Althouse: Wisconsin has "the largest one-month gain of private sector jobs since September of 2003."

July 21, 2011

Wisconsin has "the largest one-month gain of private sector jobs since September of 2003."

The unemployment rate for June was 7.6% — up from 7.4% in May — an uptick resulting from the increased number of persons looking for work. A year ago, Wisconsin unemployment was 8.3%.

I'm sure liberals have a way to explain why this is not a reason to credit Scott Walker.

132 comments:

Curious George said...: That's what Democracy looks like!; 7/21/11, 1:24 PM
Fred4Pres said...: Scott Walker is a patriot and hero.; 7/21/11, 1:28 PM
Triangle Man said...: I think a skeptic would ask what Scott Walker or the Assembly has done to deserve credit for job creation. Was it reducing job benefits for public sector employees? Was there some tax break for corporate job-creation? Did he pick up the phone and say "time to start hiring folks"? How did he do it?; 7/21/11, 1:29 PM
garage mahal said...: So half of the private sector jobs created last month in the entire U.S. were created in WI? But the unemployment rate went up? Sure seems like Walker math.; 7/21/11, 1:30 PM
Dose of Sanity said...: I don't understand why we credit the executive for the economy in the first place...(obama or walker or whomever, I just don't see the causal link)

But that being said - it's not a bad thing for wisconsin! let's hope the trend continues!; 7/21/11, 1:30 PM
Triangle Man said...: Oh, wait, are these road building jobs in SE Wisconsin?; 7/21/11, 1:32 PM
Original Mike said...: Gee, maybe a balanced budget gives businesses more confidence in the future. Nah, couldn't be. I'm sure it's just a coincidence.; 7/21/11, 1:34 PM
David said...: Some very important factors in job creation are the intangible of confidence and the tangible of restrained and sensible regulation and tax policy. Walker's actions have improved the climate in both these areas.

There are probably factors that have little to do with Walker as well, but the fiscal path of Wisconsin was not a job creator.; 7/21/11, 1:35 PM
Original Mike said...: "I don't understand why we credit the executive for the economy in the first place"

Well, it's certainly true Walker could not have done it without the legislature.; 7/21/11, 1:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe all of those jobs were in protest-supporting industries.; 7/21/11, 1:36 PM
Dose of Sanity said...: Anyone know if these figures count Wisconsin Dells summer positions? I'm not sure what "seasonally adjusted" means..; 7/21/11, 1:38 PM
DADvocate said...: Don't worry the EPA will come in and find some way to cause economic problems.; 7/21/11, 1:38 PM
Original Mike said...: "Maybe all of those jobs were in protest-supporting industries."

T-shirts, drums, cow bells, ...

Anybody know how that hunger strike guy is doing? He's going to need new clothes. That's $20-$30 pumped into the economy right there.; 7/21/11, 1:39 PM
garage mahal said...: Actually make that 2/3 of the jobs created last month were created in WI. Wow!; 7/21/11, 1:40 PM
PaulV said...: garbage garage. There are many discouraged workers because of the failed recovery. Except for WI where jobs are available now and workers have hope again. If you ever had any ciphering in school you would know that percent unemployed is calculate by dividing people looking for jobs by people employed. With new jobs available under Walker more people are looking for work. Take off your shoes and you can count to 20.; 7/21/11, 1:41 PM
Original Mike said...: "Actually make that 2/3 of the jobs created last month were created in WI. Wow!"

Wow, indeed. That Obama economy really sucks.; 7/21/11, 1:43 PM
Scott M said...: @Garage

Since you didn't yesterday, please explain your use of the word "craven" when describing the WI-GOP in light of the fleabaggers.; 7/21/11, 1:45 PM
Phil 314 said...: Well I imagine it couldn't be teachers 'cause its too soon. Do we know what sectors of the economy?

And imagine how much higher it would have been if we had just approved of the high speed rail!!

(Maybe its all of the temporary jobs of faux protesters in Madison?); 7/21/11, 1:45 PM
Lucien said...: @garage:

Don't you mean to say that the reported number of private sector jobs added in WI roughly equals two-thirds of the NET job gain for the country?; 7/21/11, 1:48 PM
Indigo Red said...: IT'S BUSH'S FAULT!

Oh, wait... that doesn't work.; 7/21/11, 1:49 PM
Matt said...: I'm sure conservatives have a way to explain why this is only because of Scott Walker....

Seriously. You know and I know that what a Governor does [or any politician] has a small impact on actual jobs created.

But good for WI.; 7/21/11, 1:50 PM
Triangle Man said...: I don't have time to do it now, but if anyone wants to check out what sectors added jobs, the complete report is here.

I do see that there was a loss of 3,400 state jobs.; 7/21/11, 1:51 PM
Chip S. said...: I don't understand why we credit the executive for the economy in the first place...

Perhaps something along the lines of this? (Warning: 4-second ad first.)

