Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2%, Lowest Since March 2001
Last week, the
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) latest jobs numbers for May. At 4.2 percent, our unemployment
rate is the lowest it’s been since March of 2001 – over 15 years ago. Our
unemployment rate is also below the national rate of 4.7 percent.
The report also finds
Wisconsin added 45,900 private sector jobs over the last 12 months. For the
month of May, Wisconsin had the nation’s second-highest rate of private sector
job growth and had the fourth-highest increase in private-sector jobs. That’s a
big deal.
Our total employment from
May 2015 to May 2016 grew by 62,600, remaining at a record high. While our
workforce continues to grow, the number of Wisconsin citizens who are
unemployed continues to shrink. On top of that, our labor force participation
rate continues to outpace the national rate of 62.6 percent at 68.7 percent.
Badger Boys and Badger Girls State
 Back in 1985, I had the unique opportunity to attend Badger Boys State. This experience sparked my interest in state government and inspired me to get involved and make a difference.
Last week, we had the opportunity to attend the 75th Badger Boys
State Inauguration Ceremony at Ripon College. Tomorrow night, we’ll also join
young women from throughout Wisconsin at the 2016 Badger Girls State
Inauguration ceremony in Oshkosh.
Badger Boys and Badger Girls State are incredible experiences
for young men and women across the state and give students the hands-on
opportunity to experience what it takes to run a government effectively and
efficiently.
I know from personal
experience that the practical skills they learn throughout the week give them
the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors in
the future.
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Agency Actions: Wisconsin Leads the Nation When it Comes to Veterans
 This week, Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary John Scocos wrote a column
highlighting our investments and efforts to support Wisconsin’s veterans.
The brave men and women
who serve in our United States Armed Forces not only deserve our utmost respect
and gratitude, but also our help transitioning to life back home in Wisconsin
when they’ve completed their service.
Wisconsin is national
leader when it comes to investing in our veterans, thanks to the dedicated
staff at the WDVA, who excel in providing modern tools to our nation’s heroes
so Wisconsin veterans are able to easily reintegrate into civilian society with
housing, education, health care, and meaningful, good-paying jobs.
The Veterans Trust Fund
(VTF), our primary source of revenue for providing these essential veterans
benefits, is the healthiest it’s been in many years, and we have invested in
the most generous collection of veterans benefits of any other state in the
nation.
Our nation’s veterans
have given their time and talent and risked their lives in order to protect our
citizens from harm. It’s only fitting we do all that we can to assist and
support Wisconsin’s veterans to make sure they have all the resources they need
to succeed.
To read the Secretary’s
full column, click below.
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It has been a pleasure communicating with you. It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the residents of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
 Governor Scott Walker
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