Politics & Government

Viewfinder: Both Sides...Digging in over Budget Repair Bill

The teacher's union vows to keep protesting, Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Republicans say they aren't backing down.

Republicans and union workers squared off today over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill.

Public employee unions have conceded to Walker's financial demands, but a provision that would strip away collective bargaining rights has become a central point of conflict.

Hundreds of union workers from the Racine and Kenosha teacher's unions and area fire departments, joined in solidarity in a rally held in Racine this afternoon. They called for members to attend a rally on Saturday in Madison.

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A group of firefighters from Caledonia have also gone to Madison every day this week on their time off to rally.

Meanwhile, Walker got duped by a man posing as one of the Koch brothers. However, Walker defused his comments. The New York Times reported that  Charles G. and David H. Koch are pumping money into lobbying efforts to help Walker get the Budget Repair Bill through.The Wisconsin State Journal is reporting that the Koch brothers are open a lobbying office in downtown Madison. The Koch brother's political action committee paid Gov. Scott Walker's  $43,000

Find out what's happening in Caledoniawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a statement, Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) also vowed to pass the budget.

“Republicans are more committed than ever to pass the Governor’s budget repair bill.  Hours of debate on unsuccessful Democratic amendments have only strengthened our determination to get the state out of this fiscal crisis.”  

“Many of my constituents have reached out to me and my office in the past few days in great support of our efforts to balance the state budget without raising taxes.  It doesn’t matter how long this debate takes, the taxpayer will ultimately win when this bill passes.”


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