A Tribute to Wisconsin's Fabulous 14: "They Stood Up"

Floor Speech

SPEECH OF
HON. GWEN MOORE
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011

Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize Wisconsin's Fabulous 14. These 14 Wisconsin State senators took a stand on behalf of the people in order to prevent legislation that would strip State public workers of most of their collective bargaining rights and sell off government power plants without bids. This legislation would also grant extraordinary powers to an unelected government official appointed by the Governor, who has been a staunch opponent of medical assistance his entire political career, to make drastic changes to Wisconsin's successful Badger Care, Family Planning programs, and Senior Care Programs.

These 14 courageous men and women, at great sacrifice to themselves and their families, fled to Illinois, to the land of Lincoln. In fact, these 14 Wisconsin Democratic Senators now share something in common with former Republican President, Abraham Lincoln. The then State Senator Lincoln left the Illinois Statehouse to prevent a quorum from being reached to hold a crucial vote in 1840. Lincoln reportedly opened a window and escaped from the second floor of the building. One newspaper joked that Lincoln's "long legs" prevented him from being injured as he left.

During the senators' absence, the people of Wisconsin were given an opportunity to review the Budget Repair Bill and the Budget Bill and thoroughly scrutinize its contents of the Governor's proposals. The bill will affect every citizen in Wisconsin, and for many middle class and vulnerable Wisconsinites; it will be devastating.

Governor Walker and Republicans in the State Legislature worked around the 14 senators' protest to prevent a quorum and the bill was signed into law on Friday, March 11, 2011. During the past 3 weeks, I have been in Madison on several occasions standing in solidarity with the people.

On Saturday, March 12, 2011, along with an estimated 100,000 people, I was on hand to Welcome Back "the Fabulous 14" who returned to the State after weeks. I could feel the energy, the intensity of the people of Wisconsin; teachers, nurses, students, plow drivers, fire-fighters, prison guards and dozens of farmers with their tractors gathered around the Capitol square. Mr. Speaker, Wisconsin has undergone an historic change; it was evident in the faces of Wisconsinites that visibly displayed their resolve and in their shouts of thank you. While this battle may be over, the war continues. I rise to give a hearty thank you to Wisconsin's Fabulous 14.

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