Wisconsin schools call off classes as budget protests continue

[apples]

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/17/wisconsin.budget/index.html?hpt=T2

Classes will not be held for a second day Thursday in the Madison Metropolitan School District, said spokesman Ken Syke, because of a call by the Wisconsin Education Association Council for people to come to the Capitol on Thursday and Friday to "stand beside your neighbors, family and friends to help our voices be heard."

Syke earlier said about 40 percent of 2,600 teachers, assistants, social workers and psychologists in the bargaining unit called in sick late Tuesday, forcing the district to cancel Wednesday's classes for 24,500 students.

Because it is for the children! What a bunch of bull. This shows it is not about teaching, it is about the money with unions. Cut off unions.

[GeronL]

Apparently some teachers brought the students to the nasty, hateful protest. I wonder if they had permission to do that?

Apparently the State Senate Democrats have bolted, denying a quorum.

Why don't the Republicans ever try that?

[JohnBrowdie]

there are enough social workers and psychologists in the madison public school system to have to mention them in a story about people that didn't show up for work?  uh, I think I have found a BIG part of the problem.

[apples]

Dems missing from Wis. Capitol ahead of union vote

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7431743.html

MADISON, Wis. — Police officers were dispatched Thursday to find Wisconsin state lawmakers who had apparently boycotted a vote on a sweeping bill that would strip most government workers of their collective bargaining rights.

The lawmakers, all Democrats in the state Senate, did not show up when they were ordered to attend a midday vote on the legislation.

The proposal has been the focus of intense protests at the Statehouse for three days. As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed "Freedom! Democracy! Unions!"

Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill.

If the unions win this fight it is over for the rest of the country I think.

[GeronL]

there are enough social workers and psychologists in the madison public school system to have to mention them in a story about people that didn't show up for work?  uh, I think I have found a BIG part of the problem.

teachers only make up about 1/3 of the school workforce.

How messed up is that?

[apples]

teachers only make up about 1/3 of the school workforce.

How messed up is that?

They are backed by the White House. Rush just mentioned this fact. barackobama.com. They are behind this.

[JohnBrowdie]

holy crap!  we have definitely uncovered a BIG part of the problem.

teachers only make up about 1/3 of the school workforce.

How messed up is that?

[GeronL]

holy crap!  we have definitely uncovered a BIG part of the problem.

School districts already serve lunch all summer and soon will be serving dinner too.

Think about that.

[JohnBrowdie]

the senate democrats are in hiding to prevent a quorum.  cowards.

[Mike220]

the senate democrats are in hiding to prevent a quorum.  cowards.

Reminds me of when the Democrats here in Texas bolted last time we had redistricting in 2003. But they actually left the state to avoid being hauled to the chamber.

[JohnBrowdie]

yeah, but that one was righteous.

yes, yes, I know. 

I thought gary sheffield was a thug until he was traded to the dodgers.  it's amazing what a change of uniform will do for a guy.  same principle at work.

Reminds me of when the Democrats here in Texas bolted last time we had redistricting in 2003. But they actually left the state to avoid being hauled to the chamber.

[apples]

yeah, but that one was righteous.

yes, yes, I know. 

I thought gary sheffield was a thug until he was traded to the dodgers.  it's amazing what a change of uniform will do for a guy.  same principle at work.

Gary Sheffield a good player. I always liked him.

[apples]

the senate democrats are in hiding to prevent a quorum.  cowards.

At what point is this a crime?

[apples]

Walker calls for Senate Dems to end their boycott and vote

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/116381289.html

In a telephone interview, Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) said he was upholding the rights of workers and the democratic process. He declined to give his location but acknowledged that at least one other Democrat was with him. He said that law enforcement would be able to compel him and his members to the Senate floor if they are located in Wisconsin.

"I can tell you this - we're not all in one place," Miller said. "This is a watershed moment unlike any that we have experienced in our political lifetimes. The people have shown that the government has gone too far . . .  We are prepared to do what is necessary to make sure that this bill gets the consideration it needs."

The bill would help balance the state budget by cutting benefits for public workers and stripping them of almost all their union bargaining rights. The political theater is being acted out amid a massive demonstration of union members that is clogging the hallways of the Capitol and making the rotunda ring with chanted slogans as loud as the revving of a motorcycle engine.

The photo on this page, a 9 year old sits in courthouse... [edit to add]

[GeronL]

Reminds me of when the Democrats here in Texas bolted last time we had redistricting in 2003. But they actually left the state to avoid being hauled to the chamber.

The TX Dems left twice!