Instead of asking politicians about Wisconsin’s job numbers (for instance, the party in charge when 94,000 Wisconsin jobs disappeared in 2009), WFRV-TV in Green Bay asked an actual expert:

According to Lawrence University Professor of Economics Marty Finkler … a lack of venture capital is slowing growth in Wisconsin.

“That is the funding needed to expand from a start up to an substantial enterprise” explains Finkler.

He says the potential recall of Governor Scott Walker is also contributing to uncertain conditions.

“Why commit long term to a set of policies that you don’t know are going to stay in existence” says Finkler.

Professor Finkler also believes Wisconsin has a lack of skilled workers in growing trades. “To get the desirable kinds of employment we have to educate our people and keep them here”.

I was on Wisconsin Public Radio when I commented about the uncertainty issue, which my opponent (a non-business person) immediately pooh-poohed. It’s nice to be proven right by someone who knows what he’s talking about. That also suggests that the Recall ______ forces are indeed hurting Wisconsin’s economy, and will continue to do so as long as they are in existence.

Finkler’s comment about skilled workers is echoed by Todd Teske, chairman of Briggs and Stratton, who told the Wisconsin Reporter: “Manufacturing has been, and continues to be, the core of family-supporting middle class jobs in Wisconsin. But those jobs are threatened by a number of factors, including a shortage of skilled industrial workers to fill existing and expected job vacancies.”

Added Kurt Bauer, CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: “Many tech colleges report that students show little interest in their industrial skills training programs. In other words, there is low demand for the classes that teach the skills manufacturers need.  … Educating young people, as wells as the people they listen to, i.e. their parents, teachers, counselors, about the opportunities and reward in industry is the first step.”