Dear Friends,

Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to be at an all-time low. After adding nearly 9,000 jobs in March, unemployment remains at 2.9%. That's the lowest we've ever recorded and well below the national rate of 4.1%! In addition, Wisconsin has one of the lowest Veteran unemployment rates in the country at 1.2%! More people are working in our state than ever before and that number is growing even higher! Wisconsin added nearly 20,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2018.

Speaking of jobs, candy-maker Haribo says they may create 1,000 more jobs than they expected. Originally, they anticipated hiring 350 workers for their Pleasant Prairie facility. It's important to point out that Haribo picked Wisconsin for their first plant in America over seven different locations in Illinois. This is not an accident.

Employers are coming here because we've reformed government, balanced our budget, and invested in our future. Wisconsin is open for business again!

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

This week, I joined Governor Scott Walker to lower the tax burden in our state. Thanks to the Governor's signature, hardworking taxpayers will now have a five-day sales tax holiday in August, and parents will receive a tax rebate of $100 per child. That's real tax relief for working families. This adds to more than $8 billion in tax relief Republicans have delivered since 2011. 

This week, Governor Walker signed four more of my bills including restoring the Historic Tax Credit and cutting down on unnecessary emergency room visits. You can read more about them below or click on the video to learn more about these important new laws.

Senate Bill 668: Historic Tax Credit - In Wisconsin, many of our communities have downtowns that are tourist destinations. That’s not the case in many states. The Historic Tax Credit is a big reason why landmarks are getting a second chance.

Assembly Bill 829: Collateral Consequences - Jobs are a proven way to reduce recidivism. Many people with criminal records are ineligible for occupational licenses. This means family-supporting careers are off limits to them. My bill allows ex-offenders to get an individualized review and a chance at obtaining certifications for employment opportunities.

Assembly Bill 871: Care Coordination - This bill will help keep health care costs down and improve the health of Medicaid patients. By reducing emergency department visits, costs to our state's Medicaid expenditures will go down.

Assembly Bill 809: WHEDA Reform - The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) helps people realize their dreams. My bill will help WHEDA make more dreams come true. Along with technical changes, it will assist more first-time home buyers afford their down payment.

Wisconsin Proud!

Around the 8th...

This week, I was honored to see Ozaukee County Sheriff Jim Johnson for Governor Walker's bill signings.

Sheriff Johnson bravely served our nation in Iraq. While he was overseas, Jim received many letters from school children. It turns out that one of children who wrote to him is now one of his deputies! You can see the whole story here.

Thank you Sheriff Johnson for your service!