Capitol Roundup: Bringing the Budget Battle Home
A collection of coverage from Milwaukee Patch editors today.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson joins Democrats after the Assembly vote on Thursday.
Sarah Worthman
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Here's a wrapup of Patch's coverage of Thursday's flurry of activity at the state Capitol as the state Assembly gave final legislative approval to a bill that would eliminate most collective bargaining rights for public employees.
- Assembly Democrats cry "foul" after the GOP majority cuts off debate and approves the controversial legislation.
- Video reports from Jim Price, Sarah Worthman and Carl Engelking in Madison showed state lawmakers struggling to find a way into the Capitol, police in riot gear protecting an alternate entrance, and a quiet scene inside Assembly chambers just before the session began.
- State Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay) says she is disappointed with Tuesday's vote but that her party will "continue to fight."
- The Rev. Jesse Jackson explains why he came back to Madison on Thursday.
- State Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) called Madison a "dangerous place" for him to be today, and said he would stay away from the city, while state Sen. Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee) said he was among those who received a death threat.
- Gov. Scott Walker spoke at the Tommy G. Thompson Center in West Allis on Thursday.
- Elmbrook Schools Superintendent Matt Gibson sought to reassure teachers they would be involved in the shaping of future contracts, and extreme measures were not planned.
- Shorewood school and village officials contend the bill on whole will make their deficits worse, not better.
- Ozaukee County Tea Party members and Democrats have, not surprisingly, different views, while city officials just wait for more news.
If it's been hard to keep track of all that's happening, here's a timeline to help.
Keith Best
10:39 am on Friday, March 11, 2011
The grip on the neck of municipalities enjoyed by public employee unions has been loosened. The sun will still rise in the east and set in the west. Thanks to Governor Scott Walker for bold leadership to fix the fiscal mess left by Jim Doyle. Introducing the Budget Repair Bill is but a small step to what is truly needed. And thanks to most of the legislators who came to work despite attempts to bully, harass, and intimidate them. They are the true heroes, not those that cut and ran to Illinois. But that is what liberals do, especially when they don't get their own way.
Elaine Blonigen
1:00 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
I am offended that someone who calls himself a Reverend (namely Jesse Jackson) would take sides. He says he won't leave until workers voices are heard. So does he pray to God only for Government workers? We know he's taken a side so I'm assuming his prayers are only on the behalf of Government workers? Now that's what I call a SHAME! All of us taxpayers are workers.... Where's separation of church and state?
Larry Benson
1:39 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
Check out what the catholic church has to say about worker rights. You may be surprised at what religion has to say in favor of unions.
wwjd
1:47 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
Right, because the Catholic Church has always maintained the high moral ground.
Bob McBride
1:43 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
So Larry is it safe to assume you're in step with The Church's stance on abortion and birth control as well?
Elaine Blonigen
1:49 pm on Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh, I've already heard some of their opinions and must say I'm deeply disappointed. I don't know what kind of God they have but mine is full of love and forgiveness. I think he'd be disappointed to hear from those who are supposed to represent his voice. Again, God doesn't take sides. I know in my heart God will judge them accordingly...I won't. My prayers are that as we hear about the earthquakes and sunamis that it will put all this Wisconsin stuff in perspective. We have our lives and our jobs and just don't have a right to complain to our God but to pray fo his forgiveness.