By now, it's obvious to all but the most dishonest Rethugs that the real goal of Wisconsin Gov. Scott "Too Much Johnnie" Walker isn't to get public employees to contribute more to their health and pension benefits. The unions representing Wisconsin's teachers and other public employees said days ago that they were willing to give back previously-negotiated benefits. Too Much Johnnie Walker still won't compromise: he wants to eliminate collective bargaining rights from Wisconsin's public employees (except, of course, the police and firefighters unions which regrettably supported his election). He wants to dismantle the unions that opposed him and other Rethugs in the elections. And the State deficit he's shedding crocodile tears over? Here's Ezra Klein's take:
"The governor called a special session of the legislature and signed two business tax breaks and a conservative health-care policy experiment that lowers overall tax revenues (among other things). The new legislation was not offset, and it helped turn a surplus into a deficit [fiscal years 2011-2013]. As Brian Beutler writes, 'public workers are being asked to pick up the tab for this agenda.'"The Governor gave $120 million in tax breaks to business and a private sector health care scheme that would undercut the State's public Badgercare program. He's doing the bidding of some very wealthy right wing backers, who would like a corporate-friendly, one party government.
For a good rundown of why what's happening in Wisconsin is a big deal -- in addition to watching the excellent Rachel Maddow on MSNBC -- Gene Robinson has a column in today's Kaplan Daily that's worth reading.
(photo: At least he's not shy about who he represents)
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