You know, those tax cuts for the rich. Trickle down, and all that.; 7/21/11, 1:55 PM
garage mahal said...: Wait a second. Unemployment declined from 9.2 to 7.4, under Doyle's administration [Jan 2010-Jan 2011], and rose from 7.4 to 7.6 under Walker? We're going to have to dig into these numbers.; 7/21/11, 1:57 PM
Lincolntf said...: And how many of those people who got jobs in Wisconsin are White? It's the racism inherent in the system!!!; 7/21/11, 1:58 PM
Scott M said...: Can you dig without hurling ad hominems like "craven"?; 7/21/11, 1:59 PM
traditionalguy said...: I credit the High Speed Trains that have everyone so excited.

Seriously, Walker has sent the message that the Government in Wisconsin is for business and not against business.

Obama has sent the message that the government is going to track down all private business and kill it.

Look at what the Obama Gang has recently done to coal fired electrical generation in Texas.

It is criminal and was done to let businesses everywhere know who had the power to kill them.; 7/21/11, 2:00 PM
MadisonMan said...: You know how I know the economy is improving? That ghastly-looking hotel at Regent and Monroe, what I like to call The Obama Economy Hotel, is being worked on and is scheduled to open, softly, in August. Work on it was suspended because of no $$ in 2009, but now they're back at it.; 7/21/11, 2:03 PM
Original Mike said...: "Wait a second. Unemployment declined from 9.2 to 7.4, under Doyle's administration [Jan 2010-Jan 2011],..."

Oh, man...

(It did make me laugh. Thanks.); 7/21/11, 2:05 PM
Anonymous said...: The Koch brothers probably hired thousands of people in Wisconsin for make-work jobs, just to make Walker look good.; 7/21/11, 2:06 PM
MadisonMan said...: I don't have time to do it now, but if anyone wants to check out what sectors added jobs, the complete report is here.

I looks like a lot of added jobs in Hotels. Are people suddenly flocking here for vacations?

(These data are not seasonally adjusted, btw); 7/21/11, 2:08 PM
coketown said...: Actually make that 2/3 of the jobs created last month were created in WI. Wow!

LOL! You need to understand the difference between gross and net, you fool. How could Wisconsin account for 2/3 of all jobs added when Minnesota added 13,200 to Wisconsin's 12,900? Many states added jobs! And many states lost jobs. You should learn to navigate the BLS website before making yourself look stupid. You should also read their page on how BLS employment figures are calculated, and then you wouldn't ask dumb questions like, "How could Walker ADD jobs but the unemployment rate still increase!?"

Wow!; 7/21/11, 2:10 PM
Original Mike said...: "Seriously, Walker has sent the message that the Government in Wisconsin is for business and not against business."

Gee, maybe Steve Wynn and Bernie Marcus know what they're talking about.; 7/21/11, 2:12 PM
Chip S. said...: @garage--You've really got to expand your reading beyond whatever is your source of Dem talking points.

When it comes to the Jim Doyle era, why not look at the whole picture?

And yes, I understand that national forces were at work in 2008-09, when WI's unemployment rate soared from under 5% to over 9%. Of course, that's why the current job growth relative to the rest of the country is what's being discussed right now.; 7/21/11, 2:13 PM
Original Mike said...: "I looks like a lot of added jobs in Hotels. Are people suddenly flocking here for vacations?"

Well, The Obama Economy Hotel must be hiring.; 7/21/11, 2:14 PM
edutcher said...: Lessee, which sounds better Walker/Christie or Christie/Walker?

garage mahal said...

So half of the private sector jobs created last month in the entire U.S. were created in WI? But the unemployment rate went up? Sure seems like Walker math.

No, don't forget all the jobs lost in BLUE states.

Dose of Sanity said...

I don't understand why we credit the executive for the economy in the first place...(obama or walker or whomever, I just don't see the causal link)

Of course he does, but, in this case, it just may be justified.; 7/21/11, 2:14 PM
MadisonMan said...: Well, The Obama Economy Hotel must be hiring.

Heh. According to the morning paper, the staff has been hired already and is in training.

I wonder what the bar will be like.; 7/21/11, 2:15 PM
Dustin said...: "I think a skeptic would ask what Scott Walker or the Assembly has done to deserve credit for job creation. Was it reducing job benefits for public sector employees? Was there some tax break for corporate job-creation? Did he pick up the phone and say "time to start hiring folks"? How did he do it?"

The truth is, all he can do is try to get out of the way. That's why California and other democrat states are failing. The government can't make jobs. They can try to make them, but doing so costs more jobs than it creates.

Asking how he did it can confuse the issue of job creation in a way that really helps democrats who demand Republicans in government somehow do something with the government to save us. The best thing they can do is get out of the way.

It's like asking a mom how she produced and un-abused child. Really, all she did was not abuse the child. The reason Wisconsin's economy is less hampered by big government... speaks for itself.

The proof is in the pudding. Wisconsin's schools and job seekers are manifestly doing a lot better right now. They just are. Wherever you see a Republican governor that is pissing off liberal activists, you soon see a healthy economy and better services.; 7/21/11, 2:17 PM
D.D. Driver said...: "So half of the private sector jobs created last month in the entire U.S. were created in WI? But the unemployment rate went up? Sure seems like Walker math."

Right. It seems like something happens in May of every year that causes lots of young people to be out looking for jobs.

