Foxconn Campus Coming to Wisconsin
It was a
great week for Wisconsin as the electronics giant Foxconn committed to building their United States flagship campus here in
Wisconsin. This deal will include a $10 billion investment in the state
with as many as 13,000 jobs. This is the largest business move in
Wisconsin history and the positive effects will be felt not only in the
southeast, but throughout the entire state.
Over the
past few years, we in the state legislature have made it our goal to
make Wisconsin a more attractive place to work, live and start a
business. Earlier this May, CEO Magazine ranked Wisconsin the 10th
best state for business, breaking the top ten for the first time ever.
This improved business climate, coupled with our renowned Midwestern
work ethic and high quality of life, make Wisconsin a very desirable
place for businesses to locate.
This
campus will provide our state with numerous benefits on several
different levels. Arguably the most valuable outcome of this move will
be the thousands of family-supporting jobs with an average salary of
over $53,000 that will go to hard-working Wisconsinites. Jobs in fields
such as engineering will pair excellently with our state’s renewed focus
on technical schooling, and the high-tech jobs that this campus will
inevitably bring will enable us to keep talented, educated workers in
our state. These jobs will also attract qualified individuals to come to
our state and make Wisconsin their new home. The economic impact
generated by this influx of jobs, estimated at $7 billion annually, will
resonate beyond the region of the campus and throughout the state.
The State Legislature will soon convene
for a special session to put together an incentive package for Foxconn
of up to $3 billion over 15 years. Whenever we hand out state money,
accountability is a must, and protecting the taxpayers' hard earned money is
crucial. Any incentives will be tied to jobs and investment targets
which must be met in order to receive any state subsidies.
I would
like to thank Governor Walker and our congressional delegation for their
leadership on this issue and look forward to working with my colleagues
to bring more opportunities like this Foxconn investment to Wisconsin.
Here are some statements from leaders
around the state on this momentous development:
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, Madison Rebecca Blank
Wisconsin Economic Development Association
Associated Builders and Contractors
Foster
Care Task Force Kicks Off State Tour
This week
the Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care had its first meeting in the
Capitol before hitting the road for a statewide tour.
I was happy to join my colleagues as the
Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care met on Thursday to hold its first
informational hearing in Madison. As Chairman of the Committee on
Children and Families, I have come to understand first-hand the challenges and
struggles facing those in our foster care system.
This spring, I attended the Fostering
Futures event hosted by Congressman Gallagher in our area. The seminar
really opened my eyes to the many difficulties that foster parents face
and the hardships that many foster children have to overcome. Today was
a great first step as we heard from experts and organizations involved
in the foster care system.
I look
forward to touring the state with my colleagues as we gather more
information and ideas to help revitalize our foster care system.
Bringing about positive change for our state's most vulnerable is crucial
and I plan on doing that with this task force.
Upcoming District Events!
What:
Bonanza Book Sale
Where: Sturgeon Bay Library,
107 S 4th
Ave, Sturgeon Bay,
WI
When: July 29, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Details:
"Every book is at a bargain
price! $4 per grocery bag. No bag limit. Proceeds benefit all eight Door
County Libraries."
What:
Cherry Festival
Where: Seaquist Orchards, 11482
Hwy 42, Sister Bay, WI
When: July 29, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Details:
"Make your own cherry pie, pie eating competition,
children’s games, pie baking competition, live music, great food, and
cherries galore!"
What:
Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week
Where: Throughout Sturgeon Bay
When: August 5-6
Details:
"A
Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard! A variety of maritime events happening
in many places around Sturgeon Bay. Visit
www.dcmm.org for more information.
"
In Closing...
