Serving the Northwoods Communities of Rhinelander, Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Florence and Forest County.
District Dialogue
March 28, 2014
New Job Numbers Released from the Department of Workforce Development
As your state representative, I think it’s important to share the latest updates from state government. Here’s great news from the Department of Workforce Development. Our economy is getting stronger and more people are finding jobs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 13, 2014
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/news.htm
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce
Wisconsin's Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.1 Percent
BLS' revised job estimates show Wisconsin added over 106,000 private
sector jobs in 2011-13
MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary state employment
and unemployment estimates for January 2014, showing Wisconsin's
unemployment rate dropped to 6.1 percent, its lowest point since
November 2008.
DWD today also released BLS' revised employment estimates for each month
in 2013 and previous years showing Wisconsin added 106,100 private
sector jobs from December 2010 through December 2013. BLS adjusted the
monthly job estimates through an annual process called “benchmarking” to
bring the sample-based series into closer alignment with actual job
counts.
Highlights of today's release of BLS estimates include:
• A preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.1 percent in
January, down from a revised 6.3 percent in December and 6.9 percent in
January 2013. The 6.1 percent January 2014 rate is the lowest since
November 2008, and it remains below the national rate of 6.6 percent.
• A preliminary total nonfarm job gain of 6,200 seasonally adjusted in
January 2014 from December 2013, including increases in manufacturing,
construction and other sectors that made up for decreases in other areas
such as education and health services. Compared to the January 2013
total, the private sector gained 40,900 jobs. Total nonfarm employment
increased by 56,100 from January 2013.
• Wisconsin added an estimated 39,700 private sector jobs from December
2012 to December 2013, for a total of 106,100 private sector jobs added
since December 2010. The state's total nonfarm job gain was an estimated
46,500 jobs from December 2012 to December 2013, for a total of 109,100
nonfarm jobs gained since December 2010.
• Manufacturing gained an estimated 6,900 jobs over the year and 28,300
manufacturing jobs since December 2010, an increase of 6.5 percent to a
2013 benchmark total of 464,100.
Secretary Newson issued the following statement in response to the
latest job numbers:
“The January 2014 unemployment rate and adjusted estimates for 2013 are
in closer alignment with actual job counts showing Wisconsin has added
tens of thousands of private sector jobs since 2011 following the loss
of 134,000 private sector jobs during the preceding four years. The
investments we are making to develop the workforce and grow the state's
economy are creating opportunities and moving our state in the right
direction."
The BLS uses three data sets to measure employment and unemployment:
• Current Employment Statistics (CES): compiled from a monthly survey
sent to about 5,500 employers (3.5% of Wisconsin employers). CES data
has been shown to be subject to significant revision.
• Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS): compiled from a monthly
survey of 1,450 households. Measures the labor force, employment,
unemployment, and the unemployment rate.
• Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW): compiled on a
quarterly basis from Unemployment Insurance records from some 96 percent
of Wisconsin business establishments. Considered by most economists to
be the most accurate measure of jobs, the QCEW includes data from almost
all employers in Wisconsin.
The benchmarked jobs data historically have been more consistent with
actual job counts from the QCEW than preliminary and revised estimates.
Wisconsin QCEW data for calendar years 2011-12 show Wisconsin added over
63,000 private-sector jobs in 2011-12. The back-to-back, 2011 and 2012
calendar year QCEW private sector job creation totals are the best of
any Governor in over a decade.
Other indicators that help illustrate the state of Wisconsin’s economy
include:
• Department of Revenue state general fund revenue collections through
January: up by 4.8 percent in fiscal year 2014 over the prior year.
• Department of Financial Institutions new business formation: up 22
percent YTD in 2014 over previous year.
• Average initial weekly Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims are at a
12-year low, and 2014 UI claims through week 8 are running at lowest
level since 1998.
• Wisconsin’s exports exceeded $23 billion in 2013.
Attached to this report are tables that show the (1) December-January
LAUS and CES revisions; (2) preliminary January estimates and
benchmarked December estimates for CES and LAUS; (3) the CES revision
history for calendar year 2013; and (4) QCEW data for the third quarter
of 2013, which is the most recent data available.
A bar graph showing the QCEW and benchmarked LAUS and CES is also
attached.
Benchmarked CES and LAUS estimates for 2013 and earlier will be
accessible at
WORKnet.
Governor Walker Visits Eagle River
On Monday March 24th, Governor Scott Walker signed the Blueprint for Prosperity in Cecil, Wisconsin. After signing the special session bill the Governor traveled to Eagle River to meet with residents at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the tax cuts for Wisconsin residents.
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Governor Walker addressing a group following the signing of the Blueprint for Prosperity.
Here are the Highlights for the Blueprint for Prosperity:
Cut property taxes by $406 million. The typical homeowner will see an
actual reduction of $100 dollars on their next property tax bill.
