Canvassing/Phone Banks In addition to events listed below, please contact Area or Senate District leads to sign up to canvass and make phone calls.
Capitol • Saturday 3/5/2011 12pm o AFSCME march at the capitol on noon. Meet @ Wisconsin St. & the capitol (by blue AFSCME tent)
• Saturday 3/5/2011 2pm o IBEW Rally at the Capitol
• Saturday 3/12/2011 3pm o Rally at the Capitol
Milwaukee Area (Jennissee Volpintesta 262-364-6751) and Peter Drummond (414-333-1606) • Friday, March 4 - 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM) - WE ARE ONE Reverend Jesse Jackson unity rally. Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1345 W. Burleigh St. Milw. WI • Friday, March 4 - 4:30 PM - Protest WTMJ's biased "Capitol Chaos" news coverage -- 720 E. Capitol Drive (and Humboldt) - organized by Pablo Muirhead (MATC teacher), Melissa Bollow Tempel (MPS teacher).More info below or share by logging into facebook and going to: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189430917763706 • Saturday, March 5th – 9am - Anti-Walker Budget Rally and Visibility, North Shore Park and Ride, I-43 and E. Silver Spring Dr. • Saturday, March 5 – 10 am - Community Information Meeting on Governor Walker’s Budget Adjustment Bill and 2011-2013 Biennial Budget Bill. Includes Annette Polly Williams, Eric Von, Peter Barca, Tamara Grigsby, Fred Kessler, Dr. Michael Bonds, Parklawn Assembly of God Church, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. (Contact: Polly Williams at 414-374-7474) • Saturday, March 5 - Grafton Rally – 10 am – noon - Demonstrating opposition to the Budget Repair bill and the proposed State Budget. The demonstration will be at the intersection of I-43 and Hwy. 60 this Saturday, March 5th, from 10 a.m. to noon. • Saturday, March 5 – 1pm - Wisconsin League of Young Voters, Stand Up, Speak UP Rally against Walker's Budget and Voter ID - on King Dr. and North Ave, Milwaukee. • Saturday, March 5 - 1:00pm - Informational and organizing meeting for alternatives to Walker's massive education cuts - Greenfield School District Admin Building - 4850 S. 60th St. - organized by Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools • Tuesday, March 8 -- 4:00pm to 6:00pm -- Rally and Visibility, Cold Spring and Forest Home, Greenfield. Greenfield Civic Center (old Greenfield Library) Contact: Kathleen Slamka 414-764-5572 • Thursday, March 10th – 6pm – Town Hall Forum, Join concerned community residents to discuss the impacts of Scott Walker’s Budget. Nicolet High School (Community Room), 6701 N. Jean Nicolet Rd., Glendale. (Contact: Will Lemke 414-212-0036)
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun - 920-904-2005) • Friday - 3/4/2011 - 12:30pm o GB Correctional Officers Rally - Green Bay Correctional Institution - Webster Avenue (between C & D Towers) • Sunday - 3/13/2011 @ 5:30pm o Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Brown County Republicans, Rock Garden Conference Center, 1951 Bond St., Green Bay Contact: Gary Lonzo at (920) 366-1107 • Monday - 3/7/2011 - 12:30pm o GB Correctional Officers Rally - Green Bay Correctional Institution - Webster Avenue (between C & D Towers)
10th Senate District (Jim Mangan 715-505-2835 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 1:30 p.m. o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Best Western Hudson House - 1616 Crest View Drive - Hudson, WI
12th Senate District (Scott Wright - 920-450-2121) • Friday, 3/4/2011 @ 4pm o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Wolff’s Log Cabin Restaurant - 721 W. Kemp Street - Rhinelander, WI 54501 - 4:00 p.m.
13th Senate District (Greg Neil 608-556-9521) • Thursday 3/3/2011 o March/Rally - Dodge County Administration Building - 127 E. Oak, Juneau, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday - 03/03/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Thursday - 3/3/2011 - 4:30pm o Rally - Jefferson County Courthouse - 320 S. Main Street, Jefferson, WI • Friday - 03/04/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 o Lincoln Day Dinner Protest - Saturday - 3/5/2011 - Kestrel Ridge Country Club - 900 Avalon Road, Columbus, WI - 4:30 p.m. • Sunday - 03/06/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Monday - 03/07/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
14th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Friday, 3/4/2011 - Rep. Fred Clark Listening Sessions o Lake Delton - Kay C. MacKesey Administration Building - 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy South - Board Room - 9am-11am o Montellow - Marquette County Court House - 77 W. Park St. - Public Safety Room - 12pm-2pm o Portage - Wayne Bartels Middle School - 2505 New Pinery Rd - School Gymnasium - 3:15pm-5:15pm
17th Senate District (Scott Hanson (608) 692-6934) • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Juneau County Courthouse, Mauston. Please feel free to invite anyone who opposes the budget repair bill that strips workers of their rights. Learn more at; http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191001420932224
19th Senate District (Greg Hinds 920-540-2309)
• Daily in Menasha -- 10am - 5pm o Canvass/call and yard sign assembly; USW District 2 Office o • Tuesday - 3/8/11 - 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM o Rally - Appleton. Houdini Plaza (corner of College Ave and Appleton St.)
