July
1, 2011
I wanted to wish
everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! Many Blessings to you and
your family.
Articles of interest on the
effects of collective bargaining
If you find yourself
having some time to ponder the impacts of the collective bargaining laws
over the weekend here are some articles for you. I know it is a
big "if" as I even take some time for my family this weekend.
Though there are some difficult concessions that teachers have to make
in many district they are very reasonable in these difficult financial
times and provide the means to typically (see the Milwaukee articles to
find the atypical results) maintain the core functions of teaching our
children.
According to various
media reports, 67 of the state’s 424 school districts have reported
savings of more than $140 million. The nonpartisan Legislative
Fiscal Bureau estimated that the remaining districts would realize
savings of over $170 million annually just through pension savings
if they used the tools in Act 10 and the biennial budget. School
districts would also see substantial additional savings from health
care savings and other reforms that can improve education in
Wisconsin.
The "tools" we have been talking about
typically work and help local governments continue to do their core
functions while starting to bring in line government workers union
packages to that of the private sector. Those districts who didn't
wait for the "tools" perhaps should have been more patient.
You may remember that
there were calls of gloom and doom for our students. I see that
the "tools" are working.
Newly ratified Palmyra-Eagle teacher contract eliminates seniority
Quote of the Day
The United
States is the only country with a known birthday. --James G. Blaine
Interesting Facts
In 2007, Wisconsin ranked
first nationally in the production of cheese and dry whey products and
second to California in the production of milk and butter. --Wisconsin
Blue Book 2009-2010, page 623
Office Statistics
My
office has reached out to 2537 constituent
concerns, inquires, position statements, congratulations, and ideas since January 3, 2011.
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