Presidential Visit Highlights Wisconsin Economic Challenges Print
News - Articles for State & Local
Written by Wisconsin Senate, Tony Palese   
Tuesday, 18 April 2017 16:46

trump-buy-americanWorkers have struggled and Wisconsin has lagged behind the nation in job creation for 21 consecutive quarters under Gov. Walker.


KENOSHA, WI – Wisconsin families agree that more needs to be done to create jobs, protect local workers and strengthen communities. As President Trump visits the state, Democrats are urging action on a range of proposals to expand economic opportunities and encourage local business growth.

jennifer-shilling“Democrats have championed Wisconsin communities and fought against policies that favor wealthy out-of-state special interests who want to undercut workers and small businesses,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “We know that our communities can thrive if we expand economic opportunities and promote a level playing field. That’s why we’ve fought to give Wisconsin workers and companies the first crack at state contracts rather than foreign corporations.”

“Unfortunately, workers have struggled and Wisconsin has lagged the nation in job creation for 21 consecutive quarters under Gov. Walker,” Shilling added “Rather than protecting local jobs, Gov. Walker and Legislative Republicans have spent the last six years giving more tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of hardworking families. It’s time to level the playing field, put the focus back on Wisconsin workers, and advance proven policies that will strengthen our middle class.”

Democrats have introduced several legislative proposals this session to promote Buy Wisconsin initiatives, eliminate Republican tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs, and restore workplace protections.

A recap of Republican policies that hurt Wisconsin workers:

  1. Wisconsin Republicans voted to kill the “Made in America Act” last session.
  2. Republicans have sided with foreign corporations who want to purchase large tracts of Wisconsin farmland.
  3. Republicans voted to outsource jobs and reduce the number of veterans employed on Wisconsin construction projects by eliminating prevailing wage protections and project labor agreements.
  4. Republican politicians have refused to take up the “Buy Wisconsin Act” this session.
  5. Gov. Walker has proposed cutting Wisconsin’s successful “Farm to School” program.
  6. Republican lawmakers have proposed a ban on life-saving medical research that threatens Wisconsin’s biotech industry, thousands of workers, and millions of research dollars.