Weekly Summaries

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July 2, 2009

STATE BUDGET…The Governor has not only executed his veto power, but also signed the state budget as amended. At the end of the day, state employees did not fare as well in this version as we did under the Joint Finance version of the budget. Many issues around contracting out and establishing a high level committee on these and other worksite issues were vetoed by the Governor. More importantly, the budget continues to extract large sums of money out of state agencies. Agencies will see a minimum of a 5% cut in operating budgets. We have prepared a lengthy summary of the bill the Governor signed last Monday. You can access this document on our website (wseu-24.org). If you have questions that are still unanswered after reviewing this budget summary, please contact our legislative office at 608.836.6666 or Director Beil (mbeil@wseu-24.org). In many ways, our thought on the budget is simply this: “we live to fight another day”.

PAY ADJUSTMENTS…Effective with the 6/7/09 pay period, your salary is to be adjusted by 2%, and the payout would be on 7/2. We ask that you carefully review your pay stub information to make sure that the employer has accurately applied the 2% to your wages. You never can be too careful.

FURLOUGHS…We continue working with OSER regarding the implementation of the furlough program. We are in the process of signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) giving the employer flexibility to schedule and defray the cost of these furloughs. Although we have not been able to stop the furloughs, we have tried to do what we can to cushion the impact and provide employee protections as the agencies develop their plans. Since the MOU’s have been signed, we’re sure that in the coming week, agencies will be forwarding their plans to OSER. The union continues to be in the loop with OSER, to guard employee protections and flexibility and worksites for employees. We are not naive enough to believe these will come off without problems – and we would rather know about issues, have involvement in their discussion and attempt to fix the problems, rather than let them fester. Please forward any information you receive regarding your worksite’s furlough plan to mbeil@wseu-24.org. Our public statements to the media and others are that state employees are not happy about these furloughs, but understand them and are willing to make sacrifices, as long as we have fairness and equity and continuing involvement.

BARGAINING…teams met today for the first time and spent considerable time discussing the furloughs and budget issues and the implementation process. It was a positive meeting, with lots of information sharing and interaction amongst the teams. However, we are not at a point of beginning the bargaining process – there are still too many unknowns, including where revenue is going, for us to be at the bargaining table.

CONVENTION…Council 24’s annual convention, July 24-25 in LaCrosse.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Thursday, July 23, LaCrosse.

June 26, 2009

STATE BUDGET…The Conference Committee met this week to resolve the differences between the Assembly and Senate version of the state budget. As the Budget goes to Conference Committee, new issues arise. At this time of this writing, we are not sure of all of the new issues that were included in the Conference Committee report, which passed late Thursday night. Our lobbyists are analyzing the product, which now goes back to the Assembly and the Senate for approval. They are scheduled to meet on Friday and Saturday to vote either up or down, accept or reject, on the package – no amendments are allowed. The first general review indicates there are many different issues in this product. We will keep you informed as we come to understand what the budget contains.

FURLOUGHS…Agencies should have received the directive and template from OSER regarding furlough implementation. We are certain these agencies are now meeting, and should also be meeting with you, to talk about implementation. We have had tremendous input into the plans, but as these things go, once they move to the agency level, things get muddy. We urge you to engage your superior, warden, superintendent, etc. to talk about how the implementation will occur in your workplace. Our one saving grace is that all agency plans must be approved by OSER prior to implementation, and we remain in the loop with OSER as to the review of some of these. Questions on furloughs or their contract implications should be directed to your field rep. As a reminder, an updated FAQ has been published on the OSER website (http://oser.state.wi.us/).

CONVENTION…Council 24’s annual convention, July 24-25 in LaCrosse.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Thursday, July 23, LaCrosse.

June 18, 2009

CONVENTION…Council 24’s annual convention is rapidly approaching, July 24-25 in LaCrosse. Please note the following: Convention Committee Appointments - even though this deadline has passed, WE NEED MORE RECOMMENDATIONS as soon as possible for all of the following convention committees: Credentials; Rules; Resolutions; and Sergeant-at-Arms.
            Proposed Resolutions – are due at Council by 6/19 for inclusion in the advance mailing to delegates;
            Proposed Constitutional Amendments – are due at Council by 6/23 at 4 p.m.

STATE BUDGET…The Assembly passed their version of the state budget at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, 6/13.   The Assembly version is substantially different than the Budget adopted by Joint Finance. There were winners and losers for us in the Assembly version, and we immediately began working on the Senate to do some remedial action on the Assembly budget version. The Senate took the Joint Finance budget proposal up on Wednesday, 6/17 and debated it and passed their version which was substantially different from the Assembly version. The versions passed by both houses were also substantially different from the Joint Finance version. Some of our issues were fixed, and some were not. The matter now goes to a Conference Committee to try and work out the differences between the three versions. We are currently in the process of examining the Senate version as to its impact on the funding of public services. These Conference Committee exercises become very treacherous for us, because the M.O. is “horse trading”. So, we will see lots of “brilliant” ideas put forward that don’t have very “brilliant” outcomes. Your lobbyists continue devoting a tremendous amount of time and resources to protecting our interests, both economic and employment-wise.

FURLOUGHS…an updated FAQ has been published on the OSER website (http://oser.state.wi.us/). We urge you to refer to it to find new modifications and responses related to Income Continuation Insurance and pro-ration issues. You can also determine if this new information addresses concerns you may have. We continue meeting with OSER regarding the template for agencies to follow regarding implementation of the furlough program. There are no official authorized agency furlough plans. Agencies have been told to have discussions about furlough implementation, but that OSER will retain the ability to authorize agencies’ final plans. No plans have yet been reviewed or authorized by OSER. However, if your management want to talk with you about furlough implementation, we encourage you to do so. Just remember that guidelines have to be approved and published, and nothing is reality until that happens.

JOHN DOE…the Governor signed SB 51 (John Doe Reform) at Waupun Correctional Institution last Friday afternoon. This brings closure to an incredible misuse of the court system by inmates while providing a modicum of protection and legal rights to correctional employees involved in the John Doe process. Signature of this bill speaks loudly for the phrase “Justice will Prevail”.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday June 26, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… LTE Abuse, 6/25.

June 11, 2009

STATE BUDGET…both houses of the legislature have been in caucus status throughout this past week. Most of the time, they have been in closed caucus. Our understanding as of Thursday morning is that the Assembly has over 100 amendments to the Joint Finance version of the budget. Some of these amendments undo the actions of Joint Finance, and some add to it. It appears that the assembly is having a difficult time mustering enough votes to pass an agreed upon bill out of their house. Your lobbyists have been extremely busy trying to repair some of the issues undone by the Assembly and/or strengthening some of the Joint Finance pieces. Our understanding is that the Assembly will convene either late Thursday night or early on Friday to take up their version. It then goes on to the Senate, where we understand there are fewer amendments. The issue will be whether a majority of the Senate agrees with the product of a majority of the Assembly. If not, the matter then goes to a Conference Committee for continued discussion, bargaining, and consensus building. In short, it doesn’t look like the budget will be passed through this week. If you are following any important amendments, we suggest you contact your Senators and Representatives and urge them to make sure they are not deleted from budget discussions. This gets more and more difficult with the turn of each new week.

FURLOUGHS…We are currently scheduling a meeting with OSER regarding the second chapter of the furlough communications. Our understanding is that they are fairly close to completing another document regarding implementation of the furloughs. We have seen and heard some fairly recriminating articles and memos about our refusal to open our contract and forego the 2% wage increase. In fact, at one UW campus, we were actually blamed for the cancellation of the baseball and tennis programs – because we didn’t rollback our 2%. We would like to send you all a message in the strongest terms – none of us has any reason to be ashamed, the right decision was made regarding retaining your 2%, and if you supervisor says anything about it; tell them they need a union! We negotiated and you ratified a contract with a 2% wage increase. We all know it should be more, but you deserve every penny. Hold your heads high.

