Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill proposal would roll back regulations designed to protect waterways from weed-producing phosphorus and other pollutants that wash from streets and construction sites.

Wisconsin's reactors among 104 in U.S. getting safety checks Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Nuclear power companies and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will review the safety of the 104 reactors operating in the United States, including three along Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.

County raises costs for union retirees Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

2

Retirees from Milwaukee County's largest union would pay more for their health care, under a series of changes approved by the County Board Thursday that would save taxpayers $5.4 million this year.

Local officials in Waukesha County gauge state aid cuts Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The City of Waukesha expects to see its shared revenue cut in half and would lose another 15% of its general transportation aid in 2012- both the maximum percentage loss allowed in the budget bill- according to estimates released by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau Tuesday.

West Bend would shoulder one of the biggest state cuts Milwaukee Journal Sentinel West Bend- The largest cut in state shared revenue payments to municipalities in Ozaukee and Washington counties, and the 16th largest statewide, under Gov. Scott Walker's proposed 2011-13 budget will be borne by West Bend.

Inviting more division Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A bill that mimics a divisive measure in Arizona will be a distraction and do nothing to heal the state's wounds.

A misguided proposal Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel An important tool for rehabilitation is family support. Don't close Ethan Allen and Southern Oaks.

Wirch spent 3 weeks in Illinois. with one trip back Racine Journal Times PLEASANT PRAIRE- Standing in Capitol Square surrounded by tens of thousands of people, Sen. Robert Wirch, D-Pieasant Prairie, started tearing up Saturday from all the support.

Madison

Hearing on open meetings lawsuit will proceed Friday despite legislative immunity Wisconsin State Journal A hearing to bar implementation of Gov. Scott Walker's measure limiting collective bargaining for public employees will go ahead Friday with or without state legislators named in an open meetings lawsuit filed Wednesday by Dane County District Attorney lsmael Ozanne.

Amid proposed budget cuts, funerals for the poor get funding boost The Capital Times Gov. Scott Walker's budget contains a rare funding increase for a health program aimed at the poor- but what it's for has got Dorinne Green worried.

In rush to recall, organizers must keep rules in mind Wisconsin Reporter MADISON - The race is on to collect tens of thousands of signatures to recall nearly half of the members of the Wisconsin State Senate.

More city employees ask about retirement Beloit Daily News

3

About a dozen City of Beloit employees have inquired about retiring since Gov. Scott Walker's bill passed limiting collective bargaining rights and requiring most employees to pay pension contributions.

Green Bay/Appleton

Judge may decide on bargaining bill today Associated Press - Green Bay Press-Gazette

MADISON -A Wisconsin judge plans to decide today whether to block the state's new collective bargaining law from taking effect.

Editorial: Observing open government not a partisan issue Oshkosh Northwestern

This past week journalists, government officials, civic groups and other organizations marked Sunshine Week, an annual effort aimed at helping people play an active role in government by shedding light on hurdles to open government and encouraging a public discussion about the importance of government transparency.

State, local officials disagree on state budget savings Sheboygan Press Local city, county and school district officials say they likely won't see the same savings from Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill and proposed biennial budget as the State Budget Office is projecting.

State aid to local governments could be cut in half if Gov. Scott Walker's budget bill passes Appleton Post-Crescent

APPLETON -Wisconsin counties and municipalities could see their state aid cut by half under Gov. Scott Walker's two-year budget, projections released Wednesday by the state Legislative Fiscal Bureau show.


County OKs union contracts through '13 La Crosse Tribune

Supervisor Bill Feehan called for a zero wage increase, saying the matter could be reopened later depending on the county's financial situation. He argued against quick passage "just to protect our government unions."

Our view: Nuclear power still a viable option Editorial- La Crosse Tribune While state health officials assure us Wisconsin residents will not be affected by any radiation from Japan, there will be fallout of another kind from that country's nuclear disaster.

Gow to stay at UW-L La Crosse Tribune

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow announced Thursday afternoon that he was no longer pursuing a presidential opening at State University of New York at New Paltz.

Here's how local municipalities, school districts fare under Walker's bills Chippewa Herald

Gov. Scott Walker's budget bills save local units of government money by having employees shoulder more of the burden of health insurance and pension costs, but also reduces state aids to local governments.

4

Wausau/Rhinelander

Our View: With budgets on the line, election matters Wausau Daily Herald There may never have been a time when local municipal elections were so important in such an immediate way.

State requests aid for February blizzard Associated Press- Wausau Daily Herald Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has requested federal disaster assistance for 10 southern Wisconsin counties as a result of a blizzard that hit the area in February.

Our View: Bi-partisanship will be necessary again in state Wisconsin Rapids Tribune Gov. Scott Walker's budget has divided the state pretty much along party lines. There is plenty of fingerpointing and tongue wagging at "the other guy" about what he or she has done to cause harm.

Community leaders say state budget plan results in lost aid Marshfield News Herald Estimates about the impact of Gov. Scott Walker's proposed 2011-13 budget on local communities are showing residents likely are to lose services as cities, villages, towns and counties make up the shortfall.

Marathon County votes 'no' on contract extensions Wausau Daily Herald Marathon County union employees will not get an extension on contracts that expire at the end of this year. That was the decision of the Marathon County Board on a vote Thursday.

Portage County faces funding losses Stevens Point Journal Portage County officials project a roughly $700,000 loss in funding because of reductions in Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal, contrary to estimates of savings from the governor's office.

5

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments:

Time sensitive action item

Baker, Patrick <[email protected]> Wednesday, April 06, 2011 4:25 PM Brickman, Michael - DOA NGA ECW: Draft Letter for State Review - Comments Due Friday NGA Reg Comments Letter to USDA- Administrative Review.docx

To: From:

Washington Representatives Patrick Baker, NGA

Re: Draft Letter for Review'- Regulatory Comments on Child Nutrition Act- Deadline: Friday 4/8

Attached for your review is a draft letter providing regulatory comments to a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The comments focus on Section 207 of the recently enacted Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act which reauthorized the federal child nutrition programs. The provision increases the frequency that states must conduct audits and inspections of school food authorities from every five, to every three years. This draft letter is consistent with the letter NGA sent during Congressional consideration of the bill last year. The deadline to provide comments or edits to the letter is Friday. AprilS by COB. If you have any questions, comments or edits please email me at [email protected].

Thank you.

Patrick J. Baker Legislative Associate Office of Federal Relations National Governors Association 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 267 Washington, DC 20001-1512 Phone: (202) 624-5496 Fax: (202) 624-7814 pbaker®nga.org

1

The Honorable Thomas Vilsack Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250

March xx, 2011

. &tb Dear Secretary V Ilsack: dfg~;:,;c

Af*j~··n On behalf of the natim:'s govemors, we su~~it the follo%Jg{~6lfi:w!':n.ts in response to the Janumy 13, 2011 proposed rule wtth respect to "Nutntwn Stand')r,ds?,')n the 1'if.l!!JQnal School Lunch and School Breakfas.t Programs." The N~tional Govemors A.~J~g'jtion appreci'ii'f{~?/he opportunity to provide observatwns and recommendatwns to help enhan(~r fine the final rule:~J~f~,,

While the proposed regulations cover numerous tag~Ji,. of import11,nce to gov'*Jfg~~' NGA's comments focus on the proposed regulations on state administratlVI®j;~yiew~;:§#(~hool food agiiMl~.s.

-~::~::~:::·:;. ~~:~:tt::::~~I;zy:::,. ~;::;;~~~t The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act riicr'easj)d the frequeifC)!~tlfat states must conduct monitoring and compliance reviews of each school iJ~~~:lfi\'(J.tQ:K. from ev2(~j~fi_ye to evety three years. Governors recognize the need to ensure that school rij':'~ ;~li~i.~'l:'>-!!re fuuy'ii~W11Iying with program requirements. However, given the extraordinary fiscal clr!'\UmstariC'es1~tates fac~,<{gQ~ernors are concemed that their

states ~ill not have ~h~ r~;?:Mii.&J~J~~essary tO~tf~;i on t~~;~fJ!t?;ft~eniff~ttmposed costs. In f~ct_, USD~'s analysts o: the admm~~-tll!!~(:Ve tH_Jii(9t~[.the ~ule"*J:l£g~'~j,§.):i~~t st&t~f8~uld see the cost of thetr .mspection progratns mcrease by ·o<z%. .. Whtle tli:~~bjll drd proV:ftl~dtttonal M!&t•al resources to states to Implement the law, those funds are··~ff§\!hterm atl~~illlikely b~~dequate to fully cover state costs.

->.;~~Jf~:t-, ..:::-:f~t:f:::;::;::;;.;.. ·.;~t~~?' The new staflit@i'gj<i!nts.the s<fefgti'('&:ftlf&'[iilfl!Y;:;to s~ttflie review cycle to three years "or other period prescri~~~Jff)f~~'fut·Sffi~{!~;;: GciV~~JJ~:~ ur~~.lli~~~mct'iff§ to use. this discret~on to ~stablish a cleat· and transpat,~,~~;frocess that en<i,~}~~-states';~~~tltlon USD$for the abthty.to ~ary msp~ctlon frequenc~ based on past scl!.~,perfm:nance. 1'¥~~~- petitl'Wff,i!ates would pr~sent t~e cntena they wtll.use to determme the most appropq!Jot~,_revtew cycle·-~~~~-~ach scti;g:\)!Jood authonty, wtth no cycle extendmg fmther than five years. This liil~!n;J;ant flexibili~~~ould etiii:ble states to focus on the schools most at risk of noncompliance, ~Wt~~iving themil(WJity to maximize limited state resources .

.. ;;w«,-, ::-:-:-:X <;Xrr:·',, ;;·;.·.-:;: .::;:;&·,:,, .·:.:-:::::• On behalf of govemorsf:1,~"Q;\ ~~!):Sff ready to work with USDA to make these necessary refinements to the proposed regulations. ·-:~~~~~~J~JJf:?~/·

··=:~~Jr:z·

Sincerely,

Governor Jay Nixon Chair, Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee

Governor Robert F. McDonnell Vice Chair, Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To: Subject:

Attachments:

Baker, Patrick <[email protected]> Monday, March 14, 2011 3:53 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV NGA Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee Meeting - Tuesday {3/14) 2pm ET ECW Committee Agenda 2011.docx; implementation_actions.pdf

To: Governors' Washington Representatives From: Patrick Baker, National Governors Association Re: Meeting of the NGA Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee: Tuesday, March 15, 2:00pm-3:00pm ET

The National Governors Association Education, Early Childhood and Workforce (ECW) Committee will hold its weekly meeting on, Tuesday, March 15, at 2pm ET in the Governors Room located in the NGA Suite.

The agenda for tomorrow's meeting is copied below and attached. The meeting will feature a briefing by staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The panelists will discuss USDA's plans to implement the recently enacted reauthorization ofthe Child Nutrition Act as well as take questions from governor's staff. Governors and NGA were very engaged during Congressional consideration of the bill and sent a letter expressing their views on the legislation that was ultimately passed. This letter can be viewed here: NGA Child Nutrition Letter

To call in to the meeting, dial877-261-8991 and when prompted, enter passcode: 6485844#

Additionally, the ECW Committee has other upcoming meetings ahead that are outlined in the agenda.