What's the name for it? Think. Think. Think.; 7/21/11, 2:19 PM
Curious George said...: "Original Mike said...
Gee, maybe a balanced budget gives businesses more confidence in the future. Nah, couldn't be. I'm sure it's just a coincidence."

Well, WI by law has to balance it's budget. It's the lower taxes, less regulation, business friendly climate that allows businesses to have the confidence to take risk and grow. Of course the socialists here wouldn't understand.; 7/21/11, 2:19 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: Garbage said:

"So half of the private sector jobs created last month in the entire U.S. were created in WI? But the unemployment rate went up? Sure seems like Walker math."

So you must agree Walker uses the same math as President Obama?; 7/21/11, 2:20 PM
Dustin said...: "Matt said...

I'm sure conservatives have a way to explain why this is only because of Scott Walker....

Seriously. You know and I know that what a Governor does [or any politician] has a small impact on actual jobs created. "

LOL. But you know that government can cripple job growth.

It's a fact that the day Obamacare passed is the day job creation stopped in America.

Walker's responsibility is that knows his place is to stay out of the way. He's got faith in the private sector to hire when it's best able, and use its money in its best interest. He doesn't want to do it for them.

It's amusing seeing this argument. Sour grapes. Democrats like Obama promise they will save the sea levels and save the planet and fix every problem, but anything good happening on a Republican's watch is ignored. Much like Bush's 5% unemployment rate just means nothing.; 7/21/11, 2:21 PM
Chip S. said...: One other thing, garage--It's really not asking very much of you to expect that you'll read the actual post you're commenting on. Althouse included the reason for the unemployment-rate increase:

an uptick resulting from the increased number of persons looking for work.

Funny thing about ratios: Even if the numerator falls, the ratio can rise if the denominator rises by more than the numerator. It's called the "encouraged worker" effect: As the prospect of successful job searches increases, some people who were no longer looking are encouraged to start searching again.

I do realize that numeracy is incompatible with being a Democrat, but sheesh.; 7/21/11, 2:21 PM
Alex said...: Democrat Governors and Presidents get all the credit for any job gains. GOP Governors and Presidents get NO credit.

that's just the way liberals rock.; 7/21/11, 2:21 PM
Original Mike said...: "I wonder what the bar will be like."

Empty.

I must say, except for 6 weekends of the year, I don't understand that location.

OTOH, maybe they'll do a good business from visitors to the UW.; 7/21/11, 2:22 PM
chickelit said...: I'm gonna show you and everybody else that Scott Walker's idea died in vain. He had a bad dream. It's the only dream he could have - to come out number-one man. He fought it out here, and this is where I'm gonna lose it for him.

- Garage Mahal, Dearth of a Salesman, Act 2; 7/21/11, 2:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey, why is EPA banning cheese all of the sudden? Something about methane pollution...; 7/21/11, 2:24 PM
Alex said...: Wait a second. Unemployment declined from 9.2 to 7.4

Liar. Unemployment was over 8% when Walker took the oath.; 7/21/11, 2:25 PM
Original Mike said...: "Well, WI by law has to balance it's budget."

Well, there's "balanced", and then there's balanced. The claim is that Walker et al. have removed the structural deficit, but I don't know. I'm sure garage can shed some light on the matter.; 7/21/11, 2:26 PM
Scott M said...: "I wonder what the bar will be like."

Depends. If the same people that voted for POTUS are in charge of the hiring, the bar will be lowered.; 7/21/11, 2:28 PM
Physics Geek said...: I'll be interested to see how these numbers impact the recall elections.; 7/21/11, 2:30 PM
Matt said...: Alex

Unemployment in WI was 7.4% in Jan 2011 when Walker took the oath. [If he indeed took the oath in January].

http://www.ledgerdata.com/unemployment/wisconsin/; 7/21/11, 2:31 PM
Alex said...: It's always "the economy stupid". If unemployment keeps going down, WI voters will re-elect Walker in a landslide. Garbage and his unions be damned. They can all go straight to HELL.; 7/21/11, 2:31 PM
SteveR said...: Most of the jobs created were to keep the "hunger strike man" project afloat.; 7/21/11, 2:32 PM
chickelit said...: Hey, why is EPA banning cheese all of the sudden? Something about methane pollution...

EPA cuts the cheese off? That's gonna raise a stink!; 7/21/11, 2:32 PM
Alex said...: Anyways things are improving under Walker.; 7/21/11, 2:35 PM
Chip S. said...: @DDDriver--The reported job numbers are "seasonally adjusted," which means that the historical average magnitude of the summer-vacation effect has been removed.; 7/21/11, 2:35 PM
Matt said...: Dustin

The only sour grapes I have is with this blog post because it assumes Walker's policies alone have brought unemployment down.

Here is the data from unemployment in WI over the past year. Note the trend has gotten better over the past year. Also note that former governor Jim Doyle [Democrat] was governor when this trend started and for most of it. Is it because of his policies?

