November 26, 2012
For Immediate Release
Web Video Release: Governor Scott Walker Launches Statewide Talk with Walker Tour
Governor Walker Talks with Wisconsinites about Their Ideas for a Better Wisconsin
To view web video on the Talk with Walker Tour, Please Click Here
Madison—This week, Governor Walker kicks off his statewide Talk with Walker tour. For the next several months, the Governor will talk with Wisconsinites about their priorities and ideas for building a better Wisconsin.
To hear more from Governor Walker about the upcoming tour, please view his web video here.
This week, Governor Walker kicks off his statewide Talk with Walker tour. For the next several months, the Governor will talk with Wisconsinites about their priorities and ideas for building a better Wisconsin.
“Over the last few months, I’ve outlined my top five priorities for helping our economy grow and making sure our kids get the best education we can give them,” said Governor Walker. “I’m looking forward to talking with people around Wisconsin about what is important to them. We are looking for bold ideas and real solutions to the problems facing our state.”
Earlier this month, Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch informed Governor Walker and the legislature that the budget is in a strong fiscal position. Revenue estimates are up $1.5 billion for the FY13-15 budget, and the state will deposit money into the rainy day fund in back-to-back years for the first time in state history.
“Our reforms laid the groundwork for us to manage our state budget, so we can focus on our priorities,” said Governor Walker. “As we work on the budget, I want to have a conversation with the people of Wisconsin about the best ways to move our state forward.”
The Talk with Walker tour will allow Governor Walker to incorporate ideas from Wisconsinites across the state into his legislative agenda and upcoming budget.
Governor Walker will introduce a budget in February focusing on five key areas:
Creating Jobs: Before 2010, Wisconsin lost more than 100,000 jobs. While the state is growing jobs and job creators are optimistic, more needs to be done. Wisconsin will continue to build off of the pro-growth environment already established to attract and create new businesses and grow existing ones.
Developing Our Workforce: There is a growing demand for skilled workers to fill great jobs in manufacturing and construction. Between 2012 and 2015, the new job growth forecast estimates Wisconsin will have more than 63,000 available skilled trade, manufacturing, and construction jobs, but skilled workers are needed to fill those openings. Wisconsin must help people learn the skills they need to meet the requirements of in-demand jobs. By fixing the skills gap, more people can get good-paying jobs and help Wisconsin's economy grow.
Transforming Education: Giving every child in Wisconsin, regardless of their zip code, access to a great education is the right thing to do. Together, we initiated bold reforms allowing local leaders to make the decisions they feel are best for the students in the classroom. In just the first year, school districts saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in health insurance costs alone, so they can put more money into our kids’ classrooms, instead of into administrative costs. While the reforms enacted in the last budget allow schools to make sure they have the best and brightest teachers in classrooms, more can be done to recruit and retain great teachers.
Following through on Read to Lead will ensure kids learn to read by third grade, so they can use that fundamental skill of reading to learn throughout their lives.
Wisconsin’s children must be well prepared for their futures, whether at college or practicing a skilled trade. The new school report cards are a good start in improving transparency and accountability because they let parents and school districts know how their kids’ schools are actually performing. More work must be done to put in place accountability measures to make sure our kids are learning from great, dedicated teachers.
Reforming Government: Finding efficiencies is a priority for government as a whole. Over the last two years, the state has made strides by reaching out to state employees and citizens to find more ways to eliminate waste, while maintaining quality services. Better use of office space and elimination of duplicated services across state agencies are just a couple examples of money-saving solutions. Spending less allows the state the focus to be on what government should be doing.
Investing in Infrastructure: Every industry depends on roads, railways, and harbors. The challenge is funding. Previous administrations used the money that was supposed to be for long-term transportation projects to balance their budgets. A robust public debate to decide how best to repair the damage done to the transportation fund will be healthy for Wisconsin.
The Talk with Walker Tour will bring the Governor to many different areas of the state to visit with workers, employers, taxpayers, editorial boards, and many other Wisconsin citizens.
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