Politics
Wisconsin Erupts Ground Zero for National Movements

Wisconsin Erupts Ground Zero for National Movements

Madison, Wisconsin — nicknamed “Madtown” — launched the fight between government-union workers who want to continue the status quo, and taxpayers concerned over debt. ...
Alex Newman

A coalition of government-union members, socialists, and other protesters — some of whom were bussed in from out of state — raucously invaded Madison, Wisconsin, beginning on February 16, to demonstrate against a budget bill backed by Republican Governor Scott Walker.

The legislation that sparked the outrage, dubbed the “budget repair bill” by Gov. Walker and his supporters, would make an effort at closing a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit facing the state. In addition to requiring that government employees pay more toward their generous health and pension benefits, the bill would limit the ability of most state-worker unions to collectively bargain on matters ranging from working conditions to benefit packages.

Public-sector unions could still negotiate for higher pay, but only up to the federal government’s Consumer Price Index measure of inflation. After that, a referendum would be required to approve an increase. Also, most government unions would no longer be able to force workers to pay dues. A yearly vote would be taken to decide if the workers wish to continue allowing their unions to represent them.

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