Live blog: Debate begins on right-to-work legislation--Wisconsin

[riversedge]

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/blog/live-blog-debate-begins-on-right-to-work-legislation/html_d8f88b66-bb81-11e4-88fa-8f3dd30c06b6.html


Live blog: Debate begins on right-to-work legislation

14 minutes ago • Wisconsin State Journal

Follow our live blog throughout the day for live updates of hearings and protests as Republican legislators take up a bill to make Wisconsin a right-to-work state.

To submit a question or comment, tap the "Comment" button below.

Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/blog/live-blog-debate-begins-on-right-to-work-legislation/html_d8f88b66-bb81-11e4-88fa-8f3dd30c06b6.html#ixzz3SfyvjMQL

[riversedge]

1. Scott Walker’s economic mess: How worker wages were gutted in Wisconsin--Salon

lots of tweets being posted on the live blog....


Freefree0Bobbie
@Freefree0Bobbie

#ThanksScottWalker!! Scott Walker’s economic mess: How worker wages were gutted in Wisconsin salon.com/2015/02/24/sco… via @Salon #wiunion

[riversedge]

2. Capitol rotunda filling with construction workers, other laborers leading up to #RighttoWork hearing

Dana Ferguson
@bydanaferguson

Capitol rotunda filling with construction workers, other laborers leading up to #RighttoWork hearing at 10 a.m.
Feb. 24, 2015

[riversedge]

3. We stand in solidarity with Wisconsin families standing up for the middle class against #RightToWork

workingamerica
@WorkingAmerica

We stand in solidarity with Wisconsin families standing up for the middle class against #RightToWork. #wiunion

[riversedge]

4. Vile Republicans such as Vicki McKenna has her tweets also...

I will only post a few of the RW tweets--to give you some flavor--but they have infected the blog.....

VickiMcKenna
@VickiMcKenna

HAS THE #UNION "outrage" at #RightToWork legislation ALREADY fizzled? #wiright @wisconsinreport watchdog.org/201876/right-t…

[riversedge]

5. Public hearing on #righttowork in #Wisconsin begins in

WI Election Watch
@wielectionwatch

Public hearing on #righttowork in #Wisconsin begins in 1/2 hr. @WisconsinEye coverage at: bit.ly/1ad9fX1 #wirtw #wiright #wiunion
Feb. 24, 2015

[riversedge]

6. URGENT ALERT: Call your senator at 1-844-334-3438 and tell them to oppose #RighttoWork. It hurts ALL

AFL-CIO @AFLCIO
URGENT ALERT: Call your senator at 1-844-334-3438 and tell them to oppose #RighttoWork. It hurts ALL WI families. #WiUnion #WiPolitics

[riversedge]

7. Excellent Op-Ed about what the backers of #RightToWork laws in New Mexico are really after: Politica

AFSCME
@AFSCME

Excellent Op-Ed about what the backers of #RightToWork laws in New Mexico are really after: Political Power afsc.me/1z2xdc2 #1u

[riversedge]

8. No crock pots in the Capitol building today, just so you know. #Righ

MissPronouncer
@MissPronouncer

No crock pots in the Capitol building today, just so you know. #RightToWork

[riversedge]

9. Let's Bow Our Heads & Thank Charles & David Koch For The Blessing They Have Given & Pray For Trickle

slackadjuster
@slackadjuster

Let's Bow Our Heads & Thank Charles & David Koch For The Blessing They Have Given & Pray For Trickle Down #wiunion

[riversedge]

10. setting the stage....

MissPronouncer
@MissPronouncer

Protesters set the stage for today's rally in Madison. #RightToWork
Feb. 24, 2015

[riversedge]

11. Tell @wisgop don't pass #RightToWork add your name -

Andrew Jackson
@TheRealLilXza

Tell @wisgop don't pass #RightToWork add your name --> d.shpg.org/103600295t


http://grassroots.wisdems.org/page/s/rtw-ja?sp_ref=103600295.271.11654.t.0.2&

[riversedge]

12. Public hearing & 2 overflow rooms filled w/ workers testifying against #RightToWork

OLBLightBrigade
@OLBLightBrigade

.@UniteBlueWI Public hearing & 2 overflow rooms filled w/ workers testifying against #RightToWork #WrongForWI

[riversedge]

13. 2 minutes ago · Wisconsin State Capitol anti-RTW protesters gather in the rotunda of the #Wisconsin

Brief video with the Instagram:

https://instagram.com/p/zfbVJzt6fc/

wielectionwatch
2 minutes ago · Wisconsin State Capitol
anti-RTW protesters gather in the rotunda of the #Wisconsin State Capitol. #wirtw #wiright #wiunion

[riversedge]

14. Oregon professor says @MackinacCenter research is "propaganda with footnotes" during testimony in

MacIver Institute
@MacIverWisc

Oregon professor says @MackinacCenter research is "propaganda with footnotes" during testimony in opposition to #RightToWork. #wirtw

[riversedge]

15. study showing #RightToWork laws lower incomes by 3.2% takes into account 42 factors.