2:00pm

Meeting of the Education, Early Childhood, and Workforce Committee Tuesday, March 15, 2011 2:00pm-3:00pm (EST)

Go•ven1ors Hall of the

Open and Welcome • Joan Wodiska, Director, NGA ECW Committee

Introductions

Briefing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Implementation of the Recently Enacted Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act

• Tim O'Connor, Associate Administrator, Special Nutrition Programs, USDA • Julie Brewer, Program Analyst, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA • Jennifer Yezak, Director, Intergovernmental Affairs • Speaker Materials

o USDA Child Nutrition Act Implementation Webpage: http:/ /www.fns. usda.gov/cnd/governance/Legislation/CNR 201 O.htm

o USDA Child Nutrition Act Implementation Timeline: http://www.fus.usda.gov/cnd/govemance/Legislationlimplementation actions.pdf

1

2:40pm

3:00pm

Patrick J. Baker

ESEA Leads I Point of Contact • NGA leadership asks each governor to identify a point of contact that will serve as the

lead on behalf of the governor regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization. Please send the contact's name, title, email, and phone to [email protected]

WIA Leads I Point of Contact • NGA leadership asks each governor to identify a point of contact that will serve as the

lead on behalf of the governor regarding the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization. Please send the contact's name, title, email, and phone to [email protected]

Solicitation for Governors to Testify Before Congress on ESEA Reauthorization • Any governor interested in testifying on behalf ofNGA can send an email to

[email protected]

NGA Response to Questions Raised at ESEA Congressional Briefing

Senator Robert Casey (D-Pa.) bill- S. 470 -Early Learning Challenge Fund

Looking Ahead I Future Agendas • Tuesday, March 22, 2:00pm ET

o Standing ECW Committee Meeting I Legislative Business

Adjourn

Legislative Associate Office of Federal Relations National Governors Association 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 267 Washington, DC 20001-1512 Phone: (202) 624-5496 Fax: (202) 624-7814 pbaker®nga.org

2

GovERNORS !Rjj; AssociATION

Christine Gregoire

Governor ofWashington

Chair

Dave Heineman

Governor ofNcbraska

Vice Chair

Raymond C. Scheppach

Executive Director ,

2:00pm

2:40pm

3:00pm

Meeting of the Education, Early Childhood, and Workforce Committee Tuesday, March 15, 2011 2:00pm-3:00pm (EST)

NGA Governors Hall of the States Building Dial Passcode-

Open and Welcome • Joau Wodiska, Director, NGA ECW Committee

Introductions

Briefing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Implementation of the Recently Enacted Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act

• Tim O'Connor, Associate Administrator, Special Nutrition Programs, USDA • Julie Brewer, Program Analyst, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA • Jennifer Yezak, Director, Intergovernmental Affairs • Speaker Materials

o USDA Child Nutrition Act Implementation Webpage: http://www. fns. usda.gov I end/ governance/Legislation/CNR 20 1 0 .htm

o USDA Child Nutrition Act Implementation Timeline: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/govemance/Legislationlimplementation· actions.pdf

ESEA Leads I Point of Contact • NGA leadership asks each governor to identify a point of contact that will serve as

the lead on behalf of the governor regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reanthorization. Please send the contact's name, title, email, and phone to [email protected]

WIA Leads I Point of Contact • NGA leadership asks each governor to identify a point of contact that will serve as

the lead on behalf of the governor regarding the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization. Please send the contact's name, title, email, and phone to [email protected]

Solicitation for Governors to Testify Before Congress on ESEA Reauthorization • Any governor interested in testifying on behalf ofNGA can send an email to

[email protected]

NGA Response to Questions Raised at ESEA Congressional Briefing

Senator Robert Casey (D-Pa.) bill- S. 470- Early Learning Challenge Fund

Looking Ahead I Future Agendas • Tuesday, March 22, 2:00pm ET

o Standing ECW Committee Meeting I Legislative Bnsiness

Adjourn

NGA Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee Govemor Jay Nixon, Chair

Govemor Robert F. McDonnell, Vice Chair Joan Wodiska, NGA ECW Director 202-624-5361 or [email protected]

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Implementation Plan: Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of2010

Provisions/Sections of Law

Dietary Guidelines for School Meals • Includes fluid milk provision from sec 202

Competitive Foods (sec 208, 203) • Includes water provision from sec 203

Compliance/Certification for New School Meal Patterns (sec 201, 207)

• Certification for 6 cent performance based reimbursement rate increase (sec 201)

• State agency monitoring (sec 207)

Statntory Deadlines for Actions

issue a proposed rule within 18 months of enactment, and an implementing rule within 18 months of issuance of the proposal.

Actions and Estimated Timeframes

Proposed Rule published (January 2011, 90-day comment period ends April 2011)

• Status Report to Congress (March 2011 + quarterly)

• Proposed Rule comment analysis (Spring 2011)

• Interim or Final Rule published (Winter 2012)

The law requires USDA to 1 • Status Report to Congress (March 2011 + quarterly) issue a proposed rule on

competitive foods within 1 year of enactment (by 1 • Notice - Request for Information

(Spring 2011) 12/13/11 ), and has restrictions on when the implementing rule can take effect to give schools 1 • Proposed Rule published (December

2011) sufficient lead time.

The reimbursement rate increase is effective the later of: 10/1/12 or publication of the implementing regulations for school meals.

for certification

• •

• Implementation Memo on State certification of schools (Spring 20 12)

• Funding allocation memo for State

February 18,2011 Note: Winter=January-March; Spring=April-June; Summer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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School Food Service Account Revenue

• Paid Meal Pricing (sec 205)

• Revenue from a Ia carte Foods (sec 206)

Direct Certification Continuous Improvement Plans and State Bonuses (sec 101)

Statotory Deadlines for Actions

must be in place when reimbursement becomes available.)

Funding for State agency implementation of new requirements is available for two years beginuing the fiscal year of publication of the implementing regulations for school meals.

Effective School Year beginning 7/1111.

Requirement for plans is based on direct certification results from SY 2011/2012, which is reported to FNS in April2012.

State bonus payments ($4 million total per year) are available for performance in SY's beginning July 2011, 2012 and 2013.


• Interim or Final Rule published (Spring 2013)

• Nondiscretionary Interim Rule (Spring 2011)

• Monitor impact on participation (ongoing)

• Implementation Memo with criteria for State bonuses and use of funds (Spring 2011)

• Implementation Memo on threshold requirements and continuous improvement plans (Spring 2011)

• Proposed Rule published (Fall2011)

• Issue bonus awards to States (no later than September 2012, 2013 and 2014)


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Implementation Plan: Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010


CACFP Meal Patterns (sec 221)

Community Eligibility ("Provision 4") (sec 104(a))

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Statutory Deadlines for Actions

The law requires USDA to publish a proposed rule within 18 months of meal pattern review.

Effective in 3 selected States beginning 7/1/11; in 3 additional States 711/12; in 4 additional States 7/1/13; nationwide beginning 7/1/14. The law requires USDA to issue "guidance to implement" this provision by 3/13/11, and to promulgate "regulations that establish procedures" by 12/31113.


• Identify and notify States that do not meet required threshold (Fall2012 + annually)

• Approve State plans (Fall2012 + annually)

• Final Rule published (Winter 2013)

• Review IOM Report on CACFP Meal Patterns (published 11/4/1 0)

• Proposed Ru1e published (no later than June 2012)

• Final Rule published (Fall2013)

• Issue guidance/Request for Applications (3/13/11 +annually through 2013)

• Notify selected States for 1 ~year of phase-in (Spring 2011 + annually through 2014)

• Proposed Rule published (Spring 2012)

• Interim or Final Rule published (no later than December 20 13)

February 18, 2011 Note: Winter=January-March; Spring=April-June; Swnmer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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N/A Direct Certification with Medicaid (sec 103)

1 I SNAP Ed Provision (sec 241)

8 I Miscellaneous Nondiscretionary Provisions • Categorical Eligibility Faster Children (sec

102) • SFSP Eligibility Rules for Nonprofits (sec Ill) • Outreach to Eligible Families-SBP/SFSP (sec

112) • CACFP Area Eligibility (sec 121) • Privacy Protection (sec 301) • Applicability of food safety program (sec 302) • SFSP Permanent Agreements (sec 321) • CACFPPermanentAgreements (sec 331)

February 18, 2011


Beginning July 2012, directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project to test the potential for direct certification with Medicaid in selected LEAs. (Multi-year phase in provided).

October I, 2010


• No regulation needed

• Release Request for Applications for Demonstration Project (Spring 2011)

• Select LEAs for 2012 demo (Fall2011)

I • Implementation Memo (issued January 2011)

• Federal Register publication describing requirements to receive a grant under this provision (January 2012) ...,.._

• Implementation Memo for each provision (December 20 I 0 through Spring 2011)

• Issue revised SFSP Handbooks to reflect new program requirements (Completed February 2011)

• Update prototype free and reduced price applications (Spring 2011)

• Update School Meal Eligibility Guidance (Spring 20 II)

Note: Winter=January-March; Spring=April-June; Summer=July-September; Fall=October-December 4

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Omnibus CACFP Provisions

• Unannounced visits, sponsor/center agreements, one-time applications w/annual updates (sec 3 31)

• State Liability for Payments (sec 332)

• Transmission oflncome Information (sec 333)

• Sponsor Administrative Funds (sec 334)

• CACFP Audit Funding (sec 335)

Local Wellness Policies/School Nutrition Environment

• Wellness policy requirements (sec 204)

• Information for the public on the schbol nutrition environment (sec 209)


The CACFP Audit Funds provision becomes effective in FY 2015.

-- - -- -


• Notify stakeholders of change needed to . computer systems due to change in SSN collection (Winter 2011)

• Update food safety guidance to reflect meal service outside of the cafeteria (Summer 2011)

• Final rule (Fall 2011)

• Implementation Memos (December 2010 through Spring 2011)

• Proposed Rule (Fall 2011)

• Final Rule (Fall2012)

• Implementation Memo (Spring 2011)

• Develop p Jan with CDC and ED for technical assistance activities (Spring 2011)

• Coordinate with ED on information for the public on nutrition environment (ongoing)

• Proposed rule (Fall 2011)

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February 18, 2011 Note: Winter=Janumy-March; Spring= April-June; Summer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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Professional Standards for School Food Service (sec 306)

Independent Review of Applications (sec 304)

Fines and Program Disqualifications

• Program Fines (sec 303)

• SFSP Disqualification (sec 322)

• Disqualification (sec 362)


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Final rule (Fall2012)

Establish action plan and form committee to recommend appropriate standards (Spring 2011)

Enter into contract for development of training modules, as defmed by committee (Fall 20 11)

Proposed Rule (Fall2012)

Enter into contract for ongoing certification oflocal directors and personnel (2012)

Final Rule (Fal12013)

Implementation Memo (Winter 2012)

Proposed rule (Winter 2012)

Final rule (Winter 2013)

Proposed Rule (Spring 2012)

Final Rule (Spring 2013)


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Program Evaluation (sec 305)

Full Use of Federal Funds (sec 361)

Direct Certification: Use of Letter Method (sec 101)

Census Data/Socioeconomic Surveys (sec 104(b))

CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals (sec 122)

Review oflocal policies on meal charges and provision of alternate meals (sec 143)


The law requires USDA to issue guidelines and publish a handbook within 180 days of enactment, and to update annually. The law requires USDA to prepare a report with recommendations, but no tirneframe is specified.

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•

Actions aud Estimated Timeframes

Implementation Memos (Winter 2011)

Final Rule (Summer 2011)

Implementation memo (issued January 2011)

Include in existing interim rule on direct certification currently in clearance (Spring 2011)

Review Report from CN Stat and identify options for moving forward (report expected Fall2011)

Develop and issue socioeconomic survey parameters (Fall 2011)

Select schools for socioeconomic survey option (Spring 2012)

Implementation Memo (issued 12/10)

Publish handbook on afterschool meals (June 2011 +annual updates)

Analyze data from Year 1 of School Nutrition Operations Study (Fall 2011)

Convene work_grol!J'.DV:inter 20 I :22.

February 18, 2011 Note: Winter=January-March; Spring= April-June; Summer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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CACFP Nutrition and Wellness- technical assistance activities (sec 221)

Interagency coordination to promote health and wellness in child care licensing (sec 222)

Procurement and processing of food service products and commodities (sec 242)

Farm to School Grants (sec 243)

February 18,2011


The law requires USDA to provide a guidance handbook, not later than January 1, 2012, on improving meal quality and the child care wellness environment.

Within 1 year of enactment, the law requires USDA to analyze the quantity and quality of nutrition information available to schools and food products and commodities and submit a report to Congress, including recommendations to improve access to information.

