Sunday, June 13, 2010

Walker Responds to Barrett's Dem Convention Speech

Yesterday, Tom Barrett gave a speech at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin State Convention.

He played the part of candidate for governor, something he hasn't spent much time doing. But on Saturday, Barrett tried to look like he really wants to succeed Jim Doyle.

Scott Walker responded to Barrett's attacks and misguided ideas, releasing the following statement:

“Wisconsin voters have a clear choice in this election – the Jim Doyle and Tom Barrett record of tax hikes and big government, or my plan to cut taxes for everybody in this state so we can lower spending, shrink government, and bring jobs to Wisconsin.

Tom Barrett continues to run away from his record and towards our third Brown Bag principle – ‘People create jobs, not the government,’ even though he raised taxes and grew government in Madison, in Washington and in Milwaukee.”

Walker also noted that last year alone, the Barrett-Doyle agenda cost 163,000 good paying Wisconsin jobs, and referenced Barrett’s support for:

• Job Killing Combined Reporting – Unlike Jim Doyle and Tom Barrett, Scott Walker has repeatedly called for the repeal of combined reporting, legislation that has cost Harley Davidson $22.5 million, and cost millions more across the state, threatening jobs at companies like Procter and Gamble in the Fox Valley, Frito Lay in Janesville, Murphy Oil in Superior, and CenturyLink in La Crosse.


• Job Killing Global Warming Legislation – Jim Doyle and Tom Barrett have supported Global Warming legislation that would increase the cost of doing business in Wisconsin, and would mandate billions of dollars in new spending to produce the exact same energy we use today. According to a recent study, if the bill Barrett supports were signed into law, Wisconsin would lose an additional 43,000 jobs. Another study said the bill could increase the cost of gasoline in Wisconsin by 61 cents per gallon. Scott Walker has consistently spoken out against this bill.


• $810 million Boondoggle Train – Tom Barrett and Jim Doyle have been in lock step with the Obama administration in support of the $810 million taxpayer funded high-speed rail line from Milwaukee to Madison. Walker noted that according to the federal government's own estimate, the project would only create 55 permanent jobs - that’s $14.5 million per job, not including any hidden costs. Original cost estimates for rail lines almost always skyrocket once construction begins, and study after study show that passenger rail fares are likely to cover only 20% of the operating costs. That will force Wisconsin families to pay the other 80% through higher taxes and fees. Scott Walker has time and again spoken out against this train.


• Using Taxpayer Money to Outbid Private Wisconsin Based Companies – With the support of Tom Barrett, Gov. Doyle and the Democrats in the Legislature, a $47.5 million no-bid government contract was awarded to Spanish train-maker Talgo to build taxpayer funded train-cars. Wisconsin manufacturers, including Milwaukee’s own SuperSteel, were never given an opportunity to compete for the work. 

Mayor Tom Barrett then used millions of taxpayer dollars to redevelop the city’s Tower Automotive site to undercut a Wisconsin company’s bids to assemble the train cars at private sector-run facilities in Milwaukee, Appleton, Janesville and Racine, in an apparent effort to boost Barrett’s image in his race for Governor. In fact, Barrett’s office of Milwaukee City Development outbid private companies by offering perks to Talgo like abatement of property taxes on the facility for one year, full payment of worker training, and money to upgrade the facility.


• Earlier this year, Walker outlined his plan to bring 250,000 jobs to Wisconsin that lowers taxes and eases regulations so people, not government, can create jobs. Unlike Barrett’s plans, Walker doesn’t cherry pick winners and losers but instead lowers taxes so all businesses will be encouraged to stay and expand in Wisconsin.

Time for a change.

Wisconsin can't afford a third term of Jim Doyle.

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