Page 1 of4

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 7:45 AM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: ICYMI Washington Post: Obama joins Wisconsin's budget battle, opposing Republican anti-union
biil

Obama joins Wisconsin's budget battle, opposing Republican

anti-union bill
By Brady Dennis and Peter Wallsten
Washington-Post Staff Writers
Friday, February 18, 2011; AOl

MADISON, WIS. - President Obamathrust himself and his political operationthis week into
Wisconsin's broilingbudget battle, mobilizing opposition Thursdayto a Republicanbill that would curb
public-worker benefits while planning similar action in other state capitals.

Obama accused Scott Walker, the state's new Republican governor, of unleashing an "assault" on unions
in pushing emergency legislationthat would nullify collective-bargaining agreements that affect most
public employees, includingteachers.

The president's political machineworked in close coordinationThursday with state and national union
officialsto mobilizethousands of protestersto gather in Madison and to plan similar demonstrations in
other state capitals. .

Their efforts began to spread, as thousands of labor supporters turned out for a hearing in Columbus,
Ohio, to protest a measure from Gov. John Kasich (R) that would cut collective-bargaining rights.

By the end of the day, DemocraticParty officials were working to organize additional demonstrations in
Ohio and Indiana, where an effort is underway to trim benefits for public workers. Some union activists
predicted similar protests in Missouri,New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Under Walker'splan, most public workers - excluding police, firefighters and state troopers - would
have to pay half of their pension costs and at least 12 percent of their health-care costs. They would lose
bargainingrights for anything other than pay. Walker, who took office last month, says the emergency
measure is needed" to save $300 million over the next two years to help close a $3.6 billion budget gap.

"Some of what I've heard coming out of Wisconsin, where they're just making it harder for public
employeesto collectively bargain generally, seems like more of an assault on-unions," Obama told a
Milwaukeetelevisionreporter, taking the unusual step of inviting a local station into the White House
for a sit-down interview. "I think everybody's got to make some adjustments, but I think it's also
important to recognizethat public employeesmake enormous contributionsto our states and our
citizens."

The White House political operation, Organizingfor America, got involved Monday, after Democratic
National CommitteeChairman Timothy M. Kaine, a former Virginia governor, spoke to union leaders in

3/25/2011
 Page 20f4

Madison, a party official said.

The group made phone calls, distributed messages via Twitter and Facebook, and sent e-mails to its state
and national lists to try to build crowds for rallies Wednesday and Thursday, a party official said.

National Republican leaders, who have praised efforts similar to Walker's, leapt to his defense.

House Speaker John A. Boehner (Ohio) issued a stern rebuke ofthe White House, calling on Obama to
wave off his political operation and stop criticizing the governor.

"This is not the way you begin an 'adult conversation' in America about solutions to the fiscal challenges
that are destroying jobs in our country," Boehner said in a statement, alluding to the president's call for
civility in budget talks. "Rather than shouting down those in office who speak honestly about the
challenges we face, the president and his advisers should lead. ",

Unsustainable costs

The battle in the states underscores the deep philosophical and political divisions between Obama and
Republicans over how to control spending and who should bear the costs.

By aligning himself closely with unions, Obama is siding with a core piece of the Democratic Party base
- but one that has chafed in recent weeks as the president has sought to rebuild his image among centrist
voters by reaching out to business leaders. .

Republicans see a chance to show that they're willing to make the tough choices to cut spending and to
challenge the power ofpublic-sector unions, which are the largest element of the labor movement and
regularly raise tens of millions of dollars for Democratic campaigns. '

Governors in both parties are slashing once-untouchable programs, including those covering education,
health care for the poor and aid to local governments. Some states, such as Illinois, have passed major
tax increases.

States face a collective budget deficit of $175 billion through 2013. Many experts say state tax revenue
will not fully recover until the nation returns to :full employment, which is not likely for several years.

Beyond their short-term fiscal problems, many states face pension and retiree health-care costs that
some analysts say are unsustainable. Some states already are curtailing retirement benefits for new
employees, although many analysts say it will take much more to bring their long-term obligations in
line.

The huge debt burdens coupled with the impending termination of federal stimulus aid later this year
have spurred talk of the need for a federal bailout. The White House has dismissed such speculation,
saying states have the wherewithal to raise taxes, cut programs and renegotiate employee contracts to
balance their books.

No-shows

In Wisconsin, Democratic senators were able to block the bill's passage Thursday by not showing up for
an 11 a.m. quorum calL Republicans hold a 19 to 14 edge in the Senate, but 20 votes are required for
final passage.

3/25/2011
 Page 3 of4

"I don't know exactly where they are, but as I understand it, they're somewhere in Illinois," said Mike
Browne, spokesman for Mark Miller, the state Senate's Democratic leader.

Democratic legislators in Texas employed a similar tactic in 2003 to try to stop a controversial
redistricting plan that gave Republicans more seats in Congress. It passed a couple of months later.

