WISCONSIN Wisconsin has adopted a cluster-based approach to and two emerging clusters as points of focus for job creation. The state relies on private-sector leadership to support public efforts to develop its clusters, building its economic development strategy around successful publicprivate partnerships. Although 2010 was a year of high
Wisconsin’s Place in the Rankings 4th
Median Family Income
12th
Export Intensity
13th
High Speed Broadband Intensity
revenue projections, unemployment reports, and job outlooks show an economy transitioning back towards health.
14th
Growth in Share of National Exports
17th
Export Intensity Growth
Budget Situation and Policy Priorities
18th
College Affordability
ranks it in the middle of the pack nationally, the fallout
21st
Educational Attainment
22nd
High School Advanced Placement Intensity
23rd
Cost of Living
been one of the most dramatic in the nation. Driven by partisan disagreement over pension reforms and collective bargaining, Wisconsin’s legislative session became a priorities. Incoming Governor Scott Walker has pressed for more aggressive reforms than have some other governors, leading to consternation among state employees and nationally publicized debates. As much of the spotlight in Madison focused on protests and legislative wrangling, Governor Walker had advanced a set of proposals focused on job creation and economic for increased tax credits for relocation and economic development, introduction of regulatory reform legislation, adoption of more aggressive business recruitment policies, and avoiding tax increases on business in the state. Walker called the legislature into a special session to address several other economic development-related proposals, including elevation of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to replace the state’s Department of Commerce. Organized along public-private partnership lines, the corporation will take the reins of economic development in the state in July 2011, tasked with driving new job creation efforts. Other proposals made by the governor have involved lawsuit reform, business tax cuts, and chartering of a commission to explore potential waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs, in order to identify ways to cut down on spending where possible.
124
23rd 23rd
High Speed Broadband Availability
24th
Export Growth
Job Creation Initiatives and EnterpriseFriendly Policies Wisconsin maintains several programs and support structures designed to promote exports of the state’s products. The state’s Export Development Managers work directly with companies throughout the state, assessing their readiness for international trade, giving marketing direction and advice, connecting companies with the needed professional trade services, and educating companies about foreign business practices they may encounter when entering new markets. Wisconsin’s consists of a group of contracted by the state act as liaisons for Wisconsin business interests in key markets. Wisconsin’s outreach