zoom,
I understand all that. That was my point. The governor should not be so quick to hang his hat merely on decreasing unemployment rates as they do not tell the whole story. Long term unemployed that have given up looking for a job are not counted as part of the labor force (they are neither employed or unemployed). People that want (and need) to work full time but can only find part time work are included in the labor force (no feasible way to measure underemployment). The unemployment statistics on their own do not tell the whole story. If job losses are decreasing at the same time, that's a better indicator of how the job market is faring at the time. For example, the overall U.S. job market is starting to gain some ground. Both the unemployment rate and job losses are decreasing. While here in WI we see the unemployment rate going down but job losses continuing to increase. That is not a positive sign.

The labor force participation rate is a FAR superior way of analyzing the real economy and unemployment. As it you don't get the distortion of those dropping out of the work force as no longer being counted as unemployed. Here's a great site to look at that:
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/record-12-...
.
That chart is far more telling then the joke of the governments precious unemployment rate.

Where do the statistics come from?
Because unemployment insurance records relate only to persons who have applied for such benefits, and because it is impractical to actually count every unemployed person each month, the Government conducts a monthly sample survey called the Current Population Survey (CPS) to measure the extent of unemployment in the country. The CPS has been conducted in the United States every month since 1940 when it began as a Work Projects Administration program. It has been expanded and modified several times since then.
http://www.bls.gov/cps/faq.htm#Ques2

WalterReuther wrote: "I may or may not have a pretty close tie to the state agency that releases the unemployment numbers."

What does that mean?

Nevermind. Here is the truth:

These data (Unemployment Insurance claims) are NOT used to measure total unemployment because they exclude several important groups. To begin with, not all workers are covered by UI programs. For example, self-employed workers, unpaid family workers, workers in certain not-for-profit organizations, and several other small (primarily seasonal) worker categories are not covered. In addition, the insured unemployed exclude the following:

-Unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits
-Unemployed workers who have not yet earned benefit rights (such as new entrants or reentrants to the labor force)
-Disqualified workers whose unemployment is considered to have resulted from their own actions rather than from economic conditions; for example, a worker discharged for misconduct on the job
-Otherwise eligible unemployed persons who do not file for benefits
http://www.bls.gov/cps/faq.htm#Ques10

zoom,
I may or may not have a pretty close tie to the state agency that releases the unemployment numbers. I have a pretty good grasp on how the numbers are calculated.
If you think I'm so wrong, provide the "correct" information. Why would you just call my post "misinformation" if you don't have information to counter it?

WalterReuther wrote: "The unemployment rate is based on the number of people collecting unemployment benefits. As the long term unemployed run out of benefits and drop off the rolls they are no longer considered in the unemployment rates."

Absolutely WRONG. Sad that this misinformation keeps getting repeated.

Ezoner, it's probably not a good idea to call someone ignorant about business and then go on to say that "when a fixed cost becomes a variable cost". Fixed costs can change over time, but that doesn't make them variable costs.

Yeah Ezoner as a small business owner I am completely ignorant to how to run it. Maybe you should take a little time to understand that very little in business and life is a fixed cost. The cost of everything inflates, hence the need for higher taxes.
Following rules and regulations, whether you agree with them or not is a part of business and life. Its what separates us from China and suicide nets around worker dormatories.
You saying "Government continues to grow" doesnt make it so. EXAMPLE a school budget rises mainly because teachers salaries rise, almost always at less than the cost of inflation. Also like any other organizaton there are costs with running a business. Maintenance costs more, because supplies cost more , not because government is growing. Prices go up, costs go up , salaries to go up. Its a pretty simple formula. Its hard to blame everything on Mythical government growth. Inflation has as much to do with government growth as anything.
But hey ezoner you are the only business owner that gets it. As a business owner I expect to pay my share of taxes because I use government services. Why is it that businesses feel that because they are business they should get service for free? No business in Wisconsin should get taxpayer gifts(bribes) to come here. Nor should they get tax breaks to do business, if you consume government services, utilities, etc...You should pay for them. Not to the point where you Go out of business, but if your business plan doesnt account for the ever changing tax and regulatory environment , and cannot account for small changes in that environment and stay afloat, you certainly should NOT be in business.
Like the tax evaders that had the furniture store on the south side? I forget their names, but they got caught for evasion and put out of business because of it.

