Polk County Vice Chairperson, Sharon Kelly and Executive Board member Margo Johnson get a photo op with Governor Scott and Tonette Walker.

Listening to 7th District Representative – Congressman Sean Duffy at the Convention.

Polk County Vice Chairperson, Sharon Kelly and Executive Board member Margo Johnson get a photo op with Congressman Sean Duffy.

Local Polk County artist donated these, “Standing with Walker” feet to auction off to support Governor Walker’s fight in the Recall Election.

NEW DATA SHOWS WISCONSIN GAINED JOBS IN 2011

Rhetoric:         

Wisconsin Ranked Dead Last In Job Creation In 2011 And Lost 33,900 Jobs

Reality:             

Wisconsin Added 23,321 Jobs In 2011

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Actual Data Derived Directly From Wisconsin Employers Shows A Net Change From The Original Estimates To This Reliable Census Of Over 57,000 Jobs. The actual data derived directly from Wisconsin employers show that Wisconsin added 23,321 jobs in 2011, not the 33,900 loss that was previously believed. (Craig Gilbert, “Walker speeds release of positive jobs data,” Journal Sentinel, 5/15/12)

Where Does This Data Come From?

This Data Represents Actual Jobs From Employers That Are Required By Law To Submit Accurate Information.  The data is obtained from over 96 percent of Wisconsin employers, approximately 160,000 employers, compiled quarterly and submitted to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data is obtained from employers through their quarterly tax and unemployment insurance reports submitted to the Dept. of Workforce Development which describes this data as one of the best sources of detailed employment and wage statistics.  (DWD, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Website, http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/, accessed 5/15/12)

What About The Other Jobs Numbers?

Unlike The Quarterly Data, The Other Surveys Used To Determine Unemployment, Job Gains And Losses Use A Sampling Of Households And Businesses. The household and business establishment surveys utilize a small sample of Wisconsin households and employers. The household survey, samples just 1,450 Wisconsin households, about 3.5 percent of working age Wisconsinites. The business establishment polling is based on approximately 5,500 businesses as opposed to the quarterly data that is an actual count of approximately 160,000 employers. (DWD, “Actual Jobs Data Reported by Wisconsin Employers Show State Added Over 23,300 Jobs in 2011,” Press Release, 5/16/12; Worknet Website, http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/, accessed 5/15/12)

ARE THERE OTHER INDICATORS THAT SUPPORT THE POSITIVE ADJUSTMENT IN THE JOB NUMBERS? 

The Quarterly Jobs Numbers Released Confirm Other Indicators That Show Wisconsin Is Heading In The Right Direction.

Initial Unemployment Claims Lowest In Past 5 Years.

The number of initial unemployment claims in Wisconsin is dropping. If Wisconsin was losing tens of thousands of jobs as the business establishment survey suggested, the initial unemployment claims would be up dramatically, exactly the opposite of what they are doing.  (Dept. Of Revenue, “Changing the spot of the ball,” PowerPoint, March 2012)

The Continued Unemployment Insurance Claims Are Below 2011, 2010 and 2009 Levels.

The number of people that continue on unemployment has dropped to 10.86 percent below 2011 levels, consistent with the falling unemployment rate and the quarterly jobs data. (Dept. Of Revenue, “Changing the spot of the ball,” PowerPoint, March 2012)

Wisconsin Per Capita Income Growth In 2011 Was In Top 25 Percent Of Entire Nation.

Confirming the results of the quarterly jobs data, Wisconsin’s per capita income is growing, now 11^th in the nation. If Wisconsin citizens were losing their jobs, the per capita income growth would be declining. (US Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, “State Personal Income 2011,” Press Release, 3/28/11

In Fiscal Year 2012, Tax Collection Are Exceeding Estimates In All Three Major Categories- Income Taxes, Corporate Taxes And Sales Taxes. 

This is the actual dollars coming into the state. These results are consistent with the quarterly jobs data and the household survey.  (Dept. Of Revenue, “Changing the spot of the ball,” PowerPoint, March 2012)

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Is 6.8 Percent In March of 2012, The Lowest Since 2008.

This significant drop in the rate is consistent with the other indicators that show Wisconsin is moving in the right direction. (BLS, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, accessed 5/15/12.

Wisconsin Was One Of Only 18 States That Had A Significant Drop In The Unemployment Rate From March 2011 to March 2012.

