Gubernatorial candidate Mark Green visited campus Monday, Aug. 28, to announce his economic reform plan for Wisconsin if he is elected.

With state Sen. Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) by his side and Students for Mark Green for Governor behind him, Green discussed job loses and how Wisconsin could work toward keeping and recruiting more jobs.

According to a June 21 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, the Milwaukee metropolitan area lost more jobs last year than all but three metro areas — and two of them were devastated by hurricanes.

With the top age group of people leaving Wisconsin being 20- to 29-year-olds, Green discussed his concerns for the young people in the state.

“Good jobs are leaving, wages aren’t keeping up with either our bills or other states and we are losing too many of our young people to places that offer them better opportunities,” Green said. “You lose our leadership for the years and challenges ahead.”

As governor, Green said he would be “Wisconsin’s chief jobs officer” and establish a job hotline in the governor’s office.

“Anyone looking to create new Wisconsin jobs will need to know only one number — Governor Green’s,” said Green.

In addition, Green said he would replace the current Department of Commerce with a public-private Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), led by a non-partisan 12-member board of directors, which he, if elected governor, would chair.

According to the Legislative Audit Bureau, the state currently offers 152 different economic development programs administered by eight different agencies and overseen by 26 different councils.

“It shouldn’t be a surprise that a recent study found that nearly half of the businesses that went to the state looking for help reported receiving incorrect or conflicting information,” Green said.

Green’s other initiatives toward job growth include lawsuit reform, encouraging investment in new businesses, tax relief for job creators and creating government accountability.

According to Green’s plan, once new jobs are created, the additional revenue can go toward problems such as tuition.

He said the 6.8 percent increase for in-state tuition and simultaneous decrease for out-of-state tuition concerned him.

When asked why there hasn’t been a formal debate on tuition, Green said, “I would love to debate with Jim Doyle over tuition in this state.”

Green went on to answer questions on stem cell research, calling new advancements “very promising,” and energy efficiency programs on campus saying, “efficient energy challenges are some of the most important challenges we are facing.”

Green has traveled to every county in the state on his campaign trail and also announced his plan at UW-Green Bay and other universities.

“I’m here with these young people today, because they are our future,” Green said. “We can’t let them get away from us. I want them to be able to realize all of their hopes and dreams in Wisconsin.”

> Comments