With more than 230,000 Wisconsin citizens unable to find work, a national unemployment rate in the double digits for the first time in 26 years, and Wisconsin's job climate ranked as the third worst in the nation, one thing is clear: The state Legislature needs to act quickly and decisively to enact measures designed to spur economic development and create jobs.
However, the State Assembly and State Senate, both controlled by Democratic majorities, have done next to nothing to address this No. 1 issue facing Wisconsin families. In fact, the Legislature has adjourned for the rest of the year until mid January 2010.
This is unacceptable. Therefore, I have joined my colleagues in calling for an extraordinary special session of the Legislature to convene to take immediate action on jobs and the economy.
Assembly Republicans have a plan to help turn the economy around and create jobs. Earlier this year we created a special Jobs Now Task Force, which went directly to the businesses in our state that will create the jobs we need. We listened to their suggestions and crafted a package of legislation designed to foster economic growth and a positive job creation environment. Unfortunately, after being introduced, none of these bills have been taken up for consideration by the full State Assembly.
I urge Speaker Sheridan to heed our call and take action yet this year. I am open to putting all ideas on the table - both Democrats' and Republicans'. I know for a fact we can act quickly to pass legislation. Just last week the State Assembly fast-tracked legislation related to "Race to the Top" federal funding as a result of President Obama's visit to the Madison area. The education legislation was introduced and quickly passed in less than two weeks.
I hope the leadership in both the Assembly and Senate see things as urgently as we do on the other side of the aisle. The economic recovery of our state depends on it.
However, the State Assembly and State Senate, both controlled by Democratic majorities, have done next to nothing to address this No. 1 issue facing Wisconsin families. In fact, the Legislature has adjourned for the rest of the year until mid January 2010.
This is unacceptable. Therefore, I have joined my colleagues in calling for an extraordinary special session of the Legislature to convene to take immediate action on jobs and the economy.
Assembly Republicans have a plan to help turn the economy around and create jobs. Earlier this year we created a special Jobs Now Task Force, which went directly to the businesses in our state that will create the jobs we need. We listened to their suggestions and crafted a package of legislation designed to foster economic growth and a positive job creation environment. Unfortunately, after being introduced, none of these bills have been taken up for consideration by the full State Assembly.
I urge Speaker Sheridan to heed our call and take action yet this year. I am open to putting all ideas on the table - both Democrats' and Republicans'. I know for a fact we can act quickly to pass legislation. Just last week the State Assembly fast-tracked legislation related to "Race to the Top" federal funding as a result of President Obama's visit to the Madison area. The education legislation was introduced and quickly passed in less than two weeks.
I hope the leadership in both the Assembly and Senate see things as urgently as we do on the other side of the aisle. The economic recovery of our state depends on it.
