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BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN!!!
The latest jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Wisconsin's private-sector employment rate has reached a new all-time high!
There is a lot to be excited about in Wisconsin these days. Our K-12 schools are receiving record-high funding; low-spending districts (including several in Sheboygan County) are going to receive even more new support before this legislative session ends; and University of Wisconsin tuition remains frozen so that college continues to be affordable. We're fighting for our families, combating epidemic drug abuse and improving our foster care system. We're removing barriers to growth and attracting and retaining more workers in our communities. We've eliminated three state-level taxes altogether in the past year and ensured health insurance for those with preexisting conditions. You spoke; we listened; and we are delivering on our promises!
As always, I encourage you to follow my updates on social media or contact my office directly with your questions. Best wishes on your weekend! Don't forget that it's Free Fishing Weekend across the state; see last week's newsletter for all the details!
Wisconsin Works for Everyone
Public assistance isn't supposed to be permanent for anyone. The goal of any public assistance program should be to help folks help themselves get back on their feet after a hardship. Today more than ever, our businesses need all the employees they can find to be able to keep growing!
This week, Governor Scott Walker called for a special session of the legislature to consider a package of new ideas that will remove barriers to work, make it easier to get a job but still ensure that help is available for those who genuinely need it. All the details are available here; we'll be debating these proposals in the next few weeks.
I think just about everyone on public assistance would really prefer not to need any assistance. And I think these ideas are important steps forward to improve people's lives!
More Great News!
New revenue estimates! Careful budgeting and prudent spending pay off over time. Newly revised calculations by the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau are projecting that the state's general fund will close the biennium (in June 2019) with a balance that is $137.5 million higher than we budgeted! Click here to read the full memo; a major part of the explanation is that tax revenues are expected to increase due to significant increases in personal income (due, in turn, to a strong employment market and increases in wages and salaries). That's $137.5 million of YOUR money that, frankly, your state government already planned to do without... so stay tuned to learn how we plan to give it back to you!
Wisconn Valley News. The first edition of the Wisconn Valley News, an e-newsletter just like this one that is dedicated solely to the Foxconn development project, was published today by the Department of Administration! Click here to read the first edition; at the very top of the page, you can enter your e-mail address to subscribe directly to future editions. Look here first for project updates, next steps and even opportunities for your business to bid on portions of the development project!
Listening sessions on Monday, January 29th. Come on out to meet me in person and let me know what's on your mind! Senator Devin LeMahieu and I will be at UW-Sheboygan (Room 2114, 1 University Drive, Sheboygan) from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and then at Adell Village Hall (508 Seifert Street, Adell) from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. You can always reach us through our offices by e-mail, phone or mail, but public meetings such as these are a great way for you to share your ideas directly. Hope to see you there!
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