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT…Wisconsin Council on Children and Family (WCCF) announces its 2009 scholarship contest. Three $1,000 scholarships can be awarded to teens from 15-17 who are: Wisconsin residents; have a C average or above in high school; and planning to attend two or four year college. Applicants can submit one of the following: essay; visual depiction; or poem conveying “What Family Means to Me” by the deadline of 7/31/09. Further info: WCCF.org.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday June 26, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5, Grievance, 6/16; LTE Abuse, 6/25

June 4, 2009

STATE BUDGET… We are still dissecting the Joint Finance version of the state budget. It appears there are both positive and negative significant impacts on state workers and the services they provide. We have asked the Legislative Fiscal Bureau to decipher some of the adopted amendments as to their impact on state agencies. The JFC budget now goes to both legislative houses for approval, and early indications are that both the Senate and the Assembly will attempt to amend the JFC version, which will result in a Conference Committee. Even though Joint Finance has adopted several amendments, a good portion of that could be changed by either legislative house. We continue to be extremely vigilant of the situation, and continue meeting with legislative leadership to try to protect our interests.

FURLOUGHS…by now, everyone should have had access to the OSER list of Frequently Asked Questions about the furloughs. If you have not, you can visit our website for a link (wseu-24.org); or you can go directly to the OSER website at: http://oser.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=6977. This is only the first of several information pieces regarding implementation of the furloughs, and not all questions will be answered in this first edition. We will keep working with OSER with a goal of implementing these furloughs in a manner that does not create extreme hardship for our members. One last time - your 2% wage increase effective 6/7/09 is still in place.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday June 26, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5, Grievance, 6/16; LTE Abuse, 6/25.

May 29 , 2009

STATE BUDGET… The Joint Finance committee met through the night on Thursday and reached final agreement on the state budget. While we have not had the opportunity to examine every aspect, it is generally understood that this budget is doom and gloom. For the most part, every part of state operations - state funding, local units of government, K-12 – all will have significant reductions in funding and in some cases, actual reductions to the base. Part of motion was to rescind the 2% pay increase for non-represented, faculty, and academic staff, as well as most elected officials and judges. SO THAT THERE IS NO MISUNDERSTANDING, WE HAVE NOT AGREED TO RESCIND OUR 2% ACROSS THE BOARD INCREASE EFFECTIVE 6/7/09. The legislature cannot take this away, and the governor cannot take this away. Your supervisors will not get the 2%, but you will. Once we have had an opportunity to fully digest the specifics of this omnibus budget bill, we will report to our leadership about the details.

FURLOUGHS…we continue meeting with OSER regarding the impact of furloughs. We have presented them with our suggestions regarding flexibility, lessening the economic impact, and issues around pro-ration. Sometime within the next two weeks, OSER will be releasing documents to the agencies regarding the implementation of furloughs. We will continue to stay involved in this process so we can protect our members’ rights and make sure that it is a fair process. Agencies may be establishing work groups to deal with furloughs, but all of that is premature until OSER releases their implementation plan. It is safe to say that unless you receive information from us, or directly from OSER, other information is unreliable.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS….Congratulations to the following 2009 winners of the Jim Boyd Memorial Scholarship awards. We are very proud of these highly accomplished students. Look for more information in AFSCME Reports.

1st Place-- $4,000 2-year scholarship

Stephanie Schmidt

Parent: William Schmidt, Local 15

2nd Place--$2,000 2-year scholarship

Adam Miller

Parent: Thomas Miller, Local 178

3rd Place--$2,000 1- year scholarship

Bobbi Will

Parent: Michael Will, Local 126

4th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Trace Borchardt

Parent: Julie Borchardt, Local 6

5th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Katelyn Patzlsberger

Parent: Jon Patzlsberger, Local 3394

6th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Eric Benzel

Parent: Pamela Benzel, Local 973

7th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Alison Lindner

Parent: Keith Lindner, Local 1218

8th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Naomi Behm

Parent: Teresa Behm , Local 973

9th Place--$1,000 1-year scholarship

Kayla Lubenow

Parent: Dennis Lubenow, Local 48

Members Only Scholarship:

Lesa Woitas, Local 351

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday June 26, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5, LTE Abuse, 6/25.

May 20 , 2009

STATE BUDGET… our discussions continue with the Administration around implementation of furloughs. There is nothing specific to report yet – we hope to have some final and solid information early next week. As we’ve said all along, despite what you may see or hear, there will be NO EXEMPTIONS - ALL STATE EMPLOYEES WILL EXPERIENCE FURLOUGHS. We suggest you check the report on Wisconsin Public Radio on 5/21/09 quoting OSER Director Jennifer Donnelly specifically stating there are no exemptions – “furloughs apply to everyone”. At the JCOER meeting set for Wednesday, 5/28 under consideration will be the matter of rolling back wage increases for unrepresented employees, including faculty and staff. Also, before the Joint Committee will be the matter of rolling back legislators’ pay increases, as well as the authority to furlough those workers not represented by contracts. We will provide you with any information that is real when we get it – whether it is regarding furloughs, layoffs, or other budget issues.

UWHC CONTRACT…congratulations again to the UWHC bargaining unit. Their contract was resoundingly approved by the membership during their ratification vote earlier this week. It’s the end of a long road for this unit.

AFSCME’s NEXT WAVE…please check www.afscme.org for more info on this upcoming program. Interested members are asked to notify Jana Weaver at Council 24 (jweaver@wseu-24.org) once they are registered and planning to attend.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, May 22, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5.

May 15 , 2009

STATE BUDGET… our discussions continue with the Administration around implementation of furloughs. Just so it is absolutely clear to everyone – we have NOT agreed to reopen the contract to rollback the 2%. In all of our discussions, it is apparent that even if we were to rollback the 2% increase, it would not prevent furloughs or layoffs – so it was not a decision of rolling back wages to prevent layoffs. To further clarify, in spite of what you have read or heard, there will be NO EXEMPTIONS - ALL STATE EMPLOYEES WILL EXPERIENCE FURLOUGHS. We know many of you have unanswered questions. There are difficult times ahead for state employees and for that matter, all public employees. Your union is at the frontline, trying to make the best of a bad situation, and protecting the interest of working families. As we receive answers, we will forward them to our leadership so that our members will have the most accurate and up to date information possible. Make no mistake – this is not some political, budgetary sleight of hand, we are truly in a serious economic tailspin now pegged at almost $7 billion. The impact on state employees is just a small part of that $7 billion. We need to stay together and work together so that we can come out of this together.

UWHC CONTRACT…congratulations on a job well done to the UWHCA bargaining team. They recently reached a settlement through mediation, ending protracted negotiations for their successor agreement. Even with the tough economic times, this team was able to protect the members’ benefits and secure a wage increase. Their bargaining unit conference will take action on the tentative agreement today, 5/15 and the membership vote is set for next week. We wish them much success through this process. Members having questions should direct them to the UWHC bargaining team, or contact field rep Maggie Merdler at our Madison office (mmerdler@wseu-24.org).

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, May 22, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5.

