A State Doesn't Live on Fed Aid Alone

Wisconsin had long been a thriving industrial state and the home to some of the top manufacturing companies in the nation.

Wisconsin's flip from a state that had excess funds from taxation to one which is in deep debt could be seen back in 2002 when manufacturers closed their doors to go out of business or move to another state where labor and taxes were cheaper.

I recall visiting West Bend, Wisconsin in 2000 to find three thriving manufacturers supplying the majority of employment for the local and closely surrounding area. In 2001, one of those, a major manufacturer of pots and pans, had closed its doors. The next year, another closed. And the next year, there was only one farming equipment manufacturer left, and he was running part time.

When the gross domestic product loses ground, people move from middle income earners to low income earners, and while taxes decrease, the burden on the government increases by way of aid to people. Wisconsin eliminated welfare some years ago, and all that is left to help people are a few payments of electricity, food pantries, food stamps and health care. Under special programs, local businesses in Wisconsin have created low-income services, such as dental care, albiet with the assistance of funding. But other funding, such as housing assistance is gone.