Funding for grants of $5 million per year becomes


• Draft renort enters clearance 1Fall2012)

• Hold initial meeting with DHHS (Winter 2011)

• Develop technical assistance plan (Summer 2011)

• Publish handbook (January 2012)

• Present issue to Healthy Kids Healthy Futures Workgroup (Winter 2011)

• Meetings with Federal Partners, including DHHS Child Care Bureau+ CDC to develop and implement action plan (ongoing)

• Collect data on availability of nutrition information through SN Operations Study (data expected Fall 2011)

• Develop and issue specs (ongoing)

• Report to Congress (December 2011)

• Release Request for Applications for first vear of e:rants (Winter 2012)




Indirect Costs (sec 307)

Ensuring safety of school meals (sec 308)

CACFP Paperwork Reduction (sec 336)

Food safety audits and reports by States (sec 402)

Year Round Services for Eligible Entities (sec 405)

February 18, 2011


available beginning October I, 2012.

The Jaw requires USDA to issue guidance to school food authorities with rules on indirect costs and the nonprofit school food service account, within 180 days of enactment.

.

The law requires that USDA report to Congress on CA CFP administrative and paperwork burdens within 4 years of enactment.


• Award first-year grants (Fall2012)

(cycle repeats annually)

• Issue guidance on indirect costs (June 2011)

• Award evaluation contract (Summer 2011)

• Report to Congress (October I, 2013)

• Tasks under development

• Hold initial stakeholder discussion (Spring 2011)

• Convene Paperwork Reduction Meeting with State and Local representatives (Fall2011)

• Draft report to Congress enters clearance (Spring 2014)

• Implementation Memo (Issued January 2011)

• Letter to California (Issued December 2010)




Equipment Assistance Technical Correction (sec 443)

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Direct certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits (Sec. 103)

Eliminating individual applications throngh community eligibility (Sec. 104 (a))

February18, 2011


• Interim report to Congress by October 1, 2014

• Final report to Congress by October 1, 2015

:~vamauon report must published by December 31, 2013


• Implementation Memo (Issued December 2010)

• Release Request for Proposals for Evaluation {Spring 2011)

• Release Request for Applications for Demo (Spring 2011)

• Select LEAs for 2012 Demo (Fal12011)

• Award Evaluation Contract (Winter 2012)

• Interim report to Congress (October 2014)

• Final report to Congress (October 2015)

• Release Request for Proposals for Evaluation (Spring 2011)

• Award Evaluation Contract (Fal12011)

• Report enters clearance (Fall20 13)




Childhood Hunger Research and Demonstration Projects to End Childhood Hunger (Sec. 141)

Stndy on nutrition and wellness in CACFP (Sec. 223)

February 18, 2011

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Report to Congress by December 13, 2011 on Indian Reservations and hunger

Report to Congress by December 31, 2013 and annually thereafter until completion of the projects

The Secretary must enter into a contract to conduct the study within 3 years of enactment


• Establish workgroup with HHS, Labor, HUD (Fall2011).

• Develop and publish RF A for demonstration projects (Fall2012)

• Issue RFP for evaluation of projects (Fall2012).

• Release Request for Proposals for Research (Fall2012)

• Award demonstration projects and evaluation contract (Spring 2013)

• Annual report to Congress on demo projects (starting Fa112013)

• Report enters clearance (Summer 2015)

• Identify representative(s) from DHHS to collaborate in development of Request for Proposals for study (Winter 2011)

• Issue RFP for evaluation of projects (Fall2012)

• Award evaluation contract (nit December 20 13)




Study of CACFP Supper Program (sec 337)

I I Nondiscretionary WIC Provisions (sec. 131, 231, 305,351,352,361)

• WIC certification periods, providing WIC State agencies the option to certify participant children for up to one year.

• Data collection, requiring annual compilation and publication of the number of fully and partially breast-fed infants at the State and local levels.

• Breastfeeding Promotion and Support, expanding nutrition education references to explicitly include breastfeeding promotion and support.

• Program evaluation, requiring State and local cooperation in USDA studies.

• Sharing materials, permitting WIC State agencies to allow local agencies/clinics to share nutrition education materials developed by the WIC Program with the Child and Adult Care Food Programs at no cost, through written agreements.

• Program management, requiring WIC rebate payments to be recorded in the month received and

February 18,2011


The law requires USDA to product a report that identifies best practices and barriers to participation in the supper program, within I year of

cctment


• Report enters clearance (Fall 20 15) .

• Survey States (Summer 20 II)

j• Draft report to Congress enters clearance (Fall 20 II)

• Implementation Memo (February 2011)

• Final Rule (Summer 20 II)

• Provide State agencies with Excel chart to use for data collection (Fall2011)

Note: Winter=January-March; Spring=April-June; Swnmer=July-September; Fall=October-December 12

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when seeking rebates for infant formula and other foods.

• Use of Federal funds, requiring inclusion of a provision in the Federal/State agreement

· supporting full use of Federal funds, and excluding such funds from State budget restrictions or limitations including hiring freezes, work furloughs, and travel restrictions.

WIC EBT Provisions (sec. 352)

• Sets forth the defmition ofEBT.

• Requires all WIC State agencies to implement EBT statewide by October I, 2020; outlines allowable circumstances for exemption to mandate.

• Requires State agencies to submit annual status reports demonstrating their progress toward statewide EBT implementation.

• Provides technical changes to WIC EBT requirements, including the establishment of national technical standards and operating rules, minimum lane coverage requirements and limitations on the imposition of costs on vendors.

• Requires that EBT technical standards and operating rules be adhered to by State agencies.

• Requires all State agencies carrying out EBT to use the national universal product code database; funds database and requires completion by FNS in 2

years.

Support for breastfeeding in WIC Recognition


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Implementation Memo (February 2011) Proposed Rule (Summer 20 II) Final Rule (TBD)

Implementation Plan developed

February 18,2011 Note: Winter=January-March; Spring=April-June; Swnmer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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Program (sec. :231)

• Requires a program to recognize exemplary breastfeeding practices at local agencies or clinics.

• Authorizes the expenditure from appropriated funds, such sums as necessary.

Performance Bonuses (sec. 231)

• Provides performance bonuses to not more than 15 State agencies with highest and most improved breast feeding rates. USDA is directed to provide the first bonuses not later than I year after enactment.

• Increases the authorization and funding for .

breastfeeding peer counseling program from $20 million to $90 million, of which not more than $10 million provided in excess of $50 million, is for performance bonuses.

Review of available supplemental foods (sec. 232)

• Requires WIC food package review every 10 years

WIC program management (sec. 352)

• Increases authorization ofWIC research funding from $5 million to $15m

Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (sec. 423)

• Extends the WIC Program through 2015

Farmers market nutrition program (sec. 424)

• Extends the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program through 2015

February 18, 2011


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(Winter 2011) RFI published (Spring 20 II) Comment Period (Spring 20 II)

Establish award criteria and application process (Winter 20 II) First Awards required (Subject to Appropriation) (Winter 2011)

Work with ORA

Work with ORA

Letter to Commissioner and letter to State Directors (December 20 10)

Letter to State Directors (February 2011)

Note: Winter=January-March; Spring= April-June; Summer=July-September; Fall=October-December

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Wodiska, Joan <[email protected]> Thursday, March 10, 2011 2:20 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV Opinion Piece: Education Governor

Opinion: The rebirth of the education governor. By Chester E. Finn, Jr.

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 important 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 spectrum 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 '80sand 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-Wl), Ann Richards (DTX), 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, charter 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 unreadiness oflocal high school graduates, and mounting costs, coupled with the frustration that education consumed huge chunks oftheir 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, too. Most notable was the National Governors 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 educationreform-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 decade ofthis century was not a time of huge gubernatorial 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 are notable exceptions.)

" Today ... a new crop of reform-minded governors is reclaiming its territory in an efflorescence of

leadership and state-level initiatives.

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" Today, however, Saturn has completed a full revolution and a new crop of reform-minded governors is reclaiming its territory in an efflorescence of leadership 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 fmancial 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 irresistible and unavoidable.

The NGA is back in action, too, with the Common Core State Standards Initiative (co-created with the CCSSO and a bunch of foundation dollars). That happened before the 2010 election, which swept into office a bunch of new governors who have set out to refonn public education while cutting its budget, something more or less unprecedented. They haven't all been Republicans (consider Phil Bredesen in Tennessee 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-WI) and Chris Christie (R-NJ). This time, however, few of them would be described as "moderates" and their states are awash in vivid partisan clashes.

That's mostly due to budget cuts and related policy changes. Austerity defines the era and the leadership and refonn strategies of these chief executives. Yes, they want to boost achievement and to foster more school choices. Some of them munnur about governance changes and technology. But what really seems to kindle their fires is saving money while rewriting the ground rules 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) reward 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 stalwart 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 secretary 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 if they 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.

2

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To:

Cc: Subject:

Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:32 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, EricGOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE:

Sorry. All states have public sector union membership but I guess not necessarily collective bargaining rights. Info here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0283S.pdf

Twelve states do not have collective bargaining laws for public employees. They are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Caro.lina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, Texas prohibits collective bargaining for most groups of public employees. However, firefighters and police may bargain in jurisdictions with approval from a majority of voters.

12 states have laws that provide bargaining rights to specific groups of workers (e.g. state workers, teachers, or firefighters) but not to all state and local government workers.

These states are Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Three of these states, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, extend collective bargaining rights to certain public employees through an executive order from the governor. Many public employees may be covered by local laws, for example, in Maryland they do not have a comprehensive law covering all public employees. All state employees are covered under state labor laws, but state statutes cover local employees only in certain counties. Local governments in Maryland may have their own ordinances giving local public employees collective bargaining rights, but these ordinances do not exist in every county.

Michael Brickman

Education Policy Assistant

Office of Governor Scott Walker

[email protected]

-----Original Message-----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 20114:22 PM To: Murray, Ryan M ~ GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE:

I believe all states allow collective bargaining for public workers in some form. Some good info in this report from CATO:

http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb 61.pdf

Michael Brickman

1



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:54 PM To: Brickman, Michael- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:

Michael- please look at it for all public employees.

-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:53:31 2011 Subject: RE:

Here it is for teachers: http:ljmb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id=173

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: Re:

Do you have this Michael?

--'--Original Message----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV

2

To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:44:41 2011 Subject:

Can we get an official count of states that don't have collective bargaining for the public sector

3

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:

Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:22 PM Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE:

I believe all states allow collective bargaining for public workers in some form. Some good info in this report from CATO: http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb 6l.pdf

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:54 PM To: Brickman, Michael- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael - GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:53:31 2011 Subject: RE:

Here it is for teachers: http://mb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id=173

Michael Brickman



Michael. Brickman @wisconsin.gov

1

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:44:41 2011 Subject:


2

Oling, Lane - GOV


Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:54 PM Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris ~ GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE:


Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----: From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:44:41 2011 Subject:


1

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Moore, Ashlee - GOV Sent: To:

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:47 PM Murray, Ryan M - GOV

Cc: Brickman, Michael - GOV Subject: RE:

Brickman has it

Ashlee Moore Assistant Appointments Director Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff Office of Governor Scott Walker (608) 266-1212

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:46 PM To: Moore, Ash lee- GOV Subject: Fw:

Did you have this?

-----Original Message----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:44:41 2011 Subject:


1

Oling, Lane - GOV


Doesn't that report say 12 don't?

-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV

Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 20114:25 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Re:

Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 04:22 PM To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: RE:

I believe all states allow collective bargaining for public workers in some form. Some good info in this report from CATO: http:Uwww.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb 61.pdf

Michael Brickman



[email protected]



-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb is 15:53:31 2011 Subject: RE:

Here it is for teachers: http:Umb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id=173

1

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Origina I Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:




2

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: To:

Tuesday, February 15, 20114:23 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV

Subject: Re:

I thought there were 11 that didn't allow it?

