Waukesha County Executive Vrakas supports budget repair bill | Politics

Collective Bargaining rights are about to be forcibly stripped from union workers, in Wisconsin. Ironically this state was the birthplace of unions and the inventors of collective bargaining. The resolution has passed the assembly and now is in the hands of the senate. However 14 senators are AWOL, in an effort to block the legislation from becoming a bill.

Metro News in Milwaukee reports Waukesha County Executive, Dan Vrakas, released the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker’s Budget Repair Bill.

I support Governor Walker’s Budget Repair Bill.  It is a bold move that is a much needed step toward fiscal responsibility that fosters growth and prosperity in Wisconsin.  The state budget deficit must be addressed.  It is time to be honest about what taxpayers can afford.  It is also time to bring public sector benefits in line with private sector benefits.  Wisconsin must now be a leader in fiscal reform.  The Budget Repair Bill is an honest step in that direction. 

I am proud of our County employees and their hard work and dedication to Waukesha County.   The flexibility and tools provided in this bill to local governments will help protect taxpayer dollars while still permitting state and local governments to deliver high quality, essential services.  The bill also continues to provide public employees with one of the strongest civil service systems in the country. 

For years, Waukesha County has been a leader in the area of compensation reform.   A few years ago, we started requiring new non-represented employees to contribute to their pension.  Our employees also currently contribute toward their health insurance premium.  Governor Walker’s bill takes the reforms we have introduced here in Waukesha County to the entire state and I applaud him for that.” 

The Budget repair bill was passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly last Friday and is awaiting action from the Wisconsin State Senate.

SOURCE: Ellen Nowak, Chief of Staff, for Waukesha Cty. Exec. Dan Vrakas and Milwaukee's Metro News Network.

AUTHORS DISCLAIMER: The opions and views expressed in the statement above do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of WITI-TV, FOX 6 News, FOX 6 BLOCKS, Metro News or Dustin Alexander. VIDEO FOOTAGE: Courtesy of Madison affiliate FOX 47-WMSN