The governor planned to tout the state’s falling unemployment rate – according to preliminary state data, it was 4.2 percent in November, down a full percentage point from the same time in 2014 – and planned to add that his administration believes in helping people get training for rewarding careers.
Advertisement
That proposal, and support for college affordability and job training measures, counter Democrats’ sharpened criticism of Walker’s education cuts. Under that system, the state would pay directly for the benefits of its employees while assuming the risk for their claims. The package includes bills that would remove the cap on tax-deductible student loan interest, increasing need-based assistance programs at technical colleges and bringing on more internship coordinators across the state.
Republican Rep. Bob Kulp of the 69th Assembly District tells NewsChannel 7 that a big part of the high ACT scores, which were second in the state of Wisconsin in 2015, and the high reading levels of 4th and 8th grade students says a lot about the involvement of great teachers and school superintendents.
Over the past year the Legislature has controlled much of the agenda, passing a contentious state budget, making Wisconsin a right-to-work state, adopting new campaign finance rules, and replacing the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board with two bipartisan commissions.
Republicans who control the chamber have scheduled a vote on the measure for Wednesday.
Walker also said he planned to hold listening sessions around the state throughout the year to learn what Wisconsin residents want to see over the next 20 years. You can hear it live on WHBY. Walker’s last three were titled: Bold Vision and Bright Hope for the Future, A Blueprint for Prosperity and Moving Wisconsin Forward.
Walker also has been talking up a potential run for a third term in 2018.
Democrats tore the speech apart, saying it offered little substance that could really help students and the middle class.
“I think we have a solid economy, we have good people”, Penniman said.
Advertisement
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said after the speech that lawmakers want to examine the proposal even further before getting on board.
