MADISON – Representative Mark Radcliffe (D-Black River Falls) proudly joined with his colleagues to boost local businesses and support struggling Wisconsin families by voting to pass an economic stimulus bill this week in the State Capitol. The measure, Senate Bill 62, passed on a vote of 51-48 and was signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle on Thursday.
“Like the nation, Wisconsin is facing an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Great Depression. It is absolutely critical for the state to take immediate action to address the needs of families and businesses struggling in this downturn,” said Radcliffe. “With the smart fiscal choices and economic investments approved this week, we are building a stronger, more robust Wisconsin for generations to come.”
Rep. Radcliffe notes the state economic stimulus plan includes the approval of $300 million worth of infrastructure improvements, a measure that will protect or create more than 8,000 jobs while bringing Wisconsin roads and buildings into the 21st century. The projects approved include $1.4 million worth of improvements to U.S. Highway 12 from Augusta to Fairchild and almost $200,000 worth of security upgrades to Jackson Correctional Institute.
“We know that to get our economy back on track, we must get folks back to work,” said Radcliffe. “This is my number one priority – and I’m very proud that we were able to work with the federal government, to approve these measures without spending state taxpayer dollars.”
The economic stimulus plan also includes $3.6 million in worker training and retraining programs.
“Our economy is changing, and we must prepare Wisconsin workers for positions growing fields like ‘green’ technology and bioindustry,” said Radcliffe. “To attract new family-supporting jobs, we must have a ready workforce.”
Rep. Radcliffe also pushed for small business tax credits that are included in the economic stimulus bill. These credits will benefit meat processors and dairy cooperatives looking to expand and new high-tech companies looking to start up in Wisconsin.
Businesses in the 92nd Assembly District that stand benefit from this new tax credit include Herb’s Meats and Jan’s Place in Alma Center, Sandberg Valley Meats in Melrose, Foss Fine Meats and Tom’s Custom Meat Processing in Sparta, and Wally’s Block in Tomah.
“I’m looking out for my district – families, farmers, and business owners,” said Radcliffe. “With our economy in crisis, we cannot afford to just sit on the sidelines and do nothing. This economic stimulus bill will prepare Wisconsin’s workforce for the jobs of the future, boost businesses with tax credits, and help close our budget gap – all without raising income or sales taxes. We are moving Wisconsin forward, and working toward a better future.”
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|