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Reaction to Gov. Jim Doyle’s State of the State speech on Wednesday night:
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem:
“I’m very optimistic about the chance that the Republican Assembly has to work with the governor to do some of these things to spur the economy.”
State Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse:
“From strategic investments to foster entrepreneurship, to initiatives that make health care affordable, to efforts focused on building an educated workforce to compete around the globe, the governor has presented the Legislature with a road map for economic growth. The knowledge-based, innovation economy of the future brings both challenges and opportunities for growing our state. I applaud the governor for recognizing these challenges and offering proposals to seize the opportunities.”
State Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse:
“Given some of the recent news about our nation’s economy, I appreciate the governor’s attention towards economic development. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Wisconsin takes the steps necessary to insulate ourselves from national economic pressures. Research and development are key to this, as well as supporting renewable, home-grown energy choices. We must do everything feasible to support job growth and development, ensuring that our economy grows rather than falls behind.”
Rep. Kitty Rhoades, R-Hudson, co-chair of the Legislature’s budget committee:
“The governor is right. We’re going to face some significant fiscal challenges ... We are definitely going to have to do some significant reductions down the line.”
Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau:
“Governor Doyle offered many ideas on how we can spend even more of the taxpayers’ money, but offered no ideas on how to deal with the state’s fiscal mess ... I am very disappointed that he offered no ideas on how to address the likely budget shortfall facing the state.”
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke:
“Tonight, Governor Doyle offered a clear vision to move Wisconsin forward — one that will grow our economy, focus on renewable energy, make health care affordable for more Wisconsinites, and keep our commitment to great schools in this state.”
Bill Smith, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business:
“For more than 20 years, our members have told us that their number one problem is the rising cost of health insurance. We commend the governor for recognizing the importance of that issue, and for recognizing that small businesses represent the largest segment of the uninsured population.”
