The good news is that Wisconsin's per capita income in the 1990's grew slightly faster than the per capita income of the Midwest and the nation.
And the cost of living is significantly lower in Milwaukee than in our main border-state competitors, Minneapolis and Chicago.
But on the other end of the spectrum, in the year 2000, Illinois and Minnesota workers earned more each year than the hard-working men and women in Wisconsin. That is unacceptable. We must do better.
We must set our goals high.
My vision for Wisconsin's future is expansive, but not expensive: we can make government at all levels work better and smarter. We will continue holding the line on spending and taxes so that Wisconsin moves out of the top five highest-tax states by 2003 and out of the top 10 by 2006.
With a statewide business plan as our roadmap, our goal will be to raise Wisconsin's per capita income above the national average by the end of 2005 and surpass Illinois and Minnesota in wages earned by the end of the decade!
In times of challenge, we must keep sight of our goals. In the coming years, we will build on our past successes to enhance our economic vitality and preserve our quality of life.
As I reflect on our state of the state, I am bolstered by the belief that the goodness and strength of our people will prevail. The future is ours to make. While some states may fret and worry about the future, the Wisconsin spirit will serve as our beacon for a prosperous and healthy Wisconsin.
Recently, I was asked what Wisconsin might look like in 10 years.
I see a future with a vibrant business climate that will continue to create good-paying jobs.
I see a thriving economy with nationally renowned companies opening their doors…. And a highly skilled workforce.
I see schools where children are challenged. Teachers are given the respect they deserve. And accountability is the common denominator for our entire school system.
I see children and families with health care and childcare.
I see top-notch academic programs producing first-rate students and leaders.
I see a national biotechnology center in Wisconsin.
I see basketball championship banners hanging from the rafters of the Kohl Center and the Bradley Center.
I see the Lombardi Trophy back at its rightful home – Lambeau Field… the same year the Badgers win the national championship on the gridiron.
I see families exploring open space, swimming at our pristine beaches, fishing in our lakes and riding on our bike paths.
I see a world-class transportation system that quickly and smoothly moves people and goods around and into Wisconsin…. And moves products out.
I see farmland where young children learn to carry on the historic legacy of the family farm from their parents and grandparents.
I see visitors and residents celebrating Wisconsin's ethnic and cultural diversity from Superior to Kenosha … from Marinette to Monroe.
I see great days ahead for men and women of will and vision.
But most of all, I see a Wisconsin in the shining light of a rising sun… fresh from the burning, creative hand of God.
Thank you very much. God bless you, and God bless Wisconsin.
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Adjourned.
7:45 P.M.
Senate amendment 1 to Senate Bill 353 offered by Senator Harsdorf.
Senate amendment 1 to Senate Bill 435 offered by Senator Robson.
Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Joint Resolution 57
Deposited in the office of the Secretary of State on March 4, 2002.
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Senate Enrolled Proposals
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Joint Resolution 30
Senate Joint Resolution 53
Senate Joint Resolution 54
Senate Bill 302
Senate Bill 330
Senate Bill 360
Report correctly enrolled on March 1, 2002.
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Corrections In:
SENATE AMENDMENT 1,
TO 2001 ASSEMBLY BILL 470
Prepared by the Legislative Reference Bureau
(March 1, 2002)
1. Page 1, line 1: after "bill," insert "as shown by assembly substitute amendment 1,".
Corrections In:
ASSEMBLY AMENDMENT 1,
TO 2001 ASSEMBLY BILL 843
Prepared by the Legislative Reference Bureau
(February 28, 2002)
Page 4, line 10: before "and (2)" insert ", (1m),".
2. Page 4, line 10: before "(2), and" insert ", (1m),".
