Scott Walker’s Record on Jobs & the Economy

Scott Walker’s Signature Promise Was to Create 250,000 Jobs in Wisconsin in His First Term. He Fell Nearly 50% Short of That Goal

Running for office in 2010, Scott Walker’s signature promise was to create 250,000 jobs in Wisconsin in his first term. He fell nearly 50% short of that goal, an abysmal failure at the one major promise he made to voters. Additionally, Wisconsin’s economy has lagged behind the rest of the Midwest during the economic recovery, with Wisconsin consistently ranking dead last or near last in key economic and job growth during Walker’s tenure.

To make matters worse, Walker’s flagship economic development agency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has been mired by incompetence, cronyism, and corruption. Multiple audits show the agency has broken the law, failed to follow internal policies, and lost track of millions in taxpayer dollars. And recent investigations by media outlets have shown state economic development awards going to Walker campaign donors. A One Wisconsin Now analysis in May of 2014 showed nearly 60% of economic development awards flowed to businesses with a connection to Walker’s donors, either through employees or their management structure.

When it comes to jobs and economic development, Walker’s agenda has been a nearly complete failure.