Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Gov. Walker’s talent attraction proposal exactly what employers have been asking for

Contact:
Nick Novak, 608.258.3400

MADISON – Gov. Scott Walker announced on Tuesday he would work with legislators to approve nearly $7 million in additional funding for a targeted campaign to attract talent to Wisconsin. The governor’s announcement was made at the fourth annual Future Wisconsin Summit – a program of the WMC Foundation.

After the announcement, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce President/CEO Kurt R. Bauer released the following statement:

“Four years ago we launched The Future Wisconsin Project because employers had been telling us they were having trouble finding workers. Today, more than three-quarters of our members are still struggling to hire for the positions they have available.

“Our unemployment rate is at historic lows and our labor force participation rate is one of the highest in the country. Simply put, we need more people to move into Wisconsin. Our businesses are ready to expand, they just need more bodies.

“WMC and our members applaud the governor for taking real action to tackle this workforce challenge. We hope there will be bipartisan support for this plan and look forward to our continued work with lawmakers to face our state’s challenges head on.”