GOV. WALKER SAYS WISCONSIN IS "HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"
Madison–Tonight Governor Walker delivered his State of the State address saying, “We are turning things around. We are heading in the right direction.”
In his remarks, the Governor discussed how the decisions made this year benefit the state now and in the future. He noted that in his first year in office, the state balanced a $3.6 billion budget deficit while avoiding mass layoffs and billion dollar tax increases. In fact, K-12 property tax rates are down for the first time in years.
“When I addressed you in this chamber last January, Wisconsin had suffered through three years of 150,000 of our fellow citizens losing their jobs,” Governor Walker said, “The unemployment rate was 7.5%. And after years of tax increases and budget tricks, Wisconsin faced one of the largest budget deficits in the country. Now, our unemployment rate is down from a year ago. In fact, it's the lowest it’s been since 2008. We are turning things around. We are heading in the right direction.”
GOV. WALKER ANNOUNCES EDUCATION REFORM LEGISLATION
Madison—Today Governor Scott Walker unveiled the first phase of his “Wisconsin Working” plan. Governor Walker continues his focus on job creation and economic growth. After the Administration’s Special Cabinet on Economic and Workforce Investment listened to job creators, job seekers and government officials, they recommended an initial phase of policy changes and agency collaboration to ensure job seekers connect with current job needs, while building the skills necessary for family-supporting jobs.
Gov. Walker released the initial phase of the plan to employees at MCL Industries in Pulaski and Jarp in Schofield.
“Wisconsin continues to work together to foster an environment of economic stability and job creation,” said Governor Walker. “These new initiatives will help connect Wisconsin workers to available jobs, so they can provide for their families.”
Click here for the full Education Reform Legislation report