It is vital that we continue to focus on creating a more vibrant economy and growing more family-sustaining jobs. This must involve targeted economic growth – both within the greater Milwaukee area and the state level - that fosters an environment for family-sustaining jobs.

I have fought for a number of important measures aimed at putting people back to work and getting our economy back on track. Last session, I voted to approve more than $200 million in job creation incentives and strengthened efforts to boost every sector of our state’s economy.

In order to strengthen our workforce and assist individuals who were out of work, I voted to extend vital unemployment benefits for individuals actively seeking employment within our communities. Similarly this session, I fought to allow Wisconsin to capture $89 million in federal funding for extended unemployment insurance benefits.

I have also been a strong advocate for targeted investments in start-up businesses that are vital to creating a vibrant 21st Century economy. Last session, I voted to approve a number of measures that incentivize investments in emerging technologies and encourage innovative partnerships between business and research institutions.

In addition, I have authored legislation this session that would leverage $500 million in home-grown venture capital dedicated to building Wisconsin’s companies and our state’s economy. Investment capital has been identified as one of the most effective tools Wisconsin businesses need to grow and create new jobs, and my proposal will accomplish this without creating massive tax loopholes for out-of-state corporations or giving handouts to special interests.