Saturday, May 22, 2010
Barrett unveils plan aiming to create 180,000 jobs | AP | 05/20/2010
Barrett unveils plan aiming to create 180,000 jobs | AP | 05/20/2010
Barrett unveils plan aiming to create 180,000 jobs
VERONA, Wis. - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett unveiled a job creation plan Thursday that relies on targeted tax breaks, a reorganization of economic development programs and an emphasis on helping startup companies.
Barrett did not have a cost for the plan, saying that would hinge on how much money is available under the state budget. The Milwaukee mayor said his goal would be to create at least 180,000 jobs in his first term, which is roughly how many have been lost since the recession began two years ago.
"This is the blueprint for the house," Barrett said at a news conference inside Full Compass, a Madison-area audio-visual equipment supplier. "We'll have more specifics as we move forward."
One of his main ideas is to create a new job creation office within the governor's office that would be responsible for consolidating and organizing economic development efforts across state government. Barrett said the plan would be modeled after programs in Oklahoma and Texas.
Barrett wants to streamline the regulatory approval process so companies will not be lost in a sea of red tape awaiting approval on projects. He also proposed creating a $100 million venture capital fund over five years that could be used to assist startup companies.
Barrett also voiced support for expanding the state's film tax incentives, a program that current Gov. Jim Doyle gutted in his budget last year.
Most of Barrett's proposals would require legislative approval, although some could be done administratively.
State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, was at the news conference and said he thinks the Legislature would be receptive to the plan.
"Anything that is going to spur job growth immediately is a good thing," Erpenbach said.
The Legislature is currently controlled by Democrats, but the makeup for the new governor will be determined following the November election.
Even though it lacks an overall price tag and details in many areas, Barrett's 67-page economic development plan is by far the most expansive of any of the three major candidates for governor.
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, the two main Republicans running, have broadly discussed their economic development ideas.
Both have supported repealing tax increases approved by the Legislature in the past two years that raised taxes on large businesses and people earning over $300,000 a year. Barrett supports keeping those taxes in place.
Barrett's plan did not include any tax increases.
Walker has said that his six-point economic development proposal would create 250,000 jobs within four years. Walker's plan calls for lowering taxes, improving health care, education and infrastructure, ending frivolous lawsuits, and reducing regulations.
Neumann, who supports cutting taxes and government spending, has not put a number on how many jobs he could create if elected.
,,,
Online:
Tom Barrett: http://www.barrettforwisconsin.com/
Mark Neumann: http://markforgov.com/
Scott Walker: http://www.scottwalker.org/
All about Tom Barret courtesy of Wikipedia!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Barrett_%28politician%29
All about Tom Barret courtesy of Wikipedia!
All about Tom Barret courtesy of Wikipedia!
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett: "Urban Folk Hero"
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett: "Urban Folk Hero"
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett: "Urban Folk Hero"
Posted By Josh Goodman | August 24, 2009
12486_barrett0904 As the Associated Press notes, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has gained some notoriety ahead of a potential bid for governor, but, for all of the aspiring politicians out there, don't try this at home:
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Milwaukee's mayor has bloody cuts on his face, smashed teeth and a fractured hand -- but he's not exactly hurting politically. Ever since he confronted a metal-bar wielding man near the state fair, Tom Barrett has become a sort of urban folk hero, with T-shirts comparing him to Superman or saying ''Our Mayor Ain't No Cream Puff.''
President Barack Obama gave him a get-well call, and some are saying the status might help, at least temporarily, if he decides to run for governor.
''That story is a great story for any candidate, and they'd love to have that,'' said University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett: "Urban Folk Hero"
Posted By Josh Goodman | August 24, 2009
12486_barrett0904 As the Associated Press notes, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has gained some notoriety ahead of a potential bid for governor, but, for all of the aspiring politicians out there, don't try this at home:
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Milwaukee's mayor has bloody cuts on his face, smashed teeth and a fractured hand -- but he's not exactly hurting politically. Ever since he confronted a metal-bar wielding man near the state fair, Tom Barrett has become a sort of urban folk hero, with T-shirts comparing him to Superman or saying ''Our Mayor Ain't No Cream Puff.''