May 7 , 2009

STATE BUDGET… By now, obviously you may have all heard that the governor issued a press release today on the continuing deterioration revenue and economic picture in Wisconsin. We have been directly involved over the last several days with the governor and his administration about the potential impact of this $1.5 billion addition to the revenue shortfall. Simply put – this quarter the State is now over $7 billion short in its revenue. While not one of us can be happy or comfortable with this kind of deficit and its impact on state workers – it is the reality we now face. The administration has asked us to re-open the current contract to rollback the 2% wage increase, and we have advised that we are unwilling to do so. All unrepresented, confidential, executive, and legislative employees, as well as faculty and academic staff employees not represented by a collective bargaining agent will have their June 2% wage increase rolled back. The governor has made the decision to invoke provisions of your collective bargaining agreement, under article 8, section 4, which says that management can reduce the hours of work by no more than 64 hours in a 12 month period (64 hours is equivalent to 8 days). Employees, both represented and unrepresented, will have a reduction in their annual hours by 64 hours over the period of the first year’s biennium. How that will happen, the procedure and method, is as yet undetermined and we will be part of those continuing discussions. This budget adaption dealing with state workers amount to a number less than $100 million; which leaves approximately another $1.4 billion to make up. There will be proposals coming on more agency cuts, possibly 1 – 3%; cuts in shared revenue; cuts in school aids; transportation and every budget allocation in order to make up the $1.4 billion. With additional agency cuts, we could actually see layoffs, rather than furloughs. This is harsh – but we feel it is important to put this reality forward. While we are at it – we feel it is important for everyone to understand this economic meltdown is by no means turning around. And while hard decisions were made this quarter due to the shortfall, our biggest fear is that the next quarter could bring another billion dollar shortfall, which would be devastating to everyone. We know none of this news is good. We believe that it is important for all of us to try and work together to deal with these realities. We remain committed to protecting state workers and their families in these incredibly trying times. We are not immune from the economic reality.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, May 22

April 30, 2009

JOHN DOE…After many years of lobbying, frustration, and cajoling, this week the Assembly passed a John Doe bill with some minor amendments which we believe are beneficial to our workers. We have an absolute firm commitment from the majority leader of the Senate and the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee that they will take up the Assembly version as an early order of business on their next session day, 5/13/09. We feel very confident about the bill, and are even in discussion with the Governor’s office about where to sign it. It wouldn’t hurt for everyone to make one last contact with your state senator to urge them to adopt the Assembly version of John Doe on their next session day.

STATE BUDGET… last week we hit a setback with an unsuccessful effort to restore the Tourist information positions. This week Joint Finance is taking up the budget dealing with Southern Wisconsin Center. We are working with members of Joint Finance to develop and provide more certainty and protection for the residents and their parents and guardians in terms of voluntary placement and monitoring of community placements. That amendment will be introduced late in the day on 4/30. We have every reason to believe it will pass through Joint Finance.

FIELD REP POSITION OPENING…We are accepting resumes for the position of Field Representative for the Madison/South Central District for Council 24. This district includes the following local unions in its service area: Locals 1, 68, 98, 145, 333, 973, 1131, 3021, and chapters of 1218 and 2748. Anyone interested in applying should forward their resume to lmegonigle@wseu-24.org before Friday, 5/8/09.

BOWLING TOURNAMENT…Last weekend we wrapped up another hugely successful tournament. We would like to thank everyone for their incredible participation and support of the Jim Boyd Memorial Scholarship fund. In these tight economic times, it is truly amazing how folks continue to go the extra mile to support these important causes. We cleared an even larger profit than last year for the scholarship fund. On behalf of the Executive Board and membership, we thank everyone involved in making this a tremendous success. Enclosed with this mailing is a listing of the team standings, as well as a listing of prize winners.

AUDIT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AT CORRECTIONAL FACLITIES…The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met on Wednesday regarding the audit on mentally ill in Corrections. We testified at the meeting. The basis of our testimony was that correctional officers should not distribute medications - that this should be done by health care professionals. Last week’s federal court decision reinforced our position. The Joint Committee received and accepted our testimony well. There is a high likelihood that we are finally getting to a point of being able to resolve the issue of CO’s passing meds. It will take a bit more effort and legislative education. Now more than ever we may be able to make legislators understand the liability as it relates to CO’s distributing medication.

AFSCME’s NEXT WAVE…local presidents have received information about this new program directed toward members under age 35, and an upcoming training session in Chicago this June. We urge interested, eligible members to contact their local presidents for more information.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, May 22, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5.

April 23, 2009

STATE BUDGET…Joint Finance resumed their deliberations on the state budget on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Many of the topics were inconsequential as related to our concerns, except for two. On Tuesday, Joint Finance adopted an amendment that would allow our retirees, in fact any retiree of the Wisconsin Retirement Fund, to have dues deducted from their annuity for membership in the union’s retirement program. We have tried to get this done for the last twenty years. It was approved on a vote of 11-4, and was inserted into the state budget. The other issue we have before Joint Finance is that on Thursday they will take up the Tourist Information positions. We are prepared with an amendment regarding the retention of the 11 positions, with a proposal for alternative funding. At the time of this writing, we don’t know what Joint Finance’s decision will be on these positions. Council staff and lobbyists continue meeting with legislators, especially those on Joint Finance and their staff, regarding budget issues having impact on our members and the services they provide. If you are aware of state budget issues that you feel it is important for us to know about, please e-mail them to mbeil@wseu-24.org.

JOHN DOE…The Assembly Judiciary Committee met on Tuesday and took up AB 78 – John Doe. Unfortunately the committee didn’t handle the issue cleanly, and instead adopted two amendments to the original bill, which puts the Assembly version out of line with the Senate’s adopted bill. We are attempting to do everything possible to avoid yet another partisan meltdown of this bill. Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan has advised us that he will schedule the John Doe version that the Senate passed without amendment on the assembly floor on 4/28, when they take up several other “labor” bills. That day, by coincidence, is the fist day of the AFL-CIO legislative conference. This issue of John Doe has already been adopted by the AFL-CIO as priority legislation. We need you to contact your state assembly representatives and urge them in the strongest possible terms to support the John Doe legislation without amendment on Tuesday, 4/28 on the floor of the Assembly. Make it clear that it will be AB 78 WITHOUT amendments. We are so close this time – we cannot allow some trivial ego games to get in the way of passing this substantial fix to a very real problem. Please contact your state assembly representatives TODAY – ASAP – RIGHT NOW! Need help finding your rep? Consult the SEPAC website (www.wseu-sepac.org).

POSITION OPENING…We are accepting resumes for the position of Field Representative for the Madison/South Central District for Council 24. This district includes the following local unions in its service area: Locals 1, 68, 98, 145, 333, 758, 973, 1131, 3021, and chapters of 1218 and 2748. Anyone interested in applying should forward their resume to lmegonigle@wseu-24.org before Friday, 5/8/09.

STAFF E-MAIL…We ran into a few problems during a recent upgrade. We believe all of the issues have been handled, however if you e-mailed any of your Council staff late last week, and haven’t heard anything back yet, you might want to send your message again just to make sure they received it.

REMINDER…just a reminder that locals are encouraged to contribute to the memorial established for family of member Heath Van Handel, who was recently killed while on the job. Donations can be sent as follows:
Memorial Account for the Heath Van Handel Family

Community First Credit Union

PO Box 1487

Appleton WI 54912-1487

STEWARDS IN ACTION…4/29 and 4/30 at UW Barron Campus, Rice Lake. Registration information available on Council 24 website. Further information: Field Rep Carolyn Kaiser, 715-874-4544. Please remember that your local president is required to sign your registration form in order for you to attend; and you must attend both days to complete the course (i.e. you cannot just attend day two without having completed day one).

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…MONDAY, 4/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5.

April 17, 2009

IN MEMORIAM…Last Thursday, all of our realities were awakened by the death of one of our members, Heath Van Handel. It made us all very aware of how risky and dangerous working in public service can be. Heath Van Handel is the second employee who, while engaged in fire control in the DNR, has made the ultimate sacrifice. He was a Local 1218 member and a dedicated public servant. He leaves behind two young children, aged 2 and 4, as well as a widow. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and coworkers. We encourage all locals, at the very least, to contribute to the memorial established for his family. Donations can be sent as follows:
Memorial Account for the Heath Van Handel Family

Community First Credit Union

PO Box 1487

Appleton WI 54912-1487

Aside from contributing to the fund, it is also important to raise our members’ conscience level as to the inherent risk and dangers of public service, especially timely with the approach of Workers Memorial Day on April 28th (the day the unions of the AFL-CIO have set aside to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces).

