What Are All These Protests About?

A week ago this past Tuesday, I was in Madison, WI to attend a conference with my colleague.  The conference happened to coincide with the first day of protests against Governor Scott Walker and those who supported his Budget Repair Bill.  Little did I know that American Majority would be playing a major role in this effort later in the week.

As last week progressed and State Senators fled the state, protests continued against the Budget Repair Bill and their crowds grew larger by the day.  By Thursday, those in support of the Budget Repair Bill had enough and we said it is our time to make our voices heard.  Saturday seemed an ideal day since most of the people who wanted their voice heard had to work during the week.

Quick preparations were put together by the American Majority Wisconsin staff and our American MajorityLeaders who came together to get national speakers to come in on very short notice. The key was not a national organization putting this effort together, but working with the local tea party leaders and groups to spread the word.  Without their help the people would not have come.   No one knew what the turnout would be on Saturday or if anyone would show up.  Wow, we knew people were in support of the Budget Repair Bill, but never expected the turnout we had.

The State Capitol has turned into a motel where it appears there is , child care, and if you have ever traveled to a motel with the sign that says please call the front desk if you have forgotten a toiletry, well that is provided here as well.  I was unaware that I could pick up a free pair of underwear at Wisconsin’s Capitol.

Yes, this is the people’s house, but is this really the way you treat your house?  I am not a stranger to Madison, I attended college in this city and really nothing can surprise a person who has lived here.  The picture of protestors walking up from campus on State Street to the Capitol is one that happens at least once a year.  But, never did I see the Capitol turn into a motel, restaurant or day care center.

Signs are taped on the walls of this historic place.  An interesting note is that elected members of the legislature are not even allowed to put a nail hole in their walls, but protestors find it acceptable to put tape on marble walls.  Instructions are posted on the walls for protestors on their rights in the Capitol, what to do if they are forcibly removed, the charges that are likely against them, how they can pay for their bail and even an attorney to contact for help.

Now that the Capitol has turned into rally central, why are all these people here?  If you walk around the Capitol there are all sorts of chants, but the most used is “kill the bill.” That’s right, kill the bill.  State public employees are being asked to pay a higher portion of their healthcare costs and to contribute to their pensions.  As it now stands, these employees currently pay next to nothing for their retirement and pay a small fraction of healthcare costs in comparison to the private sector.

Wisconsin is in a fiscal crisis.  If we weren’t, we wouldn’t need to find alternatives to fill gaps in our budget.  Many states are finding themselves in this fiscal crisis, but Wisconsin was in the process of working through a Budget Repair Bill that would have restructured past loans to help save additional dollars that are not in the bank account.  This Friday is the deadline for restructuring loans and time is ticking away.

To make matters worse, 14 Senators are missing from our great state of Wisconsin.  Rather than debate the issue they fled the state and took cover in Illinois.  More taxpayer dollars are now being used as the State Patrol is on the lookout for members at their homes.  Meanwhile, the members of the Assembly are going on 44 hours of debate, the longest in state history.

The real question: is there an end in sight?  All sides of this argument are not willing to compromise.  American Majority works to train people for this very moment.   Activists must make their voices heard by calling or emailing their elected officials and share their support.  People can visit I Stand with Walker and sign the petition to show your support.

Once Friday passes, the fight will not be over.  The budget for the next fiscal year still needs to be introduced and it is likely these issues will be revisited then.