o Thursday 3/10/11, Potential Town Hall Meeting
21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm o Informational Picket at the intersection of Highways 31 and 20, Sturdevant. People are encouraged to bring megaphones, if you have them. Contact is Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508. • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 6pm o Faith Forum - Budget Impact on Racine County - 2nd Missionary Baptist Church - 1250 Lathrop Avenue, Racine 22nd Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Saturday, 3/5/2011 - Rally & Canvassing - Southern Lakes United Educators Office - 616 Droster Avenue, Burlington, WI - 10am
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson (715) 456-4113) • Saturday, 03/05/2011 @ 10:30 a.m. o Counter-rally at Governor Walker’s AFP-sponsored bus tour - Holiday Inn 2703 Craig Rd - Eau Claire, WI 54701
25th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Friday - 3/4/2011@ 4:30pm o Spooner Rally - Corner of River & Main Street - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday 3/5/2011@ 2:00pm o Rally at the Solon Springs post office - 9226 E Main St., Solon Springs • Saturday, 03/05/2011 @ Noon - 2:00pm o Rally, Douglas County Courthouse, Belknap St. & Hammond St., Superior
27th Senate District • Monday, 03/07/2011 @ 6:00pm - 8:00pm o Mount Horeb Public Hearing, Mount Horeb High School Auditorium, 305 S. 8th St. Speaker: Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-79).
32nd Senate District (Tabbitha Norris 502-939-8459) • Saturday, 3/5/2011@ 5:30 PM o Protest against Americans for Prosperity, Radisson Hotet, 200 Front Street in La Crosse
• Monday, 3/7/2011 @8:00 AM o Speak with Senator Kapanke, Vernon County Courthouse, 400 Court House Square, Viroqua
• Thursday, 3/10/2011 7:30 -9:30 PM o Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, 1433 Rose Street, LaCrosse
Other WI Locations • Friday, 3/5/2011 @ 12:30pm o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Plaza Hotel - 201 N. 17th Street - Wausau, WI - 12:30pm
Judge’s Ruling Green Lights Implementation of National Health Care Reform in Wisconsin
Contradicts AG Van Hollen’s Claim that Law is “Dead” in Wisconsin
by Robert Kraig
Today, Florida Federal District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled that implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can continue while the federal government appeals his earlier decision declaring the Act to be unconstitutional. The ruling contradicts the earlier statements of Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen that Vinson’s decision renders the Affordable Care Act null and void in Wisconsin. Judge Vinson is one of 4 federal district court judges who have ruled on ACA, and is the only one who has found the entire law unconstitutional.
Judge Vinson’s ruling today removes the legal ambiguity created by Attorney General Van Hollen’s ill-conceived claim that the Affordable Care Act is “dead’ in Wisconsin. This legal ambiguity could have been devastating to Wisconsinites who are now protected from insurance industry abuses such as life time limits, pre-existing condition discrimination against kids, and revocation of health insurance policies for those who get sick. Judge Vinson’s decision also makes it clear that the Walker Administration should continue its planning for full implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Canvassing/Phone Banks In addition to events listed below, please contact Area or Senate District leads to sign up to canvass and make phone calls.
Milwaukee Area (Jennissee Volpintesta 262-364-6751) and Peter Drummond (414-333-1606) • Thursday, March 3rd – Noon - Americans for Prosperity are doing a bus tour around the state. We think it would be appropriate that we show them a warm welcome wherever they are going. Click on the link below and please let me know if you have any questions. They have scheduled a bus stop at Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave for noon • Thursday, March 3 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Water and Wisconsin downtown • Thursday, March 3 - 6:30pm - there is an MPS Board meeting of their Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget. It will focus on the impact of Walker's budget on MPS. Because it is a board committee meeting, there will be public testimony. • Friday, March 4 - 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM) - WE ARE ONE Reverend Jesse Jackson unity rally. Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1345 W. Burleigh St. Milw. WI • Friday, March 4 - 4:30 PM - Protest WTMJ's biased "Capitol Chaos" news coverage -- 720 E. Capitol Drive (and Humboldt) - organized by Pablo Muirhead (MATC teacher) and Melissa Bollow Tempel (MPS teacher). More info below or share by logging into facebook and going to: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189430917763706 • Saturday, March 5 - Grafton Rally – 10 am – noon - Demonstrating opposition to the Budget Repair bill and the proposed State Budget. The demonstration will be at the intersection of I-43 and Hwy. 60 this Saturday, March 5th, from 10 a.m. to noon. • Saturday, March 5 – 1pm - Wisconsin League of Young Voters, Stand Up, Speak UP Rally against Walker's Budget and Voter ID - on King Dr. and North Ave, Milwaukee. • Saturday, March 5 - 1:00pm - Informational and organizing meeting for alternatives to Walker's massive education cuts - Greenfield School District Admin Building - 4850 S. 60th St. - organized by Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools • Saturday, March 5 – 10 am - Community Information Meeting on Governor Walker’s Budget Adjustment Bill and 2011-2013 Biennial Budget Bill. Includes Annette Polly Williams, Eric Von, Peter Barca, Tamara Grigsby, Fred Kessler, Dr. Michael Bonds, Parklawn Assembly of God Church, 3725 N. Sherman Blvd. (Contact: Polly Williams at 414-374-7474)
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun - 920-904-2005) • Friday - 3/4/2011 @ 7am o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 2800 S.Oneida St., Green Bay • Sunday - 3/13/2011 @ 5:30pm o Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Brown County Republicans, Rock Garden Conference Center, 1951 Bond St., Green Bay Contact: Gary Lonzo at (920) 366-1107
10th Senate District (Jim Mangan 715-505-2835 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 1:30 p.m. o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Best Western Hudson House - 1616 Crest View Drive - Hudson, WI
12th Senate District (Scott Wright - 920-450-2121) • Thursday - 3/3/2011 @ 6pm o Rhinelander Rally - Corner of Pizza Hut & Burger King - 6pm • Friday, 3/4/2011 @ 4pm o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Wolff’s Log Cabin Restaurant - 721 W. Kemp Street - Rhinelander, WI 54501 - 4:00 p.m.
