Following is an announcement received from Sen. Jim Holperin's office regarding a public hearing on the future of BadgerCare in Wisconsin:

Rhinelander BadgerCare Hearing Set for December 8

For More Information:  (715) 891-1412

            A public hearing focused on a state agency’s plan to make $554 million in cuts to the state’s health care programs for eligible seniors, children, families and the disabled will be held at Nicolet College in Rhinelander on Thursday, December 8.

            State Senator Jim Holperin (D-Eagle River) said the hearing is one in a series being held around the state to solicit comments, answer questions and accept advice regarding the future of Wisconsin’s BadgerCare health insurance program.

            “Health care for the elderly, disabled and children is the state’s 2^nd largest program (behind school aid) and there’s no question additional efficiencies must be identified for the program to remain viable,” Holperin said.  “But is the Department of Health Services making the right choices?  Are the cuts they’ve proposed to the federal government the right ones?  This is a topic we need to hear more about.”

            The Rhinelander BadgerCare hearing will be held in the LRC Theater on the Nicolet College campus starting at 4:30p.m. on Thursday, December 8.  The hearing will last 2 hours, or until everyone who wishes to speak has done so.

            Specifics on the Department of Health Services proposal to cut $554 million from the Medicaid/BadgerCare programs can be found at www.savebadgercare.org.  Click on About BadgerCare.

# # #

Recall Group Has Over 300,000 Signatures

     United Wisconsin, the group that is organizing the effort to recall Governor Walker, Lt. Governor Kleefish, and four senators, has announced that it has collected over 300,000 signatures in the first 12 days of its 60-day period in which to gather them. This puts them at approximately 50% of the number that they wanted to collect.  Executive Director Megan Mahaffey stated that even though they might have the required number of signatures earlier than required, they still plan to turn them in to the Government Accountability Board on January 17th, the last day before the deadline.  If you are interested in signing the recall petitions contact your friendly local union representative and they can direct you to whomever is circulating the petition.

Look Into the Future with Local 474

     There will be an important meeting of AFSCME Local 474 on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 4:15 pm at the Eagle River Inn, at which the Executive Council and representatives of AFSCME Council 40 will be on hand to tell you all about how the Union will look after Jan 1, what it can do for you, and Union plans for the future.  There will also be a question and answer session to answer all your important questions.  There will be free food and a cash bar available, so please don't miss this opportunity to get all the information you need about the future.  If you are unavailable to attend, please contact your Local 474 representative to get all the information.  Thanks, and we will see you on Nov 28!

Recall Petitions Available

     Check with your Local 474 Executive Council reps if you want to sign the recall petition for Governor Walker and/or Lieutenant Governor Kleefish.  They will either be circulating the petitions or will be able to direct you to people who are.

Walker Recall Effort Begins

United Wisconsin and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has begun to collect the over 500,000 signatures that it requires in order to recall Governor Scott Walker.  Make sure to find someone who is circulating the petition and sign up today.  Offical circulators will be wearing lanyard to identify themselves, so make sure that the person who is circulting your petition is wearing a lanyard, or is in some other way trustworthy, as there is some concern that fake petitions will be circulated.  When you are done signing, make sure to get three other people to sign as well!

Transition Committee Meeting Cancellation

     The Vilas County Transition Committee Meeting that was originally scheduled for today, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 4:00 pm has been cancelled.  No make-up time has been scheduled as of yet.  We will let you know as soon as the next meeting is scheduled.

North-Central Labor Coalition Meeting

The North-Central Labor Coalition - which includes both AFSCME and WEAC - will be holding a metting on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Best Western Claridge Inn in Rhinelander, to discuss strategies for unions going forward.  There will be representatives of your Local 474 in attendance, and all others are invited to attend.

April Regular Meeting Schedule

Vilas County Local 474 will hold their April Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 in the Courthouse Conference Rooms at 4:00 pm.  This will feature a talk by Thor Backus, from AFSCME Wisconsin Council 40, who will give a presentation about the benefits of union membership in a post-BRB world, along with the normal Union business and all the updates that we can get you.  Ask any of the Executive Council members if you have any questions.

Sean Duffy at Nicolet College

US Representative for Wisconsin's Seventh District Sean Duffy (D) will be at Nicolet College on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 4-5 pm to meet with constituents.

Bill's On Hold Rallys

  There are several "Bill's On Hold" rallies happening in the Northwoods this weekend.  Here is the information on three nearby:

EAGLE RIVER

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

4 pm - 5:30 pm

Corner of Pine St. and Railroad St. (corner that Dairy Queen sits on)

Parking to be in public lot northeast of Holiday Station and on side streets. Driveways to businesses may not be blocked. Please refrain from putting any business names on signs.

RHINELANDER

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 & Thursday, March 24, 2011

4 pm - 5:30 pm

Corner of Courtney St. and Pelham St.

Parking on public streets and public parking lots

MINOCQUA

Friday, March 25, 2011

4 pm - 5:30 pm

North of Minocqua Bridge

Parking on public streets and public parking lots

Please note not to block driveways to businesses or private residence during these rallies.  Please do not put any business names on signs.  Family, friends, and co-workers are invited and encouraged to participate in all rallies.