*
- Freyberg: Welcome to Wisconsin Public Broadcasting's coverage
of Governor Scott Walker's 2017 State of the State Address.
We are live at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.
In a few moments, Scott Walker, the 45th governor of Wisconsin,
will make his way in to the Assembly chambers.
He will speak this afternoon before the full legislature,
the Wisconsin Supreme Court, his cabinet,
and other statewide elected officials.
Good afternoon.
I'm Frederica Freyberg from Wisconsin Public Television.
- And I'm Shawn Johnson from Wisconsin Public Radio.
This will be Scott Walker's seventh State of the State
gathering before a joint session of the Legislature.
It comes in a somewhat unusual afternoon address.
- The Governor had originally planned to speak this evening,
but out of respect to President Obama,
Walker moved the start of his speech to 3:00 p.m.
when the President announced
his farewell speech from Chicago would be tonight.
- This afternoon Governor Walker lays out his plans for 2017.
This is what the 103rd Wisconsin Legislature looks like.
Republicans right now hold large majorities in both houses.
In the Assembly, Democrats have 35 representatives
and Republicans control 64 seats.
In the Wisconsin Senate,
there are 13 Democrats and 20 Republicans.
Wisconsin is one of two dozen states where Republicans control
the full legislature and the Governor's office.
- Freyberg: Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling
will provide the Democratic response
following the Governor's State of the State Address
this afternoon.
And as we sit here, people are still--
are starting to make their way into the Assembly chambers
and the Governor will follow
and be announced and then start his speech.
- Johnson: You see members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
being announced to the Legislature right now.
You know, you always expect some cheerleading from the Governor
in his State of the State Address.
Spoiler alert, that's going to happen again.
We have a few more specifics than usual, the public does,
about the speech, though, before it was even given.
The Governor sent out-- what did you say-- 24 Tweets today
previewing little excerpts of his speech.
And so, you know some of the big takeaways already
from what the Governor will talk about this afternoon.
- Freyberg: One of the things he talks about a lot in his speech
that we have been provided ahead of time,
we won't spoil it all as Shawn said, spoiler alert,
but he talks about a winning Wisconsin
and he talks about not just jobs,
but the workforce, the people who do those jobs.
- It was one of the things that he did reveal publicly.
He said he's going to shift his attention to
quote workforce, workforce, workforce
It's going to be his top priority for 2017.
Also said he went from a focus on jobs, jobs, jobs,
to workforce, workforce.
So I think you can see somebody
maybe make some political hay over that.
But that's one of the things the Governor brings up
front and center in this speech.
- Freyberg: He talks about some of the things that he wants to do
to get at that workforce and get people into jobs,
perhaps people that heretofore were not able to get into jobs.
Also, we should note, and it had been announced ahead of time,
that the first lady, Tonette Walker, will speak this evening
and that I understand is somewhat out of culture
from usual State of the State speeches.
But again, having gotten a glance at the speech
before the Governor gives it,
she has really a rather meaty initiative so
you'll have to listen for that.
It's about three quarters of the way through the speech.
But again, Tonette Walker will be taking the podium to express
her initiative in this State of the State Address.
- Johnson: It's worth noting too that this isn't the Governor's only speech
in the next couple of months.
He's expected to give his budget address.
Usually gives it in February,
and that's kind of the main event in a budget year.
He does sort of hint at that debate to come in this speech
on a couple issues.
We know he is going to talk about public school funding.
He'll say he is going to include a, quote,
significant increase for public schools and wants to
specifically help rural schools.
So that's one piece of the budget
that he is going to sort of foreshadow tonight.
Another one, he wades into the transportation funding debate
which is definitely already underway,
where you have Republicans at odds.
Specifically, Governor Walker at odds with Assembly Speaker
Robin Vos when it comes to transportation funding.
You will hear the Governor tonight talk about how much
he's invested as Governor, how much the state has
under his watch, and he is saying it's a lot.
So not necessarily wading into that debate right now
in a contentious way, but kind of reestablishing his position
that we're already spending enough on transportation.
- Freyberg: Right, and on public schools he talks about and Tweeted about
making a significant investment in public schools.
But in his speech he also talks about what would appear to be
private school and private school funding potentially with
voucher schools and then, of course,
should the cabinet secretary in Washington be approved,
he could get some help in that way from Washington
with Betsy DeVos, who President-elect Trump
has pegged to be his secretary of education.
