After six years, the jobs creation agency fails on basic accountability.

MADISON - Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) audit:

“There continue to be bi-partisan concerns about how WEDC is spending taxpayer money. It’s time to turn that bi-partisan concern into bi-partisan reform. The purpose of WEDC is to create jobs for Wisconsin workers and grow our economy.

“As a board member, I am heartened that some administrative improvements have been made, but fundamental issues still remain.

“As a legislator, it is disappointing to see that two audits two years apart point out identical problems. WEDC must take immediate steps as the governor has not been willing to correct these problems as part of his budget.

“Walker’s agency is handing out millions of taxpayer dollars without proof that our money is creating jobs or even significantly enhancing the economy. Taxpayers deserve to know that they are getting the biggest bang for their hard-earned bucks.

“Another major issue is that the total number of unpaid loans has skyrocketed from $1.3 million two years ago to more than $11 million today. This also needs immediate attention."

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Olivia Hwang contributed this story.