President Barack Obama gave him a get-well call, and some are saying the status might help, at least temporarily, if he decides to run for governor.
''That story is a great story for any candidate, and they'd love to have that,'' said University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Charles Franklin.
Milwaukee Mayor and Democrat Tom Barrett keys on jobs in his first gubernatorial TV ad
Milwaukee Mayor and Democrat Tom Barrett keys on jobs in his first gubernatorial TV ad
MADISON — Democrat Tom Barrett began running his first television ad of the governor's race on Tuesday, touting his record of job creation as mayor of Milwaukee.
Barrett, the only major Democratic candidate, is a latecomer to the airwaves. Republicans Mark Neumann and Scott Walker have aired several ads each since February and March, respectively.
In the minute-long ad called "Jobs for Wisconsin," Barrett focuses on his record of job creation in Milwaukee and also talks about details of the plan he released last week for how he would create jobs if elected governor.
"We all know government doesn't create jobs, businesses do," Barrett says at the end of the ad. "But working together, we can help pave the way. I've done it before and now I want to do it for all of Wisconsin."
Walker, in a statement, said Barrett's support for business tax increases passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle hurt job creation.
In the ad, Barrett mentions recent announcements by Milwaukee companies that are adding jobs.
Despite those announcements, the Milwaukee area has been struggling with unemployment rates higher than the statewide average. Unemployment in Milwaukee was 12.3 percent in March, according to the state Department of Workforce Development.
Neumann said in a statement that it was puzzling for Barrett to tout job creation in his first ad.
"Under his watch, Milwaukee has seen a stunning number of jobs disappear," Neumann said. "Tom Barrett is ill-equipped to solve Wisconsin's jobs crisis."
MADISON — Democrat Tom Barrett began running his first television ad of the governor's race on Tuesday, touting his record of job creation as mayor of Milwaukee.
Barrett, the only major Democratic candidate, is a latecomer to the airwaves. Republicans Mark Neumann and Scott Walker have aired several ads each since February and March, respectively.
In the minute-long ad called "Jobs for Wisconsin," Barrett focuses on his record of job creation in Milwaukee and also talks about details of the plan he released last week for how he would create jobs if elected governor.
"We all know government doesn't create jobs, businesses do," Barrett says at the end of the ad. "But working together, we can help pave the way. I've done it before and now I want to do it for all of Wisconsin."
Walker, in a statement, said Barrett's support for business tax increases passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle hurt job creation.
In the ad, Barrett mentions recent announcements by Milwaukee companies that are adding jobs.
Despite those announcements, the Milwaukee area has been struggling with unemployment rates higher than the statewide average. Unemployment in Milwaukee was 12.3 percent in March, according to the state Department of Workforce Development.
Neumann said in a statement that it was puzzling for Barrett to tout job creation in his first ad.
"Under his watch, Milwaukee has seen a stunning number of jobs disappear," Neumann said. "Tom Barrett is ill-equipped to solve Wisconsin's jobs crisis."
A letter from Barack Obama.com
James --
On Thursday, the Senate passed historic Wall Street reform. This movement proved again that the strongest special interests, who for so long have called the shots in Washington, can be beat.
When opponents in Congress tried to block the legislation altogether, you stood up -- and they backed down. When the lobbyists pushed for loopholes and exemptions just before a final vote, you did not relent -- and we fought them off.
Your support brought us to this day -- and, because of that, we're poised to implement sensible reforms that will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth.
Now, the House and Senate must iron out their differences before I can sign it into law. But the financial industry will not give up. They have already spent more than $1 million per member of Congress, lobbying on this issue. And in the coming days, they will go all in. This is their last shot to stall, weaken, or kill reform, and they are not accustomed to losing.
But this movement has you -- and together, we have beaten the special interests before.
Please donate $5 or more today to help Organizing for America continue to mobilize thousands -- to counter the special interests' attacks and get strong Wall Street reform to my desk.
Every American has a stake in this bill.
If you have ever been treated unfairly by a credit card company, this reform works for you -- never again will Americans be duped by fine print or hidden fees.
If you ever try to take out a home loan or student loan, this reform works for you -- putting an end to predatory and deceptive lending practices.
