“Wisconsin’s participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program is another step toward eliminating barriers for small business growth,” Governor Walker said.  “This agreement will enable Wisconsin’s many high-quality meat processors to expand their customer bases and get their products to new markets while continuing a well-established state-industry partnership for food safety, without making expensive changes to their facilities.”  READ MORE HERE.

INVESTING IN WISCONSIN: GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER KICKS OFF “TAX RELIEF FOR WISCONSIN” TOUR
Wausau – Governor Scott Walker kicked off his “Tax Relief for Wisconsin Tour” at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau today and called on members of the Assembly and Senate to support the 2013-15 Biennial Budget’s tax relief package totaling nearly $1 billion.

“Everyone in Wisconsin who pays income taxes will receive a cut under this package, and the largest rate cuts will be for those making between $15,000 and $50,000 per year,” Governor Scott Walker said.  “Middle-class families deserve a break, which is why I'm calling on members of the Assembly and Senate to pass a budget providing nearly $1 billion in tax relief for the hardworking taxpayers.  We've accomplished a great deal to improve Wisconsin's business climate and providing this relief will continue our efforts to make our state more competitive."  READ MORE HERE.

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER MAKES THREE APPOINTMENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS
Madison – Governor Scott Walker today announced the appointments of Margaret Farrow, Janice Mueller, and Joshua Inglett to the University of Wisconsin (UW) System Board of Regents.  The appointments are two citizen members and one student member, respectively.  READ MORE HERE.

ICYMI: 94 PERCENT OF WISCONSIN EMPLOYERS SURVEYED SAY WISCONSIN IS “GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION”
Madison – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce yesterday released its mid-year economic outlook survey results.  In the report, 94 percent of job creators said the state is “going in the right direction.”  In 2010, only 10 percent thought Wisconsin was headed in the right direction.  READ MORE HERE.

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER ATTENDS THE U.S. – JAPAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Fontana – Governor Scott Walker attended the U.S. – Japan Economic Development Conference today in Fontana, Wisconsin.  The conference was held as a platform to discuss exports and the trade relationship between the United States and Japan.

“We have enjoyed good trade relations with Japan for many years, and I’m glad we are looking at ways to expand our business with this great nation,” Governor Walker said.  “Increasing our exports and business opportunities with Japan will continue to be mutually beneficial for both countries.  As we continue to grow our economy, this relationship is one that I’m proud to say is growing.”  READ MORE HERE.

HUSCO INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS TO MEET GROWING AUTO MARKET
Waukesha – HUSCO International is embarking on a multi-year $45 million capital expansion project in Wisconsin that is expected to generate over 150 permanent new jobs by 2015.

“I congratulate HUSCO for making this major investment in its operations to grow in Wisconsin,” said Governor Scott Walker.  “HUSCO is well-positioned to expand its leadership in automotive engineering efficiency technologies, and I’m pleased the State of Wisconsin is a partner in supporting the company’s growth.”  READ MORE HERE.

ICYMI: MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: "REPORT: ACT 10 DRIVES DOWN MPS RETIREE HEALTH CARE, PENSION COSTS"
Madison – The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published an article today titled “Report: Act 10 drives down MPS retiree health care, pension costs” which cites an actuarial report showing Milwaukee Public Schools saved more than $1 billion from its long-term benefit costs. A portion of the article is below:

Milwaukee Public Schools will be spending about 45% less per-pupil on pension and retiree health care expenses by 2020, according to a report released Thursday that details how MPS has reduced its post-employment benefit obligations. READ MORE HERE.

STATEMENT ON JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVING INCOME TAX CUTS FOR MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES
Madison – Governor Scott Walker released the following statement regarding the Joint Finance Committee’s approval of income tax cuts for middle-class families:

Because of our tough, but prudent, decisions we are now able to invest in our priorities.  Cutting income taxes for middle-class families is one of those priorities, and I’m pleased the budget now includes tax relief totaling nearly $1 billion for the hardworking taxpayers.  This tax relief is the largest since the 1999-2001 budget, and it also simplifies our tax code.  While there is much work left to be done, we are headed in the right direction and we’re moving Wisconsin forward.

STATEMENT ON JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL CHOICE EXPANSION
Madison – Governor Scott Walker released the following statement regarding the Joint Finance Committee’s approval of additional funds for public schools and an expansion of the parental choice program:

When increased state revenues were announced, I called on the legislature to give more money to Wisconsin’s public schools, and I am happy to see additional aid included in this budget for public education.  READ MORE HERE.

STATEMENT ON JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF MEDICAID PROPOSAL
Madison –Governor Scott Walker issued the following statement today following the Joint Finance Committee’s approval of his Medicaid proposal:

Under our plan, everyone in Wisconsin will have access to affordable health care options, and we are building upon Wisconsin’s strong track record of providing affordable health care to our people.  These reforms strengthen Wisconsin’s safety net for those in need, while protecting our taxpayers from unnecessary risk and the fiscal uncertainty coming out of Washington, D.C. 

I thank the members of the Joint Finance Committee for approving this important reform that is based on providing the best outcome for our citizens, not on obtaining short-term financial assistance for Wisconsin. 

GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER MEETS WITH UW-GREEN BAY STUDENTS TO DISCUSS HISTORIC TWO-YEAR UW SYSTEM TUITION FREEZE
Green Bay – Governor Scott Walker met with UW-Green Bay students today to discuss the historic two-year tuition freeze added to the proposed 2013-2015 Biennial Budget.  This two-year freeze will be a first for the UW System since its inception in 1971.

“It’s great to be here at UW-Green Bay to hear from these students about college tuition costs,” Governor Walker said.  “Tuition at four-year institutions in the UW System has increased by at least 5.5 percent every year since 2001, far surpassing the rate of inflation.  In this budget, we included a two-year tuition freeze to lighten the load for students and their families.  They deserve a break.”  READ MORE HERE.


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