- Johnson: Yeah, you look back at the Governor's
first six years in office, every one of his terms so far
and every one of his years in office so far,
his budgets has included some kind of initiative
aimed at growing private voucher schools in Wisconsin.
Expect you're going to see that again from him this year,
given the current political makeup.
It's just kind of a matter of how much.
- Freyberg: That's right.
One of his Tweets on education concerning: when it
comes to making the right choice for their daughters and sons,
I trust parents.
So another nod potentially to that idea of private schools
and vouchers for those
that might be included in his budget,
which will be presented same place next month.
- Johnson: Got some new faces in the legislature this year.
We already mentioned the numbers of the Legislature.
Republicans grew an already large majority.
They had 63 seats last year, they have 64 now.
Have a new senate president right now speaking.
That's Roger Roth.
He replaces Mary Lazich, who was
Senate President presiding over this speech last session.
- Roth: Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.
[applause]
- Johnson: That was Senate President Roger Roth introducing
the officers of the State of Wisconsin.
- Attorney General Brad Schimel.
[applause]
Superintendent Tony Evers.
[applause]
- Johnson: Republicans facing Superintendent Tony Evers,
who faces reelection this year.
- Roth: Chief Justice Patience Roggensack.
[applause]
Justice Shirley Abrahamson.
[applause]
Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.
[applause]
Justice Annette Ziegler.
[applause]
Justice Michael Gableman.
[applause]
Justice Rebecca Bradley.
[applause]
And Justice Daniel Kelly.
[applause]
The joint convention shall stand informal
awaiting the arrival of the Governor.
- Johnson: Shouldn't be too long to wait here.
We can tell you from our vantage point here.
We're in the Assembly Parlor.
The Governor is waiting to come through those doors.
Before he does, he is going to be greeted--
- Roth: The convention shall come to order.
The chair recognizes the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms.
- Sergeant-at-Arms: Mr. President and members,
the Governor of the great state of Wisconsin,
the honorable Scott Walker!
[cheers and applause]
- Roth: At this time, it is my honor to introduce the Governor
of the great state of Wisconsin,
the honorable Scott Walker.
[cheers and applause]
- Walker: Thank you. Thank you.
Speaker Vos, Speaker Pro Tem August, President Roth,
Assistant Majority Leader Vukmir,
Minority Leader Shilling and Minority Leader Barca.
Supreme Court Justices,
Constitutional Officers,
Tribal Leaders,
members of the Cabinet,
members of the Legislature,
distinguished guests,
and most importantly,
fellow citizens of the state of Wisconsin.
It is my honor to appear before you today
to report on the state of our great state.
First, I would like to introduce the first lady of Wisconsin,
my wife, Tonette.
[applause]
Thank you for all that you do
for the people of the state of Wisconsin.
And next to her are our sons, Matt and Alex.
We're proud to have both of them here today.
[applause]
And next to our family is the Adjutant General
of the Wisconsin National Guard,
Major General Donald Dunbar.
[applause]
On behalf of the citizens of this great state,
I want to thank you and the more than 10,000-strong
members of the Wisconsin National Guard.
[applause]
At the start of December,
I had the opportunity to travel overseas to visit
Wisconsin troops in the National Guard, Reserves,
and on Active Duty in places like Kuwait,
the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan and Germany.
Then, at the end of last month,
General Dunbar and I traveled to Guantanamo Bay
to visit members of the 32nd Military Police Company
from the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
I am so proud of the men and women from Wisconsin.
Please remember all-- all of our service members in your prayers
now and in the future.
[applause]
I also want to thank the members of our National Guard
for all that they do within our state.
Last summer, parts of northern Wisconsin were paralyzed
by severe storms and floods.
Roads and bridges washed out.
Lives devastated by loss.
We sent in the National Guard, and acting quickly,
they were on the ground,
working together with state and local agencies
to help in the recovery.
It was an amazing team effort.
I joined the local residents from that area in thanking
everyone who responded and helped in their time of need.
To all-- - [whistle from crowd]
- Sure.
[applause]
To all of our men and women in uniform,
we appreciate all that you do
here and abroad
on behalf of all of us.
I want to say thank you to each and every one of you
and to your families.
[applause]
Tonight, I'm happy to report
that the state of our state is strong.
[applause]
More people are employed in Wisconsin last year
than at any point in the history of our great state.
