Reply #30: Text of Governor Walker's Fireside Chat

[L. Coyote]

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Text of Governor Walker's Fireside Chat

"... the bill I put forward isn’t aimed at state workers, and it certainly isn’t a battle with unions. ....

Our bill is about protecting the hardworking taxpayer. ...

It’s also about the small business owner who told me about the challenges he faces just making payroll ....

Our measure asks for a 5.8% contribution to the pension and a 12.6% contribution for the health insurance premium.

... some have questioned why we have to reform collective bargaining to balance the budget. The answer is simple the system is broken: it costs taxpayers serious money – ...

... our democratic institutions call for us to participate. That is why I am asking the missing Senators to come back to work.

... their failure to come to work will lead to dire consequences very soon. ... (at least) 15 hundred state employees will be laid off before the end of June. If there is no agreement by July 1st, another 5-6 thousand state workers -- as well as 5-6 thousand local government employees would be also laid off. ...

.... May God richly bless you and your family and may God continue to bless the great State of Wisconsin.