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Walker Leading Wisconsin – You Can’t Always Get What You Want
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Leroy N. Soetoro
Apr 21, 2012, 3:57:47 AM4/21/12
to
http://ncf.uschamber.com/blog/2012/01/walker-leading-wisconsin-%E2%80%93-
you-can%E2%80%99t-always-get-what-you-
want?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=related%2Bcontent&utm_campaign=Website
%2BLaunch%2B3-12
The United States is different today than before the recession, facing new
economic and social challenges. To succeed in these trying times,
Americans need effective local, state, and national leaders – something in
increasingly short supply. There are many leadership qualities, but in our
current circumstance, one of the most important is the ability to lead in
an austere environment. There is only so much money and resources to go
around, and difficult times mean difficult choices. With these realities,
an effective leader must embody that wisdom so eloquently stated by Mick
Jagger, “you can’t always get what you want.” It’s the guidance parents
have to give to their children when they want something in the toy aisle.
It’s also the same guidance that families deal with in terms of their own
budgets in these pretty lean times.
It’s also undoubtedly the circumstance that many governors have
encountered in trying to manage their respective states. All is not lost,
though. There are leaders around the country working to put their state
and local communities back on the path to prosperity. One of those places
is Wisconsin. After the economy plummeted, the state found its budget
short of $3.6 billion dollars, with the state coming up short on Medicaid;
payments to other states; as well as funds to support essential state
services such as public defenders, the department of corrections, etc. In
the past, state leaders would often raid various funds in an attempt to
balance an out-of-control budget. Unlike the federal government, which can
run up a deficit, the overwhelming majority of states are required by law
to have a balanced budget.
Wisconsin is one of those states and when Scott Walker took over as the
state’s chief executive in January 2011, he had to make some difficult
choices and fast. Gov. Walker wasted no time taking action. He immediately
passed Wisconsin Act 10 (commonly called the Wisconsin Budget Repair
Bill), a powerful piece of legislation whose section limiting collective
bargaining rights for public employees drew national attention and became
a proxy battle in the wider fight on the appropriate levels of public
sector spending. Act 10 drew the ire of unions nationwide because it gave
public employees the choice to decide whether they wanted to be part of a
union, making it illegal for unions to forcibly take dues from government
payrolls. In so doing, the legislation freed up school districts and
others to make hiring and firing decisions based on merit alone. Walker
made clear his view that collective bargaining is not a right but a costly
entitlement that has no place in austere Wisconsin’s public service. In
restricting collective bargaining rights, Walker took a firm stand
limiting union power, a step some have likened to President Reagan’s stand
against the air traffic controllers union in 1981. That he took a stand on
this and other contentious points for the sake of the state economy is
noteworthy; that he did so and is now faced with a likely recall election
in June is where we can find the real measure of his leadership.
Growing Wisconsin, Aligning Priorities
About 5.5 million people live in Wisconsin, and 1.1 million of them are
employed because of the state’s manufacturing industry – either working
directly at a manufacturing plant or at jobs that support the industry.
According to a study by the National Chamber Foundation and Wisconsin
Manufacturers and Commerce, this translates to $53 billion in earnings for
Wisconsin workers and business owners. In 2001, Wisconsin had a
manufacturing job concentration 65 percent higher than the average state
economy; that grew to 88 percent by 2011. This shows how fully Wisconsin
relies on manufacturing to drive its economy and how critical it is for
the state policies and legislation to align with private sector realities.
To foster the struggling sectors of their economy, Wisconsin policymakers
turned the state’s Department of Commerce into the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) – a public-private economic development
partnership that brings together stakeholders in the economy to develop
the policies and efforts that best spur growth, entrepreneurship and
profitability. Similar models have proven successful in Wyoming, Virginia,
Utah and other states. In as much as efforts to lighten the regulatory and
financial burdens on the private sector show Walker and Wisconsin
policymakers’ leadership on economic recovery, it is the more difficult
choice of where to cut the budget that shows an ability to lead
effectively in an austere environment. The governor’s Commission on Waste,
Fraud and Abuse recently presented its final report, identifying cuts and
adjustments for efficiency saving the state nearly $450 million a year.
These cuts will allow the state to focus resources and funding on more
pressing priorities. Such was the case with the education budget.
Wisconsin’s population is aging. It has high levels of residents more than
75 years old, a higher-than-average population in their 50s and a lower-
than-average population of residents 25-39 (the group holding most young
families and mid-level professionals).
With an aging workforce and population, many Wisconsinites depend on
Medicaid and public healthcare options. Because the governor cut education
budgets and made other adjustments, he did not have to short the needed
healthcare support. Clearly someone was going to be unhappy with the
necessary cuts, and Walker’s actions show that he was willing to make the
difficult choice of deciding who has the greatest need and who can and
must take a hit.
