Governor says Wisconsin ‘Open For Business’

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• PHOTO GALLERY: Governor's visit

Gov. Scott Walker visited Hudson Tuesday to introduce a new sign stating “Open For Business.” The sign is one of 23 to be placed along different entry points into Wisconsin, including on I-94 at the Wisconsin-Minnesota border.

“These signs proudly proclaim Wisconsin is open for business,” said Republican Gov. Walker. “Along with the symbolic nature of these signs, there are going to be substantive changes to the way our state government treats job creators.

“The pro-growth initiatives I support stand in stark contrast to those policies being discussed in our bordering states. These signs are aimed directly at job creators to make them aware that they are welcome here.”

The Hudson announcement ceremony was held at the now-closed tourist information center just off Crest View Drive. The sign will actually be applied to the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign near east-bound exit one. The sign generally shows the name of the current governor. Walker’s “Open For Business” sign will be posted instead of a sign with his name.

“Not only am I working hard to attract business to the state, but the new state assembly and senate is already working on legislation in many areas to make the state more business-friendly,” Walker said. “That will include lowering taxes for businesses and farmers, improvements in access to health care -- we will make sure that our message is more than just a sign. We are serious about improving the business climate and ultimately balancing the budget.”

“Things have changed, we want to get government out of the way.”

Walker said he hopes to attract businesses from neighboring states, and it is also important to retain the businesses already in the state. He noted that Illinois, with its recent 46 percent business income tax increase, makes it a good target for attracting some of those businesses to Wisconsin.

“I invite Minnesota businesses to give Wisconsin another look,” Walker said. “St. Croix County is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and is a great location.

Traveling with the governor was new Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett.

She said, under Walker’s leadership, the state should be able to restore some of the 24,000 tourism jobs lost in recent years.

“We have a friend in Scott Walker,” Klett said. “Not only will we get those jobs back, but I believe we will double that number of new jobs in the next couple of years.”

Klett also said there is a move to re-open the Hudson visitor’s center just off I-94.

Newly-elected 30th District State Rep. Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) also attended the event.

“To compete effectively for jobs starts now,” Knudson said.

Also speaking was newly-elected 28th District State Rep. Erik Severson (R-Osceola).

The Hudson visit was one of five made throughout Wisconsin Tuesday. Other stops included two in Beloit, Dickeyville and Superior.

When asked about who would win this weekend’s Packer-Bears game, Walker proclaimed a 28-24 Packer victory.

Tags: news, breakingnews, politics, hudson