I am constantly amazed by the Walker ads and the letters to the editor submitted by his supporters. No matter what negative national jobs numbers are released the fantasy scripts are followed.
What part of “last” or “near the bottom” don’t they understand? Instead, they go back to the administration of Gov. Jim Doyle and its struggles with the national recession left by former President George Bush.
A quick check of the facts (Bureau of Labor Statistics- QCEW) show Wisconsin’s economic growth slightly below average during the first part of Doyle’s term, but with the help of Mary Burke, its yearly rankings were steadily improving to the point of being above average in 2010. Not great, but getting better. “Last” or “near the bottom” were never quoted.
Now look at the same rankings among the states and with the national average since Walker took office. After benefiting from Doyle’s above average ranking of 2010 leading into 2011, he has managed to turn upward momentum into steep decline for 2012, 2013 and part of 2014. How in the world could anyone be proud of that?
Given Wisconsin’s low ranking, especially in the Midwest, how can it expect to attract the growth needed for economic survival? In what state would a new graduate or a new business want to locate? Four more years of Walker and Illinois will never have to worry about being last again.
Sandy deBeers
Waupaca