“My top priority is helping the people create jobs, and we need to continue doing everything we can to help Wisconsin-based businesses grow,” Governor Walker said.  “Today’s roundtable was a great opportunity to hear from manufacturers and learn about what more we can do to help them grow and attract more businesses to Wisconsin, especially those in nearby states.  My focus on helping the people create jobs is really about helping workers throughout our state provide better lives for their families.”  READ MORE HERE.

ENTREPRENEUR ACCELERATOR READY TO SUPPORT FIVE STARTUPS IN MILWAUKEE
Madison – Governor Scott Walker announced today that five inner-city Milwaukee entrepreneurs will get startup business model training, mentorship, and funding through a seed accelerator program.  The new program, called “Revolution Labs,” is being launched with support by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through Governor Walker’s Transform Milwaukee initiative.

“Revolution Labs addresses the significant need to develop successful startups in the community in order to reduce unemployment and create an entrepreneurial culture,” said Governor Walker.  “This program will connect five startups with an experienced team of Milwaukee-based entrepreneurs to provide hands-on business model training and mentorship.”  READ MORE HERE.

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER STATEMENT ON THE WISCONSIN LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY
Madison – Governor Scott Walker attended the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony today and released the following statement:
I am honored to join Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and representatives from police departments around the state in commemorating the sacrifices of our Wisconsin law enforcement professionals. 
Our dedicated officers work tirelessly to protect our communities and our streets and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.  Today in particular, we remember and honor those who have died in the line of duty.  Their ultimate sacrifice is something that can never be repaid but will always be remembered.

STATEMENT ON INCREASED REVENUE PROJECTIONS
Madison – The non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released updated revenue projections today which predicted Wisconsin will have a $560 million surplus.  Governor Scott Walker released the following statement in reaction:
The projected $560 million surplus is good news for the people of Wisconsin.  Our sound fiscal management means we can continue to invest in our priorities while protecting taxpayers. 
The surplus and increased revenue projections should be invested in aid for our schools, lowering income taxes for middle-class families, holding the line on property taxes, and building our rainy day fund.
Wisconsin’s economy is growing, and our tough, but prudent, decisions mean we are better off than we were two years ago.

WISCONSIN IMPROVES IN BEST STATES FOR BUSINESS RANKING THREE YEARS IN A ROW
Madison – Chief Executive magazine today announced Wisconsin ranks 17^th on its “Best/Worst States for Business 2013” survey, the third consecutive year Wisconsin has improved its position among the nation’s best states for business.  Wisconsin improved three places from 20^th in 2012, and it recently saw the largest gain of any state in the history of the survey, moving 17 places from the bottom ten, from 41^st in 2010 to 24^th in 2011.

“Since taking office in 2011, my number one goal has been to help the private sector create jobs by establishing a favorable climate for economic growth,” Governor Scott Walker said.  “This three-year increase in ranking continues to show our economy is better off than it was a few years ago, and Wisconsin is on track to becoming one of America’s best states for business.”  READ MORE HERE.

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER TAKES CABINET ON THE ROAD
Madison – Governor Scott Walker kicked off his “Cabinet on the Road” series today at Modine Manufacturing Company (MMC) in Racine.  The initiative gives the Governor and the Cabinet leaders the opportunity to listen and gather feedback from area business leaders and economic development groups as “Cabinet on the Road” travels around the state. 

“This is all a part of our continued efforts to help the people create jobs,” Governor Walker said.  “I’m taking my Cabinet on the road to listen to local job creators and their partners to determine how we can best help them create more jobs and achieve further success in Wisconsin.”  READ MORE HERE.

WISCONSIN TOURISM INDUSTRY CONTINUES GROWTH IN 2012
Madison – For the millions of travelers visiting Wisconsin, it’s all about the fun and memories, but for the state’s taxpayers and residents, it’s all about the jobs and tax revenue those travelers support.  In 2012, a 5 percent growth in the tourism economy translated to an increase in tourism-related employment and personal income, according to just released economic impact figures.  Wisconsin Economic Impact 2013 That’s the message being delivered today by Governor Scott Walker and Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett as they kick off this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-12, with stops at popular Wisconsin attractions around the state.

“The travel and hospitality industry continues to be a strong performing sector for Wisconsin’s economy,” said Governor Walker.  “Investing in tourism promotion and marketing at the national, state, and local level is an effective way to attract visitors and keep the economy growing."  READ MORE HERE.

TRANSFORM MILWAUKEE SHOWING TREMENDOUS PROGRESS ONE YEAR INTO EFFORT
Madison—Governor Scott Walker announced progress on the Transform Milwaukee initiative one year after it was first announced; the historic, comprehensive effort aimed at growing the economy in the City of Milwaukee is showing significant progress in private and public investment.

“So far, private companies and businesses have invested $84.7 million of WHEDA funds and leveraged another $85.3 million in direct investment for a total of $170 million,” said Governor Walker.  “Halfway through our first two-year commitment to this initiative, that’s a phenomenal boost not only for Milwaukee’s economy, but for entire state.”  READ MORE HERE.

STATE AGENCIES REDUCE OVERTIME COSTS BY 22 PERCENT IN 2012
Madison –The Department of Administration (DOA) recently released overtime data compiled for calendar year 2012, which shows there was an overall reduction of 22 percent in overtime costs across all state agencies.  Along with the release of the overtime data, Governor Walker released the following statement:
2012 was the first full year that state government operated under the reforms contained in Act 10.  These structural reforms saved taxpayers more than a billion dollars, including millions of dollars in state employee overtime.   READ MORE HERE.


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