Wisconsin Dems, unions need to face reality

The past few days have seen the streets of Madison, Wis., packed with union workers in protest of the state's proposed anti-union bill. In addition, Senate Democrats have fled the capital, delaying action on the bill.

These actions are disgraceful and ignore an important point: Republicans in office were elected on the basis that unions would be targeted in the attempt to lower a $3.6 billion state budget gap.

It may be a rude awakening for some, but the bill proposed by the GOP will save the state $300 million over the next two years and possesses enough votes to pass.

But what about the Wisconsin teachers?

In 2011, the average annual compensation for a Milwaukee Public School district teacher will be over $100,000. That's in a district with a 68 percent graduation rate.

This demonstrates what unchecked unions can do when dealing with a government that has the ability to pay out money it doesn't have.

The actions of Gov. Scott Walker and the GOP are a legitimate effort to combat this problem, and they should be heralded as lawmakers coming to grips with reality. Now is the time for the hiding senators and striking teachers to also come to terms with reality and get back to work.

Nate Marti

Mount Vernon