It has been a year since Governor Walker unveiled historic collective bargaining reform. That legislation was truly a game-changer for Wisconsin, and the savings realized by passing the proposal allowed legislative Republicans to approve the first honest budget in years: one balanced without raising taxes, without raiding trust funds, and without laying off workers.

Collective bargaining reform was also a lifeline to local governments, as Act 10 gave municipalities and school boards across the state the ability to make fiscal adjustments as needed. No longer would unions have back-room influence over decisions regarding programs and spending; taxpayers were put back in the driver’s seat.

Over the past year, we have all had a chance to evaluate the Governor’s proposal, and since last summer, evaluate its effect. Taking a look around the 24th Assembly District, it is apparent that the sky isn’t falling; to the contrary, the Governor’s reforms are working.

Collective bargaining reform is working in Brown Deer, where Act 10 saved teachers’ jobs. In June of last year, the school district was ready to lay off 27 teachers as the local union refused to accept concessions on benefits and work rules. But with passage of the Governor’s reforms, finance director Emily Koczela was able to modify union benefit packages and save every one of those jobs.

Collective bargaining reform is working in Germantown, where Act 10 allowed the district to cut spending and balance their budget. By changing insurance providers, the district was able to save $1.5 million annually. With new teacher contributions to pension and health insurance, the district was even able to reduce the tax levy by 2.5%!

Collective bargaining reform is working in Brookfield, where Act 10 has changed the culture of public service. Last August, Fire Department Command Staff volunteered to make thousands of dollars of voluntary pension contributions to the city.

Act 10 has proven invaluable to the 24th District, and serves as an important protection for taxpayers across the state. As Assistant Majority Leader of the State Assembly, I am proud of my role in having turned this historic piece of legislation into law. It has been a year since Governor Walker unveiled collective bargaining reform—and what a year it has been for the Wisconsin taxpayer!

Don't forget that Chilly Fest is tomorrow (Saturday) in downtown Menomonee Falls. There will be ice carvings, a chili competition, and events at Mill Pond Park.  For more information visit http://menomoneefallsdowntown.com/travel.iml?mdl=events.mdl&cal_month=2&cal_year=2012

From the Desk of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

If you fall victim to the latest cyber scam, it may be “game over” for your banking account.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are warning the public about a new email phishing scam involving a piece of malware appropriately called “Gameover.”

“All phishing scams aim to collect your personal data, but the ‘Gameover’ scam goes straight for your banking accounts,” said Sandy Chalmers, Division Administrator for Trade and Consumer Protection. “Falling prey to this scam can do a tremendous amount of damage to your finances.”

This scam works like this:
1.You receive an unsolicited and fraudulent email claiming to be from the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), Federal Reserve Bank or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

2.The email will note that there is a problem with your banking accounts or with a recent transaction.

3.You will be asked to click a link to correct the information.

4.By clicking the link, you will be taken to a phony website where you will inadvertently download the Gameover malware. The malware promptly infects your computer and steals your banking information.

To protect yourself from this scam:

•If you receive an email from any of the agencies listed above, do not open it. Delete it immediately! None of these agencies send out unsolicited e-mails to bank account holders. If you wish to confirm if there is a problem with your account or a recent transaction, contact your financial institution directly.

•Make certain your computer anti-virus protection is up to date.

•Never click on links in unsolicited emails.

If you think you have been victimized by this type of scheme, contact your financial institution to report it and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

For more information or to file a consumer complaint, visit Consumer Protection’s website at datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.