Unemployment levels are the lowest in more than 15 years,
and the percentage of people working in Wisconsin
is one of the highest of any state in the country.
[applause]
We are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
In the Kenosha-area, Joshua,
a former Marine staff sergeant,
was hired as a maintenance technician at Colbert Packaging.
The company just announced in October
it was relocating from Illinois to Kenosha
and plans to hire 100 employees this year.
Over the past three years, 7,900 jobs have been created
in this county alone, that borders the state of Illinois.
In addition to the $1 billion in capital investment
and more than 9 1/2 million square feet of development.
In the Fox Valley, Amy was hired in the HR department
at Amerequip in Kiel.
She joins us here today,
along with Amerequip CEO Mike Vanderzanden.
Thank you for joining us.
[applause]
Now Amy specializes in recruitment and works
with our technical colleges on youth apprenticeships.
Since 2011, Amerequip has invested more than $20 million
into improvements for its facilities
and the company recently doubled its welding capacity.
These stories show the faces of record employment in the state
which begs the question, are we, you, me, us,
are we better off than we were six years ago?
The answer is a resounding yes.
[cheers and applause]
It may seem hard to believe now,
but during the four years before we took office,
Wisconsin had lost 133,000 jobs
and the unemployment rate peaked at 9.2%.
When we first took office, the biggest challenge in our state
was helping to create more jobs.
Today we have more than recovered the jobs that departed
during the recession.
Wages are up.
More than 50,000 new businesses have been created,
and our unemployment rate, well, it's down to 4.1%.
[applause]
In fact, our biggest challenge is not creating jobs,
but finding people to fill them.
We went from a focus on jobs, jobs, jobs
to talking about workforce, workforce, workforce.
That will be my top priority for 2017 and beyond.
[applause]
During the past four years, we invested millions
into workforce development.
This helps people like Gary, Ryan, and Jeff
who are part of our Wisconsin Fast Forward program.
Today, they work at Catalyst
producing mechanical printing paper.
These are just a few of the many people who were trained
through the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program
and they are here with us today.
[applause]
Gavin, Matthew, Kaitlyn, and Brianna
are just a few of the students
who got a head start on their career through
youth apprenticeships offered while they were in high school.
This program has more than doubled since we took office.
Thanks to all of you for being here this afternoon.
[applause]
And Madeleine and Jordan graduated from
our Project Search program here in Wisconsin.
Each of them is working and each of them are part of a program
for people with disabilities that has a success rate of 88%.
[applause]
I'm proud that the number of Project Search sites
has grown from two when we first took office
to 18 today.
And by this next school year,
we will have 27 sites across the state.
Maddy and Jordan, thank you for joining us here today
and for being a great inspiration.
[applause]
As you can see and hear,
we are working and winning for Wisconsin.
In addition to a growing economy,
I'm happy to note that our finances are stable.
We finished the fiscal year yet again with a surplus.
Our rainy day fund is 165 times bigger now
than it was when we took office.
Wisconsin had the fourth lowest overall
long-term debt obligation of any state in the country.
[applause]
Getting our finances under control
allows us to reduce the burden
on the hard-working taxpayers.
I'm proud to report that since taking office,
we've cut taxes by more than $4.7 billion.
[applause]
That means a cumulative income tax reduction
of $1,159 for a typical family.
We also cut property taxes.
Since December of 2010, the cumulative reduction is
$426 for a medium-valued home.
Remember this: in the decade before we took office,
property taxes went up 27%.
If that trend had continued,
the difference is a savings of $1,700.
Now, folks, that's real money we're talking about.
[applause]
And property taxes,
as a percentage of our personal income in this state,
are the lowest that they've been
since the end of World War II.
Think about that.
Since the end of World War II.
[applause]
Plus, here is another piece of really good news.
From 2010 to 2014, Wisconsin out-performed 43 other states
in reducing the overall tax burden,
43 other states.
[applause]
Remember, since taking office,
we've cut the tax burden by $4.7 billion
and we're not done yet.
[applause]
Just as I promised when running for reelection,
property and income taxes will be lower in 2018
than they were in 2010.
[applause]
That's great news for families like Jeff's and Patricia's,
who told me how surprised they were
to see their property tax bills going down.
Yes, we are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
In addition to providing more tax relief,
getting our finances in order
allows us to focus on other priorities.
For example, we invested more than $18 billion
into transportation over the past six years.
Put that in perspective.