13th Senate District (Greg Neil 608-556-9521) • Thursday 3/3/2011 o March/Rally - Dodge County Administration Building - 127 E. Oak, Juneau, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday - 03/03/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Thursday - 3/3/2011 - 4:30pm o Rally - Jefferson County Courthouse - 320 S. Main Street, Jefferson, WI • Friday - 03/04/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 o Lincoln Day Dinner Protest - Saturday - 3/5/2011 - Kestrel Ridge Country Club - 900 Avalon Road, Columbus, WI - 4:30 p.m. • Sunday - 03/06/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Monday - 03/07/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
14th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 6:00pm - 7:00pm o Waupaca Sen. Luther Olsen Candlelight Vigil, Waupaca (outside city hall/library), Contact: Bill Schmit at (715) 347-7070 • Friday, 3/4/2011 - Rep. Fred Clark Listening Sessions o Lake Delton - Kay C. MacKesey Administration Building - 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy South - Board Room - 9am-11am o Montellow - Marquette County Court House - 77 W. Park St. - Public Safety Room - 12pm-2pm o Portage - Wayne Bartels Middle School - 2505 New Pinery Rd - School Gymnasium - 3:15pm-5:15pm
15th Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Thursday - 3/3/2011 @ noon o Rally - 12:00-1:00PM - University of Wisconsin - Rock County Center 2909 Kellogg Avenue, Janesville • Thursday – 3/3/2011 @ 7pm o Town Hall Meeting - Hyland Hall 1000 - UW-Whitewater - N. Starin Rd. (between N. Prince Street & N. Prairie St.) - 7pm
17th Senate District (Scott Hanson (608) 692-6934) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 4:30pm o Rally at Platteville City Park. All are welcome. Rally theme is: I am your neighbor. Protest down Main Street and then stage people along Water Street from Main down to Kwik Trip. • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Juneau County Courthouse, Mauston. Please feel free to invite anyone who opposes the budget repair bill that strips workers of their rights. Learn more at; http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191001420932224
18th Senate District (Skyler Johnston, 573-355-0578) • Thursday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm o Rally in Support of Our Community and Working Families, Opera House Square, Downtown Oshkosh. Contact: Paulette Feld at (920) 420-4665
21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm o Informational Picket at the intersection of Highways 31 and 20, Sturdevant. People are encouraged to bring megaphones, if you have them. Contact is Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508. • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 6pm o Faith Forum - Budget Impact on Racine County - 2nd Missionary Baptist Church - 1250 Lathrop Avenue, Racine
22nd Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Thursday, 3/3/2011 - Candlelight Vigil - Wehmhoff Park, Burlington, WI - 5pm • Saturday, 3/5/2011 - Rally & Canvassing - Southern Lakes United Educators Office - 616 Droster Avenue, Burlington, WI - 10am
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson (715) 456-4113) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 7:00pm o Candle Light Vigil, Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • Saturday, 03/05/2011 @ 10:30 a.m. o Counter-rally at Governor Walker’s AFP-sponsored bus tour - Holiday Inn 2703 Craig Rd - Eau Claire, WI 54701
24th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Rally at the Adams County Courthouse
25th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday - 3/3/2011 @ 5:30pm o Vigil - Bong Bridge - Start at 5pm/meet halfway at 5:30pm - Superior and Duluth union members will march and meet halfway across the bridge and hold hands in Solidarity. • Friday - 3/4/2011@ 4:30pm o Spooner Rally - Corner of River & Main Street - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday 3/5/2011@ 2:00pm o Rally at the Solon Springs post office - 9226 E Main St., Solon Springs • Saturday, 03/05/2011 @ Noon - 2:00pm o Rally, Douglas County Courthouse, Belknap St. & Hammond St., Superior
27th Senate District • Monday, 03/07/2011 @ 6:00pm - 8:00pm o Mount Horeb Public Hearing, Mount Horeb High School Auditorium, 305 S. 8th St. Speaker: Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts (D-79).