Cut income taxes by $98.6 million. Targeted to the lowest income tax
bracket. Savings for a typical family of four making $40,000 will be
$58.
Adjust withholding for state income taxes by $322.6 million, so you can
keep more of your hard-earned paycheck. Beginning in April, a typical
family of four will see $57.90 more in their paychecks each month.
The Blueprint for Prosperity also increases the Wisconsin Fast Forward program by $35 million to focus on
three new areas:
• Invest in technical colleges to eliminate waiting lists for high
demand fields including manufacturing, agriculture, and Information
Technology;
• Help high school students get training in high demand jobs through
dual enrollment programs between our high schools and technical
colleges;
• Support the Year of the Better Bottom Line initiative, which helps
people with disabilities enter the workforce.
For more information on the Blueprint to Prosperity, go to Prosperity.WI.gov.
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From Left to Right: Conrad Heeg, Rep. Swearingen, Governor Walker, Senator Tiffany, and Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch
Congratulations to Wendy Gehlhoff and Florence County Economic Development!
For Immediate Release Contact: Wendy Gehlhoff 715-528-3294
March 14, 2014
Florence County’s First TIF District Receives Certification
Florence, WI…… Florence County TID #1 has received final certification
from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The Multi-Use Tax Incremental
Finance District is located in the Town of Florence and encompasses 652
acres. The project plan focuses on industrial park user expansion,
industrial park infrastructure, an assisted living/senior housing
development, an RV dump station along US 2, motel/hotel expansion,
downtown redevelopment, US 2 commercial developments, and a residential
development. The county is approaching these projects conservatively.
The decision to implement a development project will be based on that
project’s ability to generate the tax increment needed to pay for the
upfront costs. Typically the payments will be made yearly from the new
increment rather than in one upfront sum.
“Having a TID in place allows Florence County to competitively grow and
attract the businesses needed by our residents and visitors,” according
to Florence County Economic Development Director Wendy Gehlhoff. “TIF is
the best tool in Wisconsin to create jobs, increase tax base and add new
products and services to our community. We are seeking entrepreneurs and
developers both locally and from outside our area to accomplish the
projects in our plan that make financial sense for both parties.” The
county has already approved a small TIF incentive for a new full-service
grocery store project and a sawmill expansion project in the industrial
park has passed the committee level. These two projects combined will
create 25-31 new jobs.
The next targeted project is a 25-30 unit Senior Housing and/or Assisted
Living development. Florence County has a superb nursing home facility,
but lacks elderly friendly housing options for our growing retiree
population to downsize and simplify. Our median age is 49.7 years; much
higher than the state average and 2.5 years higher than surrounding
counties as well. All serious proposals will be considered.
Florence County may have only 4,500 residents, but our population more
than doubles in the summer and fall due to seasonal home owners spending
time at their cottage on the lake or cabin in the woods. The influx of
visitors coupled with the County’s broad array of outdoor recreational
assets and 50% public land ownership offers a great opportunity for
tourism related retail business growth as well.
To learn more about Florence County Tourism and Economic Development,
click here.
The snowmobile industry greatly prospered this winter with excellent trail conditions throughout the season. The extended snowmobile season has brought a much needed economic boost to the Northwood's hospitality industry and other businesses. On Monday, March 31 the trails will close for the season.
With the winter season creeping into spring, most of us are looking forward to warmer days. I believe that the large amounts of snow and ice melting will assist our lake levels in the spring.
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On Thursday March 27th, I was visited by Mr. Russell McCullough from the Board of People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) who awarded me with a certificate to signify my participation in the Take Your Legislator to Work Day campaign. The BPDD is an organization which raises awareness about the importance of employment opportunities for people throughout Wisconsin with developmental disabilities.
It was an honor to meet with Russell, a young man who also lives with a developmental disability. Russell is an extremely hard worker who holds two jobs in the Madison area. Thank you Russell for stopping in my office!
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From Left to Right: Tami Jackson, Rep. Swearingen, and Russell McCullough.
I wanted to pass along a great resource to help folks get back to work. The Job Center of Wisconsin website will assist those trying to find their perfect job or a new profession. Please click on the photo below to hear my remarks.
Please click on the following links for Upcoming Community Events!
Manitowish River Bird Hike (10:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M.) Manitowish Waters - March 29th
4th Annual Gutter Bowl To Strike Out Cancer Super Bowl & Bar, Crandon - April 4th
For Kids Sake Bowling Event - Hodag Lanes, Rhinelander - April 4th
Please contact me at Rep.Swearingen@legis.wi.gov if you would like to UNSUBSCRIBE from my E-Updates
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen
Room 107 West
PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708
Office: 608-266-7141
Toll Free: 888-534-0034