MADISON- Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages shows that Wisconsin continues to fall behind in private sector job growth. For six consecutive years, Wisconsin’s private sector job growth was below the national average. In 2016, the state economy grew only 0.5%.
State Republicans, meanwhile, are continuing their feud over the state budget, as negotiations stall due to infighting between the Senate and the Assembly. Rep. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton), the Assistant Democratic Assembly Leader, released the following statement:
“Six straight years of Governor Walker and six straight years of below average economic growth in Wisconsin. The writing is on the wall: Governor Walker’s attempts to grow our economy by handing out tax giveaways to millionaires isn’t working and it’s time for change.
“What’s so disappointing is that these corporate giveaways clearly aren’t helping grow our economy. However, they clearly are hampering Wisconsin’s ability to adequately fund other priorities. The Republicans find themselves at a budget impasse on how to fund our K-12 schools due to their continual financial mismanagement over the last six years. A budget is about priorities and its clear Republicans prefer corporate tax giveaways over investing in our children and the next generation of leaders. Not good.”