That's about $2 billion more than my predecessor
put into transportation during the previous six years.
We also invested more than $14 billion into programs to help
needy families, children, and seniors over the past six years.
Our reforms allowed us to cover everyone living in poverty
under Medicaid.
No other Wisconsin governor has been able to make that claim.
In fact, we rank as one of the best states in the nation
for health insurance coverage.
Even though we did not take the ObamaCare Medicaid Expansion,
we actually outrank 21 of the states that did
and every one of the 22 other states that did not.
[cheers and applause]
A few years ago, some argued
we should take the ObamaCare Medicaid Expansion money.
In turn, I warned that
it would come back to hurt Wisconsin taxpayers.
What happened in Minnesota this past year
suggests we were right.
Late last year, health insurance premiums there
increased by as much as 67%.
The governor of Minnesota declared the Affordable Care Act
is no longer affordable.
And just last week, he actually called on the legislature to
spend $313 million to buy down health insurance premiums,
putting Minnesota taxpayers on the hook.
In contrast, we have a modest surplus in Medicaid,
while covering everyone living in poverty,
all without putting the taxpayers at risk
through a state exchange
or by taking the ObamaCare Medicaid Expansion.
We are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
Our improving financial situation also allows us
to do more to help our students prepare for college and careers.
You see, it is a moral imperative
that every child have access to a great education.
But it is also an economic imperative,
as we need to grow the workforce here in Wisconsin.
We invested more resources this past year
into college- and career-readiness initiatives
including dual-enrollment, FAB labs, and youth apprenticeships.
The State started providing funding for school districts
to do academic and career plans, as early as sixth grade.
We want every child to prepare a path to a career
that is right for them.
Across the state, our students are doing well.
We just started including everyone in the ACT test
and Wisconsin is one of the best states in the country
in that category.
Students here also have some of the best graduation rates
in the nation.
On top of that, more than 90% of the school districts
in the state meet or exceed expectations
according to the report cards.
One of those districts is Neenah.
Today, we are joined by students and teachers from Neenah.
[applause]
And families, particularly low income families,
all across the state,
now have more quality choices in education.
For many, like my family,
it will be a traditional public school.
For others, it will be a choice or a charter school.
Some will choose a virtual school,
while others prefer to homeschool their children.
Whatever the option, when it comes to making the right choice
for their daughters and sons, I trust parents.
[applause]
Many of the areas of new investment in our schools
are giving students a jump start in their careers.
Our initiatives are helping many students get through college
sooner and into the workforce.
Earning college credits in high school
also helps reduce the cost of higher education.
In addition to reducing the time needed to receive a degree
we need to focus on the price of going to college
in the first place.
For the past four years, we froze undergraduate in-state
tuition for students at all--
at all University of Wisconsin campuses.
[applause]
A typical student saves more than $6,300 over four years
when compared to the trend before the freeze.
Tonette and I still have a son at the University of Wisconsin
and we appreciate the freeze
just like families do all across the state.
Now during the decade before our freeze, tuition went up 118%.
Ironically, some of the people who were around when
the UW tuition went up by more than 8% on average each year,
now want the state to create a new government bureaucracy
to refinance student loans.
But here is the good news.
We found a better way to help people with high debt.
Our administration worked with Wisconsin's very own financial
institutions to promote refinancing options available
to those with student loan debt.
Wisconsin credit unions and banks offer refinancing
at rates that are the same or better than what is offered
by many government-supported programs in other states.
I encourage anyone, anyone who's dealing with student loan debt
to visit LookForwardWI.gov--
That's Look Forward W-I dot g-o-v to find out
what re-financing options are available in your area.
We also provided the greatest amount of need-based
financial aid in Wisconsin history.
[applause]
We're making college more affordable and at the same time,
the University of Wisconsin is thriving.
The UW System had the largest overall budget in history
this year.
"U.S. News and World Report"
moved the ranking of UW-Madison
up on their list of the best public colleges in the country.
They also gave positive mention to 10 other UW colleges.
In addition, we invested more
into the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Our Blueprint for Prosperity plan
opened 5,000 more slots for students in high-demand areas.
And this past spring,
we expanded the Wisconsin grant program.
Our technical colleges continue to be a super option
for so many students looking for a rewarding career.
We are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
Now, last year, I spoke about plans to travel the state
as part of a long-term planning process
called 2020 Vision.
Throughout the past year I held listening sessions
in every county to hear about
where we would like the state to be in the next 20 years.