Greg Neumann
@gneumann_wkow

Lafer says study showing #RightToWork laws lower incomes by 3.2% takes into account 42 factors. Says #RightToWork does lower income.

[riversedge]

16. And so begins the singing of 'solidarity forever'

wish I could tune into the Rotunda



Dana Ferguson
@bydanaferguson

And so begins the singing of 'solidarity forever' #RightToWork

[riversedge]

17. found a link where I can hear the singing....

https://twitter.com/wnkramer/status/570268068879974400/video/1



Will Kramer ?@wnkramer

#solidarityforever for the union makes us strong #stopscottwalker #RightToWork

[riversedge]

18. OUCH: Stats Professor calls #RightToWork study 'kindergarten math'

AFSCME ?@AFSCME 7m7 minutes ago

OUCH: Stats Professor calls #RightToWork study 'kindergarten math' http://afsc.me/1A6aDnN #1u

[riversedge]

19. #RightToWork costs the average family $6K a year. Call your sen at 1-844-334-3438 and tell them to o

@AFLCIO

FACT: #RightToWork costs the average family $6K a year. Call your sen at 1-844-334-3438 and tell them to oppose RTW

[riversedge]

21. Walker's pursuit of right to work is about campaign donations for president. He doesn't care who it

Feb. 24, 2015

RWwatchMA
@RWwatchMA

Walker's pursuit of right to work is about campaign donations for president. He doesn't care who it hurts in Wisconsin--everyone. #wiunion

[unionthug777]

20. i'll be out there tomorrow.

unions !!!

[riversedge]

23. So will I

[unionthug777]

32. maybe i'll see you?

i'll be the union worker protesting. lol

unions !!!

[riversedge]

33. I will prob. have my blue fist--need to dig it out of garage tonight.

[unionthug777]

35. if you see this....it is me.

on the back of my coat.

[riversedge]

56. I promise to look for that symbol.....ummm what do I have...

u.....a blue fist sign....prob. lots of them. a blue Columbia coat...black ski pants. red mittens. guess I will blend in. but who knows.....

[riversedge]

60. I looked and looked for that symbol....

but could not find you. I did have a good time seeing old friends. visited 4 offices. No Senators in offices but left them messages. They are all repugs so I know they will not listen anyway.

[unionthug777]

61. perhaps

next time.

[riversedge]

22. Scott Walker’s next question: What about gay marriage?

Nothing that the Dems cherish in WI is safe.

Scott Walker’s next question: What about gay marriage? by @woodruffbets slate.com/articles/news_… via @slate

[riversedge]

24. #wiunion supporters filling up entire State Street side of the Capitol.

-dylan brogan- ?@telldylan 1m1 minute ago

#wiunion supporters filling up entire State Street side of the Capitol. #RighttoWork

[riversedge]

25. and the next tweet following the lovely one above--is nasty (from WisGOP!!)

Wisconsin GOP ?@wisgop 6m6 minutes ago

Big unions return to Capitol, bringing same nasty & divisive rhetoric to intimidate our legislators.

[riversedge]

26. @SEIU: Workers stick together! Look at this growing crowd outside the WI StCapitol!

Vlan Trunk
@VlanTrunk
@SEIU: Workers stick together! Look at this growing crowd outside the WI StCapitol! #RightToWork #wiunion
#gapol

[randys1]

27. Scott Walker knows what is best for you and a living wage is not best for you.

Scott Walker knows what is best for you and healthcare is not best for you.

Scott Walker knows what is best for you and overtime pay is not best for you.

Scott Walker knows what is best for you and paid vacation and sick leave are not best for you.

Scott Walker knows what is best for you and a safe workplace is not best for you.

