The Way I See It!

Sound Familiar?

Posted by Randy Hollenbeck on Feb. 27, 2011

Wisconsin

Any of these ring bells or sound familiar???

September 22, 2010

“Just like Scott Walker, I believe that it’s high time our elected officials were held accountable to the taxpayers,” said Kleefisch.  “If I’m elected lieutenant governor, I will join the Walkers in paying my share towards my own retirement, because I believe everyone should pay their own way, including me.  At a time when families across Wisconsin are hurting, it’s unacceptable that taxpayers are currently footing the full bill for state employee pensions.  I applaud Scott’s plan that asks each government employee and our elected officials to contribute their fair share, saving nearly $180 million a year.  The only way we’re going to get spending under control is to fundamentally change the way we govern, enacting long-term solutions that reduce the cost of government.  And that change starts with us.”

During her campaign for lieutenant governor, Kleefisch also proposed a plan to help reign in government spending by having state employees contribute to their pensions.

FACTS:

•       Unlike those in the private sector, the vast majority of state employees contribute nothing towards their retirement.

•       State employees receive a pension contribution each year paid for by taxpayers equal to 11% of their salary.

•       Currently, taxpayers typically pay for the 5% employee portion of their state employee retirement benefits AND the 6% employer portion.

•       All fringe-benefit costs for state workers average 43% of their salaries.

•       Out of control spending and a $2.7 billion budget hole will require bold, aggressive steps to balance the budget without raising taxes.  One time cuts are not enough.

•       Any budget plan that does not address reasonable changes to employee compensation, benefits and pension is at best, tinkering around the edges of true reform.

•       A study from February by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute found that the state’s contribution its employee pensions is between 10.55% and 13.3% of its payroll – significantly higher than the private sector average of 5.3%.

•       According to 2008 census data, the average pay for public employees in Wisconsin is $49,760 per year, compared to the median salary for all workers of $31,578.

•       Walker’s plan will save taxpayers nearly $180 million per year and $1.8 billion over the next ten years based on an analysis by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

•       A fundamental part of Scott’s plan to bring 250,000 jobs to Wisconsin is to lower the tax burden on all families, and the only way to get there is through significant reforms.

http://www.scottwalker.org/press-release/2010/09/kleefisch-%E2%80%9Cjust-scott-walker-i%E2%80%99ll-pay-my-share-my-pension-because-everyone-sho