Wisconsin Attack-The-People Budget Bill Moving To Implementqtion

After some minor tinkering, but without restoring workers' collective bargain rights, Republicans on Joint Committee on Finance approved Scott Walker's radical budget bill on a party-line, 12-4 vote.

And in the process, ignored the unprecedented opposition at the previous day's public hearing and continuing demonstrations around the State Capitol.

The bill will probably be signed into law within a matter of days, as Republicans control the legislature and Governor's office.

It is a radical departure from Wisconsin history, tradition and needs. It is filled with policy measures that consolidate power in the Governor's office. It will drive down the standard of living for tens of thousands of public employees, and force radical cuts to a multitude of public services across the state to fund tax breaks for corporations.

The highest price will be paid in the households of the state's most populous city when the bill forces the breakup of the Milwaukee Public Schools, along with deep cuts to staff and programs.

It's right-wing, talk-radio driven social engineering run amok, using fiscal issues as cover; we have to make sure Walker and his allies' terms in office are short, and that extreme conservatives do not get their hands on the Congress and the Presidency in 2012.