Common Councils across the state are preparing resolutions against Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to trivialize unions while at the same time cutting pay and benefits for public workers.
Check out a roundup of resolutions from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities here. And expect to see more added to this list in coming days and weeks.
It’s especially interesting to see others raise the same primary concern I do: The loss of local control and local say in how we negotiate with our unions. This should be something we decide, not Madison politicians.
As I’ve said, I don’t have major issues with the governor seeking givebacks on pay and benefits from unions, as long as they are negotiated. And many union workers, I’ve read, are in agreement.
My complaint, like the complaint of others, is with over-reaching to also strip unions of their rights going forward. Walker and Republican lawmakers have no business ramming that type of bill through the legislature in a matter of days.
South Milwaukee Blog 
It kinda reminds me of the Dems ramming ObamaCare through.
Not at all, Melanie. In this case, Governor Walker and the Republicans introduced clear legislation to fix a budget mess that the previous administration created. It in no way affects any real “rights”.
In the ObamaCare fiasco, “we have to pass it so you can see what is in it” and then it violates actual Constitutional rights.
SM Guy, I was being facetious, and you are correct sir!
I actually thought of that example too, but I think they’re different. Obamacare, for all of its faults — and I have my share of concerns with it — was debated for the better part of six months. Walker’s plan was debated for the better part of two days.
As to the general topic of what municipalities can do, I’ve got an idea. Recall our state senator.
My rights are being violated!!!!!! According to the constitution, I have the right to be represented on the floor of the legislature by my duly elected senator. I don’t have to agree with how he is voting or what he does there, but I need to be represented. If he is hiding in Illinois, he has decided that he does not wish me to be represented. Therefore, he should be recalled.
I am not normally in favor of recalling people simply because I disagree with their votes. For example, I was not in favor of Racine recalling their elected official a few years back over the Stadium tax, even though I didn’t want it either. However, in this case, our representative is refusing to even show up for work.