March 27, 2009

IS WISCONSIN GOOD FOR BUSINESS? BUSINESS LEADERS SPEAK OUT
A legislative column by state Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin)

“We’re at war!”

“I’m in business. That doesn’t make me GM or AIG.”

“I’m not some faceless bastard. I’m a capitalist.”

Thirty-three business leaders testified about their concerns with Wisconsin business policies at the WISCONSIN JOBS NOW Task Force’s latest meeting at BioResearch Inc. in Brown Deer March 23, 2009.

The meeting that I attended gave businesspeople an opportunity to share their valuable expertise about what is  wrong with the state’s business climate and what must be done to rejuvenate our slumping economy. The input from businesspeople will be incorporated into a report of recommendations to the Legislature to create jobs and truly stimulate our economy.

I was struck by the number of scathing remarks about state government’s hostile attitude toward and treatment of business. The most complimentary comment if you want to call it that came from one businessman who said there is a “misunderstanding” in Madison about small business. Other speakers were more direct. Laurie Bucaro of Fun Things Toy Service in Muskego said, “I have never felt welcomed by state government.”

“We’re being demonized as businesspeople for making profits. That’s wrong. We’re making jobs,” said Al Schmitz of Schmitz Ready Mix in Milwaukee. “We invest our hearts and souls into business. Being a success is not a crime. We started with nothing. We’re scared because we’re seeing everything evaporate before our very eyes.”

“I encourage you to put a face on real businesspeople,” implored Sue Szymczak of Safeway Sling in Greendale. “We’re not out to cheat or oppress people.”

Rich Hacker, the General Manager of Engineered Pump Services in Mukwonago said, “Let me keep more of my money and I’ll invest it and hire people.” David Kliber, the President/CEO of SF Analytical Laboratories Inc. in New Berlin echoed Hacker’s comments. “We must be more pro-business,” said Kliber. “We create jobs. We don’t need the public sector taking it away.”

Government intervention during these rough economic times is especially problematic for businesspeople, many of whom told the Task Force their sales are down, revenues are down, hours worked are down, however taxes, fees, insurance, inflation, health care, and advertising are all up. Businesses have responded by reducing expenses and making cutbacks, yet the businesspeople wonder what government has done. They correctly see the state increasing taxing and spending at a time when businesses and working families are holding back.

State businesses, when faced with trying to compete in a hostile business climate, have few options. They can move their business to another, more favorable location. Or they can stay and work hard not to pass on additional taxes and fees to their consumers.

There were suggestions that the state should have a “Jobs” Czar or Secretary of Manufacturing. After all, the state has a Secretary of Agriculture.

Jonathan Pearl offered some encouragement. Pearl is a recent transfer to the Badger State. He left the orange trees in his Southern California backyard to start a speech technology business here. Pearl said Wisconsin has the potential to be the next Silicon Valley if it creates the right climate with the right incentives.

Many speakers referenced the quality of life in our state, the kind that allured Jonathan Pearl. One businessperson concluded his testimony saying, “Wisconsin is a great place to live if we can survive.”

Cindy Detiege of Watry Industries in Sheboygan posed the following: “Business has always been good for Wisconsin. Is Wisconsin good for business?”

Judging from the sentiments at the Task Force meeting, the consensus would be a resounding no.

If you have comments on this or any other issue, please contact me at Sen.Lazich@legis.wisconsin.gov, www.SenatorLazich.com, Senator Mary Lazich, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 or 1-800-334-1442.