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Gov. Scott Walker Says His Policies Saved Wis. $1 Billion

BROWN DEER, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says policies enacted since he took office last year have saved the state more than $1 billion.

His office says the figure was based on adding up totals reflected in local budgets, surveys of governmental officials and media reports.

One of those policies involved a new law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers and required them to contribute more to pensions and health care.

The Democratic Party called the savings total "bogus." The Democratic Party pointed to the loss of nearly 1,500 teachers this year due to cuts in public education, a drop in property values statewide and a projected $143 million budget shortfall.

Walker said Monday his numbers were "actual documented savings." He says his numbers were detailed on http://www.reforms.wi.gov.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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