STATE BUDGET…public hearings on the budget have concluded, and now the Joint Finance Committee has begun its work on the governor’s proposed budget as of Tuesday, 4/14. At this point, the focus of the deliberations has been on small agencies and minor elements of other larger agency budgets. We had a successful day on 4/16, when Joint Finance amended and restored six Radio Technician positions at State Patrol, and provided a safety against outsourcing those positions in the future. Council staff as well as our lobbyists continue meeting with legislative leadership and Joint Finance members regarding a variety of issues in the budget proposal that have impact on our members and the programs they deliver. If you have issues with the state budget, we urge you to contact your state legislators about them; and to also make us aware here at the Council of those issues. Interested members can go to the SEPAC website (wseu-sepac.org) to access the Legislative Fiscal Bureau papers on each topic before Joint Finance.

JOHN DOE…we are still trying to pressure the Assembly Judiciary Committee to convene an executive session early next week on the John Doe legislation currently before them. Again, it would not hurt if interested members could contact their state assembly representatives and urge them to contact their caucus members on the Judiciary Committee to take executive action on AB 78 unamended.

BOWLING TOURNAMENT…is rapidly approaching on 4/24 and 4/25 in Beaver Dam. Please contact the Council if you want to bowl, donate or otherwise get involved..

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…MONDAY, 4/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Outsourcing, 6/5.

April 9, 2009

ELECTIONS…The results of Tuesday’s spring elections were generally very positive as our endorsed statewide candidates prevailed. Especially important was the re-election of Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, which guarantees the continued integrity of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We know that during these local spring elections, many members run and are elected to local offices, whether town, village, school district, or county board. It is important that we are aware of who these elected members are, so if you know of someone who is a local government official, please get that information to us at the Council. Many thanks go to all who volunteered, phoned, dropped lit and/or otherwise supported these campaigns to make them successful. AFSCME’s presence again was known.

STATE BUDGET…The Joint Finance Committee has concluded their public hearings. Our information is that we had at least one union member or leader testifies at every one of these hearings on issues from the closing of Tourist Information and DNR Service Centers, to the elimination of the cost benefit analysis on ACT 89, and everything in between. We obviously made a positive impact since the co-chairs of Joint Finance have already removed the Governor’s proposal on the elimination of the cost benefit analysis from the budget. One less issue for us to worry about. We continue meeting with legislators and leadership about budget issues. It is very important that we support these legislators as they debate and pass legislation closing corporate loopholes and tax policies as set out by the Governor, since the WMC and right-wingers have launched a highly visible campaign against all legislators supporting them. We have to convince legislators that we will be there to support them, work for them, and fight for them against this corporate backlash.

JOHN DOE…We still await action by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on their version of John Doe (AB 78). If you have not done so, we strongly encourage you to contact your assembly representative and urge them to talk to their leadership and get this bill moving, so that we can have passage and the Governor’s signature in May. This one is critical.

WISCONSIN STATE AFL-CIO LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE…A big turnout for the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Legislative Conference & Lobby Day on April 28 & 29 is needed, not only for the issues we will lobby on at that time, but to show that the labor movement and our issues must be taken seriously. Meetings with legislators are being arranged for all 33 Senate Districts so union members attend from all over the state are urged to attend. For conference and registration information visit www.wisaflcio.org. (Note - the Concourse Hotel has extended to Friday, April 10, the cut-off date to receive the lower conference room rate.)

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…MONDAY, 4/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Scholarship, 4/13; Organizing, 4/17; LTE Abuse, 4/16; Outsourcing, 6/5.

April 3, 2009

ELECTIONS…This coming Tuesday, 4/7 is Election Day. Some may say that spring elections are unimportant and inconsequential. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Wisconsin citizens will be voting on two statewide offices, and a whole host of local elections from county to city to village and school district. Critical to all of us is the integrity, independence and fairness of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We can all remember the last two supreme court elections, when corporate Wisconsin bought and installed two of their cronies on the state supreme court. We cannot allow that to happen again on Tuesday. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson has been the paragon and model of the highest standards of fairness, equality and justice on our highest court. She has been held up as a national model amongst her peers. Jurists everywhere talk about the Wisconsin Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Abrahamson. Your union has cases pending before this court, and the ability to get a fair, just hearing and decision is of the highest priority. We know from past experience that that is the Chief Justice’s way of doing business. We also know that her opponent holds a bias against working men and women and working families.

The other statewide race is for Superintendent of Public Instruction, where Tony Evers, the current deputy, is in a close election with his opponent. Our interest in this race is that we represent workers at two DPI run schools in Janesville and Delavan, as well as administrative support workers at DPI offices. Tony Evers is a known quantity. He believes in public education, not cyber space education. He believes in a quality K-12 education, not a cartoon on a computer monitor, and he believes in the integrity of public schools. We encourage you, your families, friends and neighbors to first of all go and vote on Tuesday for those candidates who best represent your interests. Secondly, we urge you to seriously consider voting for Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and for Tony Evers as DPI Superintendent.

STATE BUDGET…We know that many of you waited endless hours to be able to testify before the Joint Finance Committee on our budget concerns. The last of the hearings occurs today in Cambridge, where we know state employees will again be vocal and visible. As soon as these hearings are done, the hard work starts as the committee begins deliberations on the Governor’s budget. We urge you to keep the lines of communication open with your state senate and assembly representatives so that you can communicate our concerns on the direction the budget talks may go. We know there will be a tremendous amount of money spent and pressure to bear on these legislators brought by corporate interests and taxpayer revolt kinds of folks to reduce the budget to a zero based document, which would force the furloughing and layoff of thousands of state workers. We cannot allow these marauders to prevail, and we need to hold all these legislators, Democrat and Republican, new and old, accountable for their decisions and actions. Watch the Weekly Summary and Legislative Bulletin for specific information as it unfolds.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…MONDAY, 4/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Scholarship, 4/13; Organizing, 4/17; LTE Abuse, 4/16; Outsourcing, 6/5.

March 26, 2009

LOBBY DAY…was held on Wednesday and was a huge success. We had the largest sea of green ever for a Lobby Day. The unofficial count was over 500 people. There is no question legislators knew AFSCME was in the building. Reports indicate there was a significant amount of quality time spent with legislators and their staff around budget issues and other issues important to state employees. One of the very positive parts of Lobby Day was the number of new members attending for the first time. Their involvement makes the future of Lobby Day even greater. We’d like to thank all of the members who attended for making it such a huge success. We’re sure the message we carried to these legislators and their staffs will have an impact on the state budget and on our legislative agenda.

STATE BUDGET…These are the remaining public hearings have regarding the state budget. We urge all interested members to attend and testify on issues of importance.

Saturday, March 28. Ashland. Ashland High School Auditorium, 9 a.m.
Monday, March 30. Racine. Case High School Theater. 7345 Washington Ave., 10 a.m.
Wednesday, April 1. Appleton. Lawrence University Stansbury Theater, 420 College Ave., 10 a.m.
Friday, April 3. Cambridge. Amundson Community Center, 200 Spring St., 10 a.m.

JOHN DOE LEGISLATION…The state senate passed their version of the John Doe reform bill on Tuesday. It was done by voice vote, and was unanimous. The attention now goes to the Assembly, where we are working very hard with the Assembly Judiciary Committee and Assembly leadership to have them pass the same bill as the Senate passed ASAP. As mentioned earlier, it would help if you and your members contact your state assembly representatives and strongly encourage them to do whatever they need to do to make sure AB 78 is reported out of committee and passed on the floor. Information on who your assembly representatives are, as well as the content of the bill, is available on the SEPAC website, www.wseu-sepac.org.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 3/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, LTE Abuse, 4/16.