Leading or Dividing?
Walker’s critics argue he is a polarizing figure, dividing the state and
pitting one ideological group against another. The polarization, however,
may be more perception than reality. When Walker announced the limits on
collective bargaining and budget cuts, it sparked a wave of protests that
garnered national as well as international attention. As part of that,
union supporters and others flooded the state with money and manpower to
fight Walker’s reforms. While the conflict was clear, did that prove a
stark divide amongst Wisconsinites? Walker says union leaders throughout
the state are happily his partners in economic recovery. In implementing
structural reforms on how Wisconsin balances its budget, there are more
funds available for infrastructure improvement and other investments,
which puts people back to work. What is even more interesting is that at a
recent American Enterprise Institute (AEI) event, titled “Are Wisconsin's
Budget Reforms a Model for Other States?”, Walker noted a significant jump
in small business owner perceptions about Wisconsin’s economic trajectory.
Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
more about a wider debate on America’s ideological direction. Are we a
nation that prizes free enterprise with the right to not only succeed on
your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
America’s greatest assets – its free enterprise system. The governor will
likely face a recall election this summer, and it will be the true measure
of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
--
Obama's black racist USAG appointee.
Eric Holder, racist black United States Attorney General drops voter
intimidation charges against the Black Panthers, "You are about to be
ruled by the black man, cracker!"
Eric Holder, prejudiced black United States Attorney General settles the
hate crime debate, "Whites Not Protected by Hate Crime Laws."
Nancy Pelosi, Democrat criminal, accessory before and after the fact, to
former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel of New
York's million dollar tax evasion.
Barack Obama and Eric Holder, committed treason by knowingly and
deliberately arming enemies of the United States of America through
Operation Fast and Furious. Complicit in the murder of Federal employees
during the execution of their duties.
--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to ne...@netfront.net ---
you-can%E2%80%99t-always-get-what-you-
want?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=related%2Bcontent&utm_campaign=Website
%2BLaunch%2B3-12
The United States is different today than before the recession, facing new
economic and social challenges. To succeed in these trying times,
Americans need effective local, state, and national leaders – something in
increasingly short supply. There are many leadership qualities, but in our
current circumstance, one of the most important is the ability to lead in
an austere environment. There is only so much money and resources to go
around, and difficult times mean difficult choices. With these realities,
an effective leader must embody that wisdom so eloquently stated by Mick
Jagger, “you can’t always get what you want.” It’s the guidance parents
have to give to their children when they want something in the toy aisle.
It’s also the same guidance that families deal with in terms of their own
budgets in these pretty lean times.
It’s also undoubtedly the circumstance that many governors have
encountered in trying to manage their respective states. All is not lost,
though. There are leaders around the country working to put their state
and local communities back on the path to prosperity. One of those places
is Wisconsin. After the economy plummeted, the state found its budget
short of $3.6 billion dollars, with the state coming up short on Medicaid;
payments to other states; as well as funds to support essential state
services such as public defenders, the department of corrections, etc. In
the past, state leaders would often raid various funds in an attempt to
balance an out-of-control budget. Unlike the federal government, which can
run up a deficit, the overwhelming majority of states are required by law
to have a balanced budget.
Wisconsin is one of those states and when Scott Walker took over as the
state’s chief executive in January 2011, he had to make some difficult
choices and fast. Gov. Walker wasted no time taking action. He immediately
passed Wisconsin Act 10 (commonly called the Wisconsin Budget Repair
Bill), a powerful piece of legislation whose section limiting collective
bargaining rights for public employees drew national attention and became
a proxy battle in the wider fight on the appropriate levels of public
sector spending. Act 10 drew the ire of unions nationwide because it gave
public employees the choice to decide whether they wanted to be part of a
union, making it illegal for unions to forcibly take dues from government
payrolls. In so doing, the legislation freed up school districts and
others to make hiring and firing decisions based on merit alone. Walker
made clear his view that collective bargaining is not a right but a costly
entitlement that has no place in austere Wisconsin’s public service. In
restricting collective bargaining rights, Walker took a firm stand
limiting union power, a step some have likened to President Reagan’s stand
against the air traffic controllers union in 1981. That he took a stand on
this and other contentious points for the sake of the state economy is
noteworthy; that he did so and is now faced with a likely recall election
in June is where we can find the real measure of his leadership.
Growing Wisconsin, Aligning Priorities
About 5.5 million people live in Wisconsin, and 1.1 million of them are
employed because of the state’s manufacturing industry – either working
directly at a manufacturing plant or at jobs that support the industry.