The organized protest at the state Capitol drew an estimated 25,000 people, and long after the quorum
call, thousands remained on the grounds, from children in strollers to old ladies in wheelchairs.

. Inside the Capitol, the scene late Thursday night was part rock concert, part World Cup match, part high
school pep rally and part massive slumber party.

The smell of sweat and pizza drifted through the building's marbled halls. A drum circle formed inside
the massive rotunda, and scores of university students danced jubilantly to the rhythm. There were
clanging cowbells and twanging guitars, trumpets and vuvuzelas.

Outside, another throng had gathered to cheer and chant before the television cameras, and to break
constantly into the crowd's favorite anthem: "Kill the bill! Kill the bill!" And everywhere were signs,
each with its own dose of disdain for Walker's budget bill: "Scotty, Scotty, flush your bill down the
potty." "Walker's Plantation, open for business." "You will never break our union."

Many of the protesters, including Laurie Bauer, 51, had been on hand since Tuesday, with no plans to
leave until the issue is resolved.

"It's one thing about the money. We'd be willing to negotiate the money," said Bauer, a library media
specialist at Parker High School in Janesville. But "he's trying to take away our human rights.... I don't
want my kids living in a state like that."

Loren Mikkelson, 37, held the same position: Budget cuts are negotiable, but collective -bargaining
rights are not. .'

"We can meet in the middle. We're willing to give.... He's acting like we've never given anything.
We've given," said Mikkelson, a airfield maintenance worker who said he has endured furloughs and
pay cuts in his county job.."We just want a voice." .

Implications for Obama

The state-level battles and Obama's decision to step into the fray illustrate how the budget choices state
leaders are facing probably will have direct implications for the president's political standing.

Wisconsin and Ohio are likely battlegrounds for Obama's re-election effort. Mobilizing Organizing for
America around the budget fights could help kick-start a political machinery that has been largely
stagnant since the 2008 campaign and reignite union activists who have expressed some disappointment.
with Obama.

But by leaping in to defend public workers, the president risks alienating swing voters in those states
and nationwide who are sympathetic to GOP governors perceived as taking on special interests to cut
spending.

Obama, in his comments to the Wisconsin TV reporter, tried to walk a fine line - noting that he, too, has

inS/20ll
 Page a of-l

taken on the unions.

"We had to impose a freeze on pay increases on federal workers for the next two years as part of my
overall budget freeze," he said. "I think those kinds of adjustments are the right thing to do."

Walker, meanwhile, called his proposals "modest" and appeared to be trying to show distance between
public employees and workers employed by private companies, who he said expressed support for his
policies during visits he made to manufacturing plants this week.

"Many of the companies I went by, like so many others across the state, don't have pensions, and the 401
(k)s they have over the last year or two, they've had to suspend the employer contribution," Walker told
Milwaukee radio station WTMJ. "So, not a lot of sympathy from these guys in private-sector
manufacturing companies who I think reflect a lot ofthe workers in the state who say what we're asking
for is pretty modest."

dennisb@washpost.com wallstenp@washpost.com

Wallsten reportedfrom Washington. Staffwriter Michael A. Fletcher in Washington contributed to this

report.

Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpftiiiwlsconsin.gov
 The Petryk E-News Update Page 1 on

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Rsp.Petryk [Rep.Petryk@legis.wisconsin.govj

Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 4:16 PM
Subject: Rep. Petryk E-News Update -- BUdget Repair Bill

The Petryk E-News Update

I'm honored and humbled to serve the constituents ofthe 93rd Assembly District. As your Representative, it will be my
duty to make sure that you are up-to-date on the issues and workings in Madison. Therefore, I have started my e-news
update that will be ongoing throughout the 2011-12 Legislative Session. As legislation passes that is imperative to the
constituents of the 93rd Assembly District and other interesting information out of Madison becomes available, I will
happily share with all of you through this update.

If you know anyone else that is interested in receiving this update, please have them contact me at
Rep.PetIyk@Iegis.wisconsill.gov .

Thank you and I am grateful to be your voice in Madison.

"These are the times that try men's souls.u-- Thomas Paiue, 1776

Extraordinary timesdemand extraordinary actions.

Unprecedented times demand unprecedented actions.
Uncomfortable times demand uncomfortable actions.

Wisconsin, our beautiful and beloved home State, stands at a crossroads in its history that is the very definition of
extraordinary, unprecedented, and uncomfortable..Standing at this crossroads, State government is faced with the challenge
of balancing a difficult budget deficit. Of course, with every unique challenge comes unique opportunity.

Governor Walker has presented us with a solution to the $137 million deficit that we face in the last few months ofthis
fiscal year. Let me be clear, this deficitwas not created since the time Governor Walker, myself, or ply other legislative
colleagues were inaugurated in January. The tax bills that have been enacted by Governor Walker have had no monetary
impact on the current fiscal year, This is a compounding issue that has been pushed offto the future.

The future has arrived and as a State, we can no longer afford to push this issue off and we must deal with it head on. That is
exactly what we are doing with the passage ofthe Budget Repair Bill.

