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Accurate numbers tell the real story

In reply to Ron Reynolds’ recent letter to the editor: No matter how many times you write it or speak it, that doesn’t change the fact that 103,000 jobs is still far short of the 250,000 jobs that candidate Scott Walker promised to create in four years when he ran for governor. 

What Wisconsin taxpayers have enjoyed the most benefit from Walker’s so-called tax reforms? According to Wisconsin Department of Revenue those with incomes of $100,000 or more will enjoy the greatest benefits.

What 96 percent employer confidence that Reynolds mentioned? This number was created when Walker used surveys by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business lobby and key supporters of Walker. These surveys were conducted to show how good the corporate elite feel about Wisconsin since Walker took office. Their feeling good has not created many new jobs in our state.

The 17,000 businesses that Walker claims were created in Wisconsin are just another manipulation of facts or the lack thereof. According to the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, the acknowledged authority on this subject, by the end of 2013, 4,024 new businesses had been created under Walker. 

To pad these poor numbers, the administration counted the new “business entities” listed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Most of these “business entities” include nonprofit organizations, such as newly formed Little League teams, Boys and Girls Scout troops, sports clubs, religious and civic groups. Also included in that number are out-of-state businesses that file forms with the state in order to sell products in Wisconsin.

No matter how Republicans spin the numbers, Walker’s policies still leave Wisconsin last in the Midwest and 37th in the nation when it comes to job creation since he was elected.  

George Lorenz
Waupaca

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