Senator Wanggaard and Representative Mason Offer Differing Views of Passage of Budget Repair Bill

State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) are on opposite sides of the budget repair bill, but both say they voted for and against the bill, respectively, for the sake of Wisconsin's future.

Wanggaard's district covers most of Racine County, including Caledonia, Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant. Mason's district includes most Mount Pleasant, part of the City of Racine, Sturtevant and Elmwood Park. 

According to Wanggaard, the decision to split the bill to push through its passage was made in caucus, but it had always been an option. 

"People are leaving our city and our state," he said. "We need to attract jobs and people and this bill will help do that."

Further, Wanggaard said that when his Democratic colleagues fled to Illinois, they abandoned the very democracy they said they were trying to preserve.

"Democracy is about majority rule, and the Democrats ran from their jobs and the debate that is part of democracy," he continued. "You don't negotiate from Illinois."

Mason disagreed and was almost at a loss for words after the voting was complete.

"This is the most disappointing vote of my years in the legislature," he said. "It's a sad day for democracy in Wisconsin when legislators are voting to take rights away."

Residents expect tough times, but they don't expect to come to the table unable to negotiate, especially after concessions have been made, Mason added.

"It's a lie that taking away rights will balance the budget," he stated.

When asked about the tools municipalities will be have at their disposal with the signing of this bill, Wanggaard said it's really about creating efficiencies and bringing everyone together to work out a plan. He pointed to the recent agreements Racine Unified School District hammered out with its employee unions.

"I really applaud their efforts because they worked together on a plan that allows for each side to revisit it should conditions change," Wanggaard said. "What they were able to do preserves positions and programs."

Mason said that Governor Walker and the Republicans may have won the battle, but workers will demand their rights be reinstated. The evidence is in the recall efforts already underway.

"The downside for the governor, Representative Vos and other Republicans is that they've lost the support of the people," he stated. "People are worried about their salaries and this governor has made it clear he is not on the side of Wisconsin workers."

Wanggaard pointed out, however, that unions for public employees can still negotiate salaries and that the bill preserves the grievance process and protects workers from being fired without cause.

Walker signed the budget repair bill into law on Fri., March 11. His biennial budget will undergo a review by the Finance Committee before it is presented at several public hearings around the state. Changes can then be made, but the budget should be in final format for voting by June 30. The biennial budget cycle begins July 1.