[riversedge]

28. A few posts

And the RW walkerbot lizzybot:

LizSchmidt3
@LizSchmidt3

Scott [Walker]-Love your work!~Aaron Rodgers MT @RichardTrumka: NFL players union opposes #RightToWork bill #wiunion
Feb. 24, 2015

EconomicPolicy
@EconomicPolicy

"Right to work" is wrong for Wisconsin. on.epi.org/1DRaaXR #WrongForWI #wiunion
Feb. 24, 2015




EI_Renewable
@EI_Renewable

Scott Walker, Authoritarian Anti-Science Demagogue drglenbarry.blogspot.com/2015/02/scott-… radical war on workers & education #wiunion

...............

Lot of RW trolls and Walkerbots posting:


mediatrackers
@mediatrackers

Anti-Right to Work crowd has now brought the Packers into the fray. #toofar #wirtw #wiright

[riversedge]

29. Someone in the Capitol holds up a "solidarity" banner as Mahlon Mitchell speaks

Nico Savidge, State Journal
@NSavidge

Someone in the Capitol holds up a "solidarity" banner as Mahlon Mitchell speaks















http://embed.scribblelive.com/MediaData.aspx?action=GetMediaFile&PostId=148280642

[midnight]

39. Thanks for sharing these photos. I love the sign that reads-solidarity.

[riversedge]

41. Here are some more Dem Reps-Senators w/Solidarity signs in their windows.....@RepCoryMason

Cory Mason ?@RepCoryMason 4h4 hours ago

Standing in solidarity w/workers in 2011 and again today. #wiunion #WrongforWI

[midnight]

47. Awsome.

[riversedge]

42. Assembly Democrats show support 4 Wisconsin workers during

Lisa Mux. and 10 others retweeted
OverpassLightBrigade ?@OLBLightBrigade 5h5 hours ago

.@wisaflcio Assembly Democrats show support 4 Wisconsin workers during today's rally against #RTW #wiunion @MTEAunion

[midnight]

48. Thanks

[snacker]

44. A few of the Democratic Senators

put up the sign....Peter Barca, Cory Mason, Katrina Shankland, and several others (sorry can't remember which ones).

[riversedge]

30. pic of protestors

pi

[riversedge]

31. Thousands of Wisconsinites know that #RightToWork is a lie

Wisconsin Wave
@WisconsinWave11

Thousands of Wisconsinites know that #RightToWork is a lie. Retweet if you're one of them! #WIpolitics #WIunion

[Omaha Steve]

34. K&R!

[riversedge]

38. :-)

[riversedge]

36. We are locked out of the hearing early. Ironworker Randy Bryce delivers testimony outside to press.

I only listened in once in a great while this afternoon. The public was herded in like cows--and not truly listened to as they gave testimony. I could not bear to watch.


The Netroots Rock and 2 others retweeted
bluecheddar1 ?@bluecheddar1 8m8 minutes ago

We are locked out of the hearing early. Ironworker Randy Bryce delivers testimony outside to press. #Rtw #wiunion
Embedded image permalink

[riversedge]

40. L 251 set up staging for RTW protests & will be back tmrw!

IATSE ?@IATSE 4h4 hours ago

IATSE Locals 18, 251 & 470 support @wisaflcio! L 251 set up staging for RTW protests & will be back tmrw! #WIunion pic.twitter.com/Zk5fYRazFf

[midnight]

37. kick

[riversedge]

43. That "credible threat" appears to be based on this report from @journalsentinel reporter

MJS is trying to make folks who want to testify seem like thugs. dam


The Capital Times ?@CapTimes 14m14 minutes ago

That "credible threat" appears to be based on this report from @journalsentinel reporter @jasonmdstein http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/293912651.html … #wipolitics


NewsHub
View this content on newshub's website
Protest planned for the end of committee hearing - JSOnline

Madison -- Labor supporters are planning to peacefully disrupt a committee vote later Tuesday evening to protest Republican plans to shut off public testimony on a right to work bill.
View on web

[riversedge]

46. ah--it was chickenshit Nass...citing MSJ!!...scared of the workers who wanted to testify!!

What a bunch of crap!! I found this in the WI State Journal!!




We Are Wisconsin ?@WeRWisconsin 30m30 minutes ago

Shameful that #wipolitics senate cut off #righttowork testimony more than half hour b4 scheduled time. Rushing to push what WI doesn't want





Breaking News
Senate committee passes right-to-work bill amid chaos


Senate committee passes right-to-work bill amid chaos




..........The 3-1 vote, with all Republicans in favor, one Democrat opposed and one Democrat not voting, came after Senate Labor Committee chairman Steve Nass abruptly adjourned a day-long public hearing citing a "credible threat" to disrupt the meeting.

