Assembly Passes Bill That Restricts Collective Bargaining
Controversial measure approved on party-line vote despite protests from public, Democrats.
Photos
Videos
Madison – After three hours of debate, the Republican-controlled state Assembly Thursday passed the new, stripped-down version of the Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill by a 53-42 vote, and then immediately adjourned.
Members of the public in the galleries, who had been mostly quiet throughout the debate on the measure, erupted in anger, once again shouting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” at the backs of Republicans as they calmly left the chambers.
Democrats remained, some joining in the chants and some shouting out the numbers of Assembly rules they believed had been ignored or vacated.
When it came, the vote happened so fast that many in the Assembly chambers were not even aware that it had taken place until Democrats began leaping to their feet and shouting "No! No!"
The measure approved by the Assembly will eliminate most collective bargaining rights for public employees. It also will require them to pay more toward pension and health care costs.
Pandemonium reigned outside the chambers as news of the vote spread in an instant. Cordons of police officers three deep kept back protesters from the second floor of the West Wing, where the chambers are located.
But the rest of the Capitol was packed with people, and the thunder of angry voices was deafening.
Thousands of people screamed "Shame!" and "Who's house? Our house!" and other slogans throughout the proceedings, then redoubled their volume once the vote was taken.
The noise was so deafening that two dozen officers who held back the group all were wearing earplugs. One protester had a bullhorn while drums were beating to the chants of the protesters.
Most Republican lawmakers quickly left the Capitol after the vote.
Democrats outraged by actions
“We weren’t surprised at what happened, and we continue to be disappointed,” said Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay). “They seem to have no conscience or sense of what rightness is – listening to democracy and the voice of the minority.
“It’s been just trounced over and over again.”
Pasch said Republicans in procedure had violated Assembly Rule 71, which specifies how the speaker can end debate. A motion is needed to end debate; 15 members must second the motion; then there is a roll call vote. None of that occurred before the call for vote, Pasch said.
“They just ignored that, and they just rushed that vote through,” Pasch said. “We’ve heard the speaker pro tem say before that he could do whatever he wants. I find that just unmitigated arrogance.”
Pasch was one of more than 20 Democrats in the queue still waiting to speak when the vote took place.
GOP lawmaker says changes are overdue
Republicans were not available for comment after the vote, but Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) quickly issued a statement of the party’s position.
“This bill makes critical changes to government employee pension and health insurance contributions, as well as important collective bargaining changes,” said Knodl, whose district includes Menomonee Falls. “I understand the need that a lot of unionized public employees feel for collective bargaining, but the union bosses have gotten so out of control that the benefits being bargained for – and the grievances and lawsuits that have resulted – are absolutely outrageous and are coming at the expense of K-12 education in Wisconsin. That is unacceptable.”
The Assembly had convened at about 12:30 p.m. – about an hour and a half after it was scheduled to – and after the usual prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance the house was greeted with its first motion: that the Rev. Jesse Jackson be allowed to say an additional prayer.
After a brief procedural debate, the motion passed and Jackson did deliver his prayer, but only after asking lawmakers to join hands across their aisles. They did, and it was perhaps the last moment of unity the body would see for the duration of the session.
Barca attempts to oust speaker
As the session officially opened for introduction of business, Democratic Rep. Peter Barca, the minority leader, immediately called for a motion to remove Republican Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald for violations of the law and house rules. An acrimonious debate followed for the next 90 minutes before the motion was defeated along party lines.
The Republicans were "cheating the people of Wisconsin of their democracy," Barca declared. "This is a mockery of our democracy!"
Barca accused the majority party of cutting off access to the Capitol to the people and of curtailing debate on the budget repair bill by adopting the new Senate version without discussion.
But Fitzgerald countered that there had been plenty of debate and discussion on the measure.
"There's not a person in this country who doesn't know what's in this bill," he said. "In 61 hours of debate, I did not see one amendment that was going to balance the budget. The light of day has been shown on this bill. It's been three weeks.
"This bill will be voted on in the light of day. And it will pass."
Heated debate on the measure
Tamara Grigsby (D-18th) said that she had for the first time since the debate began three weeks ago, she was moved to tears by the sight of people being forcibly removed from the Capitol.
