Governor Walker signs Commerce bill (PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
The governor signs his seventh bill into law today.
Governor Scott Walker signs legislation to overhaul the state Commerce Department into a public-private partnership whose focus will be on job creation. The bill signing includes Walker’s first veto — a partial technical veto, he says, to ensure a smooth transition for employees who want government benefits.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that the employees of the new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation … should they choose to go forward with opting in to the Wisconsin Retirement System, can do so.”
Critics worry about Walker’s Administration shutting down existing economic development programs administered by the Commerce Department, including minority, disabled veteran, and woman-owned businesses. Walker says this new entity will be even more aggressive and will offer more flexibility.
The new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will control $87 million in state-funded job creation programs. After the bill signing Walker tweeted the new law is “another sign Wisconsin is open for business.”