At 6.8 Percent, Wisconsin also has the lowest unemployment rate in the entire Great Lakes Region. (BLS, “Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary,” Press Release, 4/20/12; BLS, LAUS, accessed 5/15/12)

Ciara Matthews
Communications Director
Friends of Scott Walker
Ciara@scottwalker.org
(608) 441-1641

Brown Deer, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker touted the Domestic Production Tax Credit at Argon Industries in Brown Deer today. The Domestic Production Tax Credit, part of the 2011-13 State Budget, gives manufacturers the tools to create well-paying manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin.

“Under Governor Walker’s leadership, Wisconsin manufacturers have created 14,400 jobs and our state is eighth in the nation in manufacturing job creation,” said Walker campaign spokeswoman Ciara Matthews. “Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has repeatedly promised to take Wisconsin backward by repealing tax relief for job creators, but he has failed to say which taxes he would like to raise. It is time for Mayor Barrett to come clean with Wisconsin voters and announce his intentions.”

“With more than 33,000 jobs created since Governor Walker took office and the unemployment rate plummeting to its lowest since 2008, it is certain the governor’s bold reforms and leadership are moving Wisconsin forward,” said Walker campaign spokeswoman Ciara Matthews. “Governor Walker’s policies have helped employers put more people back to work and our economy is moving toward greater prosperity for all. In contrast, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is presiding over a 28 percent spike in unemployment during his reign as mayor of the nation’s ninth poorest city. Wisconsinites cannot afford to undo the forward progress made under Governor Walker and go backward with Mayor Barrett and his failed record.”

The quarterly data issued today by the DWD is comprised of reports issued to 96 percent of Wisconsin employers (over 150,000 Wisconsin employers). The size of the reported universe makes quarterly data much more reliable, as monthly jobs numbers are created from a small sample – only 3.5 percent – of Wisconsin employers.

Madison, Wis. – Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch received an endorsement today from the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association for the upcoming recall election.

Dave Seager, president of the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association expressed support for Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch saying, “Today, we Milwaukee firefighters are proud to announce our endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch for the June 5th recall elections.

The Lieutenant Governor has consistently stood for the betterment of Wisconsin and has shown great support for us and our fellow first responders across the state. We look forward to seeing a continuation of good things in Wisconsin under the Lt. Governor’s watch.”

Responding to the endorsement, Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch reinforced her commitment to Milwaukee’s firefighters:

“I cannot begin to express my appreciation for the endorsement of the Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association,” stated Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. “These brave and selfless individuals continually make Wisconsin a safer place for all our citizens. I am honored and humbled by their support, and I look forward to continuing my work to support their efforts and the efforts of all firefighters across Wisconsin.”

Contact: Rachel Pecor
Phone: (608) 469-2789

Please join Sheila this Thursday night at the Hudson Victory Center in doing the critical work of making calls to identify supporters of Governor Walker.

Sheila will be making calls this Thursday night (May 17, 2012) beginning at 6:30 at the Victory Center at 213 S. Second St. in Hudson – In the strip mall across from the DQ.

Training will be provided for those who have not made calls previously. Please join her in supporting Governor Walker!

Another great opportunity to help the Governor fight back against the big-spending special interests is on Super Saturday this weekend.

Please contact Paul Carlson at the Hudson Victory Center at: pcarlson@wisgop.info or 715-808-0371 for more information on volunteering at the call center.

Let’s Keep Wisconsin Moving Forward!

“

WISCONSIN CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES GOVERNOR WALKER FOR RE-ELECTION

 Madison, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker received the endorsement of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association [WCGA] today for the upcoming recall election. The WCGA is an organization that supports the production and use of corn as food, feed, and fuel for Wisconsin.

“Walker has been a great Governor for rural Wisconsin,” said WCGA President Brian Long.  “He understands the challenges we face from over regulation, and he has put the state back in a strong fiscal position. We feel that Walker has assembled the most farmer-friendly administration in many years,” added Long.  “Ag Secretary Ben Brancel is a great leader for production agriculture and for the first time in many years, we actually feel that the DNR and DOT are listening to us.”

In reaction to the endorsement, Governor Walker said:

“Over the last 16 months we have given farmers greater opportunity to grow and thrive in Wisconsin by reforming the state’s regulatory burden and lowering statewide property taxes for the first time in over a decade. Family farmers are responsible for growing 90 percent of America’s corn, which is why we must do everything we can to ensure their success. I am honored to receive this endorsement.”

