Just like most all other States across America, Wisconsin is in financial trouble.  Facing a $3.6 Billion dollar shortfall, Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker introduced legislation a week ago that would essentially take away collective bargaining rights for most government workers.  The bill looks certain to pass.  In protest, teachers are skipping school causing shutdowns.  As part of the bill, teachers would have to contribute towards half of their pension plan and at least 12.6 percent towards their healthcare cost.  The plan will save Wisconsin taxpayers $300 million dollars over the next two years.  In the meantime, the average Wisconsin k-12 teacher makes on average  $76,121 with salary and benefits (among the best packages in the nation).  Read about it here and here.