Wisconsin has garnered the national spotlight for its highly publicized battle over proposed state budget cuts.

Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill March 11 that takes away nearly all collective bargaining from state employees.
     
GOP state lawmakers passed the measure after three weeks of protests that drew tens of thousands of disgruntled state workers to the capitol.
    
Walker argued the measure, which forces state employees to pay part for their pensions and health care benefits, could save the state $30 million.
    
Angry Democrats and union officials have pledged to defeat the Republicans at the ballot box in 2012.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin is just one of many state's facing a deficit. Forty-four states plus Washington, D.C. expect a budget shortfall in next year, with Nevada, New Jersey and Texas being in the worst financial shape.
    
Our panel of experts -- including CBN News Political Editor John Waage, CBN News Political Correspondent David Brody, and Karen Miner Hurd with the Virginia Tea Party Alliance --  examined meaning of collective bargaining and its political implications on CBN News' Midday News, March 16. Click play to watch.

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Examining media coverage of Wisconsin protests and what it means for election 2012.

How New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is leading the charge to slash spending and how he's inspired others.