Apr. 2011: 7.3%
Mar. 2011: 7.4%
Feb. 2011: 7.4%
Jan. 2011: 7.4%
Dec. 2010: 7.5%
Nov. 2010: 7.6%
Oct. 2010: 7.7%
Sep. 2010: 7.9%
Aug. 2010: 8.0%
Jul. 2010: 8.2%
Jun. 2010: 8.3%
May. 2010: 8.5%

http://www.ledgerdata.com/unemployment/wisconsin/; 7/21/11, 2:37 PM
Rialby said...: Look to Culver's.; 7/21/11, 2:38 PM
Alex said...: Matt - let me guess. Doyle hired a TON of government workers!; 7/21/11, 2:39 PM
Chip S. said...: @Matt--Why start in May 2010? I already gave you a link to data going back to pre-January 2007. So if you want to play these stupid games, "Doyle's policies" took Wisconsin's unemployment rate from 4.8% to 7.4%.

Also, I gave you another link to a specific Walker policy targeted at private-sector job creation.

So why don't you stop censoring the data?

wv: restunk. Matt's first post stunk; his latest one restunk.; 7/21/11, 2:42 PM
Michael said...: The Obama administration had a lot of fun early on saying mean things about luxury hotels. It warmed my heart that Obama wanted to fuck the poor people out of jobs, just like I do. Because hotel jobs are entry level, at least most of them are, and it is from there that a lot of people rise up to gain more responsibility. I hate that part and so does Obama. Apparently.

In any event, the new hotel in Madison will employ a lot of new people (some to complete it and some permanently) and, if successful, will do so for a long time. Unless our President decides he should rail against the fat cats staying there, or the owners who are clearly millionairesandbillionaires and therefore deserve to get screwed.; 7/21/11, 2:45 PM
Curious George said...: Alex said...
It's always "the economy stupid". If unemployment keeps going down, WI voters will re-elect Walker in a landslide. Garbage and his unions be damned. They can all go straight to HELL.

In the case of states there are more issues...taxation is a big one. Income, fees, property taxes. There is a reason Doyle didn't run....he knew his clusterfuck policies and the resulting deficit would require massive tax increases. And no one get's elected in this economy do that.; 7/21/11, 2:46 PM
garage mahal said...: Liar. Unemployment was over 8% when Walker took the oath

Not in Wisc.; 7/21/11, 2:46 PM
Chip S. said...: More facts:

In Wisconsin, private sector employment fell by 6.8 percent from January 2008 to February 2010. Since February 2010, private sector employment has grown by 1.6 percent.

As is clear from a table at the link, most of the post-Feb. 2010 employment gains have occurred in 2011.; 7/21/11, 2:49 PM
traditionalguy said...: There is a big factor that no one mentions. The tourist industry.

People like to go see what is on their minds. Madison Avenue sends out repeated images and good will of a product or an area.

So who has created 14,000,000 advertisement views a year showing the beauty and interesting features of Wisconsin to a demographic of frequent travelers? Hmmm.

My son and his golfing buddies are suddenly attracted to Wisconsin.

Next week they will fly up from Georgia and Texas to Milwaukee, rent a car and drive up to play Whistling Straights on the Lake north of Sheboygan, and then take the SS Badger for a 4 hour ferry ride over the lake to play Arcadia Bluffs on the Michigan coast.

I believe his reservations are to then fly back out of Grand Rapids.

The son is into Wisconsin thanks to his Dad.

Or they may want to go walk the conquered territory since his group was at January's Rose Bowl crying in joy at TCU defeating that small team with a cocky attitude from the Madison area.

The chamber of Commerce and Scot Walker both owe a large debt of gratitude to La Althouse and her internet posse.; 7/21/11, 2:53 PM
Matt said...: Chip S.

I provided the link.... How exactly is that censoring data? I simply showed a basic trend and noted that very clearly. Also, the fact that unemployment rose [in WI case from 4% to 8%] was a trend that happened IN ALMOST EVERY STATE - regardless of who the heck the governor was.

Basically, you see the data the way you want to. I am simply presenting it. I don't credit or blame Doyle or Walker. And anyway it will take a good year before Walker can be judged for his policies. A mere downtick of .2 percentage points is hardly a reason to proclaim Walker a hero.; 7/21/11, 2:53 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: I don't understand why we credit the executive for the economy in the first place...(obama or walker or whomever, I just don't see the causal link)

You don't see a link between the legislation that is being passed that is crushing the economy? No link between regulations, high taxes, punitive laws and the uncertainty of what the Government is going to do?

The executive has the power to veto laws and to sway the legislative branch. The agenda is generally set by the executive. The CEO.

When the agenda is anti business,anti growth, pro welfare state.....

Oh...nevermind. You will never see because you have your head firmly planted in your posterior.; 7/21/11, 2:55 PM
Chip S. said...: @Matt--From my comment @ 2:13:

And yes, I understand that national forces were at work in 2008-09, when WI's unemployment rate soared from under 5% to over 9%. Of course, that's why the current job growth relative to the rest of the country is what's being discussed right now.

So, not only do I understand your latest point but I already anticipated and replied to it.