32nd Senate District (Tabbitha Norris 502-939-8459) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 9:00am - 4:00pm o Picket / Rally of the Food, Fuel & Future Summit, Firehouse Restaurant, Viroqua. Scheduled speakers are Gov. Walker, Sen. Kapanke & Rep. Nerison (Note: Rep. Nerison voted NO on the budget repair bill in the Assembly - Please Thank Him!) Contact: Troy Bauch at (715) 827-0056
Other WI Locations • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 5:00pm o “No Concessions! - FUNERAL MARCH, Start at UW-Madison Library Mall and march to the State Capitol. Expect a fantastic band such as Mama Digdowns. We need mourners dressed flamboyantly in funeral gear including veils, hats, umbrellas, etc. Come dressed for a funeral, and ready to dance! Contact: Jan Rodolfo, at JRodolfo@NationalNursesUnited.org • Friday, 3/5/2011 @ 12:30pm o Americans for Prosperity Protest - Plaza Hotel - 201 N. 17th Street - Wausau, WI - 12:30pm
Canvassing/Phone Banks In addition to events listed below, please contact Area or Senate District leads to sign up to canvass and make phone calls.
Milwaukee Area (Jennissee Volpintesta 262-364-6751) and Peter Drummond (414-333-1606) • Wednesday, March 2 - 12 noon - The Education Rights campaign at UWM is having a protest in the UWM union. MGAA and and TAUWP will have a feeder march enter the event at 1215. Meet at the Golda Meier library at 12 noon for that and we walk from there; Contact Paul Sickel (414-520-1752) • Wednesday, March 2 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Lincoln and KK • Wednesday – 3/2/2011 – MICAH rally for worker rights and a just budget – Providence Baptist, 3865 N 82nd St. – 6pm; Contact Anita Johnson (414-899-3386) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 - Milwaukee Town Hall Meeting - Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee - 7pm • Thursday, March 3 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Water and Wisconsin downtown • Thursday, March 3 - 6:30pm - there is an MPS Board meeting of their Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget. It will focus on the impact of Walker's budget on MPS. Because it is a board committee meeting, there will be public testimony. • Saturday, March 5 - 1:00pm - Informational and organizing meeting for alternatives to Walker's massive education cuts - Greenfield School District Admin Building - 4850 S. 60th St. - organized by Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun - 920-904-2005) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 @ 4pm o Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Picket - Outside KI Convention Center • Sunday - 3/13/2011 @ 5:30pm o Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Brown County Republicans, Rock Garden Conference Center, 1951 Bond St., Green Bay Contact: Gary Lonzo at (920) 366-1107
12th Senate District (Scott Wright - 920-450-2121) • Wednesday 03/02/2011 o Langlade County Courthouse Rally - 800 Clermont Street, Antigo - 4:30 p.m. • Thursday - 3/3/2011 o Rhinelander Rally - Corner of Pizza Hut & Burger King - 6pm
13th Senate District (Greg Neil 608-556-9521) • Thursday 3/3/2011 o March/Rally - Dodge County Administration Building - 127 E. Oak, Juneau, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday - 03/03/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Thursday - 3/3/2011 - 4:30pm o Rally - Jefferson County Courthouse - 320 S. Main Street, Jefferson, WI • Friday - 03/04/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 o Lincoln Day Dinner Protest - Saturday - 3/5/2011 - Kestrel Ridge Country Club - 900 Avalon Road, Columbus, WI - 4:30 p.m. • Sunday - 03/06/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Monday - 03/07/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
14th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Wednesday, 3/2/2011 o Rally - Hortonville - Hortonville Public Library - 102 W. Main Street, Hortonville • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 6:00pm - 7:00pm o Waupaca Sen. Luther Olsen Candlelight Vigil, Waupaca (outside city hall/library), Contact: Bill Schmit at (715) 347-7070 • Friday, 3/4/2011 - Rep. Fred Clark Listening Sessions o Lake Delton - Kay C. MacKesey Administration Building - 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy South - Board Room - 9am-11am o Montellow - Marquette County Court House - 77 W. Park St. - Public Safety Room - 12pm-2pm o Portage - Wayne Bartels Middle School - 2505 New Pinery Rd - School Gymnasium - 3:15pm-5:15pm
15th Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 – o Whitewater Rally - Starin Park - 504 W. Starin Road, Whitewater - 4pm • Thursday - 3/3/2011 o Town Hall Meeting - Hyland Hall 1000 - UW-Whitewater - N. Starin Rd. (between N. Prince Street & N. Prairie St.) - 7pm
17th Senate District (Scott Hanson (608) 692-6934) • Wednesday - 03/02/2011 o 5:00pm - Rally - Richland Center Courthouse - 181 W. Seminary Street, Richland Center, WI • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Juneau County Courthouse, Mauston. Please feel free to invite anyone who opposes the budget repair bill that strips workers of their rights. Learn more at; http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191001420932224
21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Wednesday, 03/02/2011 @ 3:30pm o Open Meeting for ALL Labor Unions, American Legion Hall, 1027 New St., Union Grove - Speakers will address the participants and then a march in solidarity will occur on Main St. in Union Grove. Contact: Paul Krien at (262) 763-9346 • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm o Informational Picket at the intersection of Highways 31 and 20, Sturdevant. People are encouraged to bring megaphones, if you have them. Contact is Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508. • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 6pm o Faith Forum - Budget Impact on Racine County - 2nd Missionary Baptist Church - 1250 Lathrop Avenue, Racine
