Jobs, jobs, jobs. On this, Republicans and Democrats agree—to get Wisconsin moving, we need more people in Wisconsin working. But how to get people working—or to use a more popular phrase, how to create jobs—on this, Republicans and Democrats have very different answers.

Republicans believe that the private sector creates jobs, not the government. This means that the best thing government can do to repair Wisconsin’s economy is to work to create a climate that will allow employers to expand and hire, in addition to helping the unemployed find work. This was the thinking that drove Assembly passage of AB 426, a bill that streamlines Wisconsin’s antiquated mine-permitting process. On passage, the legislation will likely bring thousands of high-paying, family-sustaining jobs to Wisconsin. The bill passed on a party-line vote.

Democrats didn’t vote for the legislation because they believe that government creates jobs. Consider a recent debate over photo IDs. Some context: on Tuesday, the Assembly took up a bill that will allow Wisconsin residents to use non-colored photos on their state IDs. State Rep. Andy Jorgensen (D-Fort Atkinson) offered an amendment requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) print these IDs in the state of Wisconsin. Without the amendment, the IDs will be printed in California. “This is a jobs-creating amendment,” said Jorgensen. “We can take this bill . . . and turn it into a jobs bill.” “We have an opportunity to make a stand . . . enough is enough.”

Rep. Corey Mason (D-Racine) agreed. “I want to commend my colleague from the 37th for bringing this amendment forward. . . .Oftentimes I’m asked . . . what is the legislature doing up there to actually create jobs. This should be a really easy bipartisan win for everybody . . . [this is something] that makes sense for Wisconsin citizens and Wisconsin taxpayers.”

Rep. Louis Molepske, Jr. (D-Stevens Point) was even more excited about the potential effect of the Jorgensen amendment. “Let’s have some pride in the Assembly . . . This is a simple one . . . [this] is an easy job creator.”

Or is it? My Democrat colleagues may have ignored some crucial information.

As Rep. Kevin Peterson (R-Waupaca) noted on the Assembly floor, the DOT has stated that, “[t]o build a facility that meets federal standards in Wisconsin would have cost in excess of $4 million and would have created one 50% permanent position (one person working 20 hours/week will be able to produce all Wisconsin products).” The Jorgensen amendment died on a party-line vote.

To see the video, go to http://tinyclip.tv/321b423d

Mining & photo IDs. The two proposals perfectly illustrate the difference between Republicans and Democrats. On a party-line vote, Republicans supported legislation that would create over 5,000 jobs and add roughly $3 billion in economic activity. On a party line vote, Democrats supported an amendment that would create one, half-time job, and would require construction of a $4 million facility.

Republicans have a plan to repair the Doyle economy: cut spending, reform outdated regulations, and work to create a climate where employers want to expand and hire. Democrats have a plan as well. Just don’t forget to ask how much it costs.

Yesterday I held a hearing on Assembly Bill 477 and Senate Bill 380.  These bills would remove the enrollment cap on Family Care and would allow the Department of Health Services (DHS) to begin the review process of expanding the program.

My biggest fear would be if we as a state are going to offer benefits and assistance to people, that we are able to continue to do that and not have to find ourselves in a situation where we then have to take those benefits and/or assistance away.  That would be the worst case scenario. When we do take a look at these programs, the financial considerations are enormous and we want to make sure that these programs are funded not just in the beginning, but into the future.

The two bills are scheduled for a committee vote next week Tuesday.