Grothman Says Walker's Budget Bill Better than Layoffs

While many are unhappy over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill that would require most public employees to pay more for health care benefits and their pensions, those changes are the only way to avoid layoffs, one area legislator says.

"We are in a fiscal crisis," said state Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), whose district includes Port Washington and Saukville. "If we are not going to lay people off, we have to have government workers at all levels … pay more of their pensions and health insurance."

A similar view was echoed by Port Washington Police Chief Richard Thomas, who said he can back the bill because it will ensure that public workers will remain employed.

"One of the things that it's going to do is ... to save people’s jobs," Thomas said. "Those are some sacrifices that we need to make right now, I think, to keep people working and keep income available for families."

Under the proposed legislation, collective bargaining would be limited to wages, which can’t increase more than an inflation-based cap, according to a news release from Walker. The cap could only be exceeded if approved by voters in a referendum.

The bill also would require most public employees to contribute 5.8 percent toward their pensions and 12 percent toward their health care benefits, according to Walker’s release. That move would save the state $30 million as it looks to plug a $137 million budget deficit by the end of June, according to the news release.

Because Thomas is in law enforcement, he and his officers are exempted from the bill. But if that exemption didn't exist, "it would be a significant hardship on police and firefighters," Thomas said.

This group of employees often holds odd hours, and it can be a challenge for them to obtain and hold on to secondary employment, he said. In this sense, it's even more difficult to accommodate suddenly higher pension and benefit payments.

Grothman said he believes Walker's decision to exempt these groups is founded in his desire for a trustworthy source of protection.

"I believe Scott Walker feels, in this time of fiscal crisis, it is especially important to know we will have strong … protection, and therefore Scott Walker has decided to exempt those ... groups (of employees)," Grothman said.

While local law enforcement and fire employees, as well as state troopers and inspectors, are exempt from several provisions in the bill, its approval will have a strong effect on one big group of people: public school employees.

Saukville Elementary School Principal Chad Brakke said while all government employees are likely to have a reaction to the bill and its implications, teachers are especially affected.

Educators have negotiated for many benefits and rights over the years that will now be lost, he said.

"There's a lot of hurt feelings, but the teachers here are all professionals," he said, adding that the school's staff has not let the situation disrupt their continued dedication to their students.

Lincoln Elementary School Principal Eric Burke echoed his thoughts, saying, "The teachers are as always just working hard like they normally do."

State Superintendent of Schools Tony Evers sent a letter to Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), urging lawmakers to revise the bill.

"The Legislature needs to make changes to this bill," he said in the letter. "It is possible to balance the needs of working families, the local economy, and the rights of workers with the challenges in the state’s budget.

"I urge our elected officials to move forward without eliminating the longstanding rights of state and local workers, particularly the voices in our schools of teachers and education support staff," Evers added.

Port Washington-Saukville Supertintendent Michael Weber said he is prepared to make what he can out of the situation as it unfolds, while maintaining a commitment to one important thing: the students.

"We just have an outstanding group of teachers and staff members, and they’ve been working well with the (School) Board," he said. "Whatever comes of this budget, our whole goal ... is to continue to keep a positive environment ... for our students and continue to support our staff."

Lawmakers are expected to start voting on the bill on Thursday.