Wisconsin 38th in job growth under Gov. Walker

MADISON – New federal figures released today show Wisconsin is 38^th in the nation in overall job creation since Gov. Walker took office, including dead last in the Midwest. These figures cover the two-year period from December 2010 to December 2012 and come from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW).

In response to today’s report, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement:

“While I’m pleased to see a slight uptick in our job rankings, Wisconsin still has a long way to go – and the middle is hardly within sight. We should be focused on leading, not bringing up the rear.

“The fact remains that under Gov. Walker, Wisconsin ranks 38^th in the country in job growth – dead last in the Midwest. And despite clear evidence that the Republican plan hasn’t worked well economically for Wisconsin, Gov. Walker’s budget doubles down on bad economic policy.

“The budget the governor is about to sign targets tax breaks at our wealthiest citizens – with far more than 10 times the break for people making $300,000 than for the average working family – shortchanges public schools while giving even more taxpayer money to private voucher schools and turns away up to 10,500 jobs that would be created if Wisconsin accepted federal funding to extend BadgerCare coverage to more citizens.

“I hope the Republicans will finally join in our efforts to focus on jobs, introduce bills to help put people back to work quickly, give Wisconsin workers much-needed training, promote manufacturing and capital access and help connect skilled workers with potential employers.

“It is my sincere hope Gov. Walker and Republican legislators stop focusing on divisive social issues and start focusing like a laser beam on jobs.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.