Democracy happened in November, when the citizens of Wisconsin chose their Representatives, Senators, and Governor. I believe that the voters knew and understood who they were voting for. They knew what their positions were, and the policies those positions would engender. Elections have consequences. Sometimes those consequences include things a lot of people aren’t going to like.
According to an editorial by Michelle Malkin, Governor Walker is asking the state’s public employee unions pay a larger share of the costs for their healthcare and pensions. Right now, the union members pay less than 5% of the costs of their health insurance. Governor Walker wants them to pay 12.4%. That is a big increase, but it’s still less than 85% of the private companies in the Milwaukee area. He’s also requesting that the union members pay 50% of their pension costs. I don’t know what they’re paying now, but I’m fairly certain it’s far less than most people in the country pay. In my personal experience, I have been responsible for the VAST majority of my retirement funds. When I had a job, I would contribute to a 401K, usually whatever the employer would match, so that I could maximize that benefit. I would be surprised to find out that that example widely differs from the norm. Governor Walker also wants to limit collective bargaining agreements to include only wages. The unions (particularly the teacher’s unions) are vociferously against this.
The simple fact is the states can no longer afford to provide everything they’ve done in the past. Cuts HAVE to be made, particularly when state constitutions require a balanced budget. Governor Walker should be applauded for sticking to his promises to reduce taxes and spending. Hopefully, the cowardly Democrats who abandoned their jobs will return and accept the consequences of the election.
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