Mailbag: Rep Brett Davis Writes:

80th Assembly District Update - March 20, 2009
Focus on Jobs and the Economy
As a small rally in the stock market over the last week brings some welcome financial news, times remain difficult for families, seniors and businesses in our area. With a fresh round of job loss announced due to the recent decline in agriculture commodity prices, it is more important than ever for our state government to remain focused and committed to retaining and growing jobs in our state. This effort must focus on ways for our government to become more efficient and not simply raise taxes and fees on the people that pay the bills - the taxpayers.

The following is a list of policies focusing on job creation and economic development the state legislature has enacted since reconvening in January.

Buy Wisconsin
American Jobs Act
Tax Credit Consolidation
Angel Investment Tax Credit
Dairy Cooperative Investment Credit
These provisions were fast-tracked by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Doyle and will help the recovery of our state's economy. From ensuring more jobs stay in our state and country, rather than go overseas, to providing incentives for private investment in our state, these policies will help boost economic development and create jobs.

There is more state government can do; however, to help the citizens of Wisconsin be better positioned to compete in a global marketplace and to strengthen our state budget for decades to come.

First, I am working on drafting legislation that would create a Workforce Tax Credit. The bill would help those who lost their job get back on their feet faster by providing financial help to obtain education at area technical colleges. By providing this tool, we can help people that are motivated to improve their skills and ensure Wisconsin's workforce remains strong.

Also, the current sunset on the Dairy Facilities Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit should be eliminated. By extending this tax credit we can strengthen the dairy industry that is crucial to our local economy. A recent report demonstrates the tax incentive is helping businesses invest in their facilities allowing them to retain and create jobs, even in a challenging economic climate.

Ultimately, the bottom line is that government needs to tighten its belt in tough economic times. Families and small businesses across the state are coping with the economic recession by making tough budget decisions. The same must be true of our government. This is not the right time to vastly expand our state government with new spending. The proposed $2.5 billion in tax increases in Governor Doyle's Budget will likely have a negative impact on our already fragile state economy and job climate.

Finally, our state government must enact measures like the Truth in Budgeting Act, which I am a co-author of, to ensure our state finally balances its budget and is on the road to fiscal recovery. Families and businesses in Wisconsin could not budget the way the state currently is and state government should not be any different from the people who pay the state's bills.

I want to hear from you and will work hard to serve you however I can. If you, a family member or friend has been impacted by job loss and they don't know where to look for help, please make sure to use me as a resource. We will help connect you with the best available resources there are to offer.