Governor Scott Walker talks job creation and, more specifically, mining legislation that supporters claim would provide good-paying jobs in northern Wisconsin. He says there’s no state that could “streamline the process for safe and environmentally sound mining” better than Wisconsin. “To do so in a way that could create not only 700 or more jobs in northwestern Wisconsin where we desperately need those jobs, but create thousands of jobs across the state of Wisconsin … with your help that’s exactly what we’re gonna do.”
Walker asks for help while speaking to a group of business leaders at a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce conference. He mentions a skills gap between the jobs employers have available and the workers applying to fill them.
The governor also alludes to a possible recall election. “In the next five or six months we’re gonna have an opportunity to make a choice in this state.” He says it’s a clear choice, “We either can go back to the days of double-digit tax increases, billion dollar budget deficits, and record job loss, or we can opt to move our state forward.”
Walker acknowledges preaching to choir at WMC, but says that’s because he wants them to sing — hoping they’ll help spread the word.
The governor also announces his pick to serve as a special consultant for Business and Workforce Development for the state of Wisconsin. Former President and CEO of Bucyrus International Tim Sullivan agreed to serve as a volunteer.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:45