MADISON, Wisconsin (WXOW) - It's been one year since Governor Walker unveiled his plan to balance the state budget. It was this plan that set off a historic year of protests against what many saw as an attack on public workers' rights.
People gathered on Saturday to commemorate what they say is an anniversary of what started their fight with the governor. The people have called it "Wisconsin Day." It's a rally to kick off a week of action.
Several hundred people came out, far fewer than what was seen at times last year. But those in attendance say they still have the same energy and drive.
"We haven't forgotten. We're still watching and the more he keeps doing to our state, the more we're going to stay here and fight," says public worker, Carrie Riddle.
One of the speakers at Saturday's event was the President of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, Mahlon Mitchell. "A wise man once said a cure that heals a democracy is more democracy, so I don't care whether you're a democrat or a republican. We need to vote the people in that care about the middle class issues and care about bringing our community together," said Mitchell.
Other speakers included outspoken Capital Times Opinion Editor John Nichols and Democratic Representative Peter Barca.
As for the republicans, the party's vice-chair, Brian Schimming, says they're not holding any organized events to gain support for Governor Walker.
Right now volunteers are focusing on the recall by checking signatures and hoping to avoid a recall election.