Here is something to ponder -- in older days -- people had homesteads. As they were homesteads, the kids basically took care of the edlerly as they aged. The tax code we have was developed based upon that model. Then we continued to play with the tax code and adjust as times changed. The problem is the model that was used as a base, is no longer relevent, you have a very complex tax code (to compensate for the changes) that is not equitable, we developed government organizations to support that new model, and now, the new model is collapsing, and government is continuing to grow, like the model never changed. So small businesses are suffering from increased regulation and control, because the government wanst to soften the decline (or better stated the correction of the free market). This tinkering is causing more problems than it solves and is prolonging the inevitable, a major market correction. My guess, is that this correction will come after Nov (nobody will let it happen in an election year). The dems are probably better off losing this next election, because I believe that 4 years later, regardless of who wins, the other party will be in office. Thats if the correction isnt extremely severe and we become a dictatorship. Falling down the ranks of the top economy to maybe 2nd or maybe even lower. This economy will continue to decline until a major correction or reset is allowed to happen.

Fear -- This is where dems and obviously you are completely ignorant of how a business works. You have costs -- fixed and variable. When a cost that is fixed becomes variable (like taxes) or when an additional burden is added that has a significant unplanned capital expenditure (like regulatory investments). On the whole, they may not be much, but you cannot continue to estimate your cost structure (operating costs) anually, when you have no idea what the government regulations will be year over year. Your right, I chose to buy property. I did not choose to leverage myself to the point that I could not absorb a drop in value (others did) which has increased my risk, which has lowered my margins through increased taxes, which has lowered my net worth (because of government encouraged loans to people that could not afford them). The reality is I need certainty. Thats why I have not expanded, which means a lower requirement for maintenance work. I will stretch capital longer (just fix instead of replace). The government has its dirty hands into much more of my revenue than they should have. I can barely break even, while an elderly couple living next door pays $30/yr in property taxes, I pay $1500/yr on the same property value. Thats a point where I would agree with Obama, when they begin to pay their fair share, maybe I would consider my taxes to be a fair share. Until then, they are basically taking all but the property and the value of that is in decline.

Ezoner- Remember YOU CHOSE to be a property owner and were not forced into any decisions regarding property ownership. Seconly , business needs certainty? Provided by Government? I thought certainty resided in the free market?
If a guy owns a doughnut shop what is the certainty? That a lot of police will frequent his store? That he will sell a lot of doughnuts right? If you start a business your decision should depend on the marketability of your product(s), not a percentage point or two in taxes, or some kind of terrile regulatory environment that is mythical in the context of what most conservatives say it is. Please point out what regulations that Scott Walker has eliminated since being elected. Ill wait..
While I was NO fan of the Doyle administration the "billion dollar tax increases" boogie man that so many repubs speak of dilligently was largely a "Las Vegas" loophole that was closed that didnt allow as many businesses to escape paying any taxes. Closing loopholes is what many Republicans at the federal level suggest to lower tax rates and level the playing fuield, yet when its done at the state level we are somehow "anti-business"?

My larger point is that business should not rely on government for success or "certainty" in the free-market. While I understand that regulations in some arenas may make it more difficult in some regions, I also understand that regulations in many areas are there for public health, or in other cases to try to control corruption. Maybe you have o problem with corruption, but I for one have a huge problem with it. Tell me that the housing market is over regulated, or hows about the financial market? Lack of regulation in those 2 industries and throw in the insurance market , are the reasons were in a hole now.

