State ranks 32nd overall over the past year.

MADISON – New figures released today by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics show Wisconsin ranks 32nd in private-sector job growth over the past year, trailing Midwest states including Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa and Indiana. These numbers come from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Wisconsin’s private-sector job growth rate of 1.45 percent also trails the national rate of 2.3 percent.

In response, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement:

“Wisconsin’s economic growth continues to sputter under Republican leadership and I am deeply concerned about what that means for real families and workers in Wisconsin who are still struggling to get by.

“Instead of focusing on creating a thriving economy that works for all people, Republicans have been pushing a flurry of political distractions, from rolling back the rights of workers and businesses to firing our non-partisan election referees.

“In the coming legislative session, we must emphasize economic development efforts that create family-supporting jobs and pay fair wages and ensure more job training opportunities for our hardworking men and women who want to improve their skills. Putting forward a bold, vibrant agenda that strengthens our middle class and workers trying hard to get there is only way we can start turning Wisconsin’s economy around.”