Truncation is a form of censoring, which is the sense in which I used it to describe your data presentation. Given that certain commenters here don't even read the very posts they're commenting on, I have little expectation that they're going to follow your unlinked link. So I do think that describing half a cycle as a "trend" is intended to mislead. It's only when called out do many people then retreat to the "Oh, how can we really tell from such a small sample" pose of reasonability.; 7/21/11, 3:03 PM
Matt said...: Dust Bunny Queen

Taxes are lower than they were in the 1980's and 1990's and the job market was healthier then. It is all connected? Higher taxes equal more jobs? The bottom line is rich job creators are hardly suffering because of 'high taxes'.

Under Bush's policies and tax cuts there were 3 million jobs created.

By comparison, under Bill Clinton's 'high tax administation' there were 23 million jobs produced.

Need I say more about the myth the GOP has come up with about job creators?; 7/21/11, 3:05 PM
Original Mike said...: "A mere downtick of .2 percentage points is hardly a reason to proclaim Walker a hero."

Largest one-month gain of private sector jobs in 8 years. All depends on how you want to frame the data.

I certainly agree that it's only one data point, but you have to try really hard to be such a sourpuss.; 7/21/11, 3:05 PM
garage mahal said...: A mere downtick of .2 percentage points is hardly a reason to proclaim Walker a hero.

You mean uptick of .2; 7/21/11, 3:05 PM
Alex said...: You mean uptick of .2

Moron. The denominator grew because people are so encouraged by the Walker economy they are starting to look for jobs!; 7/21/11, 3:07 PM
chickelit said...: The chamber of Commerce and Scot Walker both owe a large debt of gratitude to La Althouse and her internet posse.

There may be more than a casual link there--it may actually be causal one.

Think how long it takes to report job statistics--there's a lag. Now think of all those people downtown in Madison patronizing local businesses on the Square. Think of all the protestors in motion-on buses from Illinois-wherever. All those little micro-purchases added up, a hot pocket at a PDQ store, a meal, a cup of coffee, gas, tires, oil, bankies and depends for overnighting in the Capitol-you name it. It all added up to business because business is providing for people's needs.

And who was out there stoking the fires, getting people fired up so they could see themselves on Candida's Camera?; 7/21/11, 3:07 PM
Original Mike said...: "By comparison, under Bill Clinton's 'high tax administation' there were 23 million jobs produced."

Spending was relatively restrained in the 90's. Another coincidence, I'm sure.; 7/21/11, 3:08 PM
Scott M said...: Under Bush's policies and tax cuts there were 3 million jobs created.

By comparison, under Bill Clinton's 'high tax administation' there were 23 million jobs produced.

Need I say more about the myth the GOP has come up with about job creators?

No, but you can go look up the definition of "glib".; 7/21/11, 3:11 PM
Chip S. said...: You mean uptick of .2

Liberal logic: A "downtick" of .2 is "mere, but an uptick of .2 is enough for garage to call for an investigation into the numbers.

Hilarious, yet somehow pathetic.; 7/21/11, 3:12 PM
roesch-voltaire said...: I think that this is good news for the state, although manufacturing added only 300 more jobs than this time last year. The fact that the bulk of these are service jobs simply could reflect an up tick in the tourist season because more folks are traveling close to home-- at seen by the Meadehouse folks. Wisconsin has always been open for business and our unemployment rate, traditionally, is below the national average so before I cheer for a Walker effect, I want more evidence.; 7/21/11, 3:12 PM
Original Mike said...: "so before I cheer for a Walker effect, I want more evidence."

Wisconsin's business reputation has improved markedly. Wisconsin's bond rating has improved.; 7/21/11, 3:18 PM
Original Mike said...: But I do agree, it's early. It needs to continue. Hopefully, the recall elections don't throw a wrench into the works.; 7/21/11, 3:20 PM
chickelit said...: @t-man: I just bought that Sippican book you mentioned in the other thread. Thanks for pointing that out. I missed it on Insty.; 7/21/11, 3:20 PM
Matt said...: Chip S

I think you think I purposely misled the poor uninformed folks her on Althouse. I happen to have a bit more faith in them - which is why I provided a link.

Doyle's policies alone did not make unemployment go up. And Walker's policies alone will not make it go down. There is not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the policies between political parties. At the end of the day they are all forcing legislation through, making compromises and getting done what they can.

Plus ça change.; 7/21/11, 3:20 PM
MadisonMan said...: OTOH, maybe they'll do a good business from visitors to the UW.

I'd rather stay at Union South. But it might do well with State Tournaments too, especially those at the Field House.

I just wish it looked nicer. It's like they purposely made it uglier than that statue at Regent and Breese Terrace.; 7/21/11, 3:22 PM
Chip S. said...: before I cheer for a Walker effect, I want more evidence.

A nice example of reasonable partisanship. If things had gone the other way, I'd probably be equally cautious about blaming Walker.

At the same time, when the early returns are consistent with our prior views, we're all quite happy to trumpet them. So in that spirit let me add,

Walkerism FTW!!!; 7/21/11, 3:25 PM
Original Mike said...: "There is not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the policies between political parties."

Man, there was a whole lot of commotion in Wisconsin this Spring over "not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the policies".; 7/21/11, 3:25 PM
Lincolntf said...: "Man, there was a whole lot of commotion in Wisconsin this Spring..."

