Walker’s Cronies Get Bonuses While Working Families Cut Back

by Kyle Weidleman  |  April 25, 2012

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker handed out $765,000 in bonuses and raises to his top staff, as AFSCME members and other public service workers tightened their belts in the wake of his anti-worker budget. These payouts are part of Walker's politicization of Wisconsin state government. After taking office he replaced 40 top civil service positions with political appointees.

Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in jobs lost while the rest of the nation has started to turn the corner on the path to recovery. Despite lagging revenue growth, Governor Walker found hundreds of thousands to lavish on his top aides, even as working Wisconsinites have seen their work hours, pay checks and public services slashed.

Walker and four of his allies in the Wisconsin State Senate are facing recall elections on June 5, based largely on their failed anti-worker policies and willingness to politicize their offices at the expense of working families. AFSCME members and our allies remain on the frontlines of the fight to restore collective bargaining for Badger State public service workers and integrity to the State Capitol.