WISCONSIN’S BEST STATES FOR BUSINESS RANKING IMPROVES
21 PLACES UNDER GOVERNOR WALKER!

“The Badger State keeps rising”

Madison, Wis. – Survey data released today by Chief Executive magazine shows Wisconsin has improved its business ranking by 21 places under Governor Scott Walker’s pro-jobs agenda, from 41^st in the country to 20^th in just two years.

“Governor Walker’s forward-thinking reforms have given employers greater opportunity to expand and create jobs for the people of Wisconsin,” said Walker campaign Communications Director Ciara Matthews.  “This survey proves employers across Wisconsin and across the nation believe we are headed in the right direction and Governor Walker is moving Wisconsin forward.”

In addition to the tremendous strides Wisconsin is making under Governor Walker’s leadership, these survey results show Wisconsin was one of only eight states to see a rise of four or more places this year.

Chief Executive magazine’s article, “Will Wisconsin Rise Again?,” also points to a growing fear among employers that a change in the governor’s office would have a devastating effect for Wisconsin’s ability to create jobs:

[CEO of Quick Cable Corp. John] “Shannon and others worry still about this summer’s recall election. ‘This very committed opposition may recall Walker and put someone else in,’ he mused, ‘and then we’ll have the pendulum swinging abruptly the other way.’”

Chief Executive magazine’s “Best/Worst States for Business 2012” survey results can be found here: http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business-2012

Chief Executive magazine’s article “Will Wisconsin Rise Again?” can be found here: http://chiefexecutive.net/will-wisconsin-rise-again

Contact: Ciara Matthews
(608) 441-1641

Please note the following information:

Governor Scott Walker has a primary opponent, Arthur Kohl-Riggs – a protest candidate from Madison who proudly spent much of his time protesting at the capitol against Republicans.  The Wisconsin Republican Party and Polk County Republican Party both support and endorse Governor Scott Walker and urge you to get to the polls on May 8th and vote for our Governor, Scott Walker.

Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch will not be on the primary ballot because she does not have a primary opponent.  Lt. Governor Kleefisch is actively campaigning for the June 5th election.

The best way to help keep Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Kleefisch in office is to vote for Governor Walker on May 8th and to vote for Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Kleefisch on June 5th, 2012.

The Polk County Republican Party urges its members and all conservative republicans in Wisconsin to stay the course and not give up.

Questions?  Feel free to email questions or comments to: Chairman@PolkCountyRepublicans.com

On May 14, 2011, the Polk County Republicans met for their annual Lincoln Day Dinner.  Like many Republican Parties across the nation, the Polk County Republicans celebrated one of their greatest leaders by hosting a dinner in honor of our 16th President – Abraham Lincoln.

The dinner’s Master of Ceremonies was Chairman Sandy Fretwell, who introduced several special guests bringing updates from their legislative arenas.

Among them were:

• US Congressman Sean Duffy (CD-7)
• Assembly Speaker, Representative Jeff Fitzgerald (District 39)
• State Senator Sheila Harsdorf  (District 10)
• Representative Erik Severson (District 28)
• Representative Roger Rivard (District 75)

Honored Guests & Speakers

The Polk County Republican Party would like to thank all those who attended, with a special thank to the representatives who traveled to our district to give updates on the status in Washington and Madison.

This is a difficult time in our State and Nation.  Republicans have won overwhelmingly, despite the efforts of the liberal left.  Given the difficult challenge to balance the state and national budgets, Republicans’ efforts are being hampered by union thugs and liberals who would rather we all be miserable together, than allow businesses to thrive and grow in Wisconsin.

Right out of their playbook, Democrat’s typical tactics of distract & delay – followed by attack and deflect, are causing chaos inside the Capitol in Madison and around the state.   The unfortunate victim is the Wisconsin citizens who voted for fiscal responsibility and those who want a balanced budget.

We need to get behind the 6 senators who are being recalled by out of state union organizers – who have sent their ilk into our cities to collect signatures through lies and deceit.  We need to protect the conservative majority, whom we elected to do their job – from the socialist agenda of the Democrats in Madison.

It is time to stand up and fight for what is right and bring fiscal responsibility back to Madison!

Contact the Polk County Republican Party for more information on how you can help win this fight.