Everything you think you saw this Spring has been officially designated as un-history by the WI Libs. If you persist in your delusions, the State will be obligated to re-educate you.; 7/21/11, 3:28 PM
Original Mike said...: "It's like they purposely made it uglier than that statue at Regent and Breese Terrace."

Just think. If you stay there, you get a great view of the statue.

It's suppose to look European, isn't it?; 7/21/11, 3:29 PM
Dustin said...: "There is not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the policies between political parties."

Strange that there is such a HUGE difference between their results.

Obamacare shut down employment. Bush had 5-6% unemployment and now we're reaching towards 10%.

The richest most blessed geography in the country, California, with all that technology industry and tourism and the movie industry, is practically a failed state. The wasteland of Oklahoma is doing fine.

There actually is a difference in their policies. Not every Republican has the backbone to stay out of the way, but those who do, while cleaning up waste, tend to succeed.

Democrats seem really furious at Walker for simply staying of the crony capitalist game, so they could use your insight that Walker is the same as a democrat.; 7/21/11, 3:32 PM
Original Mike said...: "The richest most blessed geography in the country, California, with all that technology industry and tourism and the movie industry, is practically a failed state. The wasteland of Oklahoma is doing fine."

Curious, that.; 7/21/11, 3:35 PM
garage mahal said...: Wisconsin's bond rating has improved.

Not quite true. It's maintained its AA rating.; 7/21/11, 3:35 PM
Original Mike said...: "Not quite true. It's maintained its AA rating."

Perhaps I was misinformed. I heard it on the radio.; 7/21/11, 3:38 PM
Scott M said...: What was the bond rating before May 10th? On that day,

Moody’s wrote that the Aa2 general obligation bond rating “reflects the state’s improved liquidity position…as well as the fully funded pension system.” They note that “the state’s ability to make progress toward structural budget balance and improve its liquidity and fund balances will be important to future credit analyses.”; 7/21/11, 3:41 PM
MadisonMan said...: The 'Wasteland of Oklahoma' is pretty richly blessed energy-wise.; 7/21/11, 3:41 PM
MadisonMan said...: Just think. If you stay there, you get a great view of the statue.

You would get an easy breakfast at Mickie's, though. That's a huge plus.; 7/21/11, 3:43 PM
KitaIkki said...: @Matt

"There is not a whole heck of a lot of difference between the policies between political parties."

So all the protesting, chanting, recalling, effigy hanging, "This is what Democracy looks like" in Madison were all for nothing?

What a surprise.; 7/21/11, 3:44 PM
Original Mike said...: "The 'Wasteland of Oklahoma' is pretty richly blessed energy-wise."

So is California.; 7/21/11, 3:46 PM
Original Mike said...: "You would get an easy breakfast at Mickie's, though. That's a huge plus."

Not for us. Mickie's is already crowded enough.; 7/21/11, 3:47 PM
Matt said...: Dustin

You are correct that the unemployment rate has gone up since Obama took office. I cannot deny that. But by the same logic you would have to give Clinton credit for the unemployment figures going down while he was in office.

See what I mean? Should we ignore Clinton and Democrats but then praise Republicans when it is convenient?

I think you might be a tad bit too partisan on this issue. When I say there is not a lot of difference between the parties I mean it. They are ALL business / capitalist friendly. As they should be. But the perception is that they are somehow miles apart. It wasn't until recently that the GOP became very far right on many of the government spending issues. They sure weren't when Bush signed the Medicare precription bill into law.; 7/21/11, 3:52 PM
Scott M said...: It wasn't until recently that the GOP became very far right on many of the government spending issues. They sure weren't when Bush signed the Medicare precription bill into law.

A couple of things come to mind immediately. First, it wasn't until recently that Obamacare was rammed down everyone's throat and both I and my HSA hope it gets eviscerated when it gets to the SCOTUS. Secondly, the rank and file out here have been what they are all along, they've simply not been that vocal about it. I know the crowd of politically aware people I know all fall into that category. I can honestly say that quite a few people I know that voted for Bush were outraged with him over the prescription benefit and the border.; 7/21/11, 3:56 PM
Original Mike said...: "When I say there is not a lot of difference between the parties I mean it. They are ALL business / capitalist friendly."

There are several points in your post, and I don't disagree with all of them. I even agree that, historically, this one was more true than not true. But "you are too far from reality, now" (to paraphrase Baghdad Bob) regarding the current White House resident.

Steve Wynn: "I'm saying it bluntly, that this administration is the greatest wet blanket to business and progress and job creation in my lifetime..."; 7/21/11, 4:03 PM
garage mahal said...: What was the bond rating before May 10th?

The same as it is today.; 7/21/11, 4:07 PM
Scott M said...: So...was there published comments from reps from Moody's or S&P suggesting it was threatened prior to May 10th? Why would they put out that statement? An annual or quarterly assessment?; 7/21/11, 4:09 PM
Chip S. said...: @Scott, New bond issue yesterday.; 7/21/11, 4:15 PM
Known Unknown said...: I'm in Dublin, Ireland.