According to a study by the National Chamber Foundation and Wisconsin
Manufacturers and Commerce, this translates to $53 billion in earnings for
Wisconsin workers and business owners. In 2001, Wisconsin had a
manufacturing job concentration 65 percent higher than the average state
economy; that grew to 88 percent by 2011. This shows how fully Wisconsin
relies on manufacturing to drive its economy and how critical it is for
the state policies and legislation to align with private sector realities.
To foster the struggling sectors of their economy, Wisconsin policymakers
turned the state’s Department of Commerce into the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corporation (WEDC) – a public-private economic development
partnership that brings together stakeholders in the economy to develop
the policies and efforts that best spur growth, entrepreneurship and
profitability. Similar models have proven successful in Wyoming, Virginia,
Utah and other states. In as much as efforts to lighten the regulatory and
financial burdens on the private sector show Walker and Wisconsin
policymakers’ leadership on economic recovery, it is the more difficult
choice of where to cut the budget that shows an ability to lead
effectively in an austere environment. The governor’s Commission on Waste,
Fraud and Abuse recently presented its final report, identifying cuts and
adjustments for efficiency saving the state nearly $450 million a year.
These cuts will allow the state to focus resources and funding on more
pressing priorities. Such was the case with the education budget.
Wisconsin’s population is aging. It has high levels of residents more than
75 years old, a higher-than-average population in their 50s and a lower-
than-average population of residents 25-39 (the group holding most young
families and mid-level professionals).
With an aging workforce and population, many Wisconsinites depend on
Medicaid and public healthcare options. Because the governor cut education
budgets and made other adjustments, he did not have to short the needed
healthcare support. Clearly someone was going to be unhappy with the
necessary cuts, and Walker’s actions show that he was willing to make the
difficult choice of deciding who has the greatest need and who can and
must take a hit.
Leading or Dividing?
Walker’s critics argue he is a polarizing figure, dividing the state and
pitting one ideological group against another. The polarization, however,
may be more perception than reality. When Walker announced the limits on
collective bargaining and budget cuts, it sparked a wave of protests that
garnered national as well as international attention. As part of that,
union supporters and others flooded the state with money and manpower to
fight Walker’s reforms. While the conflict was clear, did that prove a
stark divide amongst Wisconsinites? Walker says union leaders throughout
the state are happily his partners in economic recovery. In implementing
structural reforms on how Wisconsin balances its budget, there are more
funds available for infrastructure improvement and other investments,
which puts people back to work. What is even more interesting is that at a
recent American Enterprise Institute (AEI) event, titled “Are Wisconsin's
Budget Reforms a Model for Other States?”, Walker noted a significant jump
in small business owner perceptions about Wisconsin’s economic trajectory.
Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
more about a wider debate on America’s ideological direction. Are we a
nation that prizes free enterprise with the right to not only succeed on
your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
America’s greatest assets – its free enterprise system. The governor will
likely face a recall election this summer, and it will be the true measure
of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
--
Obama's black racist USAG appointee.
Eric Holder, racist black United States Attorney General drops voter
intimidation charges against the Black Panthers, "You are about to be
ruled by the black man, cracker!"
Eric Holder, prejudiced black United States Attorney General settles the
hate crime debate, "Whites Not Protected by Hate Crime Laws."
Nancy Pelosi, Democrat criminal, accessory before and after the fact, to
former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel of New
York's million dollar tax evasion.
Barack Obama and Eric Holder, committed treason by knowingly and
deliberately arming enemies of the United States of America through
Operation Fast and Furious. Complicit in the murder of Federal employees
during the execution of their duties.
--- Posted via news://freenews.netfront.net/ - Complaints to ne...@netfront.net ---
Hawke
Apr 21, 2012, 3:37:19 PM4/21/12
to
On 4/21/2012 12:57 AM, Leroy N. Soetoro wrote:
> Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
> supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
> more about a wider debate on America’s ideological direction. Are we a
> nation that prizes free enterprise with the right to not only succeed on
> your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
> regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
> The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
> slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
> programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
> Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
> America’s greatest assets – its free enterprise system. The governor will
> likely face a recall election this summer, and it will be the true measure
> of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
>
> Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
>
>
In a perverse way I kind of want the republicans to win and be in
> Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
> supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
> more about a wider debate on America’s ideological direction. Are we a
> nation that prizes free enterprise with the right to not only succeed on
> your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
> regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
> The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
> slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
> programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
> Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
> America’s greatest assets – its free enterprise system. The governor will
> likely face a recall election this summer, and it will be the true measure
> of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
>
> Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
>
>
charge. That is because I take some pleasure in seeing the foolish and
ignorant suffer for their stupidity. If the republicans do get control
like they did in 2001 it's the American people who are going to suffer
just like they have been since 2008. But it was their fault they got
screwed because they didn't have to put republicans in power but they
did. If they are so stupid to do that again I am going to enjoy seeing
them suffer. Fortunately, I'm in a position that I will benefit if a
help the rich party is in charge. So I'll be all right no matter who
wins. If Walker wins the recall it'll be a sign that the people are
going to suffer. He just passed a law in Wisconsin repealing equal pay
for women. Any woman voting for him deserves to have her pay cut in half.