And, if you or your small business relies on credit from community banks that are being punished for playing by the rules while their competitors do not, this reform works for you -- reining in the big banks and making sure all our lenders are subject to tough oversight.
These reforms would put in place the strongest consumer financial protections in history. And, by helping safeguard our economy from recklessness on Wall Street, it would ensure that a crisis like the one that caused this recession never happens again.
This is not a zero-sum game where Wall Street loses and Main Street wins. As we have learned, in today's economy, we are all connected. When the economy prospers, we all win. Senators of both parties recognize that fact, and that is why lawmakers stood up to the lobbyists and worked across the aisle to ensure that Wall Street reform passed.
But this fight is not yet over. And it is up to us to overcome this final test and pass reform into law. When we do, the power of this movement to make change in Washington -- despite the best efforts of the special interests -- will no longer be up for debate.
Please donate $5 or more today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/WSRSenateVictory
On Thursday, the Senate passed historic Wall Street reform. This movement proved again that the strongest special interests, who for so long have called the shots in Washington, can be beat.
When opponents in Congress tried to block the legislation altogether, you stood up -- and they backed down. When the lobbyists pushed for loopholes and exemptions just before a final vote, you did not relent -- and we fought them off.
Your support brought us to this day -- and, because of that, we're poised to implement sensible reforms that will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth.
Now, the House and Senate must iron out their differences before I can sign it into law. But the financial industry will not give up. They have already spent more than $1 million per member of Congress, lobbying on this issue. And in the coming days, they will go all in. This is their last shot to stall, weaken, or kill reform, and they are not accustomed to losing.
But this movement has you -- and together, we have beaten the special interests before.
Please donate $5 or more today to help Organizing for America continue to mobilize thousands -- to counter the special interests' attacks and get strong Wall Street reform to my desk.
Every American has a stake in this bill.
If you have ever been treated unfairly by a credit card company, this reform works for you -- never again will Americans be duped by fine print or hidden fees.
If you ever try to take out a home loan or student loan, this reform works for you -- putting an end to predatory and deceptive lending practices.
And, if you or your small business relies on credit from community banks that are being punished for playing by the rules while their competitors do not, this reform works for you -- reining in the big banks and making sure all our lenders are subject to tough oversight.
These reforms would put in place the strongest consumer financial protections in history. And, by helping safeguard our economy from recklessness on Wall Street, it would ensure that a crisis like the one that caused this recession never happens again.
This is not a zero-sum game where Wall Street loses and Main Street wins. As we have learned, in today's economy, we are all connected. When the economy prospers, we all win. Senators of both parties recognize that fact, and that is why lawmakers stood up to the lobbyists and worked across the aisle to ensure that Wall Street reform passed.
But this fight is not yet over. And it is up to us to overcome this final test and pass reform into law. When we do, the power of this movement to make change in Washington -- despite the best efforts of the special interests -- will no longer be up for debate.
Please donate $5 or more today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/WSRSenateVictory
Tom's plan to create Wisconsin jobs
Tom's plan to create Wisconsin jobs
Everyone understands that businesses create jobs, but we can build an even stronger economy in Wisconsin with a full partner in the governor's office paving the way. We need ideas and action to get Wisconsin's economy moving. We need policies that will trigger the creation of jobs immediately – not vague promises to create jobs in the distant future. And we need a comprehensive plan that will build long-term economic success – not simplistic 'solutions' and slogans.
Download Tom Barrett's detailed jobs plan as a PDF.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
To achieve these critical objectives, Tom's aggressive and specific plan leverages Wisconsin's traditional strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and outstanding institutions of higher learning to sustain growth in emerging new industries. His vision features specific plans for investments in financial capital, our colleges and universities, and workforce skills that make the difference in whether the high-paying jobs of the future come to Wisconsin or go elsewhere.
Tom's proactive plan features dozens of inter-related ideas to address our economic future, and is built around five core principles to create Wisconsin jobs:
Targeted tax cuts to help spur private sector job creation. Tax cuts and other incentives for businesses must be directly linked to creating jobs. As Governor, Tom will make sure that tax cuts are targeted to employers that will utilize them to actually create jobs and invest in Wisconsin. He will:
* Launch the construction projects we need to strengthen our economic infrastructure and create jobs immediately.