-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 16:22:13 2011 Subject: RE:

I believe all states allow collective bargaining for public workers in some form. Some good info in this report from CATO: http:Uwww.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb 61.pdf

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:54PM To: Brickman, Michael- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:53:31 2011 Subject: RE:

Here it is for teachers: http:ljmb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id-173

1

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: Re:




2

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:54 PM To: Cc:

Brickman, Michael - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV

Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:53:31 2011 Subject: RE:


Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:44:41 2011 Subject:


1

Oling, Lane - GOV



-----Original Message ----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV

Murray, Ryan M - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Brickman, Michael - GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV

Re:



1

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To:

Cc: Subject:

Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, February 15, 2011 4:32 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV; Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris - GOV; Schutt, Eric -GOV Werwie, Cullen J - GOV RE:

Sorry. All states have public sector union membership but I guess not necessarily collective bargaining rights. Info here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d02835.pdf

Twelve states do not have collective bargaining laws for public employees. They are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition, Texas prohibits collective bargaining for most groups of public employees. However, firefighters and police may bargain in jurisdictions with approval from a majority of voters.

12 states have laws that provide bargaining rights to specific groups of workers (e.g. state workers, teachers, or . .

firefighters) but not to all state and local government workers.

These states are Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Three of these states, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri, extend collective bargaining rights to certain public employees through an executive order from the governor. Many public employees may be covered by local laws, for example, in Maryland they do not have a comprehensive law covering all public employees. All state employees are covered under state labor laws, but state statutes cover local employees only in certain counties. Local governments in Maryland may have their own ordinances giving local public employees collective bargaining rights, but these ordinances do not exist in every county.

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message-----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 20114:22 PM To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J- GOV Subject: RE:

I believe all states allow collective bargaining for public workers in some form. Some good info in this report from CATO: http://www.cato.org/pubs/tbb/tbb 61.pdf

Michael Brickman

1



[email protected]



-----Original Message----From: Brickman, Michael- GOV To: Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Tue Feb 15 15:53:312011 Subject: RE:

Here it is for teachers: http:ljmb2.ecs.org/reports/Report.aspx?id-173

Michael Brickman



[email protected]

-----Original Message----From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:48 PM To: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV; Schutt, Eric- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV Cc: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Subject: Re:


-----Original Message ----From: Schrimpf, Chris- GOV

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3

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments:

Michael Brickman Education Policy Assistant Office of Governor Scott Walker

From: Hanle, Bob - DOA

Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, January 18, 2011 2:08 PM Lied I, Kimberly- GOV FW: request collective bargaining changes.doc

Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 2:03 PM To: Brickman, Michael - GOV Cc: Schmiedicke, David P - DOA; Hynek, Sara - DOA; Frederick, Caitlin - DOA Subject: request

Per your request, attached is a list of changes made to teacher collective bargaining under the Doyle administration.

Bob Hanle, Team Leader State Budget Office 101 E. Wilson St.-- 10th Floor P.O. Box 7864 Madison, WI 53707-7864 (608) 266-1037

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COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Changes under Governor Doyle (approved under 2009 Act 28)

• Repeal the QEO for represented teaching employees, effective 7/1/09

• Delete current law limiting the total amounts available for salary and fringe benefits increases for non-represented school district professional employees

• Delete the requirement that school district professional employees be placed in a collective bargaining unit that is separate from the units of other school district employees

• Delete the current law provision limiting the duration of collective bargaining agreements between school district employers and their professional teaching staff to a uniform twoyear duration, from July 1 of each odd-numbered year through June 30 of the ensuing odd-numbered year. Allow a collective bargaining agreement for any collective bargaining unit consisting of school district employees to be for a term of up to four years.

• Allow professional and nonprofessional employees of a school district to be combined into a single collective bargaining unit, if a majority of the professional employees vote for inclusion. Prior law prohibited the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission from combining professional and nonprofessional school districts employees into a single bargaining unit.

• Modify the weighting of the factors that must be considered by an arbitrator or arbitration panel in reaching decisions involving school district employees. Delete the requirement that arbitrators (a) give greatest weight to any state law or directive issued by a state legislative or administrative officer, body, or agency which places limitations on expenditures that may be made or revenues that may be collected by a municipal employer, and (b) give greater weight to economic conditions in the jurisdiction of the municipal employer

Changes under separate legislation

• 2009 Act 34: Require school boards to bargain collectively with teachers regarding time spent during the school day, separate from pupil contact time, for class preparation

• 2009 Act 60: Require school boards to bargain collectively with respect to the development of or any changes to a teacher evaluation plan under s. 118.225

Oling, Lane - GOV


Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Monday, January 24, 201110:39 AM Brickman, Michael - GOV Fw: Scott Walker TV Coverage and TVEyes trial

From: Chris Catropa <[email protected]> To: Werwie, Cullen J - GOV Sent: Mon Jan 24 10:36:54 2011 Subject: Scott Walker TV Coverage and TVEyes trial

Dear Cullen,

I have attached some recent coverage of the Scott Walker. I'm not sure if you currently use a Media Monitoring service, but TV Eyes provides its' clients with 24/7 TV /Radio/Web monitoring, all in Real Time. Anytime the department is mentioned you instantly get the clips sent to your email where you can view the coverage.

We also have a website where you can log-in, create reports, edit clips for use on websites, as well as manage your coverage. The great thing is that the clips tan be edited and saved on an unlimited basis! There are never any additional charges or fees.

I would love to speak to you in more detail about the service. If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact me.

WKOW (ABC) - Madison, WI

1/24/2011 8:27:14 AM

Good Morning America

... it's 8:27 ... governor scott walker signs his first bill into law, today. the bill eliminates the state tax on contributions made to health savings accounts. the measure passed last week in both the senate and the assembly. walker says-- ittll help improve the state's business climate. opponents say-- it'll deepen-- the state's estimated--three- billion dollar budget gap. d-n-r officials will be busy, in the coming weeks. they're capturing about 200 wild deer-- to tag and study them. a chopper will fly over several northern counties ....

WFRV (CBS) -Green Bay, WI

1/24/2011 6:41:51 AM

View Transcrjot

Channel 5 First News

... also pending. ----- governor scott walker will deliver his first state of the state address tomorrow. the republican took office with wisconsin facing a 3-billion-dollar budget shortfall. governors typically use the speech to outline their priorities for the coming year. walker is expected to release his budget plan next month. ----- and .. president obama's visit to our area on wednesday. the president will visit orion energy systems in manitowoc as part of his white house to main street tour. orion manufactures energy efficient lighting and solar technology for commercial use. ----- ...

WDJT-MILW (CBS)- Milwaukee, WI

1/24/2011 6:15:27 AM

View Transcript

CBS 58 Morning News Express at 6:00am

... marshal is investigating. another milestone for wisconsin 1s new governor today. scott walker will sign his first bill into law. it's the one passed just last week ... that eliminates the state tax on ""health savings accounts."" walker will do the honors at a business in deforest ... not far from madison. back to the pack ... yesterdayrs victory was an emotional moment for fans all over wisconsin. so ... just imagine how it felt for

1

the players who made it happen. evan fitzgerald shows us what it was ...

WLUK (FOX) -Green Bay, WI

1/24/2011 5:56:49 AM

View Transcript

Good Day Wisconsin

... state lawmakers are expected to weigh in this week on some of governor scott walker1s economic priorities. the senate plans to pass a bill tomorrow that extends tax breaks to companies that move Into wisconsin. they would be exempt from paying Income taxes for two years. it wo~_ld cost the state onemillion dollars over the next two years. the senate also plans to vote on a bill that increases economic development tax credits by 25 million dollars. It appears americans are sticking with some of their eating habits learned from the recession. many continue to eat more meals at home ....

WFRV (CBS) -Green Bay, WI

1/24/2011 5:27:12 AM

'!iew Transcript

Channel 5 First News

... ·be in court today. -----governor scott walker will deliver his first state of the state address tomorrow. the republican took office with wisconsin facing a 3-blllion-dollar budget shortfall. governors typically use the speech to outline their priorities for the coming year. walker is expected to release his budget plan next month.----- and .. president obama's visit to our area on wednesday. the president will visit orion energy systems in manitowoc as part of his white house to main street tour. orion manufactures ...

· WDJT-MILW (CBS)- Milwaukee, WI

1/24/2011 5:24:55 AM

View TranscriPt


..• governors of wisconsin and illinois? well ... scott walker obviously won ... which means that illinois governor pat quinn will have to come to wisconsin ... wearing a packers jersey and help out at a local food pantry. he'll also have to fly a packers flag outside his office right before the super bowl. reax ...

WBAY (ABC) -Green Bay, WI

1/24/2011 5:18:24 AM

View Transcript

Action 2 News: This Morning

... governor scott walker will sign his first bill Into law today. the governor will sign act one, which wlll eliminate the state tax on health savings accounts. he says the bill Is an important step to saving taxpayers' money and making health care more affordable for employees and small businesses. the governor will sign the bill this afternoon at a plastics company just north of madison. wisconsin lawmakers are pected to vote this week on a package of tax- cutting bills. tomorrow -- the senate is expected to vote on a bill that would exempt ...

WKOW (ABC) - Madison, WI

1/24/2011 5:19:17 AM

View Transcript

News

... address. speaking of the governor-- scott walker signs his first bill into law, today. the bill eliminates the state tax on contributions made to health savings accounts. the measure passed last week in both the senate and the assembly. walker says-- it'll help improve the state's business climate. opponents say-- it'll deepen-- the state's estimated--three- billion dollar budget gap. a dealy fire In milwaukee county. state fire marshalls are investigating this morning. the fire started In a farmhouse ...

WDJT-MILW (CBS)- Milwaukee, WI

1/24/2011 5:14:38 AM

View Transcript


... for wisconsin's new governor today. scott walker will sign his first bill into law. it's the one passed just last week ... that eliminates the state tax on ""health savings accounts."" walker will do the honors at a business in deforest ... not far from madison. back to the pack ... yesterday's victory was an emotional moment for fans all over wisconsin. so ... just imagine how it felt for the players who made It happen. evan

2

fitzgerald shows us what it was like ... In chicago ....

WFRV {CBS) -Green Bay, WI

1/23/2011 10:33:26 PM

View Transcrjot

Channel 5 News at 10

... ----- governor scott walker will deliver his first state of the state address this tuesday. the republican took office with wisconsin facing a $3-billion- dollar budget shortfall. governors typically use the speech to outline their priorities for the coming year. walker is expected to release his budget plan next month. ----wisconsin wildlife officials are planning to capture around 200 deer over the next few weeks. the project will send a helicopter looking for deer over ...

WDJT-MILW {CBS)- Milwaukee, WI

1/23/2011 10:27:41 PM

View Transcript

CBS 58 News Ten at 10

... -from the n-f-c. and that packers win means governor scott walker won his bet with the govenor of · illinois. the creative bet will have governor pat quinn coming to wisconsin wearing a packers jersey and

helping out at a local food pantry. he'll also have to fly a packers flag outside his office right before the super bowl. we'll have more packers coverage coming up in a few minutes. a body is found the charred rubble of a fire in franklin. flames were shooting from this home In the 88 hundred block of west loomis road ...

WKOW {ABC) - Madison, WI

1/23/2011 10:22:04 PM

VIew Transcrjpt

News

... talked about the company in a national address. scott walker will sign his first bill into law as governor of wisconsin. governor walker will sign act 1 at evco-plastics in deforest. act 1 will eliminate the state tax on contributions made to health savings accounts. the measure passed last week in both the senate and the assembly. it's part of a package of proposals walker says will help improve the state's business climate .. opponents have stressed that eliminating the tax will deepen the state's three-billion dollar budget gap ....

WLS-CHI {ABC) - Chicago, IL

1/23/2011 6:05:54 AM

View Transcript

Mary Talks Money

... > > meantime, governor pat quinn and scott walker are putting their reputations on the line. the winning team's governor will host the losing team's governor as he volunteers at a food pantry in the winner's state. the loser has to fly the opposing team's flag in his office the day before the super bowl. >>" plus, wisconsin gets a billion or two of our debt. >>don't we wish! >>a white house spokesman says the president is ...