March 20, 2009

LOBBY DAY…It is not too late to make plans to attend the all-AFSCME Lobby Day on Wednesday, 3/25. We have busses coming from every corner of the state, as well as carpools and vans. While we all have interests in current legislative activity, obviously the state budget will be the center of discussion both from a positive and a critical perspective. If your job is at risk, we encourage you to come and talk to your legislators about why it doesn’t make economic sense to delete your job. If the programs you deliver are at risk or seriously under funded in the budget, you need to come and tell your story to these legislators. If you are concerned about John Doe, you need to come to Madison to tell legislators about the priority of passing the bill. We already have 400+ rank and file members pre-registered. Remember, our strength lies in our numbers; our persuasion lies in the power we bring to the Capitol. Bus schedules are available on the SEPAC website along with other information, or by contacting AFSCME International at 608.836.6666. It is important that you pre-register so that we can make appointments for you and your delegation with your respective legislators. We have been promised a beautiful spring day – what better way to enjoy it than by spending time in our state capitol.

STATE BUDGET…A series of public hearings have been scheduled in different locations around the state as follows.

Monday, March 23: Sparta. American Legion Hall, 1116 Angelo Road.
Wednesday, March 25: West Allis. State Fair Park, Banquet Rm 2, 640 s. 84^th St.
Friday, March 27: Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center, 121 Water St.
Monday, March 30. Racine. Case High School Theater. 7345 Washington Ave.
Wednesday, April 1. Appleton. Lawrence University Stansbury Theater, 420 College Ave.
Friday, April 3. Cambridge. Amundson Community Center, 200 Spring St.

We encourage you to attend the hearing closest to you. We are preparing general talking points to use in preparing your testimony, which will be posted on the SEPAC website.

JOHN DOE LEGISLATION…has been scheduled for Senate floor action on Tuesday, 3/24 at 11 a.m. All indications tell us that the Senate Bill will pass overwhelmingly, maybe even by a unanimous senate vote. But that is only half of the trip. We need to spend time, energy and resources talking to our state assembly representatives, where things are less certain. We are still trying to get the bill reported out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. We urge you to take an extra minute to contact your state assembly representatives and strongly encourage them to do whatever is necessary to move AB 78 out of committee and onto the floor for debate and action. We cannot let this important measure get bogged down in the Assembly.

09-11 BARGAINING…Bargaining unit conferences for all five units were held on Monday in Madison, and all units approved their issue packages as prepared by the bargaining teams. We are now in position to begin bargaining, and are just waiting to set up and confirm dates with the state. Contact info for the teams follows. Please note that the teams have returned to their worksites, so these accounts may not be checked each day.

E-Mail Contact List:

Administrative Support Unit –asuteam@wseu-24.org; Blue Collar – bcteam@wseu-24.org; Professional Social Services Unit – pssteam@wseu-24.org; Security & Public Safety Unit – spsteam@wseu-24.org; Technical Team – techteam@wseu-24.org.

JOB OPENING – NEW POSITION…We’ve created a new staff position based at Council 24 headquarters here in Madison. The “Confidential Staff Assistant” will work with the four members of the management staff on a variety of confidential human resource, financial and other administrative functions. Experience in human resource management or administration is beneficial; as is AR/AP experience; experience with Microsoft Word and Excel; and transcription. This person should also have the ability to multi-task and work with and maintain privacy of confidential information; and the ability to learn and use customized computer software. Interested persons should forward resumes before 3/25/09 to Lynn at: lmegonigle@wseu-24.org. No phone calls, please.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 3/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Outsourcing, 3/20, LTE Abuse, 4/16.

March 12, 2009

HEALTH CARE…Executive Director Beil has been selected by Governor Doyle to attend a health care summit with high level representatives of the Obama Administration in Michigan this week. It’s quite an honor to have our union selected for this meeting, out of all the other unions in the state. The Governor has invited Director Beil as his guest to talk about the reality of health care and its importance to working families. Director Beil’s invitation goes to the fact that our union has become an influential leader in Wisconsin as it relates to the issues of working men and women.

LOBBY DAY…The all-AFSCME Lobby Day is Wednesday, March 25^th. The focus of this year’s Lobby Day will be elements of the state budget. Bus schedules and other information has been posted on our websites. We hope to make this the largest Lobby Day that AFSCME has ever had. Without your involvement, Lobby Day would be meaningless. We need to show the legislature not only who we are, but that we are a united voice on common legislative issues. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association has also set their Lobby Day for March 25^th. They will be flooding the Capitol with people who will be trying to kill Wisconsin’s minimum wage initiative. We cannot let the Restaurant Association show more numbers and strength than the mighty, mighty AFSCME. We know that March 25^th will be a beautiful early spring day to enjoy a family picnic on the Capitol grounds. We encourage all members to attend for a great family experience. Please make arrangements to be there. Again, specific info is on the Council 24 and/or SEPAC website.

STATE BUDGET…the Joint Finance Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings around the state on the budget. See the enclosed Legislative Bulletin for a listing of hearing dates. Attending these public hearings provides and opportunity for our leadership and members to engage elected officials about our issues in the state budget. While we certainly don’t expect anyone to sit and wait for 6-8 hours to testify, there is opportunity in the mere sense of your presence. Many times just being there at the right time, during a break or after the hearing ends, for example, provides you a one on one opportunity with these legislators.

09-11 BARGAINING…All five units have prepared a packet to submit to their respective bargaining unit conferences on March 16 in Madison for approval. We want to be in a position to begin bargaining in early April. Contact info for the teams follows. Please note that the teams have returned to their worksites, so these accounts may not be checked each day.

E-Mail Contact List:

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 3/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Outsourcing, 3/20, LTE Abuse, 4/16.

March 5, 2009

LOBBY DAY…The all-AFSCME Lobby Day is Wednesday, March 25^th. The focus of this year’s lobby day will be elements of the state budget. There will be some issues that we are lobbying legislators to correct in the state budget (i.e. closing Tourist Welcome Centers; and DNR Customer Service Centers); and there will be issues in the budget that we will be asking legislators to support, such as tax and fee increases and additional social work personnel for BMCW, to name a few. We know that March 25^th will be a beautiful early spring day to bring along any children who may be on spring break to Madison to spend the day learning about the Capitol and workings of the legislative process. March 25^th provides an opportunity for all public workers to come together under the banner of their union and support each other’s concerns and issues. The last four lobby days have been hugely successful, and we know this one will be, too – because you will make it so. Visit the SEPAC and/or Council 24 websites for bus schedules and activity calendars for the day.

STATE BUDGET…speaking of the state budget, the Joint Finance Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings around the state on the budget. Hearings are set for:

Monday, March 23: Sparta. American Legion Hall, 1116 Angelo Road.
Wednesday, March 25: West Allis. State Fair Park, Banquet Rm 2, 640 s. 84^th St.
Friday, March 27: Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center, 121 Water St.
Monday, March 30. Racine. Case High School Theater. 7345 Washington Ave.
Wednesday, April 1. Appleton. Lawrence University Stansbury Theater, 420 College Ave.
Friday, April 3. Cambridge. Amundson Community Center, 200 Spring St.

Attending these public hearings provides and opportunity for our leadership and members to engage elected officials about our issues in the state budget. While we certainly don’t expect anyone to sit and wait for 6-8 hours to testify, there is opportunity in the mere sense of your presence. Many times just being there at the right time, during a break or after the hearing ends, for example, provides you a one on one opportunity with these legislators.

09-11 BARGAINING…Bargaining teams for the five state units reported to Madison for the first time this week and spent three days reviewing issues as submitted by members. All five units have prepared a document to submit to their respective bargaining unit conferences on March 16 in Madison for approval. In essence, we have started the bargaining process. Questions, issues or communication with your bargaining teams can be channeled to the e-mail addresses listed below. Please note that the teams have returned to their worksites, so these accounts may not be checked each day.

E-Mail Contact List:

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 3/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Outsourcing, 3/20, LTE Abuse, 4/16.

