Want assurance that public money being spent efficiently and legally to create jobs

Madison—Democrats on the legislature’s powerful budget committee have asked the head of Gov. Scott Walker’s new jobs agency to testify before the panel about mounting troubles at the agency.

The eight members of the Joint Finance Committee today sent the attached letter to Paul Jadin, the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, after new reports emerged about improper tax breaks the agency offered a Stevens Point information systems company.

The Democrats wrote to Jadin: “Today we learn that your agency made a firm offer of tax credits despite yours and the Governor’s recent rhetoric otherwise.  These issues, including what appears to be a misrepresentation of the truth, become more alarming when we, as your oversight body, must learn of a potential $14 million deficit in the corporation through the press.  Most importantly, Wisconsin has lost over 13,000 jobs in the month of May alone, and continues to be dead last in the nation for job creation. (We) must take additional immediate steps to ensure that your publicly-funded economic development is working for the best interests of Wisconsin taxpayers.”

The Democrats told Jadin they would not consider his request for additional tax credits until he comes before the committee to answer their questions.  The lawmakers said they want to ensure that WEDC is using the public’s money efficiently and legally to create jobs.