Friday, February 18, 2011

Public Worker Protests Spread From Wisconsin to Ohio - Bloomberg #weac #wiunion #notmywi

Public Worker Protests Spread From Wisconsin to Ohio - Bloomberg

Public Worker Protests Spread From Wisconsin to Ohio

By Mark Niquette - Feb 18, 2011 4:56 AM PT

Public Employee Union Protests Spread From Wisconsin to Ohio

In Madison, Wisconsin, crowds police estimated at 25,000 engulfed the Capitol and its lawns during a third day of protests. Photographer: Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

In what union leaders say is becoming a national fight, protests against legislation to restrict public employees’ collective-bargaining rights spread from Wisconsin to Ohio.

In Madison, Wisconsin, crowds that police estimated at 25,000 engulfed the Capitol and its lawns yesterday during a third-straight day of protests as Democratic senators fled the legislative session. In Columbus, Ohio, about 3,800 state workers, teachers and other public employees came to the statehouse for a committee hearing. President Barack Obamaand House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohioan, argued over

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Philly SRC hears dire warning on school funding | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/17/2011

Philly SRC hears dire warning on school funding

By Kristen A. Graham

Inquirer Staff Writer

City public school students, already lagging in academic achievement, are in danger of slipping further if a looming budget gap of as much as a half-billion dollars becomes a reality, school officials were told Wednesday night.

"The incredible amount of progress we've made can be reversed if resources aren't available," Deputy Superintendent Leroy Nunery told the School Reform Commission. "We hope the public will rally to this particular call."

The potential gap of $400 million to $500 million for 2011-12 comes on top of a shortfall of $40

The Best Resources For Learning About Attacks On Teachers & Other Public Sector Workers In Wisconsin |#wiunion #wisolidarity #notmywi

The Best Resources For Learning About Attacks On Teachers & Other Public Sector Workers In Wisconsin | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...

The Best Resources For Learning About Attacks On Teachers & Other Public Sector Workers In Wisconsin

by Larry Ferlazzo

The attacks on teachers and other public sector workers in Wisconsin by Governor Scott Walker and his allies could be a dangerous sign of things to come throughout the United States. Fortunately, the courageous and well-organized opposition could be an even more powerful indicator for the future.

I have a particular interest in what happens in Wisconsin — beyond its national implications. I lived in Milwaukee from age ten to fifteen, and know first-hand, and fondly remember, the hard work of educators in that state.

I hope readers will provide additional suggestions for this list — I’m sure there are plenty of good articles I don’t know about.

Here are my choices for The Best Resources For Learning About Attacks On Teachers & Other Public Sector

Schools Matter: Democracy Movement in Full Flower in Madison: Next Stop, Columbus #killthebill #wiunion #weac #forWIteachers #Wsconsin #solidaritywi

Schools Matter: Democracy Movement in Full Flower in Madison: Next Stop, Columbus

Democracy Movement in Full Flower in Madison: Next Stop, Columbus

by Jim Horn

From Brian LeCloux, who posted this at ARN:

I was at the rally today for 11 hours. Awesome!

There were 5,000 inside the State Capitol from the early morning on, chanting "this is what democracy looks like" and "Recall Walker", singing "We Shall Overcome" and shouting "We Got Democracy, Yes We Do, We Got Democracy
how about you" and "We are Wisconsin" and "Kill this Bill" This went on for hours and was driven by a great crew
of drummers and protest leaders. At one point an American flag was unfurled stretching the width of the Capitol Rotunda as we sang. Very emotional for all involved.

Outside 20,000 were marching around the capitol building.

The firefighters and police, who are not affected by Walker's anti democratic

DEM LAWMAKERS FLEE WISCONSIN The Huffington Post #weac #wiunion #notmywi

Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post

DEM LAWMAKERS FLEE WISCONSIN
Police Officers Dispatched.. Estimated 25,000 Protest Sweeping Anti-Union Bill
Demonstrations Spread To Ohio.. GOP Congressman: Protests 'Like Cairo'
Donna_West Oh! Gov Walker is getting pissed off-fa-fa. That's tooooo bad. He calls what he does working. No gov, it's union busting. Go Wisconsin 14!
AndyTarnoff Between returning federal rail funds and causing surreal Madison sit in, gotta hand it to Walker: he's getting Wisconsin nat'l coverage. :(
kbeninato They don't answer to that. RT@daveweigel Gov. Scott Walker releases statement calling "Democrat Legislators Back Into State."