WDJT -MILW {CBS) - Milwaukee, WI

1/22/2011 10:22:01 PM

View Transcript

CBS 58 News Ten at 10

... april to fill the post recently vacated by governor scott walker. holloway will also be tomorrow's guest on eye to eye ... our weekly public affairs show that airs at 7:30 on sunday mornings. up next on ten at ten ... it's n-f-c championship eve. fans will have trouble sleeping tonight ... with the biggest packers-bears game ever on the horizon. we'll talk rivalry, next ....

WDJT-MILW {CBS)- Milwaukee, WI

1/22/2011 5:38:52 PM

View Transcript

CBS Evening News

... the interim county executive will serve until a special election is held in april to fill the post recently vacated by governor scott walker. holloway will also be tomorrow's guest on eye to eye ... our weekly public affairs show that airs at 7:30 on sunday mornings. say the two potential nominees are working In the private sector. the interim county executive will serve until a special election is held in april to fill the post

3

Chris Catropa Account Executive

TVEyes Corporation 2150 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824

recently vacated by governor scott walker. holloway will also be tomorrow's guest on eye to eye ... our weekly public affairs show that airs at 7:30 on sunday mornings. coming up ... we're less than 21 hours away from the biggest game the history of the packers-bears rivalry ....

WYZZ (FOX} - Peoria, IL

1/22/2011 5:37:40 PM

View Transcript

The Simpsons

... governor pat quinn and wisconsin governor scott walker are betting on the game ... the governor's team which loses has towork at a food pantry in the pposlng team's state ... wearing the winning team's jersey. still ahead on road to the championship ••• sometimes its hard to say good things about the soldier field turf in the winter. find out why it could be a challenge for both teams ... when we come back. <;<;greg jermlngs/packers ...

WMBD (CBS} - Peoria, IL

1/22/2011 5:26:37 PM

View Transcript

Paid Program

... ignore the road to the championship. illinois governor pat quinn and wisconsin governor scott walker are betting on the game ... the governor's team which loses has to work at a food pantry in the opposing team's state ... wearing the winning team's jersey. still ahead on road to the championship ... sometimes its hard to say good things about the soldier field turf in the winter. find out why it could be a challenge for both teams ... when we come back. <;<;greg jennings/packers ...

CSPAN - U.S. Cable

1/22/2011 3:47:09 PM

View Transcript

C-5PAN Weekend

... reality to be, and we will try to counter people like scott walker who l'lants to do away with high-speed rail. >> i am stephanie at bloomberg news. i had a quick question. you spoke some of lloyd blankfein at goldman sachs It jamie dimon at jpmorgan chase. i was sorry if you could expand a little more on what your concerns are ....

CSPAN - U.S. Cable

1/22/2011 3:22:46 PM

View Transcript

C-SPAN Weekend

... like mitch daniels In indiana and scott walker in wisconsin rejecting high-speed rail through their states? turning 'their backs on jobs1 turning their backs on their own state's future. betting on misery and anger, rather than hope and progress and common sense. george orwell once said It was fashionable among the really ...

VERSUS - U.S. Cable

1/22/2011 1:09:31 PM

View Transcript

Into the Blue

... there, and by steve rodger's spear one charters key west, florida, scott walker's tailwalker charters duck key, florida, under armor, and plano. >what i'm doing with this 15 is if you catch one just cut it because if It gets frayed a drop on those 5 pounders you know he's gonna break you off on the next one. you know, there's a lot of big sharks here and i know you've been asking about 'em. >> i really haven't been asking about big sharks. black grouper would be nice ....

T (203) 254-3600 ext.334 4

E [email protected] www. tveyes.com

5

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Gilkes, Keith - GOV Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:54AM To: Lied I, Kimberly- GOV; Brickman, Michael - GOV Subject: FW: United States Education Dashboard Preview and Special Webinar

From: Honeysett, Adam fmailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 9:13AM Subject: United States Education Dashboard Preview and Special Webinar

Dear Governors, Chief State School Officers, State Board of Education leaders, and State Higher Education Executive Officers,

The U.S. Department of Education is preparing to launch the United States Education Dashboard. The Dashboard presents high-level indicators of the condition of education across the country. It includes national and state data indicators for early learning through postsecondary education, is presented in a format that shows trends, and allows for comparisons between states.

In advance of the launch, currently scheduled for Monday, January 24, we will provide you with early access to the website in order to help you prepare for questions from the public or the press. We also invite you to participate in a special webinar on Tuesday, January 18, at 3:00p.m. ET, to preview the Dashboard. Following the webinar, we will provide access to the website so that you and other state officials may review its content in advance of the release.

It is not necessary for you to participate in the webinar. However, we do encourage you to participate to gain a better understanding of the indicators included in the Dashboard. We will host another webinar after the Dashboard's release to receive any feedback you may have and answer additional questions.

Please keep in mind that we are providing early access to the website and hosting the webinar as a courtesy to state officials. We ask that you do not distribute anv materials or information about the Dashboard until after its launch.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns prior to the launch, please email them to [email protected] or contact Chris Pencikowski in the Department's Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at (202) 453-5673.

Topic: Preview of United States Education Dashboard Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Time: 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time Session number: 744 031 087 Session password: Session does not require a registration password

To join on-line:

1. Go to https:l/educate.webex.com/educate/k2/j.php?ED-140870647&UID-1140405737&RT -MiMxM0%3D%3D (note: this link will not be active until 30 minutes before the webinar)

1

2. Enter your name and email address

3. Click "Join Now"

4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen

5. To dial into the meeting,

6. Enter the Participant code: ....

To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link htt;ps://educate.webex.com/educate/k2fj.pho?ED=l40870647&UID=1140405737&0RT=MiMxM0%3D%3D

2

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent: To:

Brickman, Michael - GOV Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:23 PM Murray, Ryan M- GOV

Subject: FW; Some ways the governor's proposal could reduce costs/expand opportunities for students

Michael Brickman Education Policy Assistant Office of Scott Walker

[email protected]

From: Dan Rossmiller [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 5:22PM To: Brickman, Michael - GOV Subject: Some ways the governor's proposal could reduce costs/expand opportunities for students

Michael, Here are some general examples. I hope they are helpful. The savings generated by these proposal could reduce taxes or allow more money to be put into the classrooms.

Flexibility to Share Services The governor's proposal would give school districts flexibility in service delivery (i.e., flexibility to provide services in the manner they determine to be the most cost-effective for their taxpayers) including sharing of services. Neighboring school districts could share a variety of support services such as food service, custodial service or transportation without having to bargain that decision [or its impact on the wages, hours and conditions of employment of bargaining unit members].

School districts could use this flexibility to expand online (virtual) class offerings, for greater cooperation with CESAs, or to offer four-year-old Kindergarten {4-K) through community-based providers rather than be required to provide this program using only bargaining unit (union) members.

Districts that want to expand their course offerings by partnering with another district to provide online or inperson classes are often thwarted by "exclusivity" clauses in collective bargaining agreements that require all classes offered by a district to be supervised by a member of the district's union even if the course is being taught by a fully certified and licensed teacher from the other district.

To foster sharing of services and the cost savings that could result, districts should be free of "exclusivity" clauses in many current collective bargaining agreements that provide unions with a monopoly on the provision of services. Districts also seek freedom from recent interpretations by the WERC that preclude districts from sharing services or utilizing outside vendors. Competition and negotiation should be encouraged. If members of a bargaining unit can provide the services at a competitive cost, districts will want to negotiate with them and will likely use their services in many cases because ofthe long standing relationships they have developed; however, districts should not be forced to utilize the services of bargaining unit members if the district can find a less costly, more efficient provider.

1

Flexibility to Contract Out The governor's proposal would allow school districts and other municipal governments to contract for services without being required to collectively bargain the decision to contract out or the impact of implementing the decision to contract out on the wages, hours and conditions of employment of bargaining unit members.

Services that could be contracted out at lower cost would include: food service, pupil transportation, custodial services, groundskeeping, etc.

Flexibility to Set the School Calendar The governor's proposal would also give school districts management flexibility to set the school calendar to reduce costs and facilitate sharing of services. Allowing school boards to set their calendars could:

• help neighboring districts coordinate their calendars to facilitate the sharing of services between districts (see examples above);

• allow Union High School districts and their underlying K-8 districts to align their calendars; and • allow schools within a particular athletic conference to align their schedules.

The school calendar issue is frequently used by teacher unions to delay or hold up negotiations or as leverage to get other items they want. School districts have an interest in getting information to parents about the school calendar so they can make day care or other child care arrangements. Parents naturally become upset because they are unable to finalize family vacation plans, child custody/placement schedules, etc., and often (unfortunately) the district (rather than the union) is blamed.

2

Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Murray, Ryan M - GOV Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 201112:54 PM To: Lied\, Kimberly- GOV; Brickman, Michael - GOV Subject: FW: United States Education Dashboard Preview and Special Webinar

FYI

Ryan Murray Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Office of the Governor Main: 608-266-1212 Email: [email protected]

From: Honeysett, Adam [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 9:13AM Subject: United States Education Dashboard Preview and Special Webinar

Dear Governors, Chief State School Officers, State Board of Education leaders, and State Higher Education Executive Officers,

The U.S. Department of Education is preparing to launch the United States Education Dashboard. The Dashboard presents high-level indicators of the condition of education across the country. It includes national and state data indicators for early learning through postsecondary education, is presented in a format that shows trends, and allows for comparisons between states.

In advance of the launch, currently scheduled for Monday, January 24, we will provide you with early access to the website in order to help you prepare for questions from the public or the press. We also invite you to participate in a special webinar on Tuesday, January 18, at 3:00p.m. ET, to preview the Dashboard. Following the webinar, we will provide access to the website so that you and other state officials may review its content in advance of the release.

It is not necessary for you to participate in the webinar. However, we do encourage you to participate to gain a better understanding of the indicators included in the Dashboard. We will host another webinar after the Dashboard's release to receive any feedback you may have and answer additional questions.

Please keep in mind that we are providing early access to the website and hosting the webinar as a courtesy to state officials. We ask that you do not distribute any materials or information about the Dashboard until after its launch.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns prior to the launch, please email them to [email protected] or contact Chris Pencikowski in the Department's Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at (202) 453-5673.

Topic: Preview of United States Education Dashboard Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Time: 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time Session number: 744 031 087 Session password: Session does not require a registration password

1

To join on-line:

1. Go to https:l/educate.webex.com/educate/k2/j.php?ED-140870647&UID-1140405737&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D (note: this link will not be active until 30 minutes before the webinar)

2. Enter your name and email address

3. Click "Join Now"

4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen

5. To dial into the meeting,

6. Enter the Participant code: -

To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link https :/{educate. webex.com/educate/1<2/j.php ?ED= 14087064 7&UID = 1140405737&0RT = M iMxM0%3P%3D

2

Oling, Lane - GOV


From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Lied\, Kimberly- GOV Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:47AM Brickman, Michael - GOV FW: Walker's claim on health insurance savings for public schools questioned

Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 9:41AM To: Murray, Ryan M - GOV; Werwie, Cullen J - GOV; Schutt, Eric - GOV; Lied!, Kimberly - GOV Subject: Walker's claim on health insurance savings for public schools questioned

Walker's claim on health insurance savings for public schools questioned

DAVID WAHLBERG I [email protected] I 608-252-61251 Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2011 4:00am

School districts required to offer health insurance through WEA Trust, a company created by the teachers' union, would save $68 million a year if employees could switch to the state health plan, Gov. Scott Walker said this week, repeating a claim he made last year.

"That's one of the many examples of why it's so critically important to change collective bargaining," Walker said at a news conference Monday before bringing up the issue again in his public address Tuesday.

Madison-based WEA Trust, created by the Wisconsin Education Association Council, disputes the claim. The insurer says it provides lower-cost choices, and districts can already join the state health plan.

"It's been an option for them for some time," said WEA Trust spokesman Steve Lyons.

About 65 percent of the state's school districts contract with WEA Trust, covering about 35 percent of school employees. Several large districts, including Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee, don't offer the plan.

Of those with WEA Trust, a third- 90 districts- have teacher union contracts that require the plan, Lyons said. In some other districts, contracts say coverage must be at least as good as the plan.

