Miller Gives Republicans Three Choices

In a letter to Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican leaders of the Assembly and Senate, Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller gave the Republicans three choices. The choices reflect our wishes and the polls from the beginning. They can "restore the collective bargaining rights" in the budget repair bill. If they want to save more money, they can scrap Walker's budget repair bill for the Democrats' alternative. If neither of those two options seem satisfying enough to the Republicans, Miller gave them the third option of continuing to "keep lines of communication closed."

We've been saying it all along, Republicans, the ball is in your court. It's time to show at least a little leadership and move Wisconsin Forward.

Here's the letter from Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller:

Dear Governor Walker, Majority Leader Fitzgerald and Speaker Fitzgerald:  

After three weeks of discussions, debate and unprecedented input on proposed budget adjustment legislation, the people have clearly said they want us to reach a negotiated settlement that protects worker rights.  It appears there are now three options before us. 

With an agreement between all parties, the bill currently before the Senate could be amended. Limited, preliminary discussions have occurred and, as you know, the Senate Democratic caucus would support modifications that restore collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin workers. 

Yesterday, Assembly and Senate Democrats offered a clean slate bill that resolves our fiscal issues and accepts the economic concessions workers have offered to make. Taking up this bill would allow everyone to move forward without anyone having to take back votes or cross lines in the sand.
  
Or, despite overwhelming public support for a negotiated settlement that preserves worker rights, you could keep lines of communication closed.   

We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to discuss our options to move Wisconsin forward. 

Sincerely,
State Senator Mark Miller