Wisconsin could see big benefits from adding extra money to its tourism marketing budget now, instead of waiting for the next budget. State Senators Jim Holperin (D-Eagle River) and Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) make that argument in a letter to Governor Walker, where they ask him to consider adding legislation to a special session call that would give the Department of Tourism an extra $2 million for marketing efforts.
Holperin, a former tourism secretary, says adding the funds now would allow Tourism to expand its advertising efforts ahead of the summer travel season. He says that would result in more visitors to the state this year, and would provide an incentive for tourism-related businesses to hire more workers for the peak travel season.
A spokesman for the Governor says Walker is open to considering any legislation that will help create jobs.