Contained in this bill is an increase in contributions from public employees for their health care and their pension. Public
employees will now be asked to contribute 12 percent towards their health insurance premiums and 5.6 percent for their
pension. Taxpayers will still be paying 88 percent of public employee's health care and around 94 percent towards their
pension.

4/4/2011
 The Petryk E-News Update Page 2 of3

Also in this bill are changes to collective bargaining.I am very much aware that this is the issue that has raised the most
concern with constituents from the 93rd Assembly District and from the entire state. What this will do is give our local
governments the tools they need to live within their means.

Collectivebargaining has a profound and substantialfiscal impact on our state budget. Currently, school districts can take
part in WEA Trust, the union run health care plan. If the school districts would choose to enroll in the state health care plan,
school districts could save up to $68 million per year. Also, if school districts were allowed to "shop around" for the best
health care plan outside ofWEA Trust and the state healthplan, additional savings would be likely.

The Department ofCorrections (DOC) allows correctionalworkers who call in sick to collect overtime ifthey work a shift
on the exact same day. This was a condition that was collectivelybargained for in their contracts. The cost to the taxpayers
in Wisconsin: $4.8 million.

Governor Walker will present his next two-year budget on March 1st and we will definitely see cuts across the board.
Because Wisconsin is broke and we must balance our budget, our local governments will also be affectedthrough cuts to
shared revenne. So, restructuring collective bargainingwill give them the tools they will need to balance their own budgets
while maintaining a working local government that provides the great servicesourcitizens deserve.

Everyone in this state will be affectedby the fiscal crisis that is OCCUlTing in Wisconsin and around the country. States such
as Indiana, Ohio, California, Nevada, New York, and New Jersey, amongst others, are alsofacing the same tough decisions
that we are facing here inWisconsin. We are not alone.

According to Democrat Governor Brown's (California)website: GovernorJerry Brown released a balancedstate budget
today that slashes spendingby $12.5 billion, includingan eight to 10percent cut in take-home payfor most state employees,
andproposes a 'vastand historic"restructuring of government operations.

Governor Brown's plan alsorequires a continuation oftaxes so that the state can still havethe funds to assistin balancing
the budget on top of the billions of dollars in spending cuts. Here in Wisconsin, we are striving to do what we promised--
balance a budget without increasing taxes or laying offworkers.

However, without the passage ofWisconsin's Budget repair bill, 1,500 state employees will be laid off in the next few
months. Then an additional 5,000-6,000 state employeeswill be laid off over the next biennium. This is not acceptable for
me, formy colleagues, orfor Governor Walker.

I appreciate everyone who wrote, called, or stopped into my Madison office to discuss the issue. I heard from thousands of
constituents from b~th sides ofthe issue and I listened to everyone's opinions on the matter very closely.

Ifyou would like to view the WQOW interview I did regardingthe budget repair bill, please visit:
http://www.wqow.com/globa1/stOly.asp?s~14079282 . The link includesthe story WQOW ran as well as the full interview I
did with them this week.

I wantto thank you all again foryourinput, your patience, and yourpassionforthis issue.AUmy constituents' voices are
heard on both sides ofthis issue and I am taking everyone's opinion to heart as I make my decision on this bill.

As a side note, I write this updateto you all while over 35 hours of session has been ongoing since yesterday debating the
Budget Repair Bill. Atthis time, there is still no end in sight. The minority party has presented over 100 amendmentsand
possibly more to the bill. The intention of our leadershipis to move along as effectively as possible for the citizens ofour
State. Hopefully, the itinerantDemocrat Senatorswill return to face up to their responsibilities as elected officials.

I continue to ask for your understanding and patience as I and my Assistant work through all the calls and emails we have
received. Our voice mail system andemailhavebeenoverwhelmed in thepast two weeks.We even hadto close ouroffice
for two days due to security concerns. My colleagues and I had to be escorted into the building and to and from the
Assembly floor for safety. Unfortunately, we have not been able to rnn the office "business-as-usual." People from the 93rd
Assembly district, from across Wisconsin, andacross the country continue to writeandcall intoouroffice daily. Withthe
thousands ofpeople we are hearing from on both sides ofthe issue, it is impossible right now for my staff and I to respond
to each ofyou personally.My goal is to read and listen to all your opinions on this matter, I assure you all, your voice is
being heard.

4/4/2011
 The Petryk E-News Update Page 3 of3

Note: If you do not want to receive this E-News Update, please reply with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

Mailing Address: Representative Warren Petryk, 306North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953,Madison, WI 53708
Phone Numbers: Toll Free (888)534-0093 or (608) 266·0660

4/4/2011
 Page 1 of3

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Sent: Thursday, February 17,20117:03 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: IGYMI 2: Wall Street Journal Editorial

This editorial will be in tomorrow's Wall Street Journal:

"The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed,
and overall government reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean
and the U.S. economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr.
Walker is trying to deliver. We hope Republicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin
understand that this battle is ultimately about their right to self-government."

