Wis. governor says protests haven't swayed him
Gov. Scott Walker discusses his budget repair bill during a news conference at the Kenosha Airport in Kenosha, Wis. (Feb. 25, 2011) Credit: AP/Mark Hertzberg
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says the two weeks of protests in the state capital haven't swayed his resolve to eliminate collective bargaining rights for most public employees.
Leaders of Wisconsin's largest public workers' unions have capitulated to Walker's demands for their members to cover more of their pension and health care benefits to help close Wisconsin's budget deficit.
But Walker said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that stripping the workers of collective bargaining rights is necessary to give the state the flexibility to get its finances in order.
Democratic and union leaders say the attack on collective bargaining is an attempt to undermine the unions and weaken the Democratic Party base.
Walker also says he thinks some of the 14 state Senators who fled the capital will return soon.
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