"You have disgraced this body time and time and time again, and it is hard to watch it without getting emotional,” she scolded Republicans.
“You will disgrace the entire state of Wisconsin," she said. "The entire world is watching you. The entire world is watching you today."
Robin Vos (R-63rd) offered a conciliatory tone, saying that he believed the Democrats across the aisle to his right were as honest and firm in their convictions and beliefs as were Republicans.
But he was unmoved by the Democrats' accusations of unfairness, insisting that it was the Republicans who were being fair to the public by forcing the issue of adopting a balanced budget
"We will show to the people of Wisconsin and the people of our country that we are not afraid to do what it takes," he said.
Protests started early Thursday
Before the doors of the Capitol were opened Thursday, two angry groups vented their frustrations in loud fashion, a large and growing crowd outside and a smaller but even more furious one inside.
These were the protesters who had spent the night in the building, refusing an order to vacate. Police allowed them to stay, but as members of the Assembly began to gather, the crowd of protesters moved from the Rotunda to the entrance to the Assembly chambers and did their best to block it.
Screaming “Shame, shame, shame!” at Republican representatives, the group did effectively slow down the vote, but only for a short time. Police officers began to remove them by force at about the same time the Capitol doors were opened.
Earlier in the day, all entry to the Capitol through its main doors was barred. Even Madison Police Chief Noble Wray was denied entry to the building.
Knodl was turned away and told he would have to enter through a tunnel leading under Capitol Square from the nearby Risser Building.
Knodl escorted three Patch editors through the heavy security at the Risser entrance, saying they were temporarily attached to his staff. Along with aides, the group was finally escorted by police through the tunnel and into the Capitol.
The convening of the Assembly was postponed until noon, and by 11:30 a.m. most representatives had made their way into the chambers.
lavelle
3:04 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
its about time the cops acted!!
Heather in Caledonia
4:06 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Maybe the headline should read "Assembly Passes Bill That Restricts Bargaining Privileges". They will still the ability to bargain for pay... which is more than federal union employees have, I believe. As for union bargaining being a "right", I'm not really clear on that.
Kathryn Ameringer
4:19 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
"Rights" are afforded by the Constitution and neither the State Constitution nor the American Constitution is there any mention of collective bargaining. The term was coined by the labor unions and is incorrect, because collective bargaining is acutally a privilege and not a right.
Mr. Conservative
5:06 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Heather, the author has an obvious liberal slant, just look at the line "After three hours of debate, the Wisconsin State Assembly today passed the new, stripped down version of the so-called budget repair bill on a voice vote counted at 53-42, divided along party lines, and immediately adjourned."
SO CALLED budget repair bill, nice journalism Mr. Price
Heather in Caledonia
5:45 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
FC, nice catch. I missed that one. :)
LPatten
7:40 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Fiscal Conservative, I know you're being sarcastic when you say "nice journalism." I'm being serious when I compliment the author. It's a so-called budget repair bill because the actual names of the bills are something like the January 2011 Special Session Senate Bill and the January 2011 Special Session Assembly Bill. I can't remember the exact names but they're long and no one really refers to them that way. So it's a so-called budget repair bill.
As far as the author's decision to refer to the bill as a stripped down version probably refers to Walker's statement that appropriation measures were removed from the bill which is what allowed the Senate to approve it yesterday. So it's stripped down.
Obviously, this is an emotionally charged issue and many people are angry and fearful, and some are embarrassed by the behavior of their elected officials. Others are happy and eager to gloat. In all, it's a difficult topic to report on without people criticizing, given each of us has an opinion and many assume that journalists are slanted -- some say to the left, others say to the right. All in all, I think Jim Price did an excellent job describing a scene that I could not witness in person, and to provide us context for this historic moment.
Mr. Conservative
7:55 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
LPatten, gotta disagree with you on this. I never in my life have seen a jounalist use this term and it's a poor choice considering it's usual use, ie "my so-called freinds" or "A so-called activist". This term is generally used to describe something that's not what it appears to be. Why not use "Oft referred to as" or "Commonly called" neither of which have the negative connotation of "So-called". Also, you'll notice the author has now changed that part of the story,LOL.
