Wisc. gov reveals rest of vision for state

MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Scott Walker's explosive proposal to take nearly all collective bargaining rights away from most public workers represents just one piece of his vision for the state's future.

With the union rights proposal stuck in a legislative stalemate thanks to runaway Senate Democrats, the Republican governor planned to forge ahead with the release Tuesday of his two-year spending plan that will include major cuts to schools and local governments to help close a projected $3.6 billion budget shortfall.

Walker has confirmed he will propose cutting education aid by about $900 million, or 9 percent statewide.

"All of this turmoil, all of this chaos, are examples that Walker's proposals are too extreme," said Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council. She said more than 2,000 teachers had received nonrenewal notices as of yesterday.

In an unfair labor practices complaint filed Monday, the Wisconsin State Employees Union asked the state labor relations board to extend its contract and require the state to engage in collective bargaining.

Walker Monday renewed his threat of deeper cuts and layoffs if his proposal isn't passed by Tuesday. - AP