All over town you see signs that the VAT tax decreased and now, food prices (and such) are cheaper.

I'm so amazed that those businesses didn't exclusively shoulder the higher costs associated with the higher tax.

WV: Dowdo — Either Maureen Dowd's hairstyle or sex toy.; 7/21/11, 4:21 PM
pauldar said...: makes one wonder if the headline was "Wisconsin has the largest one-month LOSS of private sector jobs since September of 2003."

Actually, does not make me wonder at all; 7/21/11, 4:27 PM
Mr. T. said...: "I'm sure liberals have a way to explain why this is not a reason to credit Scott Walker. "

Here in state of Chicago, we have Pat Quinn, not Walker, who has implemented an executive agenda completely opposite of Walker's, and has managed to get several important, job-creating businesses to either:

1. Flee to Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, or even Florida (Future Gen, etc.)

2. Threaten to leave (JJs, Catepillar, Kraft). Boeing would have if they weren't paid to hire a bunch of Quinn's cronies and Emmanuel's family.

Even rogue democrats from other states couldn't save our businesses in this climate.; 7/21/11, 4:28 PM
Dustin said...: "It wasn't until recently that the GOP became very far right on many of the government spending issues. They sure weren't when Bush signe"

This is HILARIOUS.

What does 'far right' mean? Voting like Obama did in 2007 not to raise the debt ceiling?

It was LOWER then. Thus, it's not a contradiction to say 'this is where I draw the line'. Only the democrats are hypocrites on this issue. They refused to raise the debt ceiling past 10 trillion, but say to keep it at 14 is going to ruin the world.

It really is something to behold.

But at any rate, it's true that the GOP's average $150 billion deficit was way too high. That was a mistake. So what? Two wrongs don't make a right. Obama's 1.4 trillion dollar deficit is not any more acceptable because the GOP failed to balance the budget.

Partisanship is sick sometimes.; 7/21/11, 4:34 PM
Anonymous said...: E.M. --

After reading your wv, I realized that I haven't heard anything about MoDo for months.

Does anyone know where she disaapeared to?; 7/21/11, 4:39 PM
Phil 314 said...: Hey I was right.

First my claim:

Maybe its all of the temporary jobs of faux protesters in Madison?

and from the jobs report
Arts, Entertin., & Recreation was single biggest growth category

Well I thought they were pretty entertaining. Not very artistic but entertaining.; 7/21/11, 4:45 PM
Brian Brown said...: Under Bush's policies and tax cuts there were 3 million jobs created.

By comparison, under Bill Clinton's 'high tax administation' there were 23 million jobs produced.

Well, except for the fact Clinton cut taxes twice.

Watching you ignorant people in action is mind boggling.; 7/21/11, 5:11 PM
Tim said...: The 'Wasteland of Oklahoma' is pretty richly blessed energy-wise.

So is California. They just won't use it.; 7/21/11, 5:24 PM
Trooper York said...: Hey just the guys scaping off glue off of marble should account for about half of that job growth right there.; 7/21/11, 5:31 PM
Blue@9 said...: Under Bush's policies and tax cuts there were 3 million jobs created.

By comparison, under Bill Clinton's 'high tax administation' there were 23 million jobs produced.

I love how people think there's some actual logic to the claim that the economy was booming under Clinton, ergo we can have the same growth if we just go back to his tax rates. It ignores the whole internet bubble (alongside the real internet economy) that arose during Clinton's term.

Sorry folks, but tax policy had nothing to do with the rise of Google and the dot-coms.

Also, the whole "rich getting richer" phenomenon is hardly affected by tax policy, so calling for higher tax rates as a means to effect "social justice" is just plain retarded-- that is, unless you want to set such a punitive rate that you discourage rich people from earning income at all. And if that's what you really want, good grief, way to kill the entire economy.; 7/21/11, 5:31 PM
Sigivald said...: Because the Governor has nothing to do with employment, just like the President doesn't!

Unless it's bad news and the Gov or Pres is the Wrong Party, or good news, and they're the Right Party.

Then it's entirely the fault or credit of The Members Of The Appropriate Party.

(Me, I'm far more honest, and concede that absent active hostility or promotion of uncertainty - or an amazing set of reforms - the Executive has very little to do with employment, no matter who it is or what happened with it.); 7/21/11, 5:46 PM
Michael said...: Matt: I will remind you that Clinton had a Republican House and Senate for six of his eight years in office.; 7/21/11, 5:47 PM
Cincinnatus said...: So half of the private sector jobs created last month in the entire U.S. were created in WI? But the unemployment rate went up? Sure seems like Walker math.

And so Mahal shows his complete and utter ignorance of how unemployment rates are calculated. Good job, Mahal, of confirming an already well-established belief in your incompetence.; 7/21/11, 5:59 PM
Michael said...: Traditionalguy: On the subject of tourism, the Obama administration has done virtually nothing to permit Chinese tourists to enter the country. There are four consulates in all of China and the wait for an appointment is three months with another four to six months for visa issuance. The EU has fifteen consulates. It is hundreds of "little" things like this that contribute to the sluggish economy and the persistent joblessness.; 7/21/11, 6:10 PM
Ralph L said...: There was a significant reduction in the capital gains tax rate in '97 which was expected after Repubs took Congress in 95, which was when the Dow Jones started climbing fast and people felt wealthier (and knew Hillarycare and tax increases were dead).; 7/21/11, 6:14 PM
chickelit said...: Recall JFK's aphorism "A rising tide lifts all boats"?