LPatten
8:02 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Fiscal, thanks for sharing your point of view. The "so-called" phrase just didn't hit me the same way it hit you. Fair enough. Yes, "commonly-called" is probably less charged. But in any event, it certainly didn't hit me as a liberally slanted comment. I believe there are plenty of fair-minded journalists out there and I didn't want this guy to get accused unfairly. There's just so much finger pointing going on right now. Interesting that the author removed the phrase -- perhaps he didn't want others labeling him either. :)
Heather in Caledonia
8:35 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thank you for taking our suggestions on some of the wording in the article. I know this is a "hot" issue and it's often hard to report without using words that show bias in one direction or another. Just some constructive ideas to help to keep reporting as far from commentary as possible. That's what the comment section is for. :)
val
4:13 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
There are quite a few off duty cops among the protesters Wednesday night supposedly causing a 'security breech'; I asked the officer at the door if I could enter, they she said yes, I stayed until 1:30am and no law enforcement asked me to leave. The Governor has made enemies of almost every law enforcing body in the state, the Dane county Sheriff removed his people last week because he felt they were being used as "palace guards". Walker is using police to intimidate protesters with searches and metal detectors. He is lying to law enforcement at the capitol, especially the head of the capitol police Charlie Tubbs. Tubbs is a decent guy, and I am sure that he is frustrated with the tactics being used by the DOA. The protesters have repeatedly been denied entry to the capitol despite repeated court orders granting them access. After so much difficulty maintaining access, and so many lies from the Gov, is it any wonder that these protesters are sitting in? Walker is a rotten liar, and the people of Wisconsin are angry.
also, for some reason many of the cops patrolling the capitol are Game Wardens from the DNR.
lavelle
4:21 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
its time for the paid prosters and the union thugs to go back to nobama... the gravy train is derailed
m smolrum
5:40 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
There is no gravy train. Nor am I a "paid protestor" or a "union thug". Just a teacher trying to support her family-retain dignity and do a good job. I have a master's degree in Education what should I make? 10,000 year? You don't value children or education do you?
Bob McBride
7:05 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
m smoirum, you should be paid what the market will bear for someone of your education and job performance. Unfortunately, we have no idea what that would be, since you're paid via a contract that allows only for educational level (in part) and time served in determining your compensation. Currently, it doesn't matter if you're exceptional, average or below average in terms of your actually performance as a teacher. So there's no real way of determining what you should be paid.
Could be that you're currently underpaid - or not. Now that things have changed and the collective bargaining agreement has been altered, perhaps we'll get a bit closer to an accurate figure.
Doing away with collective bargaining altogether would probably provide the best measure and assure that people aren't entering a field and flooding it with an oversupply of potential competitors for your position based on false assumptions about achievable compensation. Which would mean you'd become even more valuable and possibly, via negotiating your own deal, make more than you are now.
LPatten
7:52 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I have an idea. How about we use Patch to keep debates civil and actually exchange points of view productively. How about we don't use the word "thug" or "idiot" or anything even close to the names we were taught not to say way back when we were kids. I'd like to keep Patch a place where I can learn more about different points of view. Of course we won't all agree. But can we at least give decency a shot here?
val
4:20 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
The bill severely restricted collective bargaining rights, but it also contained every piece of the "budget repair bill" that was not exclusively money.....The full text of it was not available last time I checked, but it is supposed to also include things like no bid contracts to sell state owned power plants, restricting the DNR so they no longer had jurisdiction over wetlands owned by corporations, not requiring health insurers to cover birth control, and lots of other things that to me, at least, seem more about promoting a radical libertarian agenda than balancing a budget.
Bewildered
4:43 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Questions:
1) Why are unions against making membership voluntary?
2) Why wont teachers consider the comparable State health plan vs. the teachers' union Healthcare company that is a profit generator for the unions? The teachers' healthcare insurance company has a 20% premium over the state plan, which is paid for by taxpayers. Collective bargining by school boards has never been able to get teachers to even consider such a major cost saving move. By doing so, millions would be freed up to offset loss of stae (taxpayers) aid to schoo.l HMMM never hear about this, do w?.
3) Why are the Kochs villafied when George Soros gives much more to Moveon.org and the left? Why doesn't anyone recognize the Kochs for the millions they donate to fight cancer (far far more than they give to the right)?
