We joined Colbert Packaging Corporation in Kenosha this week as they announced plans to relocate their flexographic packaging operation, as well as related warehousing services, from northern Illinois to Kenosha.

This move is anticipated to bring more than 100 new jobs to Wisconsin.

Kenosha has seen major growth in the past few years. In fact, since 2013, major economic development projects accounted for more than 6,000 new jobs and about $1 billion in capital investments.

Companies that have recently expanded or relocated their operations to Kenosha County include Amazon, Uline, InSinkErator, Meijer, Niagara Bottling, and Gourmet Foods International.

It’s our pleasure to welcome Colbert Packaging to our state as well. We know businesses have a choice when it comes to deciding where they should expand or establish new operations, and we’re proud the pro-business reforms we’ve put in place over the last six years have helped to make that decision an easy one.

We’ve certainly come a long way. When we first took office, we faced a projected $3.6 billion budget deficit, $800 million in unpaid bills, and the loss of 133,000 jobs.

Right away, we set to work to put Wisconsin on the path toward economic revival, fiscal order, and government reform. By implementing tough, but prudent reforms, we created a budget surplus every year, paid our outstanding bills, and began to move Wisconsin forward.

Today, more people are working in Wisconsin than at any point in our state’s history. Our unemployment rate is the lowest we’ve seen in 15 years, and the percentage of people working is one of the highest in the nation.

Looking at the trend with Colbert Packaging and other businesses choosing to relocate here in Wisconsin, it’s clear businesses around the nation recognize the reforms we’ve enacted to create a positive business climate and strengthen our workforce are working.

Looking forward, we’re going to continue to improve state government so it’s more effective, efficient, and affordable for Wisconsin taxpayers, provide greater tax relief for the citizens of our state, transition people from government dependence to true independence, and invest in our workforce by providing practical education and hands-on training.

As always, we’re putting the people of Wisconsin first, and our continued reforms will ensure our state is the best in the nation when it comes to living, working, and raising a family.

On Tuesday, we joined Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin at their annual Employment Partner Breakfast in Waukesha to thank the organizations and businesses that partnered with Easterseals in 2016 to provide employment opportunities and training for Wisconsinites with disabilities.

They have been making a difference in the lives of people and families challenged by disabilities for more than 80 years. Their work to redefine the perception and stigma often associated with the word “disabled” is truly inspirational.

We know Wisconsin’s workers with disabilities possess a unique set of skills, and Easterseals help them utilize those talents in the workplace by giving them the hands-on training they need to succeed.

One of the top priorities we continue to work towards is removing all barriers to employment in Wisconsin so everyone who wants a job can find a job.

Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin is helping us accomplish just that by enabling individuals with disabilities to not only find a job, but thrive in that job and earn a living wage, all while gaining confidence and critical job skills.

We applaud these efforts and look forward to seeing all Easterseals and their business partners accomplish in the future.

I'm also incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized as the recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Advocate Award for our continued leadership in service to people with disabilities. 

I truly appreciate this award, and I look forward to continued partnership with Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin as we work to ensure Wisconsinites with disabilities have every opportunity available to them to enter our workforce.

Learn more about Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin, their work, and their mission below!

Last week, we lost a dear friend, and the state of Wisconsin lost a dedicated lawmaker.

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rick Gudex. He was a good man, who served his community and state well, and he will be missed.

At this difficult time, our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Kim and their two children.

To honor him, we issued Executive Order #220 on Monday ordering the flag of the United States and the flag of the state of Wisconsin be flown at half staff as a mark of respect.