22nd Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Thursday, 3/3/2011 - Candlelight Vigil - Wehmhoff Park, Burlington, WI - 5pm • Saturday, 3/5/2011 - Rally & Canvassing - Southern Lakes United Educators Office - 616 Droster Avenue, Burlington, WI - 10am
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson (715) 456-4113) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 7:00pm o Candle Light Vigil, Phoenix Park, Eau Claire
24th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Rally at the Adams County Courthouse
25th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday - 3/3/2011 @ 5:30pm o Vigil - Bong Bridge - Start at 5pm/meet halfway at 5:30pm - Superior and Duluth union members will march and meet halfway across the bridge and hold hands in Solidarity. • Friday - 3/4/2011@ 4:30pm o Spooner Rally - Corner of River & Main Street - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday 3/5/2011@ 2:00pm o Rally at the Solon Springs post office - 9226 E Main St., Solon Springs
32nd Senate District (Tabbitha Norris 502-939-8459) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 9:00am - 4:00pm o Picket / Rally of the Food, Fuel & Future Summit, Firehouse Restaurant, Viroqua. Scheduled speakers are Gov. Walker, Sen. Kapanke & Rep. Nerison (Note: Rep. Nerison voted NO on the budget repair bill in the Assembly - Please Thank Him!) Contact: Troy Bauch at (715) 827-0056
Other WI Locations • Friday, 3/4/2011 - 4:00pm o Bridge to Resolution Rally - Emma Krumbee’s Exit/Overpass #190 of Highway 51
Canvassing/Phone Banks In addition to events listed below, please contact Area or Senate District leads to sign up to canvass and make phone calls.
Milwaukee Area (Jennissee Volpintesta 262-364-6751) and Peter Drummond (414-333-1606) • Wednesday, March 2 - 12 noon - The Education Rights campaign at UWM is having a protest in the UWM union. MGAA and and TAUWP will have a feeder march enter the event at 1215. Meet at the Golda Meier library at 12 noon for that and we walk from there; Contact Paul Sickel (414-520-1752) • Wednesday, March 2 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Lincoln and KK • Wednesday – 3/2/2011 – MICAH rally for worker rights and a just budget – Providence Baptist, 3865 N 82nd St. – 6pm; Contact Anita Johnson (414-899-3386) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 - Milwaukee Town Hall Meeting - Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee - 7pm • Thursday, March 3 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Water and Wisconsin downtown • Thursday, March 3 - 6:30pm - there is an MPS Board meeting of their Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget. It will focus on the impact of Walker's budget on MPS. Because it is a board committee meeting, there will be public testimony. • Saturday, March 5 - 1:00pm - Informational and organizing meeting for alternatives to Walker's massive education cuts - Greenfield School District Admin Building - 4850 S. 60th St. - organized by Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun - 920-904-2005) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 @ 4pm o Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Picket - Outside KI Convention Center • Sunday - 3/13/2011 @ 5:30pm o Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Brown County Republicans, Rock Garden Conference Center, 1951 Bond St., Green Bay Contact: Gary Lonzo at (920) 366-1107
12th Senate District (Scott Wright - 920-450-2121) • Wednesday 03/02/2011 o Langlade County Courthouse Rally - 800 Clermont Street, Antigo - 4:30 p.m. • Thursday - 3/3/2011 o Rhinelander Rally - Corner of Pizza Hut & Burger King - 6pm
13th Senate District (Greg Neil 608-556-9521) • Thursday 3/3/2011 o March/Rally - Dodge County Administration Building - 127 E. Oak, Juneau, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday - 03/03/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Thursday - 3/3/2011 - 4:30pm o Rally - Jefferson County Courthouse - 320 S. Main Street, Jefferson, WI • Friday - 03/04/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 o Lincoln Day Dinner Protest - Saturday - 3/5/2011 - Kestrel Ridge Country Club - 900 Avalon Road, Columbus, WI - 4:30 p.m. • Sunday - 03/06/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Monday - 03/07/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
14th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Wednesday, 3/2/2011 o Rally - Hortonville - Hortonville Public Library - 102 W. Main Street, Hortonville • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 6:00pm - 7:00pm o Waupaca Sen. Luther Olsen Candlelight Vigil, Waupaca (outside city hall/library), Contact: Bill Schmit at (715) 347-7070 • Friday, 3/4/2011 - Rep. Fred Clark Listening Sessions o Lake Delton - Kay C. MacKesey Administration Building - 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy South - Board Room - 9am-11am o Montellow - Marquette County Court House - 77 W. Park St. - Public Safety Room - 12pm-2pm o Portage - Wayne Bartels Middle School - 2505 New Pinery Rd - School Gymnasium - 3:15pm-5:15pm
15th Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 – o Whitewater Rally - Starin Park - 504 W. Starin Road, Whitewater - 4pm • Thursday - 3/3/2011 o Town Hall Meeting - Hyland Hall 1000 - UW-Whitewater - N. Starin Rd. (between N. Prince Street & N. Prairie St.) - 7pm
17th Senate District (Scott Hanson (608) 692-6934) • Wednesday - 03/02/2011 o 5:00pm - Rally - Richland Center Courthouse - 181 W. Seminary Street, Richland Center, WI • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Juneau County Courthouse, Mauston. Please feel free to invite anyone who opposes the budget repair bill that strips workers of their rights. Learn more at; http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191001420932224
