An AFSCME union member, who supports Governor Scott Walker’s budget proposal, says the state is $3.6 billion in debt and “we’re out of money.” She says for those griping about cuts, there are tools included in the budget to offset those reductions in aid. “The tools to offset these cuts lie in the reforms to collective bargaining.”
Meanwhile, this guy says he’s disgusted by the budget plan, and he offered some “tools” of his own so lawmakers, he says, can put together a responsible budget. “I’m gonna start by giving you a pair of scissors to cut this thing up and start all over again and I’m gonna give you a set of ears because half of you can’t seem to hear both sides…”
This woman is very much opposed to the budget proposal, calling it immoral. “This budget has no compassion. What does it profit Wisconsin to avoid fiscal bankruptcy if by doing so you fall into moral bankruptcy?”
Several folks throughout the day suggest raising taxes on corporations, but this state worker dismissed that idea. “Did you ever get a job from a poor person?”
Official testimony ends at 6:30 pm when the mics were unplugged. The fourth and final hearing by the JFC is scheduled for Wednesday in Neenah.