Well put gpawcat....
I was aware a couple years ago when Democrats controlled all three branches of government. You (democrats) raided/drained the transportation fund then increased license plate registration 50% cause it was broke. Raided the malpractice trust fund 200 million that had to be paid back. Confiscated 25 million in cell phone overcharges for 911 upgrades. Raised taxes 2.2 billion that didn't solve the budget short fall. Received 2.2 billion in stimulus from the federal government. Increased Badgercare enrollment with no way to pay for it the next year after the stimulus ran out. Wisconsin is 40 billion dollars in total debt with no way to pay for it. Ya, we were paying attention. This is why the democrats lost the 2010 election. The Bureau of Labor statics say Wisconsin's unemployment is 7.1 in December, a downward trend the past year. Your statement, "we’ve lost jobs for six straight months" makes your article unreliable.

Fear -- businesses need certainty. Regardless or what people think about short term profits vs long term, smaller businesses do think long term. They need to deal with finances in teh here and now,but they are always thinking about growth. When the political environment is this uncertain, and the positions are so polarizing -- such that they will be over regulated and taxed, they look for a more business freindly environment.

I work with a couple of small busiensses. One made $40-50k gross margin (not net profit) -- yet when it comes to taxes, regulations, licenses, etc... bascially, they make less in take home pay than most people on welfare. Small business is being crushed today. In IL -- I own 12 properties, my property taxes on rentals are 2x because I do not get a an owner occupied credit. So I pay twice the taxes of everyone else, and barely break even after considering repairs and maintenace. You cannot survive as a small business. This has rang true because of the anti-business legislation that continues to pour out of dems. Their attitude is we will let you keep what we think you deserve, not thats your money you earned it, we need some to protect your investment.

Sorry fear, I for got to put IMO. I am only stating what I would do if I were a business owner. I guarantee that if anyone of you that are posting in here were big business owners, that you would be making the same decisions as theyare making right now. The funny part is that your last post basically says that no matter what we are screwed. What would you do so that everyone is happy. Guess what not everyoen is going to be happy whoever is in office. We will see what the majority says when the recall election happens, and if you don't think that there are alot of mad repubs, then you are sorely mistaken. We just don't go out into public and make a mockery of ourselves.

I would also point out that if Mr Walker resigns before the recall, there will be no recall and Mrs Kleefisch will be the gov. Will the businesses break down the doors then? Of course there is a VERY good chance that the Republican super Majority will be gone shortly anywho, so regardless who is the Governor in 6 months, once again we will need some governing and NO rubber stamping. It is NEVER a good thing for any party to have all the power. See WI under Jim Doyle, see WI under Scott Walker, see the USA under Barak Obama(2008), it seems that niether party is capable of responsible governence when charged with power.

Kidsfirst has it right- No numbers to refute Mr J so we get-"Businesses are waiting right now to see if Walker gets removed"
Now why would they wait? because they only want to come here if he is governor? IF that is the case then why are businesses leaving now? That rhetorical statement is lines with BS and seems to be the repeating of talking points.

Please skippy , could you point to some businesses that are actually waiting to see what happens. I would be really interested in some factual support of that statement. Ill wait...

kidfirst, maybe they are following the leadership that we have in washington. The dems are not working with the republicans there.

How can you make any plan work, when you have had only 1 year of 4 to complete it. Businesses are waiting right now to see if Walker gets removed. Would you jump in and invest millions of dollars if the state could fall apart do to stupid people crying about loosing bargaining rights. Why is everyone wanting the government to give them something? I would love for Andy Jorgenson to cite his sources for this, instead of usless rhetoric to convince people of something. All of the people I have talked to, have not had a property tax increase yet this year, and if places are experienceing a budget shortfall, maybe they should stop spending. Maybe they should include the number of teachers that are laid off or have lost their jobs. That might help in seeing this story as useful.

So bloggers who cannot cite any numbers or real statistics to refute Rep. Jorgensen simply retreat to blasting. How telling. Keep putting your heads in the sand and sing "la, la, la, la" as loud as you can from down under. I for one believe that Rep. Jorgensen is telling the truth. There is no indication that anyone on the GOP side has any interest in working with Dem's on solutions.

Thanks Motorman.

This union puppet is hilarious.

It's amazing the gazette publishes bologna like this - shame on you Bliss.

RECALL JORGENSEN

pure garbage.

