Budget Adjustment Bill to Include Major Changes for Public Employees

On Thursday, February 10, Governor Scott Walker released details of his budget adjustment proposal for the current biennium, calling for limits on collective bargaining for most public employees, at the same time requiring them to contribute 50% of their annual pension contributions (roughly 5.8% of salary) and pay at least 12.6% of the average cost of their health insurance premiums. In addition, the proposal would modify pension calculations for elected officials to be the same as for teachers and call for a report on possible changes to the Wisconsin Retirement System and state health insurance plans. The governor also proposes to repeal collective bargaining authority of Medicaid home health care workers, family child care workers, employees of UW Hospitals and Clinics and UW faculty and academic staff.

For a more detailed summary of the proposed budget adjustment bill, see the Wheeler Report.