February 27, 2009

STATE BUDGET…We continue meeting and analyzing the 1800 page state budget document. We have found some issue areas, which after discussion with the Administration, we are confident will be resolved. One such area was the removal of the cost benefit analysis requirement in state contracts.

As we have reported, there have been no significant numbers of layoffs, however even one person being laid off is certainly substantial and significant especially to that individual. We are working with OSER and other agencies to deal with the issue of those employees that will be separated – most immediately, the 11 employees in the Division of Tourism at the Information Centers.

Although we’ve reported it continually, we are still receiving a high level of inquiries asking if the 2% pay increase scheduled in June remains in place. There are no changes to your collective bargaining agreement – the 2% increase as negotiated will be paid out on June 7, 2009. Please advise your membership so that they fully understand the 2% pay increase is not in jeopardy. As to the issues of health insurance and pension, these are topics for discussion at the collective bargaining table. They are complicated issues that obviously need more than a statement in the budget message to resolve. We look forward to meeting with the employer this spring in the collective bargaining forum to deal with them.

We ask our members to remain vigilant at their worksites about major changes – situations like significantly more student workers hired to perform work of classified represented positions left vacant; or enhanced contracting out of functions traditionally performed by classified represented workers, or other significant kinds of initiatives. We need to know about these occurrences – please contact your field representative or Executive Director Beil with your information.

LOBBY DAY…As connection with budget deliberations, the all-AFSCME Lobby Day has been announced for Wednesday, 3/25 at the State Capitol. The message of the day will focus on the state budget and issues pertinent to public workers. Bus schedules are included with this mailing, and further info is also posted on our websites. If you don’t see a bus stop listed for your city, and you have a large group of interested members, contact PEL Coordinator Steve Williams for assistance. We urge as many members as possible to attend, along with our brothers and sisters from Councils 40 and 48 so that organized public workers will have a strong presence in the Capitol that day.

JOHN DOE…On Wednesday, 2/25, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 51 (John Doe reform). Several of us appeared and testified in support of this legislation. There really was no one testifying against the legislation. The Attorney General suggested some changes to enhance the legislation, but it seemed to us the Committee was pretty firm in maintaining the bill as introduced in the Senate. This is the first major step in making these changes a reality. The next step is for the bill to move out of committee and to the Senate floor, and then on to the Assembly. We have been able to put this bill on priority status and hope for passage by this spring. If you get the opportunity, please encourage your state legislators to support either SB 51, or it’s Assembly companion, AB 78.

JOB OPENING…we are accepting resumes for a support staff position at Council 24’s Madison office. This full-time position, Technical and Communications Assistant, works with our member-based dental insurance program, our scholarship program and annual bowling tournament, and the Union Information Network e-mail program and website maintenance. Requires proficient skill in Microsoft Word and Excel; database and/or website experience also helpful. Interested applicants should forward their resume to: lmegonigle@wseu-24.org before 3/6/09.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 2/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Outsourcing, 3/20, LTE Abuse, 4/16.

February 19, 2009

STATE BUDGET…The governor released his budget proposal on Tuesday. All of us are currently in the process of trying to thoroughly analyze and digest exactly what is in or not in this budget proposal. There is no question that this budget is not easy because of the continued meltdown of the economy nationally, and here in Wisconsin. Much to the governor’s credit, he has looked at budget cuts, as well as revenue increases such as closing corporate loopholes, expanding the sales tax on professional services such as attorney fees, and establishing the hospital tax, to name a few. Even with these revenue enhancers and federal stimulus money, there will still be a $2.7 billion hole, which the governor tries to close in this budget. There are some significant cuts to programs, agencies, and cooperative funding relationships with local governmental entities. In at least two agencies, the closure of service centers would result in the layoff of 75-100 state employees. The governor continues to freeze positions in this budget and has stated that there will be no pay increase. Obviously, that is subject to collective bargaining for the 2009-2011 contract. To be very clear – the pay increase of 2% scheduled for June, 2009 will be paid as provided for in the collective bargaining agreement. Unlike other states, we are not seeing massive furloughs, layoffs, or benefit cuts. Even though it may be difficult, we will try to maintain the integrity of both our wages and benefits. Included with this mailing is a general summary of the budget as prepared by your lobbyists. We emphasize that this is very general, and a broad cut as it relates to the budget proposal. All of us need to remain vigilant about budget cuts. We continue meeting with legislators on revenue enhancements and budget issues to try and assure that even with these cuts, we continue to provide services to taxpayers and to monitor whether or not these cuts make economic sense. We hope to have an in-depth analysis, line by line and department by department, in the next couple of weeks.

JOB OPENING…we are accepting resumes for a support staff position at Council 24. This position, Technical and Communications Assistant, works with our member-based dental insurance program, our scholarship program and annual bowling tournament, and the Union Information Network e-mail program and website maintenance. Requires proficient skill in Microsoft Word and Excel; database and/orwebsite experience also helpful. Interested applicants should forward their resume to: lmegonigle@wseu-24.org before 3/6/09.

LOBBY DAY…The all-AFSCME Lobby Day has been announced for Wednesday, 3/25 at the State Capitol. Buses will run from the following areas: Milwaukee, Racine, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Wausau, Green Bay, and Manitowoc. The schedule of departure times and pick up locations is on our websites. We will also include the listing with this mailing next week. If you don’t see a stop listed for your city, and you have a large group of interested members, contact PEL Coordinator Steve Williams for assistance.

TREASURER TRAINING…The International Union will be conducting training for local treasurers on Saturday, March 14 in Madison. Local unions will receive registration information by mail. Further info available from Wisconsin Area Office, 608.836.6666.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 2/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13, Outsourcing, 3/20.

February 13, 2009

STATE BUDGET …The Governor is scheduled to publicly release his state budget on 2/17. We know that the recently agreed-upon federal stimulus bill will provide significant relief to states, including Wisconsin, as soon as President Obama signs the bill. Although the stimulus bill does not necessarily directly fund state positions, it does provide funds – money for programs and infrastructure repairs – that normally would come out of the General Purpose Revenue (GPR) pot. More stimulus money means more money available in GPR to deal with the $5.7 billion deficit. Our discussions continue with the Administration about certain parts of the state budget and we feel very confident these discussions will continue as the budget moves through the legislature. Our lobbyists have been meeting with key legislators over the last 10 days, having frank and candid discussions with them about the revenue menu and how we raise money to meet the shortfall. In the governor’s release this last Tuesday, you saw the product of some of these discussions where the governor announced as part of his own stimulus package the support of the hospital tax; support of the combined reporting provision that forces corporations to pay their fair share of Wisconsin’s taxes; and strengthening the closure of property tax exemptions for some corporations, to name the some major issues. With all this being said, we don’t want to mislead anyone that this budget message will be rosy. We still believe there will be serious impact on the state and its employees as a result of this budget and the economic meltdown. We will continue trying to deal with these issues and to protect employees from drastic cuts and unfair treatment. As the budget unfolds we will be providing information and position papers to affected local presidents and other leadership. Any specific questions about budget provisions should be directed to Martin Beil, Susan McMurray or John Grabel.

JOHN DOE STATUTE…We now have a date for the legislative hearing on this legislation. It will be held on 2/25. We are making contact with local presidents and others about testifying. More information will follow as this date approaches.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY…Tuesday, 2/17 is the spring primary election. This election is about local governmental leadership. From our perspective as state employees, this may not seem important, but these are the folks who set the levee limits and make decisions about property taxes and our children’s education. Therefore, in our personal lives, these are very important elections. We strongly encourage voting in the primary election – it’s a great “dry run” for the upcoming spring general election where there is a critical race regarding the state supreme court.

LOBBY DAY…The all-AFSCME Lobby Day has been announced for Wednesday, 3/25. Buses will run from the following areas: Milwaukee, Racine, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Wausau, Green Bay, and Manitowoc. We will post the schedule of departure times and pick up locations on our websites by next week. If you don’t see a stop listed for your city, and you have a large group of interested members, contact PEL Coordinator Steve Williams for assistance.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 2/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS… Education, 4/13.

