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Scott Walker on Local IssuesRepublican Wisconsin Governor |
These projects don't work and are in fact bad deals for taxpayers. There is no statistically positive correlation between sports facility construction and economic development. And there are hundreds of such deals across the country.
Merits aside, the Walker initiative presents a test for the right, especially the Tea Party. They've been somewhat consistent in opposing sports subsidies. But Gov. Walker has been perhaps the most outspoken Republican about the need for clear principled actions, on social policy and economic policy. When you hold yourself to a higher standard, small inconsistencies are magnified. If Gov. Walker is to be the candidate of the true believers, the free market, Ayn Rand, and austerity bugs, he's got some explaining to do.
Tonight, I'm happy to report that there are now eight Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers staffed with people that direct visitors to the many exciting attractions all across our great state. The Department of Tourism worked with the Department of Transportation and local chambers and visitors bureaus to form a tremendous partnership that protects state taxpayers in this effort.
With me tonight are a number of our dynamic Travel Wisconsin greeters, who provide a warm welcome to all of our visitors. It's no wonder tourism has grown to a $16 billion industry, supporting one in thirteen jobs in our state. Tourism is one of the many industries that benefit from a strong infrastructure system. We need to continue to invest in it to keep people working in Wisconsin.