Cullen Werwie, Walker's spokesman, said the $68 million figure is based on a 2005 study by the conservative-leaning Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, using updated information from last year.

Scott Niederjohn, author of the study, said the institute compared what districts pay with what they would pay if employees had the cheapest state health plan option; those plans vary by county.

But districts already have flexibility, Lyons said. They can negotiate out of requirements to offer WEA Trust or choose WEA Trust packages with higher deductibles or co-payments to reduce costs, he said. Unions likely would oppose such moves, however.

Furthermore, Lyons said, WEA Trust became part of the state health plan last year in 24 eastern counties.

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The Madison School District, whose contract with Madison Teachers Inc. requires WPS Health Insurance to be offered, would save at least $4.2 million a year ifthe 31 percent of teachers with that plan switched to other available plans, said Bob Nadler, executive director of human resources.

Jefferson School District, about 30 miles east of Madison, preserved salary increases by joining the state health plan last year, said business administrator Laura Peachey. It had provided its own insurance, administered by WPS.

Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: [email protected]

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Schrimpf, Chris - GOV Tuesday, February 08, 2011 8:18AM Schrimpf, Chris - GOV ICYMI: Politifact TRUE:Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says state employees could pay twice as much for health care premiums and still be paying half the national average

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says state employees could pay twice as much for health care premiums and still be paying halfthe national average

Gov. Scott Walker left no doubt in his first "state of the state" address that he wants benefits concessions from state employees.

Walker said state employees need to share the pain felt by private::sector workers so the state can balance Its budget without tax increases. In making his case, he tossed out some stark statistics on pensions and health care coverage:

"Most state workers only pay about 6 percent of their premium costs for their health care plan," Walker told lawmakers. "Asking public employees to make ... a premium payment of 12 percent, which is about half of the national average, would save the state more than $30 mHiion over three months."

He added: "Most workers outside of government would love a deal like that- particularly If It means saving jobs.''

We set out to test the governor's claim.

Walker press secretary Cullen Werwie pointed to a Kaiset Family Foundation study that employees nationally -- public and private-- pay an average of 29 percent of the cost of the premiums. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported those findings on Sept. 12, 2010. ·

Werwie also. provided state documents showing the premium contribution by union and non-union state workers, as well as the total premium cost to the state. He said they show that most state employees pay between 4 percent and 6 percent.

Let's dig into both sides of the equation.

First, is Walker correct that "most" state employees pay only about 6 percent?

Unionized state workers in the most common insurance tier pay $78 a month on family premiums that cost the state between $1,500 and $1,800, state figures show. That's in the 4 percent to 5 percent range by our calculation. Nonunion state workers pay a bit more -- $89 a month in most cases. That works out to a 5 percent to 6 percent share.

So Walker's number looks good.

And so does the "most state employees" claim: More than 98 percent of.state employees fall into those categories, according to figures from the state's Department of Employee Trust Funds.

There Is a higher-premium plan In which some state employees pay about 15 percent of the cost, or $412 a month. But it is used by just a tiny fraction of state government workers.

Just to cap this off, we asked the state to calculate the employee share across all plans, both single and family

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coverage, for all employees. They came up with 5.6 percent.

Now the national side.

First, a bit of background. The national cost trend is clear. Since 2000, average premiums for family coverage have increased 114 percent, the Kaiser study found. ·

Several other studies back up Walker's claim on the national numbers regarding public and private employees.

The. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 health care benefits survey put the employee share at 32 percent for family coverage. It's 21 percent for single coverage.

Of course, there Is a range, but that's the collective national figure for civilian workers, public and private. Union workers paid much less than non-represented workers.

Now let's tease out just g0vernment workers, to see how Wisconsin compares there.

The Kaiser study -- the one relied on by Walker for his overall comparison -- put the employee share paid by state and local government workers nationwide at 25 percent for family coverage.

Finally, a study by The Segal Co., a private benefits firm, that looked just at state government workers showed a majority paying between 20 percent and 60 percent of their premium costs for family coverage.

If Wisconsin workers are paying around 6 percent, that puts them in the bottom fifth nationally among state employees, Segal's data shows. A very small number pay zero toward their premium.

There's a clear trend toward asking state employees to pay more, the Segal study said. Still, private-sector workers are being asked to share even more, said J. Richard Johnson, Segal's public sector health practice leader.

Experts warn against drawing comparisons without looking at employees' total package of wages and benefits -- and what they may have given up to get them. (We examined another aspect of that in an earlier item on public vs. private sector pay.) ·

So in this Item we're not trying to determine where Wisconsin workers stand In the big picture.

But we can come to a firm conclusion on the state employee health premiums, here and nationally.

The governor relies on a statistic that mixes public and private workers, but in this case that's not a problem: Walker's point is that state workers need to be more in line with their private counterparts. Walker's numbers for state workers and the national context are right on target. And his math holds up even when the comparison is narrowed to just public employees.

We rate his statement True.

Chris Schrimpf Communications Director Office of the Governor Press Office: 608-267-7303 Email: [email protected]

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Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Sent To:

Subject:

Noel Radomski <[email protected]> Wednesday, February 16, 2011 2:42 PM Murray, Ryan M- GOV; Lied I, Kimberly- GOV; Brickman, Michael- GOV; Tom Hefty; John Torinus interesting how new leaders handle pressure .. .Statement of Chancellor Biddy Martin on the state budget repair bill

Statement of Chancellor Biddy Martin on the state budget repair bill

Feb. 16,2011

University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has released the following statement about the state budget repair bill under consideration in the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance:

"Given the impact of the budget repair bill on state and university employees, I urge members of the Joint Committee on Finance, in the strongest possible terms, to delay executive action on the bill until there has been an opportunity for negotiations.

"Before curtailing collective bargaining rights that have been in place for years, I am asking legislators to step back and make a sincere effort to develop more creative solutions.

"Even a situation that requires immediate attention should still make time for substantive and deliberative exchange.

"In his inaugural address in 1861, Abraham Lincoln said 'Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.' For the benefit of state employees at all levels, I'm asking for lawmakers to take that time."

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Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Dan Rossmiller <[email protected]> Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:05 PM Brickman, Michael - GOV

Sent: To: Subject: Legislation WASB helped to draft last session that may be of interest

Hi Michael,

· I wanted to let you know about the WASB's involvement with some legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers last session that might be helpful as you begin to look for drafting instructions or drafting language.

Last session, the WASB worked with legislators to draft several bills on topics related to those discussed in the attachment .. 1 thought it might be helpful for you to know about these:

• The WASB requested that Assembly Bill450 be drafted and introduced. This bill prohibits final collective bargaining offers from exceeding a municipality's (school district's) revenue limit. The WASB supported AB 450. No public hearing was held.

• The WASB supported and worked with the authors of Assembly Bill919, which was introduced late in the 2009 legislative session. Assembly Bill 919 would restore a version of the qualified economic offer (QEO) that would align the average increase in salary and bem;fits to the allowable increase in the district's revenue limit using base revenue per pupil for each district. (That is not necessarily the approach we are advocating now in terms of how to calculate the "QEO" but I think you get the picture that we were working to restore a version of the QEO that is better aligned with revenue limits than the old QEO was.)

• The WASB requested that Senate Bill385 (and a companion, Assembly Bill441) be drafted and introduced. These bills restore the greatest and greater weight factors for revenue limits and local economic conditions in binding interest arbitration. The WASB supported SB 385. No public hearing was held on either bill.

• The WASB also worked with other local government employer representatives to draft proposed legislation that would require an arbitrator to give greater weight to the following factors than the arbitrator gives to other factors: the local economic conditions and the school district's budget, the ability ofthe proposal to reduce projected service cuts, the ability of the proposal to limit fringe benefit increases to the cost-of -living increases, and the ability of the proposal to reflect cost of living in wage and benefit increases and decreases. In addition, the proposal would prohibit an employer from giving any weight either to wages, hours and conditions of employment in other municipalities or to any reserve funds (fund balances) held by the district. [This draft was not introduced. If you are interested I can send you a copy. Please note that the way the "QEO" for schools was proposed in the draft was not correct and would have to be re-worked.]

• The WASB worked with the authors of Senate Bill430 in drafting this legislation, which: a) makes the selection of a health care coverage plan a prohibited subject of bargaining if the selected plan is the state's local government health insurance plan or a similar plan; and b) makes the selection of a health care insurance provider a prohibited subject of bargaining if the plan remains substantially the same as the previous plan. The WASB supported SB 430. No public hearing was held.

I hope this information is helpful. Aa always, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have/.

Dan Rossmiller

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Director of Government Relations Wisconsin Association of School Boards 122 W. Washington Avenue, Suite 400 Madison, WI 53703

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Monday, March 21, 2011 9:47 AM GOV DL All Staff

Subject: Morning News Brief 03.21.11

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Brief for Monday, March 21. 2011

News Summary:

• WCIJ: Walker was right- Public e-mails show 2 to 1 support for budget repair bill. • On eighth anniversary of Iraq War, President Obama engages Libya.

o US, coalition forces launch 114 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles on 20 Libyan sites in effort to topple Gadhafi's dictatorial reign.

• Recall efforts continue on both sides.

• Ellis, Cowles, Vos, and Nygren express public opposition to Governor's recycling proposals. • Newspapers analyze, comb through Governor's budget.

Governor Walker- Television Clips for March 18-20


Nation/World

Allies Press Libya Attacks Wall Street Journal The U.S. and its allies intensified air attacks against forces loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi on Sunday, keeping antiGadhafi rebels from being immediately overrun and bringing a reprieve to the increasingly desperate pro-democracy uprising.

Judge Blocks Union Law Wall Street Journal A Wisconsin circuit court judge put on hold Friday a new law that would curtail collective-bargaining rights for public unions, delaying for now the implementation of bitterly contested legislation that drew thousands of protesters and shut down the legislature.

In Wisconsin. the battle is 'far from over' USA Today

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NEW BERLIN, Wis.- Robert Bakic, owner of a car repair shop in Republican state Sen. Mary Lazich's district, admires her for voting in favor of legislation that ended limited collective bargaining for most public employees.

Wisconsin's health-care fight illustrates challenges as states change leadership Washington Post "What we don't have right now is the flexibility to say what's actually in the exchange," Walker said. "We will continue to push as far as we can."

'Civility' Was Always Dead Commentary- Wall Street Journal Blogress Ann Althouse, a university of Wisconsin law professor, is half of the husband-and-wife team that has done a better job than any journalist of reporting on the skirmish in Wisconsin over government union privileges.

Gov. Mitch Daniels takes a page out of Gov. Scott Walker's playbook The State Column "The speaker has bent over double backward to meet, really, unreasonable demands, and it's still not enough," Mr. Daniels told the Associated Press.

Cuomo and 'the Rich' Editorial- Wall Street Journal A Democrat who isn't raising taxes.

Milwaukee

Southeast counties take hard hit in Walker budget Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Southeastern Wisconsin communities would be hit harder than the rest of the state by $151.2 million in aid cuts to local governments in Gov. Scott Walker's proposed 2011-'13 budget, state figures show.

Four GOP lawmakers oppose Walker's plan to end recycling mandate Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Now the four Republicans say Walker is making a mistake. They include Senate President Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) and Robin Vas (R-Rochester,) co-chairman of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, which will hold hearings across the state on Walker's budget.

Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) also took issue with Walker.

Kapanke given toughest odds in recall election Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Dan Kapanke, a Republican from La Crosse with a strong Democratic tinge to his district, may be the state senator most vulnerable to being removed in a recall election, according to academics and other political observers.

Potential sale of state-owned plants on hold Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Officials are considering their options for the potential sale of state-owned utility plants after lawmakers didn't act on the matter when they approved the state budget-repair bill.

Environment proposals still need some work Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The governor's two-year budget isn't as bad as some feared for the environment. But some changes are needed.

E-mails to Walker show divide on union rights Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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Madison- Gov. Scott Walker's office Friday released tens of thousands of e-mails addressed to him from voters showing their sharply divided opinions about his union bargaining law.