February 6, 2009

STATE BUDGET …The Governor has delayed his state budget address for one week because of the uncertainty of the federal stimulus bill. Whatever version of the federal stimulus bill passes, it will not fill the $5.7 billion hole in the state budget, but there will be money available for funding and to take the pressure off of other parts of the budget. We continue to have discussions with the administration about the budget and its impact on state operations. One positive event occurred this week – we found out that DOT was including a 3-4% wage increase in all consultant contracts. The question is obvious – if state employees are not getting increases, why should consultants receive increases using the same funding source - general purpose revenue. On Thursday this week a directive was issued to DOT that basically stopped the practice and reversed it so that no pay increases would roll into any consultant contracts. This happened as a result of our continuing discussions with the administration about fairness of cuts and responsibility in the budget process. This is not to mislead you, there will definitely be difficult times and hard decisions ahead, but we continue to work and discuss with the administration the major issues around this economic crisis. We also continue meeting with our friends in coalition to provide support, research and persuasion around new revenue sources. As we’ve mentioned earlier, we have been using the menu of the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future for revenue enhancers (see www.wseu-24.org) as a basis of these discussions. We have been well received by many legislators and have had positive discussions with the Governor and his staff. We continue to maintain that we cannot manage our way out of this; we must raise revenue and create new revenue sources. Our coalition of the IWF and the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families has begun a series of “train the trainer” courses in various areas of the state regarding this new revenue menu. We encourage you to avail yourself and your leadership to attend these courses so that everyone can gain a complete understanding of what the issues are and the impact of these revenue sources.

JOHN DOE STATUTE…The draft bill correcting the John Doe law is done circulating and has received bipartisan sponsorship in both houses of the legislature. That means that passage of the bill is more likely than ever before. Initial word is that the Senate Judiciary Committee will possibly convene a public hearing on the bill in about two weeks. This is a signal to us that the legislature wants to take action on this in the first part of the legislative period. It is far different than last period – it is obvious to us these changes will be a reality.

STEWARDS IN ACTION … Monday February 16^th 2009 and Tuesday February 17^th 2009, Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, 333 W. College Ave, Appleton. Registration forms are available the Council 24 web site, and MUST be signed by the President of the Local. Please mail or fax completed forms to Kristi Whiteside at Council 24, Attn; Appleton Steward Training. Anyone with questions should contact glonzo@wseu-24.org.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 2/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Organizing, 2/13; Education, 4/13; LTE Abuse, 2/9 (note change of date).

January 30, 2009

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS …Everyone is most likely aware, in some form or another, of the governor’s state of the state address this week. Although his message did not deliver any specifics or hints about what would be in the budget, clearly it was a sobering message. You need only look to the announcement of some 70,000 layoffs on Monday of this week to reinforce the seriousness of the situation. Revenues are off, interest earnings are off and this state and others are challenged in terms of economic survival and program resources. We will truly see the roadmap of the governor’s plans as he lays out his budget in February. While we understand this fiscal crisis, our members must be ever vigilant that necessary programs aren’t shelved, or our benefits and protections set aside because of it. We as advocates for state employees have to walk a careful line when it comes to our public position. We are adamantly quite vocal in lobbying our elected officials, the news media, and others on the need to find or develop new revenue enhancers, while extending current tax coverages. We believe that in the end, the only way we can make it through this budget deficit is through extended taxes and new fees. As we have said again and again, there is no way the governor can manage the state out of a $5.4 billion deficit without these. Stay tuned.

On a related note, we urge you to review the enclosed Legislative Report, especially regarding the upcoming “train the trainer” sessions by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families and the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future. We encourage as many of our members as possible to attend these sessions to gain a well-rounded understanding of the issues of tax and revenue sources for Wisconsin. Further information is available from Susan McMurray at 608.836.6666.

JOHN DOE STATUTE…Both legislative houses are currently circulating a Bill Draft that meets our concerns regarding the current John Doe statute. We are very supportive of this legislation, and encourage bi-partisan sponsorship. The bill provides for legal counsel or payment of legal fees for state employees caught in the John Doe “net”, and mandates Judges review reports, investigations, and witnesses before issuing complaints against the employee. Please encourage your legislators to support this bill.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING…Friday, 2/27, Madison.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Organizing, 2/13; Education, 4/13; LTE Abuse, 2/9 (note change of date).

January 23, 2009

THERE’S A NEW WIND A BLOWIN’…It has been a momentous week in American history with the inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44^th President. As our new president took the oath of office, it signaled a new day, a new way and new goals for our country. Even before taking any substantial actions in the first couple of days, the President has won the confidence of the American public. Indications from the state DOA Budget Director are that the proposed initial stimulus package could bring as much as $3 billion to Wisconsin. That certainly would provide some relief to our huge $5.4 billion shortfall. This new administration is about jobs, it’s about economic development, it’s about workers’ rights and the middle class – all things foreign to our immediate past president and his administration. Of course, the facts don’t change – our state’s economic crisis is not over, but there is a sign that the cavalry is coming. We continue working very hard alongside our lobbyists regarding proposals in the state budget and new revenue sources. We know as public employees that we are not in this alone, and so, we continue working in coalition with advocacy groups, groups representing local units of government, teachers and others. Open and candid discussion continues with the Governor’s office every week. We suggest that everyone take a look at the catalog of new revenue sources posted on our website (wseu-24.org). Then, give your state legislators a call and find out where they stand on these revenue ideas and/or what ideas they have to lead us out of this economic jam.

RETIREES…we know anxiety continues to ride high regarding the condition of the Wisconsin Retirement Fund. This union isn’t in a position to give retirement or investment advice, in fact it would be unlawful to do so. We urge you to contact the Department of Employee Trust Funds at http://etf.wi.gov/index.htm; or by calling Toll Free: 1-877-533-5020; or in Madison: 608-266-3285 to talk about the impact of the economic recession on your annuity, or for advice on the timing of retirement plans. We do know that Governor Doyle has a huge interest in restoring the balance back to the fund that’s been lost in the downturn. We are looking within the state budget to find a mechanism to deal with that restoration. Again, specific individual inquiries should be directed to DEFT advisors.

STEWARDS IN ACTION …a “Stewards in Action” training workshop will be held on Monday February 16^th 2009 and Tuesday February 17^th 2009 in Appleton. Registration forms are available on the Council 24 web site, and MUST be signed by the President of the Local. We have room for only 30 people, for this workshop. Please mail or fax completed forms to Kristi Whiteside at Council 24, Attn; Appleton Steward Training. Times and place will be sent out later. Council 24 will provide the workshop and lunch. Locals will be responsible for all other expenses occurred by those in attendance. Anyone with questions should contact glonzo@wseu-24.org

SCHOLARSHIPS…Applications are now available for the Jim Boyd Memorial Scholarships and Members-only Scholarships. Either visit the website at www.wseu-24.org for an online request form or contact Kelly Becker at (608) 836-0024 ext. 135 or kbecker@wseu-24.org for an application. Applications must be post marked by March 20, 2009.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Education, 4/13; LTE Abuse, 2/6; Education, 4/13.

January 16, 2009

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE…During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings. The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. This year’s King Holiday is one day before the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The President-elect will participate in community service on King Day and is asking Americans to serve on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service. We urge Council 24 members to find a service opportunity on Monday, 1/19 to honor the memory of the man who died while supporting striking AFSCME sanitation workers.