SACRAMENTO PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE: Class action in Wisconsin #weac #wiunion #notmywi

SACRAMENTO PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE: Class action in Wisconsin

Class action in Wisconsin

by Duane Campbell

by Don Taylor

: Don Taylor

As I write this, we are in our fourth day of demonstrations against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s “budget repair” bill and its’ provisions to effectively eliminate public sector collective bargaining. Today, the Democrats in the senate have fled the state, leaving the Republicans one vote short of a quorum to pass the bill. The Democrats say they will not return until the anti-union provisions are off the table.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edt3rjqghg4&feature=player_embedded]
Disguised as a bill to fix a shortfall in the current budget, this bill would:

Abolish public sector collective bargaining on all topics except wages. There would be no more negotiating leaves of absence, health and safety, discipline for just cause, or anything else. Negotiated wage increases would be capped at CPI; in other words, no real negotiation could occur.
Prohibit public employers from deducting union dues via payroll deduction. This measure is one of

we're for peace, protest, rights and solidarity #weac #wiunion #notmywi

we're for peace, protest, rights and solidarity

Walker supporters plan Saturday counter rally

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By Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel

Feb. 17, 2011 9:07 p.m. |(38) COMMENTS

Madison -- Supporters of Gov. Scott Walker's plans to take union rights away from public workers are planning a Saturday rally at the Capitol, following days of protests by opponents of the measure.

"BOOK IT: capitol rally for taxpayers, noon on SATURDAY! bring cleaning supplies to clean up the pigsty the liberal union goons left behind at OUR house," talk radio host Vicki McKenna wrote in a Facebook posting.

Budget Protest in Madison - Firefighters #wiunion #notmywi #WEAC

As we prepare for another day at the Capitol, we thank all of our brothers and sisters - union and non - for their incredible support. Here's a short video of local firefighters, met with cheers for their solidarity. We fight this fight for all workers.

Democurmudgeon: State Sen. Jon Erpenbach Speaks to the Nation on MSNBC, Warns of Republican Attack on #weac #wiunion #notmywi

Democurmudgeon: State Sen. Jon Erpenbach Speaks to the Nation on MSNBC, Warns of Republican Attack on Labor in Wisconsin.

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach Speaks to the Nation on MSNBC, Warns of Republican Attack on Labor in Wisconsin.

by Democurmudgeon

Rachel Maddow found at least one Wisconsin State Senator, Jon Erpenbach, who explains in the simplest terms, the situation for even conservative tea party members to understand.

Popout

CTA Supports Educators and Public Workers in Wisconsin #weac #wiunion #notmywi

CTA Supports Educators and Public Workers in Wisconsin [HQ]

by California Teachers Association (videos)

0:26

California Teachers Association stands in support of educators and public workers in Wisconsin battling to retain their collective bargaining rights.

Rally in Nashville–March 5 « Blount County Education Association

Rally in Nashville–March 5

02/17/2011

by bceaweb

There will be a gathering of supporters of public education in Nashville on Saturday, March 5th. Make plans to attend!
If you plan on coming, please let your association rep know or respond to the event invitation on our Facebook Page.

NEA president demands that educator voices be heard #wiunion #notmywi #WEAC

NEA president demands that educator voices be heard

Van Roekel travels to Wisconsin to demonstrate support of 3.2 million NEA members

MADISON — NEA President Dennis Van Roekel is in Wisconsin today meeting with Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) President Mary Bell and WEAC members to let them know that the Association’s 3.2 million members are solidly behind them in their efforts to stand up for Wisconsin’s working families.