21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Wednesday, 03/02/2011 @ 3:30pm o Open Meeting for ALL Labor Unions, American Legion Hall, 1027 New St., Union Grove - Speakers will address the participants and then a march in solidarity will occur on Main St. in Union Grove. Contact: Paul Krien at (262) 763-9346 • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm o Informational Picket at the intersection of Highways 31 and 20, Sturdevant. People are encouraged to bring megaphones, if you have them. Contact is Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508. • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 6pm o Faith Forum - Budget Impact on Racine County - 2nd Missionary Baptist Church - 1250 Lathrop Avenue, Racine
22nd Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177) • Thursday, 3/3/2011 - Candlelight Vigil - Wehmhoff Park, Burlington, WI - 5pm • Saturday, 3/5/2011 - Rally & Canvassing - Southern Lakes United Educators Office - 616 Droster Avenue, Burlington, WI - 10am
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson (715) 456-4113) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 7:00pm o Candle Light Vigil, Phoenix Park, Eau Claire
24th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Rally at the Adams County Courthouse
25th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121) • Thursday - 3/3/2011 @ 5:30pm o Vigil - Bong Bridge - Start at 5pm/meet halfway at 5:30pm - Superior and Duluth union members will march and meet halfway across the bridge and hold hands in Solidarity. • Friday - 3/4/2011@ 4:30pm o Spooner Rally - Corner of River & Main Street - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday 3/5/2011@ 2:00pm o Rally at the Solon Springs post office - 9226 E Main St., Solon Springs
32nd Senate District (Tabbitha Norris 502-939-8459) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 9:00am - 4:00pm o Picket / Rally of the Food, Fuel & Future Summit, Firehouse Restaurant, Viroqua. Scheduled speakers are Gov. Walker, Sen. Kapanke & Rep. Nerison (Note: Rep. Nerison voted NO on the budget repair bill in the Assembly - Please Thank Him!) Contact: Troy Bauch at (715) 827-0056
Other WI Locations • Friday, 3/4/2011 - 4:00pm o Bridge to Resolution Rally - Emma Krumbee’s Exit/Overpass #190 of Highway 51
Walker Budget Statewide Event list (Last updated: Tuesday, March 01, 2011)
State Capitol • Tuesday, 03/01/2011 - Rally @ 2:00pm
Milwaukee Area (Jennissee Volpintesta 262-364-6751) and Peter Drummond (414-333-1606)
• Tuesday, March 1 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Oakland Ave and Locust • Tuesday, March 1 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm - Milwaukee-area Parent Rally against Walker's education cuts - State Building (North 6th and Wells) - organized by MPS parent groups • Tuesday, March 1 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm - Rally Stop the Billionaires Attack on the Middle Class - Americans for Prosperity HQ - 1126 S. 70th St., Milwaukee - organized by SEIU • Wednesday, March 2 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Lincoln and Kinickinick • Wednesday – 3/2/2011 – MICAH Community meeting against Walker Budget – Providence Baptist, 3865 N 82nd St. – 6pm • Wednesday - 3/2/2011 - Milwaukee Town Hall Meeting - Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee - 7pm • Thursday, March 3 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm – Wisconsin 14 Thank You Rally - Water and Wisconsin downtown • Thursday, March 3 - 6:30pm - there is an MPS Board meeting of their Committee on Strategic Planning and Budget. It will focus on the impact of Walker's budget on MPS. Because it is a board committee meeting, there will be public testimony. • Saturday, March 5 - 1:00pm - Informational and organizing meeting for alternatives to Walker's massive education cuts - Greenfield School District Admin Building - 4850 S. 60th St. - organized by Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
2nd and 30th Senate District (Julie Heun - 920-904-2005)
• Sunday - 3/13/2011 @ 5:30pm o Lincoln Reagan Dinner of the Brown County Republicans, Rock Garden Conference Center, 1951 Bond St., Green Bay Contact: Gary Lonzo at (920) 366-1107
12th Senate District (Scott Wright - 920-450-2121)
• Tuesday - 3/1/2011 o Rhinelander Rally - Corner of Pizza Hut & Burger King - 4pm • Thursday - 3/3/2011 o Rhinelander Rally - Corner of Pizza Hut & Burger King - 6pm
13th Senate District (Greg Neil 608-556-9521)
• Tuesday 3/1/2011 o Rally - Jefferson School - 601 Grandview, Waupun, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday 3/3/2011 o March/Rally - Dodge County Administration Building - 127 E. Oak, Juneau, WI - 4:45pm • Thursday - 03/03/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Thursday - 3/3/2011 - 4:30pm o Rally - Jefferson County Courthouse - 320 S. Main Street, Jefferson, WI • Friday - 03/04/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Saturday - 03/05/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 o Lincoln Day Dinner Protest - Saturday - 3/5/2011 - Kestrel Ridge Country Club - 900 Avalon Road, Columbus, WI - 4:30 p.m. • Sunday - 03/06/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853 • Monday - 03/07/2011 - 6:30am o “Breakfast with Fitz”, Meet at the IAM Labor Hall, 258 Barstow St., Horicon. Contact: Todd Wetzel at (920) 210-7853
14th Senate District (Scott Wright 920-450-2121)