STATE’S ECONOMY …The news didn’t get any better over the last week. We know that current retirees are very worried about the impact on their pensions. Since we do not have the ability at Council 24 to look specifically at individual retirement accounts, we are not equipped and will not give individual advice in these matters. We urge those with questions to contact the Department of Employee Trust Funds at http://etf.wi.gov/index.htm; or by calling Toll Free: 1-877-533-5020; or in Madison: 608-266-3285 for accurate information. Lines of communication remain open with the Governor and his staff regarding the more general impact on state programs and agencies. Again, nothing certain has been discussed with us about future reductions, cuts, or freezes. Our position is unchanged - we need to be courageous and talk about new revenue sources, both permanent and temporary to begin to move Wisconsin’s economy back where it should be. Now is the time for all local unions to talk amongst their membership about these issues. If you have questions, comments or concerns please forward them to mbeil@wseu-24.org; or contact any of our lobbyists.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Education, 4/13; LTE Abuse, 1/26/09.

JANUARY 9, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR…best wishes for good health to you and your families for the coming year. As we face down new challenges like we have never seen before, we are grateful for the support and strength of not only our own Council 24 members, but all of AFSCME. We are all in this together.

STATE’S ECONOMY …As you’ve seen, the economic meltdown has almost daily impact on all of our lives. We as public employees will probably feel the impact of the downturn a bit harder than others, in that state tax revenues and fee revenues are seriously off budget because of high unemployment, inflation and the general economic downward spiral. This week we all saw the reports related to the Wisconsin Retirement Fund. Again, because of the collapse of the market and economic meltdown, it will be the first time in history where there will be a negative adjustment to annuitants. Our information is that the core fund lost approximately 26% of its value and will result in a reduction of annuities between 2.5 and 3%. The variable fund has lost 39% of its value, and will result in a reduction of the variable portion of annuities of 44%. Obviously those long term employees currently on a fixed income through retirement will feel the pressure of this economic crisis in the early spring of this year. We continue communicating with the Governor and his staff regarding the more general impact on state programs and agencies. While nothing certain has been discussed with us about future reductions, cuts, or freezes, the fact that we are in the “loop” is positive and allows us input into making sure reality becomes a factor in the decision making. As we have told the governor and other elected officials, we cannot manage our way out of this – we cannot position freeze our way out of this – we cannot cut our way out of this – we need to be courageous and talk about revenue sources, both permanent and temporary to begin to move Wisconsin’s economy back where it should be. We are heartened that the governor has begun to publicly speak about ways to enhance revenues, either through reinstituting indexing of the gas tax, or sales tax on articles purchased through the internet. Obviously there are many other potential revenue sources. We continue meeting with legislative leadership as well as the governor and his staff regarding these proposals.

It is important that you share this information with your membership and start to have discussions with them. It’s also important that we all know what is at stake, but also, what we need to do to bring us back. If you have questions, comments or concerns please forward them to mbeil@wseu-24.org; or contact any of our lobbyists.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Education, 1/12/09; LTE Abuse, 1/26/09.

DECEMBER 19, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS…On behalf of all of your staff at Council 24, we forward best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas, and other any holiday you may observe. We hope that you’ll find time this holiday season to enjoy family, friends and good health. This is the last edition of the Weekly Summary for 2008. We will pick it up again on 1/9/09. In observance of the holiday, all Council offices will be closed on the following dates: Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday, 12/24 through 12/26/08; and Wednesday, 12/31/08 and Thursday, 1/1/09.

STATE’S ECONOMY …This is becoming a regular feature, in that week to week the economic crisis continues. At the beginning of the week, the governor held a press conference to address questions about the economic crisis. Media reports would have you believe he talked about the layoff of 3500 state workers; however, that is just not the case. What the governor was actually talking about was freezing 3500 vacant positions in state service – something that has been ongoing since the beginning of the early days of the economic crisis. In this week’s conversation with the administration, we were once again advised that the impact on state workers will be in positions. Again, there is no talk or plan of layoffs, payless paydays, or any other cost saving mechanism. We have no reason not to believe this, because all of our discussions with the governor and the administration have been straightforward and upfront. Even though we are in crisis mode, as we look around we find ourselves better off than some other states. For example, in New York, the governor just substantially changed workers’ pension benefit eligibility as a cost saving measure. In Ohio and Michigan, there is talk of layoffs. Other states are talking wage reductions and changes to collective bargaining agreements. Other rumors we have been hearing more frequently in Wisconsin include the option of a retirement proposal or opportunity. This is not the case. There has been absolutely no discussion with us or anyone else about early retirement windows. In last week’s summary we talked about the need to look at new revenue streams. There was a lot of interest during the week from our readers about the specifics of these ideas. Therefore, we have placed a link to a “catalog” of new revenue mechanisms on our Council 24 website (wseu-24.org). We urge you to look at these proposals as we continue working with other groups and the administration to find new revenue sources to deal with the economic shortfall. We again ask that if you have any comments, suggestions or know of agencies that are gaming with this whole economic crises, that you forward the information to mbeil@wseu-24.org.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Education, 1/12/09; LTE Abuse, 1/26/09.

DECEMBER 12 , 2008

STATE’S ECONOMY …Wisconsin AFSCME, as a whole, has made a clear decision that the legislature and the governor cannot manage their way out of this economic crisis. We are not alone in that conclusion, and we have been meeting and coalescing with like-minded organizations regarding new revenue streams to fund all levels of government and their services in the state. As the leaders who attended the recent Education Conference know, there has been a new catalog of revenue-enhancers developed. We, along with our lobbyists, have been meeting with legislators and representatives of the Administration to talk and plan around how we can get these revenue increases passed and implemented. While no one wants to pay more taxes or higher fees, there comes a point where there is no other option if we are to continue providing the same quality of service and maintain economically secure governmental worksites. We encourage you to review the enclosed Legislative Bulletin and start the discussion among your rank and file members regarding these revenue increases. Every participant who attended the Education Conference received the catalog of revenue increases – it should be made available to all members. Council staff is more than willing to engage members specifically on this issue. It is important to begin the educational process now for members and elected officials about what needs to be done to claw our way out of this recession.

SCHOLARSHIPS…Applications are now available for the Jim Boyd Memorial Scholarships and Members-only Scholarships. Either visit the website at www.wseu-24.org for an online request form or contact Kelly Becker at (608) 836-0024 ext. 135 or kbecker@wseu-24.org fo an application. Applications must be post marked by March 20, 2009.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING...Friday, 12/19; Council 24.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS…Education, 1/12/09; LTE Abuse, 1/26/09.

DECEMBER 5 , 2008

THE ECONOMY …There’s no longer any question that we are all being affected in one way or another relative to the economic meltdown, both nationally and internationally. Our lives are affected by the impact on the auto industry, credit and banking industry, and the insurance industry. Even more so, however, is the impact on us by the serious loss of tax revenue and investment earnings integral to our compensation plans and the public services we provide. This is not a hoax or political gamesmanship – this is a real crisis. We all need to take a close look at our economic interests, from our pensions, to compensation, savings and mortgage investments. As a union, we cannot and will not give specific individual advice on these matters, but we do urge you to take this seriously and know where you are at relative to investments and pension. We urge you to use the tremendous assets of the Department of Employee Trust Funds, who can give you an accurate, real snapshot of your pension plan.

We are fortunate in that our weekly contact with the Doyle Administration continues regarding the enormous budget shortfall. We are “in the loop” so to speak and are being asked for our input. The reality of the situation is that the state simply cannot manage its way out of a $5.4 billion deficit. There just aren’t enough state employees and state programs to go around that would afford that kind of savings. At the end of the day, the Administration and the Legislature will have to move forward a serious agenda containing increases in revenue through fees and variations of tax policies. That’s the reality and we now have to be prepared to support it. We are working with several groups who have already developed a “catalog” of tax and fee devices, which will be presented to the Governor and his Administration. We all knew that after the hard work of electing worker-friendly legislators and politicians, the time to savor the victory would be short – and so it is. We are working on developing a plan and will be asking all members to get involved to assure that the necessary state revenues are in place to avoid wholesale layoffs, job cuts and/or agency cuts. Stay tuned.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING...Friday, 12/19; Council 24.