From students to retirees,
I heard from a diverse mix of people.
Teachers, small business owners, farmers, factory workers,
law enforcement, veterans, technical college staff,
local officials, community activists,
healthcare professionals, non-profit leaders, clergy,
parents, union leaders, loggers, tourism directors.
You've got a cross-section of different ages,
backgrounds, professions, and, yes, political beliefs.
On top of that, we're connecting in other ways, too.
For example, we'll host another Facebook live session
next Tuesday, January 17th at 4:00 p.m.
Feel free to join us at Facebook.com/GovernorScottWalker
or follow us on Twitter @GovWalker.
Several major issues came out of our listening sessions
across the state.
Student success, accountable government, and rewarding work
were consistent themes.
These are the areas we'll talk about today,
and these will be the focus of our next state budget.
As promised, we will increase funding for public education.
I love public schools.
[applause]
Both of my sons graduated from public schools
in the city of Wauwatosa.
I graduated from a public school in the small town of Delavan.
And my nieces are attending public school today.
Well, it's about time they're out,
so they're probably out of public school right now.
But I want strong public schools.
In fact, I want great schools for every student in the state.
Our budget will include
a significant increase for public schools.
We will also help rural schools that have unique challenges
such as transportation costs, broadband access
and declining enrollment.
[applause]
College affordability was also a major issue
at our listening sessions.
It wasn't just students who raised it as a concern,
as they are concerned about the cost of higher education.
It was parents, grandparents, educators and many others.
That's why I'm pleased to announce that our
2017 - 2019 state budget will do more than just freeze tuition.
We will actually cut-- that's right, cut tuition
for all Wisconsin undergraduates
throughout the UW System.
[applause]
That's right, we're working and winning for Wisconsin.
In addition to student success, we heard people say
they want a government that is accountable to the taxpayers.
Overall many of our listening sessions--
many of the people at our listening sessions--
took pride in the fact that we're self-reliant
here in Wisconsin.
With this in mind, we'll continue our efforts
to streamline government, to make it more effective,
more efficient, and more accountable to the people.
Access to high speed and reliable internet service is
something we heard about at nearly every listening session.
Therefore, I'm proposing the state invest $35 1/2 million
more to expand our broadband access grant program and for our
efforts to help upgrade technology and train teachers
from small and rural school districts.
[applause]
This will bring our total investment to $52 million.
You know, the great thing about the broadband expansion grant
program is that once the high speed network is in,
the rest is up to the local telecommunication provider.
There's no need for a permanent government program.
Now, my mother was born and raised on the farm.
For her parents' generation,
electricity changed the way we farm in America.
Access to broadband is like that today
in rural parts of our state.
This afternoon, I call on you,
the members of the Wisconsin Legislature,
to pass our plan as soon as possible
to help connect everyone-- everyone in the state.
[applause]
Good internet and cellular connections are important
for a strong economy, quality of life.
So is a solid transportation system.
As I stated earlier, we invested more than $18 billion
into our state transportation system over the past six years.
That's about $2 billion more than the previous administration
did during the same time period.
In fact, the previous administration and legislature
actually raided $1.4 billion
from the state transportation fund.
We reversed that trend and restored a commitment
to a strong transportation system in the state.
[applause]
Safety and maintenance of our existing system
is a priority.
Last year alone, there were
more than 300 road construction projects going on in the state.
You probably drove through one of them.
Looking ahead, we'll provide local governments
with the largest increase in transportation aids
since the 1990s.
[applause]
That includes an investment
of 25% more over the last budget alone
in the local road improvement program.
$65 million more in local road aids
and the largest increase in
the local bridge improvement program in over 20 years.
Local governments can use these funds to fix roads and bridges
and potholes all throughout their communities.
We also provide more money for state highway rehabilitation
than ever before.
To meet our commitment to safety and maintenance
of the existing system.
Altogether, the budget we'll propose
represents a 39% increase in maintenance and safety
over my predecessor's last transportation budget.
We can do all this and more
without raising the gas tax or the vehicle registration fee.
[applause]
I will keep my promise that I made to the voters
in the last election.
Whether you agree with me or not,
I hope you can respect that I'll keep my word.
I just believe firmly that we were not sent here
by the people of Wisconsin to raise taxes.
Those at our listening sessions told us they want us
to keep the tax burden down
while finding unique ways to improve education, train our
workers, and make investments in our infrastructure.
