Gov. Walker hints at a state budget weighted toward business

MADISON (WITI) -- Gov. Scott Walker hints at a state budget weighted towards business. That includes more money for marketing to attract new employers. But state Democrats say the approach is failing.

"Today in particular, I wanted to give you a sneak peek of some of the items related to economic development," said Gov. Walker.

Speaking before an audience of the state's business leaders, Gov. Walker hinted what he's planning to unveil in his budget proposal later in February. But he is, in many ways, still talking about the last budget.

Gov. Walker defended his controversial budget reforms as having put the state on solid fiscal footing.

"We had some real challenges in this state.  Today, because of what I would argue are some tough and prudent decisions -- you may agree with some or all or none of the ways we got there -- but today that 3.6 billion deficit is a surplus of a half a billion dollars," said Gov. Walker.

"Obviously his policies are working abysmally for Wisconsin," said State Rep. Peter Barca (D).

The Assembly's Democratic leader says the governor has failed to deliver on his signature promise of helping businesses to create 250,000 new jobs in his first term. So far, 37,000 jobs have been created on Walker's watch.

""We're last in the Midwest.  We're anywhere from 42nd to 46th.   Forbes magazine is projecting we're going to be 49th over the next 4 years. So we need a new approach," said Barca.

The governor says he wants to spur job growth by increasing state funding for marketing and tourism.

"We're going to be putting more money into marketing, we found that to be highly effective when it came to the Dept. of Tourism.   We're doing more in tourism in terms of reaching pout to international visitors," said Gov. Walker.

Gov. Walker is also planning to propose an income tax cut and tax credits to attract and retain businesses. Barca calls that a misplaced priority.

"The most important thing is trying to put peep back to work quickly," said Barca.

Barca says tax cuts should benefit the working poor; those making close to minimum wage.

"Those are the people that most need help. So I've heard talk that once again he may be leaving that category of workers behind -- and that's a group from a macro economic perspective will spend the money that they get," said Barca.

Gov. Walker plans to detail his entire budget in a speech on Wednesday, February 20th.