Athens in Mad Town

A seminal showdown between public unions and taxpayers.

For Americans who don't think the welfare state riots of France or Greece can happen here, we
recornmend a look at the union and Democratic Party spectacle now unfolding in Wisconsin. Over the
past few days, thousands have swarmed the state capital and airwaves to intimidate lawmakers and
disrupt Governor Scott Walker's plan to level the playing field between taxpayers and government
unions.

Mr. Walker'svery modest proposal would take away the ability of most government employees to
collectively bargain for benefits. They could still bargain for higher wages, but future wage increases
would be capped at the federal Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise specified by a voter referendum.
The bill would also require union members to contribute 5.8% of salary toward their pensions and chip
. in 12.6% ofthe cost oftheir health insurance premiums.

Ifthose numbers don't sound outrageous, you probably work in the private economy. The comparable
nationwide employee health-care contribution is 20% for private industry, according to the Bureau of .
Labor Statistics, The average employee contribution from take-home pay for retirement was.7.5% in
2009, according to the Employee Benefits Research Institute.

Mr. Walker says he has no choice but to make these changes because unions refuse to negotiate any
compensation changes, which is similar to the experience Chris Christie had upon taking office in New
Jersey. Wisconsin is running a $137 million deficit this year and anticipates coming up another $3.6
billion short in the next two-year budget. Governor Walker's office estimates the proposals would save
the state $300 million over the next two years, and the alternative would be to layoff 5,500 public
employees.

None of this is deterring the crowds in Madison, aka Mad Town, where protesters, including many from
the 98,000-member teachers union, have gone Greek. Madison's school district had to close Thursday
when 40% ofits teachers called in sick. So much for the claim that this is-vall about the children." By
the way, these are some ofthe same teachers who sued the Milwankee school board last August to get
Viagra coverage restored to their health-care plan.

3/25/2011
 Page 2 of3

The protests have an orchestrated quality, and sure enough, the Politico website reported yesterday that
the Democratic Party's Organizing for America arm is helping to gin them up. The outfit is a remnant of
President Obama's 2008 election campaign, so it's also no surprise that Mr. Obama said yesterday that
while he knows nothing about the bill, he supports protesters occupying the' Capitol building.

"These folks are teachers, and they're firefighters and they're, social workers and they're police officers,"
he said, "and it's important not to vilify them." Mr. Obama is right that he knows nothing about the bill
because it explicitly excludes police and firefighters. We'd have thought the President had enough to
, think about with his own $1.65 trillion deficit proposal going down with a thud in Congress, but it
appears that the 2012 campaign is already underway.

The unions and their Democratic friends have also been rolling out their Hitler, Soviet Union and Hosni
Mubarak analogies. "The story around the world is the rush to democracy," offered Democratic State
Senator Bob Jauch, "The story in Wisconsin is the end of the democratic process."

The reality is that the unions are trying to trump the will of the voters as overwhelmingly rendered in
November when they elected Mr. Walker and a new legislature. As with the strikes against pension or
labor reforms that routinely shut down Paris or Athens, the goal is to create enough mayhem that
Republicans and voters will give up.

While Republicans now have the votes to pass the bill, on Thursday Big Labor's Democratic allies
walked out of the state senate to block a vote. Under state rules, 20 members of the 33-member senate
must be present to hold a vote on an appropriations bill, leaving the 19 Republicans one member short,
By the end of the day some Democrats were reported to have fled the state. So who's really trying to
short-circuit democracy? '

Unions are treating these reforms as Armageddon because they've owned the Wisconsin legislature for
years and the changes would reduce their dominance. Under Governor Walker's proposal, the
government also would no longer collect union dues from paychecks and then send that money to the
unions. Instead, unions would be responsible for their own collection regimes. The bill would also
require unions to be recertified armually by a majority of all members. Imagine that: More accountability
. inside unions.

The larger reality is that collective bargaining for government workers is not a God-given or
constitutional right. It is the result of the growing union dominance inside the Democratic Party during
the middle of the last century, Jolm Kennedy only granted it to federal workers in 1962 and Jerry Brown
to California workers in 1978. Other states, including Indiana and Missouri, have taken away collective
bargaiuing rights for public employees in recent years, and some 24 states have either limited it 01'
banned it outright.

And for good reason. Public unions have a monopoly position that gives them undue bargaining power.
Theil' campaign cash-collected via mandatory dues-also helps to elect the politicians who are then
supposed to represent taxpayers in negotiations with those same unions. The unions sit, in effect, on
both sides ofthe bargaining table. This is why such famous political friends of the working man as
Franklin Roosevelt and Fiorello La Guardia opposed collective bargaining for government workers,
even as they championed private unions.

***
The battle of Mad Town is a seminal showdown over whether government union power can be tamed,

3/25/2011
 Page 3 of3

and overall govennnent reined in. The alternative is higher taxes until the middle class is picked clean
and the U.S. economy is no longer competitive. Voters said in November that they want reform, and Mr.
Walker is trying to deliver. We hope Repnblicans hold firm, and that the people of Wisconsin
understand that this battle is ultimately about their right to self-government .

Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov

1/,)~/,)1l11
 Page 1 of2

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Sent: Thursday, February 17, 20116:48PM
To:' Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
Subject: ICYMI: Lost: The common good

The Chicago Tribune editorial tomorrow says,

"But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days
because so many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined amass demonstration? Joined
a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a
$3 billion deficit they face over the next two years? .. Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check.
In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public
schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic
lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state
troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ... Illinois.

Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for
better, safer workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common
good."

.Lost: The common good

6:05 PM CST, February 17,2011

America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer
workplaces. Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who
are in unions can justifiably be proud ofthose and other accomplishments.

But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days
because so many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined
a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a
$3 billion deficit they face over the next two years?

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their
wages toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent oftheir health-care premiums.
Those modest employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.

Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without
collective bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.

No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric
of the employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."

Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the
Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called
in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the

3/25/2011
 Page 2 of2

budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to '"
Illinois.

Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for
better, safer workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common
good.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an
argument caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey inNew Jersey showed that citizens
overwhelmingly support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state govermnent
from fiscal disaster. The poll found 62 percent ofNew Jersey voters had a favorable view ofteachers,
but only 27 percent had a favorable view of the state's largest teachers union.

Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived.
One reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause.
They understand that if their company cannot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look
what happened to the U.S. auto industry.

Govermnents don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces.
Public unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management - witness the heavy union support
for Gov. Pat Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats,
have been complicit over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they
essentially sit on the same side of the table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to
reap votes, contributions and campaign work from those same employees and their unions.

Many states - Illinois is not yet among them - are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching change.

It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled
against public-sector unions because "militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization
of government employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.

Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to
preserve a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management.
This is labor versus the common good.

Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpj@wisconsin.gov

3/25/2011
 Page lof l

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: John Flynn

Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:17 AM
To: Karius2, Bob - LEGIS
Cc: Polzin, Cindy M ~ GOV
Subject: Democrat Delay Tactics

1. In his address last night Governor Walker mentioned that when he was Milwaukee County Executive the
union had always chose to have their members laid off rather than make financial concessions.

2. So, it is clear that the Oems are delaying hoping that they can deiay long enough to trigger layoffs.

3. If I were a rank and file union member, I would want to know that my union leadership and the Democratic
Party were willing to sacrifice my job and thousands more rather than do the rightthing for ali union
members. It might even be necessary to speak to union members directly and spell this out to let them
know they are being sacrificed for the benefit of union leadership.

4. It could also be pointed out that union leadership knows collective bargaining limitations could. be passed as
a separate bill at a later date with a simple majority in
both houses of the legislature.

3/25/2011
Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Ballweg, Joan [Joan.Ballweg@legis.wisconsin.gov]

Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2011 8:50 PM
To: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Subject: SB 11 idea

Hi Cindy

Got a call from one of my Mayors with and idea. He is supportive of the bill but
has a compromise suggestion. Sounds like we may need something to get
the Oem. Senators back in the state.

Leave the salary and benefit changes as is and allow the

non-economic collective bargaining but...

mandate that all collective bargaining be done in public sessions and

any increases be subject to referendum, just like wages above CPI
go to referendum.

In that way let the public be the final determination, and with the
negotiations in public, it could keep both parties dealing honestly.

Mayor Will of.Ripon would be happy to discuss further, as would I, anytime.

Thanks and Good Luck,

Joan Ballweg

1
 Page lofl

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Smith-Loomans, Sandra [Sandra.Smith-Loomans@legis.wisconsin.gov]

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 1:34 PM
To: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
Subject: Senate Oems
Attachments: 2011 Adventure 046.jpg

Thought you could use a smile right now :).

Former Rep. Johnsrud sent me this. Are the Senate Dems lost on their way back to WI?

SSL

1/25/2011
 Page 1 of!

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

Sent: Friday, February 18, 20111:38 PM
To: Smith-Loomans, Sandra - LEGIS
SUbject: RE: Senate Oems

I miss that man.

From: Smith-Loomans, Sandra [mailto:Sandra.Smith-Loomans@legis.wisconsin.gov]

Sent: Friday, February 18, 20111:34 PM
To: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
SUbject: Senate Oems

Thought you could use a smile right now:).

Former Rep. Johnsrud sent me this. Are the Senate Dems lost on their way back to WI?

SSL

4/4/2011
 Page 1 ofl

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: GOV Press

Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2011 2:51 PM
To: GOV Press
Subject: Walker Calls Democrat Legislators Back Into State

February 17, 2011

For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Walker Calls Democrat Legislators Back Into State

Madison-Today Governor Walker released the following statement:

Out of respectfor the institution of the Legislature and the democratic process, I am calling on Senate
Democrats to show up to work today, debate legislation and cast their vote. Their actions by leaving
the state and hiding from voting are disrespectful to the hundreds of thousands of public employees
who showed up to work today and the millions oftaxpayers they represent.

