Wisconsin Republicans Pass Bill Without the AWOL Democrats

(USA Today March 10, 2011) On Wednesday evening March 9th, Republican senators in Wisconsin used a surprise procedural maneuver to swiftly pass a bill that made some adjustments concerning collective-bargaining rights from public employees.  A few weeks ago, Madison, Wisconsin erupted in protests from federal union workers over Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's proposal that teachers and federal workers contribute more to their own healthcare and pension costs.  The reason behind that is due to the fact that Wisconsin is in the red concerning debt.  It's necessary that there be cuts made in certain areas in order to balance the state's budget.

The Senate voted 18-1 without debate to approve the contentious bill, that is without all 14 Senate Democrats who remained out of state in an effort to stop the chamber from having enough members to vote.  The Senate requires a quorum to take up any measures that spend money.  Republicans made several technical changes to the legislation--taking out the spending measures but leaving in collective-bargaining changes--which eliminated the need for any Democrats to be present.  The tactical move set off waves of yelling inside the chamber, angry comments from Democrats and chants of "Shame on you!" outside the Capitol.  Where's the "Shame on you" comments towards those AWOL Democrats that decided to flee the state?  They have a duty to be present when it comes to votes, regardless how controversial they maybe.  They neglected their duty to be be present during the budget debate a few weeks ago.  That's shameful! 

Phil Neuenfeldt, president of the state AFL-CIO organization, accused Republicans of using the "nuclear option to ram through their bill."  Republican Governor Scott Walker said, "I applaud the Legislature's action today to stand up to the status quo."  Walker stated his collective bargaining bill was needed to reduce the state's $137 million budge shortfall.  His proposal touched off a national debate over union rights and prompted tens of thousands of demonstrators to converge on the Capitol for nearly three weeks of protests.  Some Democrats say this vote is a violation of the law, according to Democratic leader Peter Barca.  Barca said, "In 30 minutes, 18 state senators undid 50 years of civil rights in Wisconsin.  Their disrespect for the people of Wisconsin and their rights is an outrage that will never be forgotten." 

The measure that was voted on Wednesday would require government workers to contribute 10% more to pension and retirement benefits, a change union leaders said they would accept.  Labor groups opposed collective-bargaining rules that would limit negotiations for most workers to wages and prohibit deducting union dues from paychecks. 

It's very shameful how the 14 Senate Democrats neglected their duty to be present to vote on this budget bill.  There will be those that will try to paint this vote yesterday as a civil rights issue.  This issue has nothing to do with civil rights.  Common sense should tell you that when the state's budget is in the red, reductions must be made.  Asking government workers to contribute more to their pension and retirement benefits isn't unjust when you consider the state of the economy in Wisconsin.  The taxpayers fund the educational system in Wisconsin.  Many workers in the private sector are having to make sacrifices concerning their incomes.  Why is it such a hideous thing to ask federal workers in Wisconsin to make concessions?  It's due to the fact the unions are all about politics.  They donate money to Democrats.  It's all a power grab.  The Democrats want to remain in power and their donations come from the unions.  It's just that simple.