Facebook posts, with some commentary.
7:35am Senator Tim Cullen (Dem) has proposed a constitutional amendment to make *all* Senate votes require just a "simple" majority, rather than the current 3/5 required for appropriations: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_f7210d02-4f83-11e0-9f91-001cc4c002e0.html. Over the last month, Cullen was often portrayed by the Repubs as anxious to return and eager to negotiate.
Cullen was recently elected, and therefore cannot be recalled. The theory is that he is doing this either as a peace-making offer, or to appeal to the conservative voters in his district. It's not likely to happen - a constitutional amendment requires a series of votes (two, by two different sessions of the legislature), plus going before voters. I am not so much concerned about it passing, as I am about even bringing up for discussion the idea that a simple majority should have power. And, concerned that this sets the stage for a formula where "bipartisan" means "concessions".
7:38am Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (brother of Senator Scott and son Head of WI State Patrol): http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/March11/0315/0315spkrfitz.pdf. In case you were doubting that the Fitzgeralds are really brothers, this might prove it. Or maybe they have the same speechwriter. Hey, what's Mom doing? Maybe she writes inflammatory statements for her sons to read?
No, no one was suggesting that the Fitzgeralds aren't actually related. I'm just amazed by the tone (and maturity level) of many of the statements issued by many of the Republicans. I support taking back our government, but I think we can do so while maintaining civility and quality writing.
1:03pm Commissioner of Insurance ends federal consumer assistance grant: http://m.host.madison.com/mobile/article_dd894d62-3572-11e0-a002-001cc4c002e0.html
Because helping people chose the best insurance for them isn't good for business? Because an informed consumer might start wanting increased services? Or is it just that federal money = bad? This has sparked an interest in the role of the consumer in free market economics.
As usual, the various cuts on healthcare are taking the backseat to collective bargaining. Both are important. So are immigrant rights which are about to be trampled. It's all one struggle!
1:14pm The Senate Repubs calmed down a little on Tuesday and said the Dems could vote in committee: http://www.jsonline.mobi/news/statepolitics/118016999.html
But, of course, they are still in contempt of Senate (and don't you forget it!)
6:25pm rode circles around the Capitol for a bit with the other bikers against Walker's bills. You know you are in WI when someone has a cowbell on their bike
Seriously. A cowbell. Which he was using to...ring out...this is what democracy looks like. I'm hoping to catch these folks again, since riding in a group in circles is pretty fun. And since bike visibility is...very low...in the future of WI budgets.
11:02pm Remember "Washington fuzzy math"? Well, apparently, there's something called "Madison math" which makes it sound like schools are being hit really hard by budget cuts...when in *reality*...they are being hit really hard by budget cuts. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_be49f5a8-5045-11e0-86a0-001cc4c03286.html
More on education funding later this week, though.
No comments:
Post a Comment