Governor Walker will be holding a press conference at 4:45p.m. CST today in the Governor's
Conference room to discuss the day's events. It will only be open to credentialed members of the
media.

###

4/4/2011
 Page 1 of2

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 12:33 PM
To: Schrimpf, Chris - GOV
SUbject: Milwaukee Journal Sentinei: The Oems' tantrum

The Dems' tantrum

In a snit, Senate Democrats run and hide - making a 'mockery of
the democratic process.
Feb. 17,20111(234) Comments

Democrats in the state Senate threw a temper tantrum Thursday - essentiallythey took their ball and
went home..

Actually, they didn't go home. They apparently went to Illinois,just out of reach of their obligations.

By boycotting an expectedvote on Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, they were able to prevent
action on the measure. Twenty senators are required for a quorum; the Republicans have only 19.

The Walker plan is deeply divisive. We're not supportive of some aspects of the bill, either, including
those that will make it nearly impossible for unions to negotiate. And we think that police and firefighter
unions should notbe excluded as they are now. But public worker benefits need to be reined in, and
Walker is right to target them.

State Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), apparently with plenty oftime on her hands Thursday afternoon,
posted on her Facebook page, "brb," slang for "be right back." Too bad she and her colleaguesweren't.

One leading Democrat - Obama was his name, as we recall- put it well after winning the White House
in 2008: "Elections have consequences," he told Republicans at the time. Indeed they do. The
Democrats' childish prank mocks the democraticprocess.

Meanwhile, some Wisconsin teachers decidedto make a mockery oftheir own profession by penalizing
their students after an irresponsiblecall to action by Mary Bell, the chief ofthe state teachers union.

."On Thursday and Friday, we are asking Wisconsinites to come to Madison," Bell, president of the
Wisconsin Education Association Council, said Wednesday. She then claimed disingenuously that she
wasn't telling the union's 98,000 teachersto walk off their jobs.

Unfortnnately,that's what many of them did. There were no classes in Madison schools.Port
Washington High School had to close. The same was true at other schools around the state. Do these
teachers care more about their jobs than their kids? We wonder.

Both Senate Democrats and teachers should get over their snits and get back to work.

3/25/2011
 Page Zof Z

Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.sohrimpftiuwisconsin.gov

3/25/2011
 Page 1 of2

Polzin, Cindy M- GOV

From: Schrimpf, Chris - GOY

Sent: Thursday, February 17, 20116:48 PM
To: 'Schrimpf, Chris - GOY
Subject: (CYM(: Lost: The common good

The Chicago Tribune editorial tomorrow says,

"But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days
because so many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms andjoined a mass demonstration? Joined
a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a
$3 billion deficit they face over the next two years? .. Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check.
In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public
schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic
lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the budget measures, and Walker sent state
troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to '" Illinois.

Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for
better, safer workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the common
good."

Lost: The common good

6:05 PM CST, February 17, 2011

America's labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer
workplaces. Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who
are in unions can justifiably be proud ofthose and other accomplishments.

But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days
because so many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms andjoined a mass demonstration? Joined
a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a
$3' billion' deficit they face over the next two years?

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their
wages toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums.
Those modest employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.

Walker wants goverrunent officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without
collective bargaining. Walker wouldn't remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.

No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric
of the employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an "assault on unions."

Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the
Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called.
in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday, to stall a vote on the

4/4/2011
 Page20f2

budget measures, and Walker sent state troopers to find them. Apparently some of them fled to ...
Illinois.

Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for
better, safer workplaces. They're not battling unscrupulous employers. They're battling ... the cornmon
good.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an
argument caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens
overwhelmingly support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government
from fiscal disaster. The poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view ofteachers,
but only 27 percent had a favorable view ofthe state's largest teachers union.

Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived.
One reason: In the private sector, Unions and management may argue but they have a cornmon cause.
They understand that if their company cannot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look
what happened to the U.S. auto industry.

Governments don't operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces.
Public unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management - witness the heavy union support
for Gov. Pat Quinn's election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats,
have been complicit over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they
essentially sit on the same side of the table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to
reap votes, contributions and campaign work from those same employees and their unions.

Many states - Illinois is not yet among them - are coming to the realization that that calculation has to
undergone a wrenching-change.

It ruight surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled
against public-sector unions because "ruilitant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization
of government employees." Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.

Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to
preserve a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management.
This is labor versus the cornmon good.

Chris Schrimpf
Communications Director
Office ofthe Governor
Press Office: 608-267-7303
Email: chris.schrimpf@wisconsin.gov

4/4/2011
 Page 1 of1

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

Sent: Friday, February 18, 201111:25AM
To: Griffiths, Terri - LEGIS
SUbject: Re: Just a note...

