September 18, 2015

Volume 1 Issue 15

State Representative Janel Brandtjen:

Wisconsin has Job openings!

Wisconsin is back on track and leading the way. There is no question that we have great leaders in Wisconsin that are working very hard to create a favorable business climate in Wisconsin.  We even have our own “Jobs Ambassador”, Lt Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.  I reported last week that Wisconsin’s unemployment numbers are lower than the national average.  I was also concerned that overall, the numbers painted a misleading picture.

The conventional wisdom among economists is that unemployment around the 4% mark is considered full employment.  We obviously have not reached full employment regardless of which definition one chooses.  We have much more work to do.  Wisconsin’s July unemployment rate was 4.6% while the national number is 5.3%.  The US Department of Labor offers these alternative methods of calculating the unemployment rate.  As one can see from the chart, as we start to include discouraged workers and the underemployed, the rate becomes significantly higher.  I’m confident that under our current leadership Wisconsin’s economic outlook will continue to outpace the rest of the nation.

Married Couples Will Pay Less Taxes:

In Case you missed it, this past budget (ACT 55) included a provision that will reduce the amount of money married couples will pay to the State of Wisconsin on their income taxes.  The measure increases the deduction for married couples on the sliding scale chart found in your tax booklets.  The measure will save married couples $20.9 million starting in the 2016 tax year.

Human Trafficking Bill:

Many people in Wisconsin and across the country are not aware of how prevalent, perilous and profitable human trafficking is in Wisconsin.  I have introduced a bill that would increase awareness, expand the mandated reporter laws and increase law enforcement.  The Badger Herald had a nice article earlier this week. You can read the Bill here.

God Bless Wisconsin! 

***********************

       WISCONSIN- APPLY WITHIN