We are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
Another way to provide more accountable government
is to change the way we operate.
That in mind I've asked my wife, Tonette,
to come to the podium and join me as she talks about an issue
that's close to her heart.
[applause]
- Good afternoon.
As Scott mentioned, I want to share with you
a new way of delivering service
to children and their families.
Several years ago, I put together a group
of leaders and experts to explore innovative ways
to work with Wisconsin families.
We call our initiative Fostering Futures.
Fostering Futures is about creating hope by advancing
principles of trauma-informed care across Wisconsin.
Let me give you an example.
If a child is belligerent and angry
as he meets with his child welfare worker,
we used to say what's wrong with that child?
But with trauma-informed care we teach people
to ask the question, what happened to that young person?
Instead of labeling the child as "good" or "bad,"
this approach moves us to better understand
what could be causing the behavior.
Just so we're clear, we know there still has to be
consequences for their actions.
But shifting to trauma-informed perspective
gives us access to more tools for success and better outcomes.
[applause]
Sadly, too many children and adults, too,
struggle because they have experienced
some form of trauma and early adversity.
Maybe it was drug abuse in the home,
maybe they saw domestic violence,
or maybe they were a victim of child abuse.
Trauma-informed care offers strategies for understanding
what is at the root of their struggle
and can help identify more effective solutions.
I'm proud that Scott is supporting Fostering Futures
as we train county workers and state government staff
to use trauma-informed care.
We know that this approach
will not only support government employees in their work
but will also improve the lives
of Wisconsin's children and families.
Thank you.
[applause]
- A good way to get upstaged, right?
Thank you, Tonette.
Thank you for your commitment to changing the way
we help children and families here in our state.
In addition to student success and accountable government,
people told us over and over again
that we need to be rewarding work.
Today, I'm proud to report that more than 21,000 people
have gone through our FoodShare Employment Training program
and are working here in the state of Wisconsin.
[applause]
There are people like Sandy in northern Wisconsin.
She was struggling as a single mother of four
when she signed up for the program.
Within weeks, Sandy had multiple job offers
and is now employed full-time.
Sandy's story is a model of success and now she gives back
as a speaker and mentor in the Eagle River area.
People like Leon, who now works in Wisconsin Rapids.
Our program staff helped him get the skills he needed to be
employed and now he has a dream of starting his own business.
These are just a few of the great stories
of people who turned their lives around
through our programs and reforms.
You see, it's good for the taxpayers,
it's good for employers, but most of all,
it's good for people like Leon and Sandy,
as we give them a chance to head towards prosperity
in their lives going forward.
You see, without a doubt, Wisconsin is working.
The number of people on the state's W-2 welfare program
dropped 27% to near-historic lows.
[applause]
Continuing unemployment insurance claims
are at a 40-year low.
And our unemployment rate, well,
it's the lowest it's been since February of 2001.
Think about that.
My sons up there, Alex and Matt, are 21 and 22 years old.
The last time the unemployment rate was that low,
they were 5 and 6 years old.
Seems like an eternity ago for them.
[applause]
All this points to an obvious fact.
We need more people in the workforce.
This week alone, there are nearly 80,000 job openings
listed on JobCenterOfWisconsin.com.
Now earlier, I mentioned many of the things we're doing
to improve education and training in the state
to prepare and grow our workforce.
Still, we need to do more to get people into jobs.
Specifically, I'm proud of the work we're doing
to help veterans get into the workforce.
A year ago the unemployment rate for vets in our state were among
the lowest-- meaning the best-- of any state in the country.
Having visited so many of our service men and women
who are deployed, I want to ensure that every one of them,
every one of them has a job when they return home.
[applause]
We can also do more to help people with disabilities.
The state Department of Workforce Development has helped
a record 9,507 individuals with disabilities
reach their employment goals this past year.
[applause]
Still, we need to do more to get even more people
into the workforce.
That means transitioning-- helping people transition
from government dependence to true independence
through the dignity that comes from work.
Here is Wisconsin,
we're willing to help people who are down and out.
But public assistance should be a trampoline,
not a hammock.
[applause]
Today I'm happy to report that
we now require adults on public assistance
who are able to work
and who do not have children at home
to be employed or enrolled in our job training programs,
looking for work at least five times a week,
and being able to pass a drug test.
Someone fails the test, we help them with rehabilitation
so they can get healthy again
and be ready to enter the workforce.