* Increase research & development expenditures, as well as patent and software royalties, to encourage development of the products of the future right here in Wisconsin.
* Create venture capital and angel investments, to ensure that Wisconsin entrepreneurs have the capital they need to launch new businesses.
* Make investments in bio-fuels, green buildings, and the other new technologies we need to lower our energy costs, achieve energy independence, and make us more competitive in the industries of the future.
* Invest in dairy production and processing, and farming coops, to preserve the traditional backbone of our communities.
Jump-start job creation right now. Tom understands that our first goal must be to gain back the jobs Wisconsin has lost in the national recession. His plan includes a "Jobs Now" Initiative that will start immediately to provide the kinds of assistance and incentives that businesses need to create jobs quickly, such as:
* Cutting red-tape to get new construction projects going – projects that are needed for our long-term economic vitality.
* Investing in the workforce training and skills development that will attract new economic activity and translate into new job opportunities.
* Developing a pro-active rapid response team to quickly provide services to companies looking to expand. That team will be charged with fast tracking regulatory/permit issues, job training needs, and economic development assistance.
* Creating a business-to-business connector that will establish a database linking Wisconsin suppliers and encouraging more sales for Wisconsin businesses.
Put job creation in the Governor's Office. Right now, responsibility for economic development in Wisconsin is spread across 150 programs in 25 agencies. There is no substitute for leadership from the governor, and Tom’s plan will consolidate and organize economic development in an Office of Job Creation right in the Governor’s office, reporting directly to the Governor. Not only will this improve economic development, it will send a clear message to businesses across Wisconsin, the nation and the world that in Wisconsin under Governor Barrett job creation is job one.
Everyone understands that businesses create jobs, but we can build an even stronger economy in Wisconsin with a full partner in the governor's office paving the way. We need ideas and action to get Wisconsin's economy moving. We need policies that will trigger the creation of jobs immediately – not vague promises to create jobs in the distant future. And we need a comprehensive plan that will build long-term economic success – not simplistic 'solutions' and slogans.
Download Tom Barrett's detailed jobs plan as a PDF.
Tom's detailed job creation vision will improve Wisconsin's business climate, encourage entrepreneurship at the heart of the new global economy, spur new business activity, jump-start needed construction, and develop the workforce talent to attract new businesses to our state quickly.
To achieve these critical objectives, Tom's aggressive and specific plan leverages Wisconsin's traditional strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and outstanding institutions of higher learning to sustain growth in emerging new industries. His vision features specific plans for investments in financial capital, our colleges and universities, and workforce skills that make the difference in whether the high-paying jobs of the future come to Wisconsin or go elsewhere.
Tom's proactive plan features dozens of inter-related ideas to address our economic future, and is built around five core principles to create Wisconsin jobs:
Targeted tax cuts to help spur private sector job creation. Tax cuts and other incentives for businesses must be directly linked to creating jobs. As Governor, Tom will make sure that tax cuts are targeted to employers that will utilize them to actually create jobs and invest in Wisconsin. He will:
* Launch the construction projects we need to strengthen our economic infrastructure and create jobs immediately.
* Increase research & development expenditures, as well as patent and software royalties, to encourage development of the products of the future right here in Wisconsin.
* Create venture capital and angel investments, to ensure that Wisconsin entrepreneurs have the capital they need to launch new businesses.
* Make investments in bio-fuels, green buildings, and the other new technologies we need to lower our energy costs, achieve energy independence, and make us more competitive in the industries of the future.
* Invest in dairy production and processing, and farming coops, to preserve the traditional backbone of our communities.
Jump-start job creation right now. Tom understands that our first goal must be to gain back the jobs Wisconsin has lost in the national recession. His plan includes a "Jobs Now" Initiative that will start immediately to provide the kinds of assistance and incentives that businesses need to create jobs quickly, such as:
* Cutting red-tape to get new construction projects going – projects that are needed for our long-term economic vitality.
* Investing in the workforce training and skills development that will attract new economic activity and translate into new job opportunities.
* Developing a pro-active rapid response team to quickly provide services to companies looking to expand. That team will be charged with fast tracking regulatory/permit issues, job training needs, and economic development assistance.
