June 9, 2011

New York Times Highlights GOP Accomplishments

Senate Republicans have been focused on achieving real results since the legislative session began in January.  This week, our work was highlighted with an in-depth article in the New York Times (read the article here). 

The article scratched the surface of the work we've been doing in the Capitol, but I'm afraid they didn't get it quite right.  The article says that the intense timeline has to do with external factors, which isn't true.  The Legislature's accomplishments are a direct response to what the people of Wisconsin asked us to do. 

GOP senators are keeping the promises we made to the people of this state.  We've worked hard to jump-start our economy, reform election laws, cut government red tape and provide property tax relief.  Our focus has been clear, and we've been able to tackle some long-overdue issues. 

The Democrats' policies last session hurt Wisconsin's economy.  Too many businesses have left the state, and far too many people are out of work. That's where the urgency comes in - we strongly believe that the policies we're working toward will help get Wisconsin back on the right track.  What's the point of waiting to do the right thing?   

The pace at which we've accomplished many of our goals might be different than the perception of a slow, cumbersome bureaucracy - and that's a good thing.  Our progress in the past couple of months simply shows how committed we are to keeping our promises and creating a better Wisconsin. 

We've already seen positive outcomes from our accomplishments.  Last week, I shared with you the news that local unemployment numbers in my district have improved, as they have in 70 out of 72 counties.  Since January, Wisconsin has gained over 24,000 jobs with 11,000 in the manufacturing industry.  Unemployment has fallen to 7.3 percent statewide - below the national average of 9.1 percent.

Republicans are keeping our promises with a balanced budget, job creation, and a government we can afford.  We're balancing the budget without raising taxes, and putting Wisconsin's government in the best fiscal shape in the last 15 years. 

I'm glad the national press is noticing the progress we've already made, and I look forward to a whole lot more of the same in the future.

Budget Update

The Joint Finance Committee completed its work on the budget bill last week.  I'm happy to report that the committee passed a budget that fundamentally reforms the way Wisconsin does business.  Here are a few highlights of the budget bill:

• Structural Deficit: It aims to completely eliminate the structural deficit, depending on the state's economic growth. As it stands now, more than 90 percent of the $3 billion ongoing deficit will be eliminated - a substantial achievement for this budget and for future budgets.

• Property Tax Freeze: We're instituting a permanent property tax freeze for the first time in our state's history to help out the family budget and help seniors stay in their homes.

• Stop Runaway Spending: The budget includes real reform of how Wisconsin spends money - fund our top priorities and responsibilities.

• Jobs: The state budget reforms the way our state partners with businesses to create real-world jobs - funding the Wisconsin Economic Development Authority, among other things. It also protects the state's transportation fund to provide a solid reliable infrastructure that's critical to job growth. The budget provides an increase for the state's tourism fund, which is a critical industry for rural and Northern Wisconsin and creates targeted tax breaks and credits for job creators.

The Senate and Assembly plan to vote on the budget bill next week. 

WI's Economic Outlook is Positive

Wisconsin's jobs numbers are expected to continue their upward climb, according to the Department of Revenue's (DOR) latest quarterly economic outlook. Here's an overview of some of the main highlights:

Wisconsin has added 38,600 jobs since total employment hit its bottom in January 2010.  By the first quarter of 2014, employment will return to its peak level of 2.9  million jobs reached in early 2008.

Personal income has increased four consecutive quarters through the fourth quarter of 2010.  Wisconsin personal income grew 3.4 percent in 2010.

Manufacturing employment growth is expected to remain strong over the next three years: 3.0% in 2011,

Take it from me, there's a new issue or a new distraction every day in Madison. But I promised to work first and foremost on jobs and improving our economy and I'm going to keep that promise. Keep watching this space for the latest news and proposals toward that goal.

Full DOR Spring Economic Outlook

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882  p;  Phone: (608)266-5660     (608) 267-6795    E-mail: Sen.Fitzgerald@legis.wi.gov