The Assembly’s top Democrat will be bringing up the need for a special session of the legislature as Governor Scott Walker hosts legislative leaders at the Governor’s Mansion today.
Minority Leader Peter Barca says lawmakers can take a number of steps to encourage job growth, most significantly “closing the skills gap.” This concern–of not enough qualified workers available–was reinforced when Barca recently met with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
“He (Duncan) said there are two million jobs in America that could be filled tomorrow, if people only have the skills,” said Barca while speaking to the Democratic Party in Manitowoc.
Barca said, just like tourism, Wisconsin needs to promote its manufacturing more aggressively throughout the U.S. He adds many businesses have expressed an interest in attending trade shows and working together to promote the manufacturing industry.
Democrats have been calling for a special session since the recall election gave them majority in the Senate.
On Monday, Walker said a special session is unlikely.
Damon Ryan-WOMT