• Tuesday, 03/01/2011 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm o Rally - Red Granite, intersection of Highway 21 & County Road E • Tuesday, 03/01/2011 @ 4:30pm o Rally - Pardeeville Public Library, 119 Main St. • Wednesday, 3/2/2011 o Rally - Hortonville (details forthcoming) • Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 6:00pm - 7:00pm o Waupaca Sen. Luther Olsen Candlelight Vigil, Waupaca (outside city hall/library ), Contact: Bill Schmit at (715) 347-7070
15th Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177)
• Wednesday o 3/2/2011 - Whitewater Rally - Starin Park - 504 W. Starin Road, Whitewater - 4pm
17th Senate District (Scott Hanson (608) 692-6934)
• Tuesday 03/01/2011 o 6:00pm - 7:30pm - Spring Green Town Hall Meeting, River Valley HS, Spring Green • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm o Juneau County Courthouse, Mauston. Please feel free to invite anyone who opposes the budget repair bill that strips workers of their rights. Learn more at; http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191001420932224
21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177)
• Wednesday, 03/02/2011 @ 3:30pm o Open Meeting for ALL Labor Unions, American Legion Hall, 1027 New St., Union Grove - Speakers will address the participants and then a march in solidarity will occur on Main St. in Union Grove. Contact: Paul Krien at (262) 763-9346 • Friday, 03/04/2011 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm o Informational Picket at the intersection of Highways 31 and 20, Sturdevant. People are encouraged to bring megaphones, if you have them. Contact is Jim Parrett at (262) 210-2508.
22nd Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177)
• Thursday, 3/3/2011 - Candlelight Vigil - Wehmhoff Park, Burlington, WI - 5pm • Saturday, 3/5/2011 - Rally - Wehmhoff Park, Burlington, WI - 11 a.m.
23rd and 31st Senate District (Andy Thompson (715) 456-4113)
• Thursday, 03/03/2011 @ 7:00pm o Candle Light Vigil, Phoenix Park, Eau Claire
Other WI Locations
• Wednesday 03/02/2011 o Langlade County Courthouse Rally - 800 Clermont Street, Antigo - 4:30 p.m. • Friday - 3/4/2011 o Spooner Rally - Corner of River & Main Street - 4:30 p.m.
Budget to be unveiled today will not share sacrifice, does not reflect Wisconsin values
Madison: In the run up to the Budget Address later today, Governor Scott Walker has claimed that the draconian cuts he will announce later today, as well as the practical elimination of collective bargaining rights for most public employees in his budget repair bill, are economic necessities rather than a policy choices. Walker has also claimed that Wisconsin’s budget gap is highly unusual, and has been caused by public employee union rights and the fiscal policies of his predecessors. Both of these claims are highly misleading. Here are the facts: Fact: Experts agree that most states, including Wisconsin, face difficult state budgets because of the aftermath of the Great Recession, caused by Wall Street malfeasance, and a reduction in federal aid to mitigate the economic fallout in the states. Fact: Wisconsin’s budget shortfall is not nearly as severe as many other states. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities the Wisconsin shortfall is 12.8% of state spending, while the national average is 20%. By comparison, the short fall in Illinois is 44.9%, and it is 24.5% in Minnesota. Fact: There is no correlation between state budget gaps and collective bargaining rights. In fact, some of the states with the worst budget gaps are among those with no collective bargaining rights for public employees. Eight of the 13 states without collective bargaining rights have larger relative deficits than Wisconsin. Fact: According to UWM Economist Marc Levine, the corporate share of Wisconsin revenue has decreased by half over 20 years, and is the 12th lowest in the nation. Fact: Rather than asking corporations to share in the sacrifice to balance the state budget, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau Governor Walker has already cut taxes by $117 million for corporations and higher income Wisconsinites, exacerbating the 2011-2013 budget hole that needs to be filled. He also promised during his campaign to eliminate corporate income tax and recreate loopholes to allow corporations to shelter profits out of state to avoid Wisconsin taxes. Fact: A balanced approach that included temporary tax increases for corporations and the super wealthy would reduce the need for cuts in vital public services such as health care, education, and other vital state and local services. According to the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future, bringing Wisconsin corporate taxes up to the national average would raise $2.6 billion in the next two year budget, leaving a much more manageable remaining $1 billion budget hole to fill. In addition, according to UWM Economics Marc Levine, the budget hole for the fiscal year that ends June 30 could be filled with a temporary 1.5% tax surcharge for the super-wealthy in Wisconsin (those who make over $260,000 per year), which would raise $137 million. “The facts are clear, Scott Walker’s decision to place the entire burden of Wisconsin’s budget shortfall on our children, our most vulnerable citizens in need of health care and long term care, and our dedicated public employees is his own value choice, not an economic necessity forced on him by others,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. “Like most other states, Wisconsin has a serious but temporary budget short fall which calls for shared short term sacrifice,” Kraig continued. “However, to allow large corporations to get off scot-free, while using a temporary shortfall as a pretext to abolish fundamental workers rights, and make slashing cuts in Wisconsin’s nationally renowned education and health care programs, is fundamentally unethical, and does not reflect Wisconsin values.”