Nass cited a story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Service Employees International Union and Voces de la Frontera would disrupt the proceedings and ended the hearing at 6:30 p.m. with dozens waiting to testify.

He ordered the committee meeting closed, prompting howls of protest.

Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, called for debate, but the clerk called the roll of the five members, and three Republicans apparently voted in favor with no discussion. After the meeting ended, Sen. Bob Wirch. R-Kenosha, read the newspaper story, which said that the two groups planned a peaceful protest to disrupt the committee hearing.

Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/senate-committee-passes-right-to-work-bill-amid-chaos/article_e9768de5-ed9c-5f70-b365-37307a738699.html#ixzz3SiWtTJC4

[midnight]

49. Is this legal to block testimony?

[riversedge]

51. well golly gee--Nass ass had a 'credible threat"!!--you know-those union thugs!

[midnight]

52. So by law if they are scared they can prevent testimony?

[riversedge]

53. I do not know the rules but Nass is the Chair--so does what he wants. ....

[riversedge]

54. Nass locked out the Democrat Senators also....

Peter Barca @PeterWBarca · 2h 2 hours ago

Locked out of the hearing room

[Still In Wisconsin]

58. It is not apparently enough for them to have ALL the political power.

Apparently, they have a problem with opposing viewpoints even being mentioned.

How long before Nass, or Vos, or Fitzgerald proposes actually outlawing the "Democrat Party" as they so derisively refer to our side? How long before they ban the minority party Senators and Assemblypersons from even voting?

Everything can be unanimous, just like the Soviet Union, China, and Saddam's Iraq.

[snacker]

45. Jon Erpenbach's tweet

Jon Erpenbach
?@JonErpenbach
MSJ determines credible threats now? Thats Cap Police job. Rookie committee chair over his head and took bad staffer advice #RightToWork

[riversedge]

50. I think sen asss Nass made that up

[hue]

57. The Repukes don't care. ANY excuse to get their way-have the vote-& celebrate at dinner.

[riversedge]

59. Republican Sen. Stephan *ass says unions are a ‘Credible Threat’ Editorial-NYTimes

@WisIdea: Republican Sen. Stephan Nass says unions are a ‘Credible Threat’ Editorial-NYTimes http://nyti.ms/17ZkxMJ #wipolitics #p2



NYTimes Ediitorial: @GOP #Wisconsin Sen. Stephan Nass says unions are a ‘Credible Threat’ http://nyti.ms/17ZkxMJ #wipolitics #p2 #wiunion
View summary 0 replies 0 retweets 0 favorites


What’s a ‘Credible Threat’ in Wisconsin? Unions.

http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/?module=BlogMain&action=Click&region=Header&pgtype=Blogs&version=Blog%20Post

By Teresa Tritch
February 25, 2015 5:51 pm



A crowd outside the Wisconsin State Capitol.Credit Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal, via Associated Press


What’s a ‘Credible Threat’ in Wisconsin? Unions.

http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/?module=BlogMain&action=Click&region=Header&pgtype=Blogs&version=Blog%20Post


On Tuesday evening, a Republican committee chairman in the Wisconsin state senate, Stephen Nass, cut short a hearing on an anti-union bill, citing a “credible threat” that union members were about to disrupt the proceedings.

Credible threat? That’s the phrase used in terrorist warnings. But the only union members in Madison were the estimated 1,800 to 2,000 workers, many of them wearing hard hats and heavy coats, who’d gathered peacefully in and around the Capitol during the day to oppose the bill. They believe it’s an attack on working families designed to weaken organized labor – which it is.

So who was credibly threatening whom?....................

.....Mr. Nass later said he didn’t want protestors to disrupt the meeting the way they did hearings on Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s measure in 2011 to strip public unions of collective bargaining rights. Leaving aside the fact that those rallies lasted for weeks and drew up to 100,000, Mr. Nass said the protestors were trying to “take over the process of representing all of the people of this great state.”

Where does one start to unpack that? The protestors are the people of the great state. The bill in question threatens their pay, their jobs and their values. They were trying to participate in the process. Democracy, anyone?

[riversedge]

55. Great view from the air... of Madison protest today....

Jim Witkins ?@jimwitkins 8m8 minutes ago

RT @theprogressive: #ScottWalker: Big, bold, and wrong. http://www.progressive.org/news/2015/02/188016/scott-walker-big-bold-and-wrong … #RTW #wiunion #wipolitics #SB44