4) Why can't union members designate which party gets their political dues?
5) Why does the state head of the teachers union have a salary far larger the any elected official?
6) Why can't MPS teachers live on a combined salary/benefits of $100M plus. And be able to supplement income during the summer months? Does anyone realy think there aren't laidoff teachers right now that would gladly takes these jobs. Why do 100s of qualified teachers apply for every single open position.
7) Why isn't anyone talking about the conflict between Barrett and police/firefighters? Did not anyone see the police paid ad in the journal slamming the city government (i'e' Democratic)?
lavelle
4:51 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
WOW who are you ??? you make too much cents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lavelle
4:57 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
soros is protected by the idiot in D.C.
Bewildered
4:44 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
8) What type of message do teachers send to students when they falsely call in sick,use false dr. excuses, remain quiet about the Walker/Hitler references (includuing by Sen. Taylor), allign themselves with protesters that issue serious death threats (see todays news) and claim they can't afford increased (or any) benefit contributions, esp. when umemploymnet is close to 10). This is not the role model I want my kids to look up to. Sure its just a few radicals, but where's the outrage againt such conduct,
9) Why are the two recall workers who came to my house from IL. (I asked) and could not list two other politicans besides Darling. One admitted he was unemployed and doing it for $ Hmmm. Is this "what democracy looks like?
10) How come the left doesn't mention the Democratic controled body rushing Doyle's massive tax increasewithin 24 hours during the last budget? Double standards maybe. Lets see, 24 hrw. vs. 23 days or 60 plus hours. Does anyone really this the left had an agenda other than delay a bill they and the unions didn't want And this is democracy?
By the way, typing errors due to using Iphone. Before I get attacked for spelling or grammer, you should know I have a graduate degree from a top 5 university, 30 years experience in major corporate Ameruca and extensive firsthand experience with Public collective bargining Also have kids currently in school system. my wife is a teacher who supports my opions. I guess I am not qualified to comment, huh?
lavelle
4:52 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
you also make cents!!!!
Kathryn Ameringer
4:55 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Very well thought out statement and I completely agree. Thank you for taking the time to let your voice be heard.
lavelle
5:00 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
IF the coservatives/Republicans were doing this the lame stream media, the dems the unions ,msnbcw and nobama would be all over this... how nasty, how un- american, how bad these people are..... dual standards..etc
m smolrum
10:06 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I'd just like to point out that cents refers to money and sense refers to understanding...
lavelle
10:55 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
thanks teach for the grade...
i did not put in the quotation marks 'cause i thought most people would get it..
next time you are in your lexicon look up "pun"
Bewildered
5:19 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
One more question:
Why is Walker slammed for "giving tax breaks to outstate corporations" when, if one reads the bill, it clearly states to qualify for a tax break, a company must bring business to the state and create 51% of its new jobs for state residents? This sure sounds like a policy to create new jobs. Help me understand why this is bad (and pls. read the bill before responding). Just wondering?
Interested
5:43 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Applaud the assembly for passing this bill. It took a great deal of courage to take this stand. IMHO leaving the state to avoid the debate was cowardly and less than your constituents deserve. In a democracy, sometimes you lose. You still have to go through the process, and let the majority rule.
Barb
6:06 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Denied access to the bulding, I saw thousands acting like animals getting in the building and then staying. I used to care about the other side, now I could care less. They think they are right and collecting bargaining is a right. Well, I am in the majority when I say you have ruined the financial outlook of this state with your demands and your whining all these years. Be an example to your own by going home and now living within our means. Yes I said within our means. I pay for your "right" to have these cadillac plans. It's not like you are being stripped of the pay you already earn. But there is a top to how much a "Masters Degree" can earn without having no money left in the coffers. Grow up. All that you have complained about Reid and Pelosi did in Washington last year but I didn't hear you people complaining then when I was being railroaded. Stop robbing us and stop trashing the capitol. I end up paying for your mess again!
RDub
6:39 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzn9quUfVec
Mr. Conservative
8:13 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
RDub, that was hilarious
Mark S
7:24 am on Friday, March 11, 2011
THAT WAS AWESOME! GREAT WORK!!
