Grow Wisconsin 2005 promises big returns

When Gov. Jim Doyle took office in 2003, he made economic development his top priority, putting forth a high-end economic vision for Wisconsin within just a year of taking office.

This vision, called "Grow Wisconsin," identified goals and measurable outcomes so that scarce economic development funds could be used wisely and effectively.

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Since then, Gov. Doyle has signed virtually every piece of legislation called for in the plan � eliminating the tax on creating jobs, streamlining regulations, investing in industry and improving our business climate.

And the results have been impressive:

• Over the last two and a half years, Wisconsin has created nearly 140,000 new jobs.

•  In 2004, the state marked its third-straight record-setting export total with sales of more than $12 billion.

•  Wisconsin's total personal income is expected to grow at an impressive 5.7 percent this year, outpacing the growth in U.S. incomes.

The governor also kept his promise for restoring a fiscally responsible government to Wisconsin. The budget he signed this summer balanced a $1.6 billion deficit without raising taxes; froze property taxes; even cut taxes by $325 million over the next four years; and reduced state agency spending by $272 million in the next two years.

But there is more work to be done to build a strong and sustainable economy in Wisconsin. That's why Gov. Doyle recently released "Grow Wisconsin: The 2005 Agenda." This agenda focuses on three major areas: fostering a competitive business climate, investing in the work force, and investing in business.

Gov. Doyle remains committed to competing at the high end, where Wisconsin can capitalize on our strengths, such as our great educational resources, hard-working people and tradition of innovation.

The Grow Wisconsin 2005 agenda advances economic development by:

•  Investing in manufacturing through a new $1.5 million manufacturing competitiveness initiative.

•  Proposing a sales tax exemption to inputs in the bio-manufacturing industry.

•  Supporting the quick dispersal of venture capital and angel investor tax credits to aid startup businesses.

•  Providing $30 million for business incubator development.

•  Unleashing $500 million to support investments in housing and economic development.

•  Releasing $170 million in tax credit support for business development in distressed areas.

•  Supporting legislation requiring that gasoline sold in Wisconsin contain 10 percent ethanol and that 10 percent of the state's energy come from renewable resources.

By carrying out a coherent strategy that focuses on the high end, we have made great strides toward a solid economic recovery. If we continue to work together on this new Grow Wisconsin agenda for 2005, we can fulfill Wisconsin's promise of a vibrant economy and superb quality of life.