From March 2011 to March 2012, Wisconsin had a higher percentage decrease in jobs than any other state, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released Tuesday.
Over the twelve-month span, Wisconsin lost 23,900 jobs, which amounted to a .9 percent decrease in employment. Twenty-seven states saw a “significant” increase in jobs, while Wisconsin was the only state with “statistically significant” losses.
Of the lost jobs, 17,900 came from the public sector and 6,000 from the private sector. The report also said Wisconsin had 4,500 fewer jobs in March than it did in February, only beating Ohio and New Jersey in that category.
But UW-Madison’s College Republicans Chair Jeff Snow said the numbers do not reflect on Wisconsin alone and reflect economic uncertainty in the country as a whole.
“All I know is so far this year we have created over 15,000 net jobs and our unemployment rate is at its lowest level in quite some time,” said Snow.
Wisconsin was among only 18 states that saw a significant decrease in its unemployment rate in March 2012 compared to the same time last year.
With recall elections quickly approaching, the numbers will likely play a large roll with voters, who will decide June 5 whether to recall Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and four state Senators.
UW-Madison Young Progressives President Sam Gehler saw the BLS report as the latest example of Walker’s failed policies.
“The policies he has enacted have done the opposite of what he promised they would,” Gehler said. “I think it reflects the fact that he has focused on a radical social, ideological agenda rather than an economic agenda.”
Gehler said the report will hurt Walker’s reputation among Wisconsin voters, who will see that only “a government that is creating jobs puts the best interests of voters at heart.”
Snow acknowledged that headlines highlighting Wisconsin’s economic woes may hurt Walker and his Republican allies, but played down the impact the most recent numbers will have.
“The numbers have been back and forth,” Snow said. “I think voters are mostly focused on the fiscal situation in the state now and how it’s improved, and that will be the focus of our campaign.”
Snow also referenced a study by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank report, which forecasts Wisconsin will grow 1.95 percent over the next six months, the highest growth rate since 2003.