[applause]
Over and over again, employers are telling us
of their dramatic needs
for people who are ready to work
and able to pass a drug test.
We can find a job for everyone.
In 2017, we're going to push the federal government to allow
Wisconsin to go even further,
to be a leader once again on welfare reform.
In the past, Governor Tommy Thompson, our good friend,
led the charge across the nation.
We can do it again.
Rewarding work will be our top priority going forward.
[applause]
We are working and winning for Wisconsin.
[applause]
As I mentioned at the onset,
more people are working than ever before in this state.
Our schools continue to be some of the best in country.
The University of Wisconsin just moved up in another ranking.
"Chief Executive" magazine raised Wisconsin up again
on the best places to do business.
You know what?
We're up 30 states higher than we were before we took office.
[applause]
Our improvement in the tax climate
is one of the best in the nation.
The economic impact of tourism went up 30%
since we took office.
Healthcare systems in our state are ranked
in the top three in the country.
And our farmers-- our farmers continue to grow and produce
some of the best food on the planet.
Heck, we just won the gold medal
for the best cheese in the world.
[applause]
All you need to say is "cheese"
and "Here comes the next first lady of the state of Wisconsin"
and you guys all applaud for that.
That's pretty good.
I'll give you one more in a moment.
Let's face it, there is plenty to celebrate in Wisconsin
and don't even get me started about the Green Bay Packers.
[cheers and applause]
In moments like that there is not red or blue,
just green and gold.
We all stand together on that one.
Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our state is strong.
Wisconsin's future is bright.
But there is more work to be done.
We aren't done yet.
I'm optimistic the federal government will finally heed
the call to provide even more opportunities
for us to lead the way on student success,
on accountable government, and rewarding work.
Together, we can move Wisconsin forward.
[applause]
Thank you all very much,
all of you here and those at home.
May God bless each and every one of you,
may God bless our men and women in uniform and their families,
may God bless the state of Wisconsin,
and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much.
[applause]
- Freyberg: And so Governor Scott Walker concludes
his seventh State of the State Address
before the joint session of the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate.
- Johnson: You heard the Governor talk about
a number of themes in this speech.
The one he repeated over and over again
"Wisconsin is working."
"Wisconsin is winning," he was throwing in there.
He did talk quite a bit about the budget coming up.
The transportation-- he definitely waded into that one.
He said pretty clearly we don't need
a gas tax increase or vehicle registration fee increase.
Talked about welfare reform and wanting to go farther there
with the federal government.
The word "reform" can mean
different things to different people.
But we know he would like to drug test
more public benefit recipients.
And the thing that caught our attention most probably,
Frederica, was when Governor Walker talked about
not a continued tuition freeze at the university,
but a tuition cut.
- Freyberg: A tuition cut for colleges in the UW System
and it wasn't that long ago
when the University submitted its budget
that people were talking about how the tuition freeze
the Governor might be open
to only making that one year of the two-year budget.
And now we have this kind of what we might call doubling down
of this idea of making college more affordable
under the Scott Walker plan, and that is a tuition cut.
So it will be interesting to see how the administrators
at the University of Wisconsin think and feel about that,
because they had suggested that even the tuition freeze
was making it difficult for them to run their operation.
- Johnson: Yeah, I mean, if you look at just the mix
of where the university gets its funding, they
were asking for a $42 million increase in state funding
over the next couple of years,
as opposed to five of the last six budgets
which have seen cuts to the UW's funding.
That tuition freeze is something that they were hoping
maybe one of these days, we could start to lift that so...
The Governor taking a definite populist tone on that one,
along with the tax cuts, the need for further tax cuts.
Wanting no tax increases in the transportation fund.
He is sounding like somebody who is planning to maybe run
for this job again in a couple of years.
- Freyberg: Sure sounds like it.
At this time, we would like to go to the minority response
with the Senate Minority Leader, Jennifer Shilling.
- Johnson: Shilling represents the 32nd State Senate District
in western Wisconsin.
She has this year's minority response.
- Shilling: Hi, I'm State Senator Jennifer Shilling
and I'm proud to serve as the Democratic leader
in the Wisconsin State Senate.
I want to thank you for tuning in and joining this discussion
about the future of our state.
While we just heard Governor Walker deliver
a rosy picture of our current situation,
the majority of residents in Wisconsin have said
our state is heading in the wrong direction.