Hawke
Larry
Apr 21, 2012, 10:53:30 PM4/21/12
to
In article <jmv29f$2u2$3...@speranza.aioe.org>, davesm...@digitalpath.net
says...
right wingers into power. The union thing is just the tip of the iceberg. He
is invalidating local elections and installing his own municipal governments
instead of the elected officials. He is selling of state parks to his cronies
for development, but only the choice waterfront properties. On a smaller
scale, he is pulling the same rape and run tricks that bankrupted Argentina
and destroyed the middle class there. If Walker can sell that to Wisconsin
voters, they are fools.
says...
>
> On 4/21/2012 12:57 AM, Leroy N. Soetoro wrote:
>
> > Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
> > supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
> > more about a wider debate on America?s ideological direction. Are we a
> On 4/21/2012 12:57 AM, Leroy N. Soetoro wrote:
>
> > Most feel that the reforms put Wisconsin back on the road to success. The
> > supposed political divide in Wisconsin, it seems, is less about Walker and
> > nation that prizes free enterprise with the right to not only succeed on
> > your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
> > regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
> > The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
> > slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
> > programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
> > Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
> > America?s greatest assets ? its free enterprise system. The governor will
> > your own merits but fail as well, or are we a country that taxes and
> > regulates the private sector for the sake of expensive social programs?
> > The latter may offer a wide safety net temporarily, but when industry
> > slows, so too do incomes, which reduces the taxes available for social
> > programs. It is untenable in the long run, and in Wisconsin, it seems
> > Walker is focused on letting industry and jobs grow out of one of
> > likely face a recall election this summer, and it will be the true measure
> > of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
> >
> > Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
> >
> >
>
>
> In a perverse way I kind of want the republicans to win and be in
> charge. That is because I take some pleasure in seeing the foolish and
> ignorant suffer for their stupidity. If the republicans do get control
> like they did in 2001 it's the American people who are going to suffer
> just like they have been since 2008. But it was their fault they got
> screwed because they didn't have to put republicans in power but they
> did. If they are so stupid to do that again I am going to enjoy seeing
> them suffer. Fortunately, I'm in a position that I will benefit if a
> help the rich party is in charge. So I'll be all right no matter who
> wins. If Walker wins the recall it'll be a sign that the people are
> going to suffer. He just passed a law in Wisconsin repealing equal pay
> for women. Any woman voting for him deserves to have her pay cut in half.
>
> Hawke
Wisconsin is an excellent object lesson in what happens when you let the far
> > of how Wisconsin voters view their leader.
> >
> > Their decision will tell us a lot about the future.
> >
> >
>
>
> In a perverse way I kind of want the republicans to win and be in
> charge. That is because I take some pleasure in seeing the foolish and
> ignorant suffer for their stupidity. If the republicans do get control
> like they did in 2001 it's the American people who are going to suffer
> just like they have been since 2008. But it was their fault they got
> screwed because they didn't have to put republicans in power but they
> did. If they are so stupid to do that again I am going to enjoy seeing
> them suffer. Fortunately, I'm in a position that I will benefit if a
> help the rich party is in charge. So I'll be all right no matter who
> wins. If Walker wins the recall it'll be a sign that the people are
> going to suffer. He just passed a law in Wisconsin repealing equal pay
> for women. Any woman voting for him deserves to have her pay cut in half.
>
> Hawke
right wingers into power. The union thing is just the tip of the iceberg. He
is invalidating local elections and installing his own municipal governments
instead of the elected officials. He is selling of state parks to his cronies
for development, but only the choice waterfront properties. On a smaller
scale, he is pulling the same rape and run tricks that bankrupted Argentina
and destroyed the middle class there. If Walker can sell that to Wisconsin
voters, they are fools.
Gunner Asch
Apr 22, 2012, 2:58:25 AM4/22/12
to
Trot em out, schmuckface.
Gunner
--
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry
capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency.
It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an
Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense
and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have
such a man for their? president.. Blaming the prince of the
fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of
fools that made him their prince".
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