BHO's aphorism is "A falling tide strands the yachts first"*

The problem is that he's wrong. A falling tide strands the cargo ships, the ore freighters, & basically anything that's big and floats.
________
*It's not just POTUS's fault but the buck stops there.; 7/21/11, 6:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Surrounding states are doing better then WI. Iowa is at 6.0% I think.

Why did WI get hit so hard in the crash? Corn is not more in demand then dairy, I would think.; 7/21/11, 6:29 PM
Anonymous said...: Ace has a post about how in various countries like Canada, cutting spending and lowering taxes has resulted in--wait for it--employment and prosperity!

It's not rocket science. The "negotiations" going on now are thus 99.9% political rather than reality-based.

http://minx.cc/?post=319073; 7/21/11, 6:36 PM
gadfly said...: Garage:

Walker doesn't do the math on the unemployment stats. That is the job of Prez Zero's Bureau of labor Statistics -- you will have to take up that question with "teh won."; 7/21/11, 6:37 PM
garage mahal said...: gadfly:
Bad link.

My poorly constructed point, and not even a big one, was the press release from Walker neglected to note the unemp. % ticked up since he took over. The big gain in tourism jobs proves again it's demand, and not tax cuts, that creates jobs.; 7/21/11, 7:09 PM
KCFleming said...: It's not one thing but one hundred that determine growth.

A business will not hire nor a new one start up when (1) the future seems too uncertain or (2) there is certainty that the State will confiscate profits.

WI shows marginal gains despite uncertainty in the nation, thanks to Obama, given a state legislature that doesn't seem to hate new businesses..; 7/21/11, 7:23 PM
Chuck66 said...: Everytime a new employer is announced, I like to go to the Milw JS web site to read the comments. The left has quite a problem with any new jobs.; 7/21/11, 7:31 PM
Chuck66 said...: Canouck, I don't know the details of Iowa, but the ethonal scam...I mean business...provides a big boost to Iowa economy.; 7/21/11, 7:33 PM
traditionalguy said...: Politicians are like a real estate agent: They are a necessary part of doing the deal. Their critical skill is TO NOT SCREW UP The deal as it happens,

Now, IMO Obama has dedicated his life to screwing up the USA so that he and his friends like Ayers can feel better after killing off 25,000,000 of the bourgeoisie...I mean redistributing their lives.; 7/21/11, 7:41 PM
Synova said...: "I'm sure conservatives have a way to explain why this is only because of Scott Walker...."

Goal moving foul.

Put the "only" in there and the other side is always wrong. Automatically. Because nothing is ever "only" caused by a single influence.

For what it's worth my 20 year old actually had three days of work this week (construction day-labor) and a week or so ago got a call back, interview, and "I'll hire you next" from the take-n-bake pizza place. After years (and no hyperbole in saying "years") of looking for work, a call back and kind words feels like Christmas, even though he still is unemployed. (I did ship him to another state to work for my brother for a few months during those "years.")

I'm glad Wisconsin is doing better than other places. The whole mid-west seems to be doing better. North Dakota managed to get oil production in under the radar of the eco-religionists, so they're golden. I'm trying to bully my second oldest into staying in Minnesota with my sister because she might be able to get a job at McDonald's in Minnesota. Not a chance of that here.

Probably, since the whole region seems to be doing a bit better than elsewhere it is not *only* Walker influencing private sector growth in Wisconsin.; 7/21/11, 8:51 PM
Titus said...: You know where they are hiring like crazy?

And where the housing is outrageous?

Silicon Valley.

Google, Facebook, LinkedIn.

Are we going to see a dotcom bust there?

Who knows.

I said bust.; 7/21/11, 9:27 PM
Titus said...: It's really about skill set.

Are you part of the Creative Economy?

We are talking biotech, yes even Green Technology, High Tech, Social Media.

And where all those high paying jobs?

On the evil American hating Coasts.

Do you have the technical skills to compete?

Do you have large tits?

Than you are set.

Now make it happen.

Hugs and Big Creative Tits.; 7/21/11, 9:29 PM
Titus said...: TripAdvisor, Groupon, Yelp, Sonos.

It's all about handheld apps. today.

Now get your hands on some handheld app. skills and make it happen you fucking losers!

I am sorry but tough love is sometimes required.; 7/21/11, 9:33 PM
Titus said...: Lastly think startup.

Not old, staid, large corporations.

Say no to financial services, insurance, banking, large pharma.

Too many layers and too much red tape.

Be entrepreneurial, CREATIVE (gay), and being able to work without (gasp) guidelines, procedures or for god sakes a fucking job description.

Be your job description, make your job description, work outside the boundaries.

Just fucking be.

Thank you so much and good night.; 7/21/11, 9:39 PM