The Way I See It!

Today's Questions & Podcasts

Posted by Randy Hollenbeck on Feb. 18, 2011

Wisconsin, Scott Walker

I am preempting the guest blog to ask some questions to the readers.

Is this what you expected from Scott Walker?

Do you think Scott Walker was being dishonest when he asked the out going legislatures to stop negotiating government union contracts?

Was it clear in the minds of people either for or against Scott Walker that before the election if he won that he would get rid of government unions?

Did Governor Scott Walker run on a platform of reigning in the greedy, overpaid unions and he is now making good on that campaign issue?

Are Democrats and Republicans held to the same standard and who makes the standard?  (Side in power or the minority)

Did you know:

It is a felony that the 14 Wisconsin State Senators are not reporting for work

It is illegal for teachers to strike in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is 1 of 26 states that has collective bargaining for Government Unions

Similar battle is also going on in Ohio and Indiana

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is taking on the teachers union in New Jersey

The population of Wisconsin on January 1st 2010 is approximately 5,714,588

Wisconsin has a projected deficit of $137 million in the current fiscal year and $3.6 billion in the next biennium

It noted that taxpayers:

•Spent $8 billion from 2001 to 2010 on state employee health care coverage, while those employees contributed $398 million.

•Spent about $12.6 billion on public employee pensions while the employees contributed $55.4 million.

•Paid nearly all of the employee portion of the public sector pension contributions.

Among other items, the governor pointed out public employees are vested in the retirement system right away, while in neighboring states such as Minnesota it takes three years and in Michigan and Indiana it takes 10 years.

What bothers you the most from the Republicans actions?

The limiting of collective bargaining rights

The requirement of government workers to contribute 5.8% of their pay to pensions

The requirement of government workers to pay 12.6% of the cost of health-care premium plan

The process and speed at which Governor Walker asked for this to be done in

What bothers you the most from the Democrats/Union workers and leaders actions?

MATC and MPS quickly and quietly getting contracts pushed through

The students at the protest when they should have been in class

The closing of schools to protest in Madison

The 14 Wisconsin State Senators leaving the state

The Protesters with Adolf Hitler signs that read "Scott Mubarek [sic]: Get Out," or a poster with a target over Walker's head, demanding, "Reload: Repeal Walker."

Podcasts –

You have listened to the left leaning Main Stream Media, so try the other side what do you have to lose besides some time?

Jay Weber

Feb. 18: State Senate Democrats continue to hide out to avoid a vote on Scott Walker's budget fix bill.

Feb. 18: Part 2 - State Senate Democrats continue to hide out to avoid a vote on Scott Walker's budget fix bill.

Feb. 18: Day 3 of the teachers sick-out.  Also, Senate majority-leader Scott Fitzgerald chats with Jay.

Feb. 18: Protestors at the Capitol are getting nasty.  More reaction from callers on Walker's plan.

Feb. 18: Scott Walker chats with Jay about the walkout by Senate Democrats and the next steps for his budget fix bill.

Feb. 18: More reaction from listeners on Walker's plan for state employees.

Vicki McKenna

Feb. 18: Reaction to Scott Walker's repair bill.

Feb. 18: Reaction to Scott Walker's repair bill part2.

Feb. 18: Reaction to Scott Walker's repair bill part3.

Feb. 18: Reaction to Scott Walker's repair bill part4.

Mark Belling

Mark Belling Hr 1 Pt 1 2-18-11

Mark Belling Hr 1 Pt 2 2-18-11

Mark Belling Hr 2 Pt 1 2-18-11

Mark Belling Hr 2 Pt 2 2-18-11

Mark Belling Hr 3 Pt 1 2-18-11

Mark Belling Hr 3 Pt 2 2-18-11