Labor & Employment Law

New Hire Shows Wisconsin?s Not That Broke

By Mike Hall

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) says the Badger State is teetering on the brink of financial collapse, yet he finds a spare $150 million for corporate tax breaks and his top aides find a comfy job?with a $12,000 raise?for the girlfriend of one of his staunchest ally?s.

Just goes to show you that when Walker and all the other governors who use state budgets as a pretext to push through harsh cuts and strip rights from teachers, nurses, firefighters, it?s not about economics. It?s all about politics.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Valerie Cass, a former Republican legislative staffer, was hired Feb. 7 as a communications specialist with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing. According to the Journal Sentinel, Cass, 26, is the girlfriend of State Sen. Randy Hopper (R.) 45, who has filed for divorce from his wife.

Journal Sentinel reporter Daniel Bice writes that top officials in Walker?s administration recommended Cass and then hired her for $43,200 a year job that paid her predecessor $31,200.

Hopper, who voted for Walker?s attack on workers, says he had nothing to do with Cass?s appointment to the job. Click here for Bice?s full story.

BTW, Cass is no rookie to Republican politics. Before her new job, Bice reports she spent part of January in Washington, D.C., helping Reince Priebus with his bid to become the chairman of the Republican National Committee. Always good to have friends in high places.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on March 21, 2011 (boomark / email).