BLAHahahahahah - and we pay this guy?

While Rep. isn't from my district, I want to thank him for having common sense and fighting for the people of Wisconsin.

Some Wisconsinites read Rep. Andy Jorgensen's comments about the state of the state address. But I have a feeling that many folks felt his rhetoric didn’t match up with reality.

If you cut every single government funded agengy we have today, right now, (EPA, Military, etc) we would still have a debt under Obama's massive spending spree.
I wouldn't go to the shoe store and buy $50.00 shoes but I would buy two $25.00 shoes. The shoe maker keeps more employees at double the orders.
Same for taxes. If they are lower, the jobs are more plentiful and the tax revenue INCREASES.
JFK got it, is socialism just too embedded into the democrats today?

Or is class warfare all they have on their rhetoric table?

Andys last part points out the need to work together...while Rep. Jorgensen is Democrat, he has before reached across party lines to seek a workable solution.

Andy is a good man to have in Madison.

Andy is leader in the definition of Sun Tzu from his work "The Art of War"

I wont quote it here...look it up and see if you agree.

And of course the article is about the state and the republican rubber stamp, so lets stay on target. Or is that the diversion tactic used nowadays because on top of the policy and political failures of the current rubber stamp, we know that this john doe is coming around and if any of you think Scott is coming away clean, I think youd better read the complaint.
I voted for Wynn in the lasy election and have tried to contact his office on SEVERAL separate occaisons, and yet I get back a mass produced form letter!! He is the epidemy of the rubber stamp right here in WI!! Right next to Amy Loudenbeck, absolute "tools" of the governors office.
So please spare me the rhetoric about a rubber stamp. Walkers has gotten him recalled.

Last week, Americans listened as President Barack Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address. But I have a feeling that many folks felt his rhetoric didn’t match up with reality.

Under this partisan rule, our Country has been headed in the wrong direction. It doesn’t matter how President Obama and his rubberstamp Democrats try to spin it. We are all struggling.

As Marco Rubio put it, Pres. Obama is turning this country into a system that most of our ancestors came to America to get away from.

The Republicans don't have all the answers however, the Democrats have all the wrong answers.

@gpawcat.. lest you forget, those were done to make up for budget deficits left behind when tommy thompson bailed out and left 'speed boat' mccallum behind to take the fall.

Well said, Rep. Jorgensen and carlitosway!

Job losses can and do increase while unemployment numbers decrease. It's very simple. The unemployment rate is based on the number of people collecting unemployment benefits. As the long term unemployed run out of benefits and drop off the rolls they are no longer considered in the unemployment rates. A decreasing unemployment rate is not always a positive indicator especially when a clear negative indicator (like WI's job losses) keep increasing. What makes it even worse is during that same time, the U.S.'s overall jobless numbers have been decreasing right along with the unemployment rate.
RECALL WALKER!

Driveway content & mindset has a lot to do with the state of America.

Great and truthful article for once as to the future Walker demise. gpawcat, By the way we have lost JOBS for 6 straight months and now more with Sub-Zero closing If you really believe he has created jobs I must laugh as to what news you really watch Fox is not reliable news But this article has more truth then you want to hear WELL read it and accept the reality of walker and his destruction of OUR STATE

Very well put gpawcat.

I was aware a couple years ago when Democrats controlled all three branches of government. You (democrats) raided/drained the transportation fund then increased license plate registration 50% cause it was broke. Raided the malpractice trust fund 200 million that had to be paid back. Confiscated 25 million in cell phone overcharges for 911 upgrades. Raised taxes 2.2 billion that didn't solve the budget short fall. Received 2.2 billion in stimulus from the federal government. Increased Badgercare enrollment with no way to pay for it the next year after the stimulus ran out. Wisconsin is 40 billion dollars in total debt with no way to pay for it. Ya, we were paying attention. This is why the democrats lost the 2010 election. The Bureau of Labor statics say Wisconsin's unemployment is 7.1 in December, a downward trend the past year. Your statement, "we’ve lost jobs for six straight months" makes your article unreliable.