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The budget showdown between Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and public sector employees was intense and confrontational. But was it educational? And, why did so many students from the University of Wisconsin choose to participate in the demonstrations and union protests?

First, a little background. After campaigning as a fiscal conservative who would take the steps necessary to reign in state spending, Scott Walker was elected Governor of Wisconsin on November 2, 2010. In addition, the election resulted in a 19/14 Republican majority in the state senate (which consisted of 18 Democrats and 15 Republicans previously), and a 60/38/1 Republican majority in the state house (which had been 50/45 Democrat with two independents and two vacant seats). Clearly, the electorate favored spending restraint.

In order to address the state’s $3.6 billion budget shortfall, Governor Walker proposed the Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill which required that most state employees contribute 12.6% toward their health care premiums and 5.8% of their salaries toward their pensions (public-sector health care premiums and pension contributions were fully funded by Wisconsin taxpayers previously). The proposal also called for state employees to relinquish collective bargaining rights for non-salary issues.

Walker argued that the requested health care contributions were half the national average, the pension contributions were at the national average, and the curtailment of collective bargaining rights was necessary since “fringe benefits” made up over 25% of school district expenditures. Further, if these give-backs weren’t achieved, he would be forced to lay off 1500 state employees.

When Walker wouldn’t compromise on limits to collective bargaining, the 14 Democratic senators fled to Illinois to deny a senate quorum, and massive demonstrations ensued in Madison. Among the thousands of protesters who converged on the state capitol were hundreds of University of Wisconsin students.

While it’s understandable that professors and other public sector employees would demonstrate against reductions to their take-home pay, what motivated the students to brave the cold and protest? Did their instructors compel them? Did the unions induce them? Were their parents union members? Or, were they simply bored and looking for something exciting to do?

As reported on 2/23/2011 at www.dailylocal.com, many students stood with the union members.

“I’m just supporting the state workers,” said Katie Annunzio, a senior at UW. “Even though I’m from Illinois, if the teachers got their rights taken away, I’d be upset.”

“Frankly, these plans are going to gut our university system,” said Jonathan Mertzig, a UW grad now working in the private sector. “I can’t sit idly by while the plan ruins other people’s chances to get a decent education in this state.”

Other students weren’t as sympathetic, especially when the protests were seen as hindering their education. As reported on 2/22/2011 at host.madison.com, UW Junior Matt Payne wrote the following in the student newspaper:

For the past week, UW students have been subjected to cancelled classes, teaching assistants missing from office hours and megaphone-bearing organizers disrupting classes to encourage students to participate in protests.

In the end, we all love UW, no matter where you stand on Walker’s budget repair bill. But, I for one will choose to express that love by continuing to attend class and not disrupt those around me who wish to do the same.

Public rights, private rights, the right to assemble, a constitutional mandate that the state’s budget must be balanced … large issues all.

If nothing else, it’s quite an educational opportunity.

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