Dear Friends,

How are you feeling? According to a new survey, if you live in Wisconsin, you are more likely to be in a good mood. The website Wallethub ranked all 50 states and Wisconsin came in at number eleven for happiness.

It's hard not to smile with all the great economic news in Wisconsin. Consumer spending in Wisconsin is up this summer compared to the same time last year. The good news doesn't stop there.

Newly released data from the Census Bureau shows median household income in our state is up $2,494 from 2016. That's a 2.2% jump and one of the fastest growth rates in the Midwest. Since 2010, real incomes in Wisconsin have grown 7.4% compared to 7.0% nationwide.

Our economy is so much better than it was in 2010. In fact, local employer Badger Meter is moving 40 jobs back to our state. Wisconsin is on such a roll, it's not surprising so many people in our state are happy!

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov .

On, Wisconsin!

Alberta
Record Low Unemployment in Wisconsin
This chart shows the dramatic drop in Wisconsin's unemployment rate since 2010. In fact, our state's unemployment rate has remained below 3% for six consecutive months.
Wisconsin Leading on Worker Training
With our record unemployment rate, many employers are struggling with worker shortages. It's an issue that is affecting businesses throughout our country. I'm happy to report Wisconsin is leading the way on addressing these workforce challenges.

Recently, PBS News Hour highlighted our efforts to train and recruit workers for the thousands of jobs that are available right now in our state. Click on the picture above to see the story.
Help Available for Victims of Severe Weather
One of the many things that makes me proud of our state is the way we band together in times of need. If you have been a victim of the recent flooding and storms, there is help available.

Governor Walker declared a statewide state of emergency. If you have storm or flood damage, please call 2-1-1 as soon as possible. Resources are listed below that are available to help people affected by our recent severe weather.

State agencies offering assistance:
  • Grants to assist with short-term and emergency housing needs are disbursed through a local agent. For more information call (608) 267-5200.
  • Emergency Assistance payments to eligible low-income parents who have at least one child in the house and are facing an emergency due to natural disaster, to learn more about the program, including eligibility and where to apply, visit here.
  • Funding for assisting eligible, low to moderate income homeowners for housing rehabilitation, business assistance, and repair local infrastructure - (608) 266-7531 
  • Farmers should contact their local FSA Office to report damaged crops. FSA will also direct farmers to 211 and or the Local/County Emergency Management (EM) Office to report losses not tracked by the FSA. Visit USDA.org for local FSA office information.
  • Dealing with flooding
  • Cleaning up storm debris
  • Assistance in determining if food can be salvaged - (608) 224-4665 or food complaint emergency response line (608) 224-4714.
  • Complaints of transient home improvement workers and scams can be reported to Contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 422-7128 or datcphotline@wisconsin.gov
  • Motorists are advised to check 511wi.gov before traveling
  • Assistance for filing insurance claims can call Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at (800) 236-8517 or ocicomplaints@wisconsin.gov.  
  • To make a request for volunteer assistance, call 2-1-1 and they will confidentially share your information with volunteers that may become available in your area. 
  • Those with additional needs or outstanding questions should call 2-1-1 and they will be directed to the appropriate resource.
What's the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin?
Speaking of manufacturing, some of the coolest things on the planet are made right here in Wisconsin. Right now, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is holding a contest to determine what is the coolest thing made in our great state.

It's tough to pick a winner, especially when so many companies from our area are in the contest including: Telsmith Inc., Seven Marine LLC, Generac Power Systems, Gehl Foods, GE Healthcare, Connected Technology Solutions, Briggs & Stratton, Bassett Mechanical, and Harley Davidson.

By clicking on the picture above, you can help decide what is the coolest thing made in Wisconsin!
Building Wisconsin Award
I'd like to thank Pam and Mark Heitman of Heitman, Inc.and ABC Wisconsin for presenting me with the "Building Wisconsin" award for supporting the construction industry in Wisconsin! Thank you!
Wisconsin Proud!
  • Wisconsin's unemployment rate remained below 3% for six consecutive months.
  • Wisconsin added 21,300 manufacturing jobs from July 2017 to July 2018. That ranks us second in the nation, just behind Texas which added 21,400 in the same time period.
  • Business Insider ranked Wisconsin's economy as the 10th best in the nation.
  • Fifty of Wisconsin's 72 counties met or broke their all-time low unemployment rates in May.
  • CNBC ranks Wisconsin as the 17th best state in the nation for business.
  • All 12 of the state's metro areas and all our 32 largest cities have seen a year-over-year drop in unemployment. 
  • The number of people employed in Wisconsin is at an all-time high of 3,090,200, and the unemployment rate is at all-time low at 2.8% for May.
  • Construction wages in Wisconsin are up 7.5% from 2016-2017.
  • Wisconsin ranks 7th in manufacturing job creation from 2016-17, and wages are up 15% since 2010.
Around the 8th...
Nicolet High School visited the State Capitol this week!
Thiensville Public Safety Days

Saturday, September 15th
at Walgreen's Parking Lot
Free Event
Thiensville Police and Fire Departments showcase many public safety resources that are available.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Representative Jim Ott and I had a fantastic time at the Taste of Mequon on Saturday.
Last weekend, I had the honor of speaking at the Lynden Sculpture Garden in River Hills. The village celebrated World Migratory Bird Day, Arbor Day, and Monarch City Day!