Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, I’d like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday: family and friends gather together to enjoy each other’s company, eat good food, and contemplate the blessings in their lives. Since before our nation’s founding, Thanksgiving has stood as an important and unifying time of companionship, fun, and gratitude.
So as we pass around our turkey and Wisconsin cranberries, let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and share the good fortunes we have to be thankful for. I, for one, am thankful I get to spend the holiday with my family, and for our happiness and good health. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to serve on behalf of the people of Wisconsin as your Governor.
We hope you get to spend this Thanksgiving with the ones you love most, laughing and making memories. Have fun, travel safe, and don’t be afraid to grab seconds!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Wisconsin: Highest Job Growth in the Midwest
Our reforms are working and winning for Wisconsin.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Wisconsin ranks first place in the Midwest for month-over-month percent increase in total and private sector jobs gained, and first place in 12-month total increase in manufacturing jobs.
On top of that, more people are employed in the state of Wisconsin than ever before.
With a track record like that, plus our highly-skilled workforce, world-class education system, and developed infrastructure network, it’s no wonder companies like Foxconn, Haribo, and Millipore Sigma are investing in Wisconsin and bringing tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs along with them.
We’ve made tremendous progress in the last six years to turn around our state’s economy and create a strong pro-business climate with solid fiscal management. As a result, we’re empowering job creators to do what they do best and keep Wisconsin moving forward.
Strengthening Our Rural Schools
Every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of where they live. Unfortunately, rural school districts face a unique set of challenges that can make it difficult for students to reach their full potential.
Earlier this week, I visited Elmwood School District to talk about our initiatives to boost rural schools, including supporting efforts to expand Sparsity Aid. Our original state budget plan included major benefits for Wisconsin’s rural school districts on top of our historically-high $11.5 billion investment in K-12 education.
We provided increased funding for High-Cost Transportation Aid, so families can get their kids to school to focus on learning rather than stressing over high transportation costs. And we will continue to expand broadband to provide more schools and students with access to fast, reliable internet service.
Plus, Senator Howard Marklein and Representative Jeff Mursau are introducing a bill that incorporates initiatives from our original budget proposal to help rural schools. The new bill provides an increase from $300 per pupil to $400 per pupil for districts that currently qualify for Sparsity Aid, and creates a second tier of Sparsity Aid by providing $100 per pupil for districts with 746-1000 pupils. This increase will help offset the challenges of districts with low student populations.
We know that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders—that’s why we’re working to keep our rural school districts strong on top of our highest-ever investment in K-12 education.
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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