In order to decrease a multibillion dollar budget deficit in Wisconsin, the newly appointed Republican Gov. Scott Walker has introduced a plan that would cut the state's budget deficit by curbing public workers pay and their collective bargaining rights. Walker says the state faces a $137 million deficit this year and a $3.6 billion hole over the next two years.
Thousands of public workers including teachers and firefighters are protesting at the statehouse in Madison. The proposed new bill would require most state employees to pay half of their pension costs and half of their health care costs, while eliminating union bargaining. If a conclusion is not met soon, Walker warns that 10,000 public workers could lose their jobs.
The proposed bill was poised to pass but the vote was delayed indefinitely because more than a dozen Senate Democrats fled the state to Illinois. Without a designated number of Democrats, the bill cannot be voted upon. The fight is being joined in other states, where Republicans are also trying to lower employee benefits. Protests are planned in coming days in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. More than 20 state legislatures are considering benefit cuts.
Quotes
"You're inspiring all the people of Wisconsin. You're inspiring the people of Ohio, who are going through the same kind of attacks that you are. You're inspiring the people of Indiana, who are living through the same attacks." Richard Trumka, head of AFL-CIO.
"The state senators who are hiding out down in Illinois should show up for work, have their say, have their vote, add their amendments. But, in the end, we have got a $3.6 billion budget deficit we have got to balance." Gov. Scott Walker
Warm Up Questions
1.Where is Wisconsin?2.List three examples of public workers.3.What is a public workers union?
Discussion Questions
1.Why do you think public workers in Wisconsin are protesting the proposed state budget cuts?2.Do you agree that public workers should be required to pay for half of their pension and health care costs? Why or why not?3.If you were the Governor of Wisconsin discuss ways in which you would balance a multibillion budget deficit.
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