Wisconsin Rapids is a mill town, where the unions have been hard hit over the last decade. Hundreds of good jobs have disappeared as the paper mills have changed hands or simply closed. Despite that, it remains a union town.
On Tuesday, the unions called for a rally. In a city of 18,000, about 2,000 people showed to hear our state Senator Julie Lassa. It was a determined group. The local school district was just announcing that 20 teachers would be laid off, with another $3 million still to be cut from an already lean budget.
Photos below (if I remember how to do them). If you like professional photos, I have them too, along with a newspaper article.
We started with a prayer and then a little fire and brimstone.
The main draw was, of course, Julie Lassa. The Repubs claimed they were starting a recall against her, but that was utter nonsense and a non-starter. The chants of "Thank you" started early and continued throughout.
Yes, she gave Walker hell.
The head of our state teacher's union (WEAC) is a local and she pulled no punches.
The firefighters (in dress uniform) and police showed up and over a dozen unions were represented. They lead a parade through town later, which I have no photos of, though the professional photos above covers it.
In all, a very determined group of people, not willing to go quietly.
As always, great signs.
This was my favorite sign.
Yes, our local state (Republican) rep. is appearing at the library, which has a 260 seat theater and is preparing for an overflow crowd, if he doesn't back out.