THANKYOUI

From: Griffiths, Terri [mailto:Terri.Griffiths@legis,wisconsin.gov]

Sent: Friday, February 18, 2011 11:24 AM
To: Polzin, Cindy M - GOV
SUbject: Just a note ....

Hang in there! We had a constituent leave a lengthy voice mail and she asked the we pass it on to "our wonderful
Governor" (her words) Message in a nutshell: You're doing the right thing and we support you. If road workers
strike and we can't plow the roads there are many, many private citizens with trucks, plows and insurance to
cover who will take care of the roads better and for $3 less. Don't pay the democrats who ran for Illinoisl

We are getting many more support calls in these past two days because of the teachers antics.

Just now I received a call from a woman in New York who pays $1600 for her health insurance and she believes
it's d!sgracefuI that these unions are whining about paying $2001 Don't back down, she said, or it will send a
terrible message to the countryl

4/4/2011
 Page 1 of 1

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: GOV Press

Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 7:56 AM
To: GOV Press
SUbject: IGYMI: Racine Journal Times: Time to come home

Racine Journal Times: Time to come home

Senate Democrats have made the point. Now it's time for them to go back to Madison.

We still disagree with the union-breaking provisions in Walker's budget repair bill, but there are other issues to be dealt
with, and the union issue is not one which will be settled here and now. It will linger and may be settled In next year's
elections, or perhaps the elections after that. In the meantime, there are other important Issues, such as the voter IDbill.
Republicans hold a majority in the legislature, so any bill that does not require a special majority -like the budget repair bill
- is fair game. Bystaying away, Democrats are losing the abiilty to affect the process, which is what their constituents
expect.

Yes, Democrats may be overridden by that majority, but that is not guaranteed. Legislatures and the parties In them are not
monolithic. Parties stand together on major issues, but on less publlclzed and sometimes very important smaller matters,
there is room for negotiation among the various viewpoints represented between and within parties.

Another reason for Democrats to return is the Friday deadline for refinancing the state's debt. That will save about $165
million, and it is the primary method Walker would use to fill a hole in the current budget. It is possible the state could
renegotiate with lenders and secure the same savings a month from now, but it is also possible that the state will save less
because of lender nervousness and interest rate fluctuations. That would mean a few more layoffs and cuts.

Democrats need to ask themselves a key question: Is Walker likely to buckle? The answer is a simple no. Reducing or
eliminating union influence seems to be part of his ideology and the Ideology of the Legislature's Republican leadership.
Combine thatwlth a character which does not seem very pliable, and the probable result is that Walker will do whatever is
necessary to accomplish his goal.

The walkout by one side In the Legislature is hardly the first in history. Therewas, for example, the 2003 escape of
Democratic Texas legislators to Oklahoma in orderto stall a Republican reapportionment plan created to cement long-term
political power. Eventually the Democrats returned, the plan passed, and was modified in court.
As we said, this issue Is not over and will not be over probably for a long time, because It is about more than just labor, It is
also about the economy, the state of the middle class, local taxation, local services, paying the bills and the role of
government. This is a battle, maybe just a skirmish. It is notthe war, and none of those aforementioned issues will be
solved from an undisclosed location in Illlnols.

http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinionleditorial/article de40087e- 3ee9-lleO-bae5-

00 1cc4c03286.html .

4/4/2011
 Page 10f2

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: GOV Press

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 8:00 AM
To: GOV Press
SUbject: (CYM(: Running away is irresponsible

FYI-a good editorial about the actions of Senate Democrats.

.Running away is irresponsible

A Wisconsin State Journal editorial I Posted: Monday, February 21,2011 7:00 am

Th~y made their point.

Now it's time to get back to work - in Madison, not Rockford, Ill., 01' Chicago.

The Senate Democrats who fled Wisconsin for Illinois last week need to do the jobs they were elected to do at the state
Capitol in Madison. Running away from their problems won't solve them.

All 14 Democrats in the 33-member Wisconsin Senate staged a walkout from the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison on
Thursday..

They bolted to prevent the 19 Republicans who control the Senate from potentially voting in favor of GOP Gov. Scott
Walker's controversial budget repair bill. The proposal, which the Democrats adamantly oppose, includes sweeping limits to
collective bargaining for public employee unions.

So the Senate is now stuck because it needs at least 20 members for a quorum before it can vote on fiscal matters.

Aod that's one more senator than the Republican majority has.

State law allows the Senate to use law enforcement to force absent members back to the Capitol. But because all ofthe
Democrats are appareutly holed up out of state, they're outside the jurisdiction of Wisconsin law enforcement.

So Wisconsiu sits and waits. For how long? Until Walker apologizes for winning the last election?

Like it 01' not, the majority of Wisconsin voters elected Walker and other Republicans to run the statehouse for the next two
years. The Democrats can't change that until subsequent elections.

Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, met with the State Journal editorial board late Tuesday afternoon, urging us to urge the
governor to slow down his bill. We agreed with Erpenbach that the public deserves more than a week to consider such a
major piece of legislation. And we said so in an editorial Thursday morning.

