Walker Defends Budget, Says It's A 'Bold' Move

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker took to the Wall Street Journal Thursday in what is essentially an attempt at justifying his budget-repair bill that would strip unions of their collective bargaining rights. 

“While it might be a bold move, the changes are modest,” Walker said of his plan. “We are reforming the way government works, as well as balancing or budget.”

The Wisconsin Governor made clear that, while met with extreme opposition, his plan only asks for slightly increased contributions from workers to their pensions and health insurance premiums. Walker also touted that these increases still fall well below what other workers pay, including federal employees. 

“It’s also worth noting that most federal workers don’t have collective bargaining for wages and benefits,” he said.

Walker also took his shots at unions saying their alleged willingness to accept concessions is being contradicted by the actions they’ve taken in staging continuous protests. 

“Taking on the status quo is no easy task,” Walker said. “Each day, there are protesters in and around our state Capitol. They have every right to be heard, but their voices cannot drown out the voices of the countless taxpayers who want us to balance our budgets and, more importantly, to make government work for each of them.”