Wisconsin stalled at 37th in the nation in job growth, 45th in future job growth
Two-and-a-half years of Republican inaction on jobs continues to harm Wisconsin’s lagging economy
MADISON – New federal figures released today show Wisconsin has fallen to 34th in the nation in private-sector job creation over the past year, and is 37th over the past two years. These figures are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Neighboring and comparable Minnesota added nearly twice as many jobs over the past year. Wisconsin created approximately 15,000 fewer jobs during this one-year period compared to the previous year.
This week, Forbes magazine placed Wisconsin 41st in its 2013 “Best States for Business” rankings, behind states such as Nebraska (6th), Minnesota (8th) and Iowa (12th). Looking to the future the updated Forbes list also projects Wisconsin will be 45th in the nation in job growth through 2016.
In response to today’s report and the latest poor economic indicators for Wisconsin, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement:
“Wisconsin lags much of the nation in job growth because Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans have spent the past two and a half years undermining workers, public schools and people who need health care instead of focusing on jobs and improving economic prospects for middle-class families.
“But rather than take big, bold actions to reverse the negative direction they have taken the Wisconsin economy, Republicans this week announced a few minor bills that would be baby steps that will do little to reverse our state’s jobs crisis. And just a few days ago Gov. Walker again tried to move the goalposts on job numbers and offer excuses to distract people from his poor jobs performance.
“Democrats have advanced a long list of ideas for how we can help put people back to work and ensure more economic opportunities for Wisconsin’s middle class. Yet Republicans’ top priorities appear to be extreme social issues and jobs and benefits for themselves and their political cronies.
“Wisconsin was once a leader in job creation and economic development. If Republicans show they’re serious about returning our state to its once-proud status as a national leader, Democrats certainly stand ready to join them. Struggling families can’t afford to wait any longer.”
An audio clip of Rep. Barca’s statement is available here.
Background:
- Today’s Bureau of Labor Statistics comparisons are from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), which Gov. Walker labeled the most accurate standard. Seeing that these “more reliable” numbers continue to have Wisconsin among the bottom half of the nation for seven consecutive quarters, this week Gov. Walker and his allies are running television ads that cite statistics based on monthly numbers he roundly discredited (the Philadelphia Federal Reserve monthly outlook, which is based on the BLS monthly job numbers).
- This is the 7th consecutive quarter Wisconsin has been in the bottom half among states in annual private-sector job gains (after 5 consecutive quarters in the top half – before Republicans passed their first budget).
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by State Rep. Peter Barca
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Feb 5th, 2018 by State Rep. Peter BarcaRTA Builds Transportation Options in Southeastern Wisconsin
Statement from Rep. Barca on Republican Budget
Sep 6th, 2017 by State Rep. Peter Barca"Republicans should be ashamed of this budget."
Statement from Rep. Barca on the Assembly Passage of Foxconn Bill
Aug 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Peter Barca"Along with my Democratic colleagues, I’ll work tirelessly to make this a better deal."
