President Obama Could Learn From Scott Walker's Leadership

Governor Scott Walker from Wisconsin has a budget crisis on his hands due to his predecessor spending large amounts of money on wasteful projects and giving public sector union members many benefits.  Wisconsin has $137 million shortfall in the current budget and a $3.6 billion in two years.  In an attempt to balance Wisconsin’s budget Governor Walker proposed legislation that would make public union employees pay 5.8% of their salaries towards pensions and 12.6% towards health care.  The normal private sector employ spend about 25% of their salary on retirement and healthcare. 

            A large proportion of those protesting in Wisconsin are teachers.  Many teachers are claiming that this law will force them to find part-time jobs and will hurt their families.  You could be thinking as well that teachers do not get paid enough and Governor Walker’s bill will hurt them.  Well Wisconsin teachers have higher wages and better benefits than almost any other state.  The average Wisconsin teacher makes about $50,000 a year and gets about another $40,000 in benefits.  As of right now teachers as well as public sector employees contribute only .2% of their wage to pensions.  Everyone knows how important teachers are and how valuable a good education is.  This bill Governor Walker proposed is not an attempt to demonize teachers and public sector employees.  What the bill is trying to do is balance a budget that is producing an un-sustainable debt that will move on to kids and grandkids in Wisconsin if not dealt with now.

This is the same story line that Republicans all the across the country are discussing.  We are all worried about an un-sustainable debt that will be passed on to our kids and grandkids.  Governor Walker as well as Governor Christie, Kasich, and many others are tackling the issue of the debt.  President Obama could learn a lot from these men, especially Governor Walker.  Governor Walker is doing what he believes will help balance the budget, he is not worried about public opinion or what others say about him.  President Obama take notes and see how a true leader acts by taking the issues head on, using sensible reasoning to solve problems, and not worrying about your own image.

            Michael Lesko
            SUR Contributor