02.05.2010 - No. 2

From a constitutional mandate that the president "from time to time give the Congress Information of the State of the Union" has sprung a tradition at all level, the early-year "state of " address. Although its purpose is now largely political, when combined with independent data, a reasonable assessment emerges.

There is little argument among partisans that Wisconsin's economy remains weak, although they differ over causes.

• Employment.  A preliminary survey of employers showed that Wisconsin had 120,500 or 4.3% fewer jobs in December 2009 than just 12 months prior. The largest job loss came in manufacturing (-42,700 or -8.9%), but percentage declines were above average in construction (-6.0%), business services (-6.3%), and leisure/hospitality (-5.2%). Least affected were education/health (+2.0%) and government (-0.6%)....

Excerpt from Focus #2