But we don't agree with Erpenbach failing to show up for days to work and, on Sunday afternoon, suggesting from a hotel in
Chicago that the Senate Democrats might not return until Walker gives in to their demands.

That's irresponsible.

Moreover, Erpenbach has his own history ofrushing legislation. We scolded him back in 2009 for scheduling a public
hearing with barely 24 honrs notice. We did so even though we strongly supported the bill he was moving - a statewide bau
on smoking in bars and restaurants.

4/4/2011
 Page 2of2

The many lawmakers who opposed the controversialsmoking ban didn't head for the hills. They responsibly showedup at
the state Capitolto representtheir constituents as.best they couid, even thoughtheir side didn't prevail.

Erpenbach and his SenateDemocraticcolleagueshiding out in Illinois. should do the same.

http://host.madison.com/wsilnews/opinion/editorial/article 5606ac81-c8ea-5682-9c 1c-

laf2e907Ie77.html

4/4/2011
 Page 1 ofl

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: GOV Press

,
Sent: Saturday, February 19, 201112:18 PM
To: GOV Press
Subject: Senate Oems should come to Madison

February 19, 2011

For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Madison-Today Governor Walker's spokesman, Cullen Werwie, released the following statement:

Senator Erpenbach, Senator Miller, and his fellow Democrats should come back to Wisconsin to do their
lobs. These are many of the same Senators who, two years ago, rammed through a billion dollar tax
hike in 24 hours with no public input. The quickest, way to resolve the current situation is for the
Democratic Senators to stop shirking their responsibilities and debate the bill in Madison. We continue
to call on them to come to Madison and do theirjobs.
###

4/41?Oll
 E-Update Page 1 of2

Polzin, Cindy M - GOV

From: Rep.August [Rep.August@legis.wisconsin.govj

Sent: Friday, February 18, 20119:05 PM
Subject: UrgentLegislative Update

5 TATE R'PRE:" NTATlVEI 31 NO A55 EMDLY D 15 rm CT ..A..

•.•.•••.. . ,.1.
1

A.PGPsr.,.
..•..•...

TYLER
Legi!;lative Update:~::;""'"''
•
February 18, 2011

August Continues to Stand with Wisconsin Taxpayers and Governor Walker

Despite protests by Madison-arearesidents limiting action today, Budget Bill still has votes to pass soon

Ground Zero. As we all know, Wisconsin has become the focus of the uation this week as state employee unions have
descended upon our state's Capitol to protest Governor Scott Walker's Budget Repair Bill.

From the beginning, I've stood behind Governor Walker's plan to fix our budget deficit without raising taxes or spending.
I'm proud to report the Republican members of both the State Assembly and Senate remain unified behind Governor
Walker. .

As you know, before debate could start on the bill in the Senate, 14 Democratic Lawmakers fled the building to avoid a
vote. Today, in the State Assembiy we attempted to take up the bill and hold a vote. However, as the protesting crowd
grew larger, we were notified by Capitol Police that the number of threats and security concerns had grown too great for
them to guarantee our safety. It was decided to adjourn for the weekend and resume our action on the bill on Tuesday of
next week.

I want to personally thank everyone who has called and emailed my office. My staff and I have been working day and night
to keep up with all the contacts. I ensure you I am reading every email and listening to every message that has come into my
office. I apologize if! haven't been able to personally respond to your call or email, but the sheer volume bas not allowed
me to do so up to this point.

Thank you for all your encouragement and I will look to update everyone again as things move forward next week.

August Defends Governor Walker's Plan on National Scene

This week Representative August was not shy about showing his support for the Budget Repair Bill designed to get our state
back on the right track. Rep. Augustwas matured multiple times on Fox News and the Fox Business Network. Below are
links to a video ofTYler on FoxNews and two national articles that he was quoted iu. We are proud to report that emails of
encouragement have been coming in from all over the country from Florida to Texas.

Link to Video

Wisconsin Reality: There's No Money

Thousands Protest Anti-Union Bill in Wisconsin

4/4/2011
 E-Update Page 2 of2

Rep. Tyler August explains to Fox News why Wisconsin needs to pass Gov. Walker's bill.

Rally to Support Governor Walker to be Held Tomorrow at State Capitol

Rally includes Tea Party Patriots across the Midwest

Allbough those from the Madison-area have dominated national headlines, tomorrow, February 19th, is an opportunity for
you to show your support in-person at the State Capitol in Madison, WI. Organizers are hoping for a large turnout to
symbolize Wisconsin's support for Governor Walker and his plan. The rally is scheduled to start at Noon outside the East
Wing.

If yon do not wishto continue to receivemy e-update, simply sendan emailtoRep.August@legis.wi.gov.withthesubjectline"unsubscribe.1I

Follow me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/Rep.August Follow me ou Twitter! www.twitter.com/TylerAugust

State Capitol Room 4 West

Rep.August@legis.wi.gov (608)266-1190
PO Box 8952 Madison, Wl53708

4/4/2011