“I came here today to support our members, teachers and educators who are speaking up for public schools and the middle class. Our members are standing up to make sure that they have a seat at the table when decisions are made about schools and the quality of education,” said Van Roekel. “Let there be no mistake: the views of teachers reflect their commitment to students. Educators are eager to offer their ideas and insight about how to help students succeed. To silence the voice of teachers can only diminish all of our work to make public schools great for all students.”

Acknowledging Wisconsin’s financial challenges, Van Roekel said the state needs strong and visionary leadership. “We need solutions, not scapegoats,” he said. “Gov. Walker can’t solve Wisconsin’s problems by himself. Wisconsin teachers and educators are ready to join in the work on solutions. That is the essence of the ‘Wisconsin Idea’ and American ideals.”

“Sadly, Wisconsin isn’t the only place where there is a concerted effort on the part of some politicians and corporate leaders to weaken or eliminate the middle class,” Van Roekel said. “Instead of repaying the CEOs and big donors who contributed to their campaigns, we have to hold these elected leaders accountable to do what is in the best interests of working people – not a few wealthy and powerful individuals.”

“Middle class workers and their families are not asking for special treatment,” Van Roekel said. “I know that teachers and public employees love Wisconsin and are willing to help shoulder the state’s financial burdens, but they are not willing to give up their voice. We need balance and shared sacrifice. We need leaders who will come up with solutions that will strengthen state economies and create jobs. In fact, Gov. Walker’s plan won’t make Wisconsin stronger – it would increase the state’s long-term debt – and it won’t create any new jobs.”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the working men and women of Wisconsin for refusing to bow to individuals and special interests who want to dismantle the rights of working Americans and the stability of middle class families. NEA stands proudly with you and together – we will not be silent or denied,” Van Roekel said.

School Tech Connect: Incoming Meme

Incoming Meme

by effacethefacade@yahoo.com (Tim)

from my rss reader...

The puff pieces on Urban Prep are about to start again.

I don't really even mind the push-kids-into-college goalpost, unless it creates unsustainable debt for people. There's a whole generation of people with very high scores graduating from very prestigious colleges right now for whom there are no jobs, and it is only fair to expand this opportunity to people with lower scores graduating from more average institutions. However, back in the traditional public school world, the thing you get measured and condemned by is test scores. So let's return to the chart that probably isn't making the news regarding the above

Schools Matter: My Last Look at The Last Word

My Last Look at The Last Word

by Jim Horn

When I heard that the centerfold for the Hemlock Society calendar, Ann Coulter, was going to be Lawrence O'Donnell's guest tonight, I decided to give him 60 seconds on this one. I stopped at 45. This is entirely an unjustified waste of any air time or my time for a show that is even vaguely billed as political news and

School Tech Connect: I Would Call This A Rip-Off #wiunion #notmywi

School Tech Connect: I Would Call This A Rip-Off

I Would Call This A Rip-Off

by noreply@blogger.com (Tim)

If this is true then the revolution really needs to get moving.

Saw it at Eschaton.

Wisconsin Democrats Walk from Statehouse to Prevent a Bill Freezing Wages, Benefits | Politically Illustrated #wiunion #notmywi

Wisconsin Democrats Walk from Statehouse to Prevent a Bill Freezing Wages, Benefits | Politically Illustrated

Wisconsin Democrats Walk from Statehouse to Prevent a Bill Freezing Wages, Benefits

BY: RICHARD LONGPUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 17, 2011

"Labor," by RJ Matson.

SAN FRANCISCO (Politically Illustrated) – Wisconsin Democrats fled the statehouse on Thursday in an effort to prevent a vote on a controversial bill that would freeze wages, cut benefits and limit the bargaining rights of public unions.

“We’re teachers, librarians, public servants,” Amanda Walker, of Wisconsin, told Politically Illustrated. “Why are we getting punished for the economic recession brought on by the greed and filth of Wall Street? Why are we having to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as Wall Street reaps profits of a new bull market?”

The comments by Mrs. Walker come as state troopers were sent to find the absent lawmakers, but few are still in state lines, according to one Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller.

“I can tell you this – we’re not all in one place,” Sen. Scott Miller

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Friday, February 18, 2011