As an observer of Wisconsin politics, I am frustrated with the standoff between Republican Gov. Scott Walker and the State Senate’s Democratic minority.
I have inherited a bit of Wisconsin love in my blood. But as a current outsider, I believe that the anti-union bill proposed by Walker is damaging the rich foundation of Wisconsin politics.
The effects of the bill — which requires state employees to make contributions toward their pensions and weakens collective bargaining rights — could be a devastating precursor for other Republican-controlled states.
Support for Walker has taken up arms in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and other states, where Republican leaders are looking to modify and shave stipulations from similar collective bargaining agreements.
In Pennsylvania, this union-busting technique has yet to be addressed. But, as Philadelphians, we must be vigilant of deceitful efforts by Harrisburg to cut the benefits of our state’s public officials.
The passage of the bill in Wisconsin could result in the largest reduction of power in the public sector in decades.
As The New York Times described, Wisconsin’s 7.5-percent unemployment rate is less than the national average. Its pension fund is one of the best in the nation. Additionally, the union representation in Wisconsin is one of the strongest in the nation.
Marty Beil — the executive director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, which represents about 22,000 state employees — has already approved state decreases of overtime raises and employee furloughs. Walker, however, believes the new collective bargaining will generate $300 million in state revenues over the next two years and reduce the $3.6 billion state deficit.
If cutting the state budget seems to be the motivating focus behind Walker’s measures, then how can the governor rationalize the cuts of state workers when allowing ongoing tax breaks to corporations in Wisconsin? While the tax breaks aim to encourage state profits, they actually generate a net loss of over $100 million in state taxes.
Furthermore, the state’s alcohol tax hasn’t seen an increase in over 40 years. A 1- or 2-percent increase in the alcohol tax in a state known for its beer and brats would not deter its residents from indulging in such pleasures. This money could be used to slash budget deficits.
The decisions by Wisconsin affect us all. We must collectively use our voices to demonstrate the power of a working democracy.
Stanton Kuklick is a 2012 Master of Social Work candidate at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice. His e-mail address is kuklick@upenn.edu.
