Dear fellow Wisconsinites:

As many of you know, there is currently a fight between Governor Walker and unions.  In an effort to cut through the partisan noise so that you can make an educated, clearheaded decision about where you stand, I’d just like to present some facts.

Fact: There will be a $130 million shortfall this fiscal year, which will end on June 30th.  Most of this shortfall is attributed to the new Governor’s recently enacted tax cut policy.

Fact: Wisconsin has a biennial budget so over the next two years, there will be a projected $3.6 billion shortfall. Most of this shortfall can be attributed to the lingering effects of the Recession and therefore, a smaller tax base.

Fact: $3.6 billion is a lot of money and the Governor presented his budget repair bill as a fix to this problem.  However, the Governor’s proposal has ZERO fiscal impact this fiscal year.  Furthermore, over the next two years, the proposal is projected to save $300 million, which is about 8% of the projected deficit.

Fact: While the proposal would save $300 million over the next two years, it would eviscerate the rights of thousands of public sector employees to collectively negotiate.

Fact: Taking away the right for workers to collectively bargain is union busting. 

Where do you stand?

Kisses,

jhk