* Creating a business-to-business connector that will establish a database linking Wisconsin suppliers and encouraging more sales for Wisconsin businesses.
Put job creation in the Governor's Office. Right now, responsibility for economic development in Wisconsin is spread across 150 programs in 25 agencies. There is no substitute for leadership from the governor, and Tom’s plan will consolidate and organize economic development in an Office of Job Creation right in the Governor’s office, reporting directly to the Governor. Not only will this improve economic development, it will send a clear message to businesses across Wisconsin, the nation and the world that in Wisconsin under Governor Barrett job creation is job one.
Barrett cops cops’ endorsement (AUDIO)
Barrett cops cops’ endorsement (AUDIO)
A candidate for governor picks up some law enforcement support. Wisconsin’s largest police organization has officially endorsed Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for governor. Jim Palmer is executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. “The WPPA supports candidates on a bipartisan basis,” Palmer said, noting that the 11,000 member organization has also endorsed the reelection bid of Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.
Van Hollen is a Republican, Barrett a Democrat. The mayor used the endorsement press conference to warn that Republicans Mark Neumann and Scott Walker would run up the state’s deficit – and make scary cuts. “It is not inconceivable, in fact it would be likely, that programs that support law enforcement would be on the chopping block,” Barrett said. “By making a choice which would in essence make that deficit larger, that’s what we would end up with.” Barrett said violent crime in Milwaukee has dropped 20 percent over the past two years, and total homicides remain at the lowest levels in nearly 25 years.
A candidate for governor picks up some law enforcement support. Wisconsin’s largest police organization has officially endorsed Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett for governor. Jim Palmer is executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association. “The WPPA supports candidates on a bipartisan basis,” Palmer said, noting that the 11,000 member organization has also endorsed the reelection bid of Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.
Van Hollen is a Republican, Barrett a Democrat. The mayor used the endorsement press conference to warn that Republicans Mark Neumann and Scott Walker would run up the state’s deficit – and make scary cuts. “It is not inconceivable, in fact it would be likely, that programs that support law enforcement would be on the chopping block,” Barrett said. “By making a choice which would in essence make that deficit larger, that’s what we would end up with.” Barrett said violent crime in Milwaukee has dropped 20 percent over the past two years, and total homicides remain at the lowest levels in nearly 25 years.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A great blog by Corey Liebmann called Eye on Wisconsin, check it out at:
http://eye-on-wisconsin.blogspot.com/
http://eye-on-wisconsin.blogspot.com/
www.youtube.com (http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5041094715573384440)
As Scott Walker continues to run Milwaukee County into the ground, here's a look at what his leadership really looks like. Get the facts at http://www.bagscottwalker.com
If Scott Walker runs for the post, Feingold will be there to meet him on the streets, as all of us volunteer doorknockers remind the public about how much better Feingold has done for us as Wisconsin residents.
If Scott Walker runs for the post, Feingold will be there to meet him on the streets, as all of us volunteer doorknockers remind the public about how much better Feingold has done for us as Wisconsin residents.
Feingold will be ready for the fight for truth against someone as unprincipled as Ron Johnson who will run a divisive and decpetive campaign against Feingold if he gets the nomination, I have no doubt.
Check this link to read some of the facts about Darrin Schmitz, the add campaign leader Ron Johnson hired:
http://www.wisdems.org/release_details.asp?id=427
Check this link to read some of the facts about Darrin Schmitz, the add campaign leader Ron Johnson hired:
http://www.wisdems.org/release_details.asp?id=427
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lassa's decision to run for Congress delights Portage County Democrats
If you asked the Portage County Democrats last week whether there was one thing they wanted, they might well have asked that native daughter and state Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, run for retiring U.S. Rep. Dave Obey's 7th Congressional District seat.http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20100512/SPJ0101/5120712
Professors laud Sen. Lassa's experience and people skills
State Sen. Julie Lassa might still be in her 30s, but she has the kind of people skills and legislative experience that could win votes and serve her well in Congress, former professors say.http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20105120560
Obey has $1.4M to spread around
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Dave Obey has wide latitude over how to use the nearly $1.4 million in campaign cash he has amassed, but that doesn't include buying a vacation cottage in the Cayman Islands.http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20100509/WDH0101/5090364
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