It’s safe to say the time
has flown. Just five years ago, we made history as the first U.S. gubernatorial
office to win a recall election.
In the years since, we’ve
implemented big, bold reforms to revive our state’s economic outlook and renew
our position as a national leader. We’ve gone from a $3.6 billion state
deficit, high tax culture, and crumbling state economy, to the lowest
unemployment rate our state has seen in 17 years, the 8th best Labor
Force Participation rate in the nation, not to mention we’re ranked 10th
in the nation for best states to do business.
Wisconsin is stronger
than it was five years ago.
Our state budget
proposal continues to work and win for Wisconsin by investing in top priorities
– student success, rewarding work, and accountable government.
Five years ago, we
demonstrated our values and remained unintimidated – even when the times got
tough. Looking forward, I promise that as long as I remain in office, I will
continue to champion common-sense, conservative reforms that move Wisconsin
forward.
Project SEARCH, a work
based learning experience, works to connect our youth with disabilities with
jobs and hands-on experience in a business environment. To highlight the
success of this program, I proclaimed yesterday, June 6, as Project SEARCH Day
throughout the state.
We know a strong
Wisconsin workforce is a diverse one – one that celebrates the unique abilities
of each and every employee, including those with disabilities.
Not only is the program a
fantastic workforce development program, we’ve seen great success as well. In
fact, 96 percent of enrollees have completed the program since 2011 and nearly
9 out of 10 graduates gain employment before or shortly after graduation.
Project SEARCH has come a
long way since I first took office, from 11 graduates on one site in
2010 to 160 graduates on 17 sites in 2017. We're proud to say Wisconsin is becoming a national leader when it comes to hiring employees with disabilities. Looking forward, rewarding work and promoting employment opportunities for disabled workers are top priorities for us. That's why our state budget proposal continues to invest in Project SEARCH, expanding the number of sites to 27 by the end of 2017.
We enjoy sharing all the great news about our state with you. It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the people of Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Governor Scott Walker
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