Dear Friends,

Another Illinois business is making the migration north!

Last week, German candy maker HARIBO picked Wisconsin over the Land of Lincoln.  According to Illinois Policy , the choice was easy. Wisconsin is open for business and is becoming the place to start or expand a business. The group says "... the Badger State's overall economic policies make it more attractive for investing in blue-collar jobs." 

This week, another company announced it would leave Illinois for our great state.  Sheet metal fabricator, Prestige Products is bringing 25 jobs from Antioch, IL to Bristol, WI.  
 
There's even more good news on the job front. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says Wisconsin added 11,000 jobs in February!  While the numbers are preliminary, BLS reports our state created more than triple the jobs of Iowa or Minnesota.

As always, if you have any ideas on how to improve our great state, including how to improve the budget, please do not hesitate to contact me at  [email protected] or 608-266-5830.   

On Wisconsin!

Darling Meets with Local Officials on State Budget

On Friday, I had the opportunity to meet with many of our local officials in the 8th Senate District.  We had a lively discussion about Governor Walker's budget proposal and how it impacts our communities.  The input I received today is incredibly valuable as I work on the state budget. 

Thanks to all who participated came out for taking the time to meet with Representatives Jim Ott, Dan Knodl, Janel Brandtjen, and myself.
Structural Deficit? Not So Fast! 

You may have read some recent stories about Governor Walker's proposed budget having a structural deficit.  It sounds bad, and it could be, but it's probably not going to happen.  Here's why. 

The structural deficit means if we keep spending, but have no revenues coming in, our budget would be in trouble. If you've ever taken a loan for a house or a car, you've had a "structural deficit" too. If you couldn't make your payments, you might default on your loan.

Thanks to the hard-working people of Wisconsin, we are sure revenues will continue to come into the state. By law, our budgets have to be balanced, which means we can't pass a budget with a deficit. And you can be sure I am looking for ways to cut spending and lower your tax burden.

So are structural deficits a concern? Yes! We will roll-up our sleeves to put Wisconsin in the best possible position to avoid a deficit in the future.  You can count on it.  
 
Public Hearings on the Budget Next Week

  (Senator Darling asks a question during agency hearings this week)

Next week, the budget committee hits the road to hear directly from you! The Joint Committee on Finance has scheduled six public hearings throughout Wisconsin - including State Fair Park in West Allis next Wednesday.

If you can, please stop by and make your voice heard!  If you can't make it, you can still submit testimony to [email protected].
 
Monday, April 3  (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Ullsvick Hall
30 South Hickory Street
Platteville, WI 53818 
 
Wednesday, April 5 (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
State Fair Park - Exposition Center
8200 West Greenfield Avenue
West Allis, WI 53214
 
Friday, April 7  (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Berlin High School (Auditorium)
222 Memorial Drive
Berlin, WI 54923
 
Around the 8th...
Lannon Elementary visited the Capitol this week!
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Lumen Christi Catholic School in Mequon visited the Capitol this week too!

Senator Alberta Darling | [email protected] | 1-800-863-1113| http://darling.senate.wisconsin.gov
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