Senator's girlfriend had help getting job Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Even though the state is supposedly broke, top officials in Gov. Scott Walker's team were able to scrape together enough money to give a state job to the woman identified as Sen. Randy Hopper's girlfriend.

1 officer shot deiid; another wounded Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Two Fond du Lac police officers were shot Sunday morning, one fatally, while responding to the home of a rhan who was firing a gun.

Let's restore a sense of balance by Tim Cullen- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel On Tuesday, we saw the first stirrings of restoring respect in the state Senate- the first attempt to put the Senate back together. It was a coincidence of progress.

To GOP: Trv again Editorial:... Milwaukee Journal Sentinel We now have a pretty good idea of what at least one judge thinks of the way Republicans handled the budget-repair bill last week: They probably handled it poorly, according to Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi.

GOP leaders don't plan new vote on budget-repair bill Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Republican legislative leaders have no plans to reconvene either the Senate or Assembly for the purpose of voting again on a bill that sharply limits collective bargaining for government employees.

Wirch recall efforts continue Racine Journal Times PLEASANT PRAIRIE- It's a race to see who can initiate a recall of state Sen. Robert Wirch first.

Where were the troopers? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Lead-footed drivers caught a break in recent weeks, compliments of the massive Capitol protests that forced scores of state troopers off the roads and to the Statehouse in Madison.

Madison

Analysis shows emails to Walker favored budget repair bill Wisconsin State Journal Gov. Scott Walker was right: The angry crowds in Madison didn't tell the whole story of how Wisconsinites felt.

Rep. Jennifer Shilling's statement welcome Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal Nothing less should be expected of our state leaders.

Turnover's not always negative Editorial- Beloit Daily News Rush to retirement may have some beneficial effects.

Study: Budget could hurt state's economy

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Wisconsin State Journal

Gov. Scott Walker's plans to balance the state budget by cutting spending and public workers' take-home pay will slow the state's economic recovery, according to projections by a UW-Madison economist. Calculating cost of state budget cuts Wisconsin State Journal Anne Armstrong figures she finally edged into the middle class last year- after decades of struggle -when she bought a 600-square-foot house in Omro for $43,000, her first.

Hold on union law won't smooth local contract negotiations Wisconsin Reporter

MADISON -State government could be mired in a series of legal battles during the coming weeks in addition to the ongoing disputes over Gov. Scott Walker's budget adjustment legislation.

Green Bay/ Appleton

Falls manufacturer Torginol expands with $2 million purchase of vacant Sheboygan plant Sheboygan Press

A Sheboygan Falls-based manufacturer is expanding in the City of Sheboygan with the $2 million purchase of a vacant pl.ant in a south-side business park.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker releases e-mails about union rights Associated Press- Green Bay Press-Gazette MADISON - In the days after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker announced plans to strip the state's public workers of nearly all their union bargaining rights, his office was flooded with a deluge of e-mail.

Republican Lawmakers Unhappy With Gov. Walker's Recycling Plan WTAQ Radio- Green Bay Senate President Mike Ellis of Neenah and fellow Senate Republican Rob Cowles of Green Bay both call it a big mistake and, "We had no idea it was coming."

Editorial: Union boycotts of businesses ill-advised, destined to fail Fond du Lac Reporter Union boycotts aimed at large and small businesses that supported Scott Walker's campaign for governor carry with them a vindictive undercurrent that will likely work against unions and their members.

Fond du Lac police officer killed in the line of duty Fond du Lac Reporter Fond du Lac is mourning one of its finest today and praying for the recovery of another after a gunman opened fire early Sunday morning, killing a police officer and critically injuring another. Editorial: Caution required before splitting up UW system Editorial- Oshkosh Northwestern

Much of the attention given to Gov. Scott Walker:s budget initiatives has been directed at the implications to K-12 education. That is understandable given the intensity that teacher's unions have directed toward limitations on collective bargaining and cuts in state aid to schools.

Wisconsin Democrats face uphill battle in repeal of Walker's budget repair law Sheboygan Press APPLETON- With the stroke of his pen, Gov. Scott Walker scored an unprecedented political victory last week that could take his opponents years to undo, and they may never amass the political power needed to accomplish that feat.

Editorial: Study casts doubts on deer herd mismanagement Green Bay Press-Gazette

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Data outlined in today's newspaper about Wisconsin's deer population raise doubt about the perception among some members of the outdoor community that the state long has mismanaged one of its greatest resources.


Our view: Walker appointees need to put people first La Crosse Tribune Wisconsin residents have long prided themselves on the openness and transparency of the government that serves them.

County needs to look out for the taxpayers by Bill Feehan -La Crosse Tribune Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill has drawn attention to a problem that has largely gone unnoticed: runaway spending in local governments.

La Crosse School District: Governor's numbers don't match ours on budget savings La Crosse Tribune Gov. Scott Walker's office last week released a budget analysis that shows his collective bargaining legislation will save the state's public school districts about $489 million, more than offsetting the cuts he proposes in his budget.

Wausau/Rhinelander

Analysis: Emails to Walker favored his proposals 2-1 Wausau Daily Herald Gov. Scott Walker was right: The angry cr~wds in Madison didn't tell the whole story of how Wisconsinites felt.

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Oling, Lane - GOV


Friday, January 07, 2011 8:32 AM Evenson, Tom - GOV

Subject: Morning News Update - 01/07/11

WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: GOVERNOR GETS TO WORK

Daily Headline Goal: Walker has a good, productive first week in office

Office of Governor Scott Walker- Morning News Update for January 7, 2011

News Summary:

• Nation's unemployment rate falls to 9.4 percent. • Commerce Department employees' jobs in question under the Governor's reorganization proposal. • Raw milk issues resurfaces.

Nation

The New Governors by David Von Drehle- TIME Formerly friendly Wisconsin has a new governor, Republican Scott Walker, who is promising to use "every legal means" to weaken the bargaining power of state workers- including decertification of the public employees' union.

Unemployment rate falls to 9.4 percent, hiring up by Christopher Rugaber- Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) --The nation's unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month, its lowest level in 19 months. That was because more people found jobs, but also because some people gave up on their job searches.

Repeal effort defines GOP House debut by Tom Curry- MSNBC Next week, the House, now under Republican rule, will vote to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) signed by President Barack Obama last March.

House GOP Challenges Obama on Debt Limit Associated Press, FOXNews.com WASHINGTON -- In power scarcely a day, House Republicans bluntly told the White House on Thursday its request to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt limit will require federal spending cuts to win their approval, laying down an early marker in a new era of divided government.

Milwaukee

Walker administration's top members at a glance by Patrick Marley- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -Among those who have taken top jobs with the administration of new Gov. Scott Walker is former Veterans Secretary John Scocos, who is suing the state to get his old job back. · Walker announced his cabinet secretaries before he took office Monday, and in the days since the names of other top officials in his administration have been released.

340 state workers face privatization by Jason Stein - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison- Some 340 Department of Commerce workers would no longer be state employees under a job creation proposal by Gov. Scott Walker to partly privatize the agency ... Walker's new commerce secretary, former Green Bay Mayor Paul Jadin, said he would be saving more details about employees' future to share with them at a meeting Monday. But, "I do believe that I'm going to be able to take care of a lot of those concerns on Monday," Jadin said.

1

Walker unveils new Wisconsin commerce plans by Rich Kirchen - Business Journal Walker said in an interview with The Business Journal Thursday afternoon that the new corporation would be "more effective and much more nimble" than the Department of Commerce in terms of encouraging employers from Wisconsin and other states to create jobs here.

Walker's plan good first step Editorial- Business Journal Our stance: The state Legislature should approve Walker's plan as part of his effort to jump-start the state's economy.

Raw milk issue could resurface in Legislature by Rick Barrett- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "The bill would need to contain the appropriate safeguards to protect public health and the integrity of our state's signature industry, while giving consumers the opportunity to purchase raw milk directly from farmers," the governor said in a statement.

Voucher supporters ask Walker to expand program by Erin Richards- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A group of more than 30 voucher-schoolleaders, religious leaders, community organizers and local politicians sent a position statement Thursday to Gov. Scott Walker and key Republican legislators, asking them to lift the cap on the number of students participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. The statement on the program, which allows low-income children in Milwaukee to attend private schools in the city on publicly funded vouchers, asks the new governor for equity in school funding for voucher students.

Madison

Questions abound as Walker lays out plan for new Commerce Dept. by Clay Barbour- Wisconsin State Journal Senator Fitzgerald: "At this point a lot of things are still up in the air," said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, RJuneau. "It's complex. It's massive. And the one thing we don't want to do is rush this. We have to make sure that we put this together correctly."

Representative Barca: "I generally support the concept," said Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha. "But we are going to have to be very deliberative. This has many implications, with millions of dollars of taxpayer money at stake. 11

Marty Biel, Exec. Dir. of the Wisconsin State Employees Union: "They cannot be displaced because their work has been contracted out," Beil said.

Scott Spector, government relations representative for AFT-Wisconsin, "A job is a job" he said. "Any sort of layoff does not move our state forward."

Vital Signs: Walker's health director advised states to drop Medicaid, fight feds reform by Shawn Doherty- The Capitol Times Not many people in Wisconsin seem to know much about Dennis G. Smith, Gov. Scott Walker's pick for secretary of the Department of Health Services. That's perhaps not surprising, since Smith lived and worked out of state at the time of his appointment.

Dreading the Scott Walker era by Ruth Conniff- Isthmus Over the next four years, we should hold the governor to his job-creation pledge and, as the Milwaukee protesters organized by Citizen Action proposed, demand to see exactly how many jobs are created for each of the governor's business tax rebate and deregulation policies.

Janesville lawmaker faces residency challenge by Andrew Beckett- Wisconsin Radio Network The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is filing a challenge against the residency of a state lawmaker from Janesville. State Representative Joe Knilans (R-Janesville) owns a home in the 45th Assembly District, even though he recently won a seat in the 44th District. Knilans says he's trying to sell his home, but until that happens, he's living in the basement of his brother's house that's within the district he represents.

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Green Bay/Appleton

Walker doesn't want state employees at new agency by Scott Bauer- Associated Press, Published in the Green Bay Press Gazette "It's pretty unfortunate that this governor wants to do this business always in the media," Beil said. "It's like he's asking for skirmishes all over."

New Wis. DNR leader promises to help businesses by Todd Richmond- Associated Press, Published in the Appleton Post Crescent · She [Stepp] said she wanted to establish a team that would contact any company considering moving to Wisconsin to help them navigate the DNR's permit process. She stressed that companies shouldn't assume that every permit will be approved, but promised the DNR would help them make decisions with a "positive attitude."

Inauguration song creates controversy by Beth Jones- WLUK-TV FOX 11, Green Bay Belling also noted Governor Walker's representatives said they were surprised and did "not clear" the song choice. Notre Dame's Choral director, Teresa Schmidt says the school did get approval from one of Governor Walker's aides.

Commentary: Early learning supports Walker's jobs goal by James Leonhart- Sheboygan Press Gov. Scott Walker has set an ambitious, achievable goal for his four-year term: the creation of 250,000 jobs in Wisconsin. Quality early child care and education- from birth to age 5- is critical to those efforts in several meaningful ways.


Our view: Walker should stand by $300 million goal Editorial- La Crosse Tribune If Walker's commission can identify and reduce enough waste, fraud and abuse to save taxpayers $300 million, we all benefit. But with all the specifics contained in Walker's order creating the commission, one specific is omitted: The goal of saving taxpayers $300 million per year. That's both puzzling and troubling.

New governor plans to make state more inviting for business by Judy Wiff- Hudson Star-Observer Walker predicted the policies of Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, will make that state less attractive to businesses while new policies here will make Wisconsin more inviting. The message, said Walker, will be "that Wisconsin is a better place to do business."

Wausau/Rhinelander

Schools anxiously await Walker's first state budget by Adam Wise- Wisconsin Rapids Tribune I'm very cautiously optimistic, and I don't think we have a choice, but we have to remain optimistic," said Nekoosa School District Superintendent Wayne Johnson. "I hope the balance between management and labor gets balanced out a little bit more fairly. I know we have issues with school funding, but I also realize he doesn't have any money (in the state budget)."