State cuts to local schools have driven up property taxes
and shifted a greater burden onto homeowners.
Healthcare costs continue to rise and women, in particular,
are finding it more difficult to access preventive care
and family planning services.
Our roads are ranked as some of the worst in the nation
and in too many communities drinking water
contaminated by lead pipes and manure runoff
is more dangerous than in Flint, Michigan.
We have our work cut out for us.
While Governor Walker has pledged to work closely
with President-elect Trump,
we can't lose sight of the important issues here at home
that require our immediate attention.
Families I hear from are tired of being asked to sacrifice
year after year, without any noticeable improvement
in their economic situation.
For years wages have declined.
Our middle class has shrunk
and poverty in Wisconsin recently hit a 30-year high.
We've trailed the national job creation average
for 20 consecutive quarters.
Meanwhile, the wealthiest one percent in our state
continue to reap record profits at our expense.
We shouldn't aim to be like Russia or china
where workers rights are ignored,
where cheap labor is the norm
and families have no hope to get ahead.
We don't measure success
by how many hours of overtime you're forced to work
or how many years you've made ends meet without a raise.
Here we believe that if you work hard and you play by the rules,
the sky is the limit.
For too long, we've seen rules and legislation
that favor the wealthy and well-connected.
This year Republicans are planning to hand out $21 million
in tax breaks to 11 individuals
who each make more than $35 million a year.
That's right.
11 individuals each making over $35 million a year
will get a $21 million tax credit with no strings attached.
With special interest giveaways like that,
it's no wonder hard-working families
increasingly feel like Governor Walker and
Republicans are putting the interests
of wealthy special donors ahead of their own.
As a pro-growth Democrat I believe in a brighter future
where everyone plays by the same rules and where working families
are our top priority.
Not big corporations or wealthy special interests.
After years of struggles, I hope we can work to lower property
taxes, strengthen local schools, and give Wisconsin children
the best possible education by restoring the $1 billion
in state aid cut by Republicans.
Democrats want to grow our economy from the ground up
by raising wages, expanding access to paid sick leave,
making childcare more affordable for working families.
Democrats want to jump start small business development
and invest in 21st century infrastructure.
By fixing our crumbling roads and bridges,
and targeting $100 million to expand and improve
high-speed broadband internet access.
Living along the Wisconsin border,
I've watched as our neighboring states invested in their
communities and lured our businesses and workers
over to their states.
While Governor Walker has experimented
with tax breaks for the rich,
deep cuts to schools,
and costly borrowing for roads and bridges,
other states have been investing in families and communities
to encourage job growth.
In Minnesota, they're helping families refinance student loan
debt, they're increasing access to affordable healthcare,
and they're raising their minimum wage to
expand economic opportunities.
As a result,
Minnesota is drastically outperforming Wisconsin
in terms of job creation,
business climate and family income.
And because of their growth,
Minnesota is looking at a $1.4 billion budget surplus
while Wisconsin faces a $700 million deficit.
Despite our challenges,
Wisconsin remains a unique, vibrant, and hardworking state,
full of amazing people with unparalleled potential.
We all want strong schools, a thriving economy,
and the security of knowing
we can give our children a brighter future.
These goals are all within our reach,
but we need to find new ways to work together,
to invest in our communities,
and expand opportunities for everyone--
Not just the wealthiest one percent.
In Wisconsin, we know that our state does better
when we all do better.
Together, let's find common ground and work
to move our state onward, upward and forward.
Thank you.
- Johnson: That was Wisconsin State Senate Minority Leader,
Jennifer Shilling.
- Freyberg: Now, if you'd like to see
today's speech and the Democratic response again,
Wisconsin Public Television has posted the speech
on our website.
It will be up there later this evening at wpt.org.
Also, this Friday we'll have continuing coverage and reaction
to Governor Scott Walker's 2017 State of the State Address
on "Here and Now" at 7:30.
- Johnson: Wisconsin Public Radio will also continue
to follow developments from the Capitol
on both the Ideas Network
and the NPR News and Classical Music Network.
You can hear more coming up next
on "Central Time" and "All Things Considered"
and tomorrow morning on the "Joy Cardin Show"
and "Morning Edition."
I'm Shawn Johnson with Wisconsin Public Radio.
-And I'm Frederica Freyberg from Wisconsin Public Television.
That concludes our broadcast
of the 2017 State of the State Address.
*