In today’s editorial, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel excuses the inexcusable by blaming Governor-elect Walker’s rejection of $810 million, job creating federal investment on the citizens of the state.
In four different paragraphs the editorial board asserts that this investment was killed because the residents of the state did not support it.
But asserting it doesn’t make it true.
This job creating investment was killed because Governor-elect Walker made opposition to the high speed rail a wedge issue in his election campaign. He was determined to deliver this victory to his base despite its costs in jobs and economic growth
Rather than blaming the public for killing 15,000 family supporting jobs, the editors ought to look at the results of their own poll that is running two to one for the investment and against Walker’s approach.
Governor-elect Scott Walker’s ill-advised campaign posture to cancel the high-speed rail project that is already under construction would cost Wisconsin up to 15,000 family supporting jobs and up to $100 million at a time when both jobs and revenue are desperately needed.
Walker got a lot of campaign mileage out of this issue as a supposed example of wasteful government spending, but now that he actually will have to govern, cancelling the project at this stage makes absolutely no sense, even if you believe his arguments against the project.
Walker’s campaign posturing now threatens thousands of construction and permanent jobs, and will cost Wisconsin much more money to cancel than continue. Given the desperate need for jobs in Wisconsin, and the severe fiscal crisis the state faces, cancelling the high speed rail line amounts to economic treason.
Not surprisingly, other governors are already beginning to line up to request the job-creating money for their own states. Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo in New York has already put out a statement asking for the money to create good high-speed rail jobs for New Yorkers.
First, let’s review the jobs that will not be created if Walker cancels the high-speed rail project. If it is cancelled, it will cost Wisconsin an estimated 4,732 construction jobs . In addition, research on the economic impact of high-speed rail concludes that when the full project is completed, including the link from Madison to Minneapolis, that 9,570 permanent jobs will be created.
Governor-elect Walker has defended cancellation of the high-speed rail project on fiscal grounds, but returning the $810 million in federal funding that is paying for construction of the project would actually cost the state a great deal of money. As the money can only be used for high-speed rail, and the project is already underway, Wisconsin would have to pay back the federal government and contractors for work already done.
Policymakers estimate it will cost Wisconsin between $57 million and $100 million to buy out of the project. The maintenance costs Walker railed against in the campaign are substantially lower than this! Walker projected $7.5 million per year during the campaign, but most analysts think it will be much less. If the federal government pays the same percentage of maintenance costs it now pays for the Hiawatha line between Milwaukee and Chicago, the cost to Wisconsin will only by $750,000 per year, which is a tiny fraction of the state transportation budget.
In addition, the City of Milwaukee spent $10 million to buy the blighted Milwaukee site where the high speed trains are being built by Spanish manufacturer Talgo, and has invested an additional $6 million to upgrade the facility. Talgo has made it clear that they are unlikely to stay in Milwaukee if the Wisconsin high speed train project is cancelled. As a result, Milwaukee would lose the anchor manufacturing facility needed to spur re-development of the blighted Tower Automotive/A.O. Smith site on the near north side.
Given the nearly 15,000 construction and permanent jobs that would be created by the federal investment in Wisconsin in high-speed rail, and the high fiscal cost of cancellation, it would be incredibly short-sighted for Governor elect-Walker to follow through on his campaign posture just to provide more red meat for right-wing talk radio audiences. It amounts to economic treason at a time when everyone, regardless of political and ideological perspective, should be working together to bring desperately needed family supporting jobs back to Wisconsin.
Checking around a few Milwaukee polling places, there are indeed signs of strong turnout, with the counts on track to equal or surpass turnout in 2006.
For instance, in 2006, Washington High School (Ward 128) came in with about 668 votes; a voter at 5:30 or so claimed she was number 590(ish). And people kept coming.
Will it be enough? There's 90 minutes left -- if you're reading this, please do what you can to get out the vote.