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Oling, Lane - GOV

From: Evenson, Tom - GOV Sent: Subject:

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 8:33AM Morning News Update 01/12/11

WEEKLY HEADLINE GOAL: FRUGALITY, FREEDOM, JOBS

Daily Headline Goal: Illinois legislature passes massive tax hike, Governor Walker declares "Escape to Wisconsin!"


News Summary:

• Governor Walker declares "Escape to Wisconsin!" • Governor Walker says that most commerce employees will work for the new entity, but not as state employees. • Tort reform debate takes center stage. • Governor Walker's Commission on Waste, Fraud, and Abuse met for the first time yesterday.

Nation

Walker says Wis. will benefit from Illinois' woes Associated Press- WAND-TV NBC 17 Springfield, Illinois Walker joked during a speech Tuesday at a Wisconsin Bankers Association meeting that he thought he was reading the satirical newspaper The Onion when he heard Illinois lawmakers were considering temporarily raising the personal income tax rate 75% to help balance its budget.

State

Lawmakers take testimony on lawsuit reforms by Andrew Beckett- Wisconsin Radio Network Bill Smith of the National Federation of Independent Businesses says the changes are needed to protect employers from having to constantly worry about defending themselves against those types of legal challenges. He says just one baseless lawsuit can be the end of a small business, putting people out of work.

Milwaukee (3)

Some fear liability limit bill protects drunken drivers in civil cases by Patrick Marley and Jason Stein - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "It would be virtually impossible to receive punitive damages in OWl cases," said Paul Jenkins, whose stepdaughter Jennifer Bukosky was killed in April2008 by intoxicated driver Mark M. Benson.

Walker bill tightens wind farm rules By Thomas Content Lee Bergquist and Patrick Marley- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A regulatory reform bill proposed Tuesday by Gov. Scott Walker would place new restrictions on wind development and calls for a special exemption for a Neenah-based businessman and contributor to Walker's gubernatorial campaign.

Wis. investments for state workers have solid 2010 Associated Press, Published in the Racine Journal Times The State of Wisconsin Investment Board says the two trust funds it runs for state employees had double-digit returns last year.

Madison (3)

Walker: Most Commerce employees will stay Associated Press, Published in the Wisconsin State Journal

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However, those who remain with the renamed Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will not be public employees.

Debate heats up over lawsuit reform bill by Mary Spicuzza - Wisconsin State Journal Democratic legislators, however, argued the state does not have significant problems with frivolous lawsuits and excessive litigation. Both Democrats and business interests have cited a study by the Pacific Research Institute, which favors tighter controls on lawsuits. That group ranked Wisconsin 35th for its laws and rules, but it did far better overall. It was No. 9, among the best in the country, for its overall lawsuit climate, following states like Alaska, North Carolina and Virginia.

Fed official sees steady economic growth, but lingering unemployment by Judy Newman - Wisconsin State Journal "Startup businesses and other young firms are a key source of employment growth in the early stages of recoveries," Kocherlakota said. "They are likely to find bank financing more challenging to obtain than usual."

Green Bay/Appleton (3)

Governor's Commission Looks at Saving State $300 Million by Marcie Kobriger- WBA Y-TV ABC 2, Green Bay "No assumptions will be made. Ultimately, this bipartisan commission serves all the taxpayers of the State of Wisconsin by reducing all the fraud, waste, and abuse in our state government," business owner and commission member Craig Rakowski said.

Lots of blame for redistricting mess Editorial- Sheboygan Press Last week, the Assembly Organization Committee, hired a law firm- at taxpayer expense- to develop a redistricting plan. At the same time, the committee rejected a request from Democrats to pay for a firm they would hire to draw the Assembly and Senate boundary lines.

GOP targets insurance changes for repeal by Scott Bauer- Associated Press, Published in the Appleton Post Crescent MADISON- Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature plan to introduce a bill today that would repeal most of the auto insurance coverage increases mandated by Democrats, which industry and state regulators blame for higher premiums.

La Crosse!Eau Claire (2)

Voter ID a burden, not a solution by Rep. Jennifer Shilling- La Crosse Tribune Students who don't have a Wisconsin driver's license with their current address, patients who are hospitalized and can't get to the DMV and senior citizens living in a nursing home or retirement community who no longer have a valid driver's license would be most at risk. Additionally, less than half of African American and Latino adults have an ID, and for young adults ages 18 to 24, that figure drops to 26 percent of African Americans and 34 percent of Latinos.

Walker says Wisconsin will aggressively court jobs Associated Press, Published in the Chippewa Herald "We're going to start sending a message, a slow but steady message, that we're lowering the tax burden," Walker said to the sold-out crowd.

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Oling, Lane - GOV

From: ·Evenson, Tom - GOV

Sent: To:

Monday, January 31, 2011 8:52AM Evenson, Tom - GOV

Subject: Morning News Update 01/31/11

Daily Headline Goal: Governor Walker signs relocation tax credit bill; budget numbers released ·


News Summary:

• Governor Walker's Special Session success continues. • State of the State Address will be given by Governor Walker tomorrow. • Issues getting attention: Voter ID, wind farm regulations, health care reform, 2/3 majority vote for tax increases,

job gains and losses across Wisconsin.



Nation/World

Egypt opposition calls for 1 million on streets by Maggie Michael and Hamza Hendawi CAIRO (AP)- A coalition of opposition groups called for a million people to take to Cairo's streets Tuesday to ratchet up pressure for President Hosni Mubarak to leave.

Unrest in Egypt Unsettles Global Markets by Nelson D. Schwartz- New Y01·k Times For investors, it is what is known as an exogenous event - a sudden political or economic jolt that cannot be predicted or modeled but sends shockwaves rippling through global markets.

States Let Private Sector Seal Deals by Conor Dougherty- Wall Street Journal "It's a matter of greater flexibility and the ability to act more like a chamber [of commerce] rather than a state agency," said Wisconsin's new Republican governor Scott Walker, adding that private groups are better equipped to create jobs and attract companies.

Walker creates Free Market Health Care Office, still looking for challenges to HCR by Bailey McCann - CivSource Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker continues to define his position on health care reform. On Friday, the Governor signed an executive order creating the office of Free Market Health Care. The office will be tasked with handling the state's response to new federal health care reform requirements.

Governors Prepare For State Of The State National Public Radio

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California's Jercy Brown and Wisconsin's Scott Walker deliver theirs this week. If you've heard any of the others so far, you might have noticed the theme.

Professor Cornpone Editorial- Wall Street Journal Ethanol lobbyist Newt Gingrich and us-and the future of the GOP.

Milwaukee

Walker can tout progress. but big challenges ahead by Jason Stein and Patrick Marley -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Madison -As Gov. Scott Walker makes his first "state of the state" speech Tuesday, he will look out at a friendly Legislature that has already helped him pass half of his opening agenda in a frenetic first month.

Talk is cheap; don't suppress state's votes Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo ID advocates say the measure isn't about voter suppression. We say: Prove it.

Health care reform may save state money by Guy Boulton -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin would save money because its BadgerCare Plus program, which provides health insurance to low-income families, has relatively broad eligibility. Under health care reform, the federal government would pay a larger share of the costs of that coverage.

Milwaukee County Board to consider use of rental car tax for bus system by Larry Sandler- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In his "state of the county" address last week, Acting Milwaukee County Executive Lee Holloway urged Gov. Scott Walker to authorize the county to double its sales tax, from 0.5% to 1%, and said he might seek to shift the RTA's rental car tax power to the county, to avoid further service cuts or fare increases for the county transit system.

MPS needs to make some hard decisions Editorial- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Superintendent Gregocy Thornton is eager to make changes, but he won't be successful unless the district's various constituencies cooperate.

Recession takes toll on Harley dealers by Rick Barrett- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Downshifting with the economy, 64 Harley-Davidson stores have closed in the United States in the last two years as sales 'fell and the world's largest maker of heavyweight motorcycles throttled back production.

Oshkosh to add up to 750 new jobs to fill military contracts by Rick Barrett- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bolstered by another huge militazy contract, Oshkosh Corp. said Friday it's adding 650 to 750 jobs to its already burgeoning workforce.

Banks remain under pressure to improve by Paul Gores -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel As the economy recovers slowly and the housing market thumps along the bottom, more Wisconsin banks are under pressure from regulators to deal with problem loans or take other steps to bolster their operations.

Madison

At state Supreme Court. conflict among the justices by Dee J. Hall- Wisconsin State Journal The Wisconsin Supreme Court -deeply divided over ethics complaints and charges of judicial bias against its own members - will meet in what could be two contentious open sessions next week.

State GOP starts 2011 in national spotlight by Mary Spicuzza- Wisconsin State Journal

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New Gov. Scott Walker began scoring political victories- and national media attention- by killing a passenger rail project and taking on state workers even before taking office Jan. 3. Less tban two weeks later, state GOP Chairman Reince Priebus took over leadership of the Republican National Committee.

Prosser appointed, given free pass Editorial- Wisconsin State Journal Voters didn't pick Prosser for the state's most prestigious court. Tommy Thompson did.

Bill making it harder to raise taxes up for vote Associated Press, Published in the Janesville Gazette MADISON-A bill that would make it harder for tbe Wisconsin Legislature to raise sales or income taxes could pass as soon as Wednesday.

Walker to cities, schools: Expect cuts and flexibility Associated Press, Published in the Beloit Daily News MADISON, Wis. (AP)- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker promised a gathering of Wisconsin's niayors and local leaders Friday tbat any cuts in state aid to their communities and school districts will be paired witb relief from pension and health care costs.

Reality check for Gov. Walker as he deals with the size of the state's deer herd by Patrick Durkin - Wisconsin State Journal If you voted for Gov. Scott Walker in hopes he'll put a 6-point buck under every deer stand on opening morning, you'll probably be disappointed in tbe years ahead.

A unanimous show of respect for two Walker nominees Editorial - The Capitol Times So it was appropriate that two of his ablest picks-- former state Rep. Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, who will head tbe Department of Administration, and former Green Bay Mayor Paul Jadin, who will head the Commerce Department-- both received unanimous approval from tbe state Senate.

Walker's 'Special Interest Session' Tab: $140 Million and Counting One Wisconsin Now "Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans have already hiked spending $140 million in their first two weeks," said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. "Not only have Gov. Walker and the Republicans hiked the deficit by $140 million, they have no way to show us the jobs our money is going to create."

Green Bay/Appleton

Area's need for Green Bay Packers remains year-round Editorial - Green Bay Press-Gazette Consider, for instance, that the Packers and iconic Lambeau Field are worth more tban $282 million a year to Brown County- including $124.3 million in wages - and $15.2 million in tax revenue, according to a survey released in September.

Walker's wind proposal hasty Editorial -Appleton Post Crescent That's why Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to change the rules about wind turbine siting is hasty and ill-considered.

Walker off to fast start. but this is a marathon. not a sprint Editorial- Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Walker's quiet victories are starting to pile up, and he has made good on his word to push business-friendly legislation through during the special legislative session he called for immediately after taking office on Jan. 3·

Health care. service jobs likely will see increase by Nathan Phelps - Green Bay Press-Gazette ALLOUEZ- Mike Watermolen, registered nurse at HomeCare Advantage's Puddington Station medical treatment foster home, enjoys his job, but he also feels confident in its future.

Law or no law. carbon monoxide detectors a good idea Editorial- Sheboygan Press Starting Tuesday, carbon monoxide detectors are mandated for all Wisconsin single-family and two family homes.

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La CrossejEau Claire

Wisconsin unions gird for cuts from Walker Associated Press, Published in the La Crosse Tribune MADISON, Wis.- Forcing concessions from state employees is a popular talking point for Gov. Scott Walker and one that likely will find a central place in his first State of the State speech on Tuesday.

We must take care of our veterans Editorial - La Crosse Tribune Oct. 7, 2001, and March 20, 2003. Two dates that represented starting points for which - as of yet- we have no end. They are the dates we entered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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