Wisconsin Solidarity Rallies Today in All 50 States

Massive protests in support of Wisconsin public employees engaged in an historic struggle to save their collective bargaining rights will be held in all 50 state capitals today.

For information on the solidarity rally nearest to you, click here.

Two weeks ago, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced he would "fix" an $137 million budget shortfall by eliminating collective bargaining rights for public workers. Rather than going after the two-thirds of Wisconsin corporations who pay no tax in the state, Walker has taken aim at his own employees' most basic labor rights.

Outrage against the bill quickly spread across Wisconsin. Thousands of workers, students, and supporters overwhelmed the capital building in Madison chanting "Kill The Bill!" Protests have steadily grown in force in the two weeks since Walker's announcement, and will culminate in solidarity rallies across the nation today.

Last week, Wisconsin Senate Democrats also escaped to Illinois, boycotting the impending vote on the bill and leaving Republicans without the necessary quorum to bust public unions. Apparently joined by two Republicans, the Democrats refuse to return until the union-busting measure is off the table.

And this week, Walker made headlines after being prank called by a blogger posing as ultra-conservative billionaire David Koch. The stunt exposed some of Walker's dirty tricks and brought new scrutiny on the Koch brothers' involvement in Wisconsin politics. Walker also alluded to the fact that Republicans hope to bust public unions nationally. The governor admitted he's in steady communication with Ohio Governor John Kasich, who also supports a union-busting bill, and that Republicans are looking to duplicate Walker's plan in other states like Florida and Michigan.

Tomorrow, to culminate two straight weeks of protest in Wisconsin's capital, union members with support from MoveOn.org and other organizations will rally in all 50 states in an attempt to halt Republican attacks on public sector unionism.

"We are Wisconsin. We are all Americans," says a MoveOn.org statement, which also asks participants to wear Wisconsin Badger colors -- red and white.

Again, for more information on the solidarity rallies nearest your zip code, click here.

Since Walker began his attack on public employees, Change.org has sent almost 18,000 emails to Republican lawmakers decrying Walker's union-busting bill. Be sure to click here to Tell Wisconsin: Don’t Sacrifice Employee Rights!

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Photo Credit: RockNetRoots