I loved the line when the teacher says 'don't worry our contract is good for another two years' LMAO!
Jerry Bean
8:35 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
This state is doomed with these people in charge. Now that Scooter and his ilk are trying to turn this state into Veitnam with snow, why in the world would young talented people stay here?
Flash
8:47 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Jerry Bean you are welcome to leave anytime. One less whiner won't be missed at the trough.
m smolrum
10:09 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I am seriously looking at other places to live Flash and I will base my decision on sound economics and research not whimsy or anger.
Mark S
7:25 am on Friday, March 11, 2011
Great! Flash we now have 2 gone, another 599,998 to go!
Russetwil
8:37 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
"Appearing on Fox News, Wisconsin Sen. Majority Leader, Scott Fitzgerald had this to say-
If we win this battle, and the money is not there under the auspices of the unions, certainly what you’re going to find is President Obama is going to have a much difficult, much more difficult time getting elected and winning the state of Wisconsin."
Rick Ungar of Forbes:
http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2011/03/10/wisconsin-gop-leader-admits-the-truth-its-all-about-obama/
They are not even trying to hide it now
Flash
8:50 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Since Obama has already admitted he wasn't born in Hawaii and obviously was never qualified to hold the office of President of the United States in the first place, please tell me WHEN someone will get a set of testicles and have him removed from office and certainly removed as a potential Democratic candidate for re-election to the fraud he has been perpetrating on the American people, bought and paid for by George Soros?!
Russetwil
8:53 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
I repeat, scott walker out in a year and repub senators asap
power to the people.
Mark S
7:35 am on Friday, March 11, 2011
I love that power to the people thing. I am assuming the only 'people' your are referring to are the people that agree with you?!
Russetwil
8:54 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
This whole Wisconsin fiasco is about getting Obama out of office, at our expense.
Stupidity.
Jerry Bean
10:07 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Flash, I'm working on it right now and so are all the people with half a brain in this state. Walker killed the state. He sold us all out and his 16 weeks of college education has shown greatly.
Bewildered
10:13 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
a question to ask your local teachers bargining unit:
Why do teacher unions insist on remaing with the teacher union health insurance plan when moving to the comparable State health plan (that most, if not all, other state union members are enrolled in) would save your school district hundred of thousand if not millions?
*Fact, teacher health plan is 20% more expensive than the comparable State plan.
*Fact, almost all other state unions use the state plan
*Fact, for years school boards have tried to collectively bargin this cost saving move to the state plan, only to be denied by the teachers union.
*Fact, the teacher union makes a large profit using its own insurance plan
*Fact, the total cost savings for such a move would eliminate most, if not all, of the lost state budget loss.
* If teachers agree to paying 12% health contribution (by the way, not one local union barging unit has formaly come out with such a statement), by switching to State plan will be cheaper for teachers (less expensive plan, lower % contributions)
Opinion (mine)
If teachers in the past had agreed to this move, Walker would have been far less likely to end collective barging.
Teachers union have a vested (dare I say uinethical) reason to keep members in own plan. More money, beyond dues, for union.
While you are asking, find out why unions insist membership (with dues) IS NOT VOLUNTARY?
Reply
Mike
10:25 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Anyone bold enough to respond to the points made by McBride, Bewildered, Kathryn, Heather and Fiscal Conservative in a constructive manner ? good luck.
Mark S
7:31 am on Friday, March 11, 2011
Key words..... CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER
farmer
10:59 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Scott- Mr. Koch on the line - you know - the money guy who is taking you on vacation! Let us just refer to this as O'Scottycare.
Elaine Blonigen
4:38 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
To all Patch Commentators: Please get on your knees and give God thanks for living in a country and state where you have freedom. Give thanks you are not in Japan right now. Ask forgiveness for all the name calling and death threats. God doesn't take sides so pray he gives you decency and removes the anger. We all live here and if anyone of these Union protesters or Conservatives needed my hand in a time of need, I would reach out my hands of help to any of them. Right now, they all have jobs and they live with the freedoms granted through our constitution. It's time to move on....nobody died (yet) and let's pray no one does. Get over it and be grateful for what we have.
LPatten
4:44 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
Elaine, I completely agree. I've been thinking similar things and I'm grateful you took the time to write them here.