State's Economy Depends On Great Schools, Doyle Says

By Dustin Beilke

Wisconsin’s economy is strong in large part because of the state’s great schools, Governor Jim Doyle said at a February 9 economic development conference.

“There is not a governor in the country who – if he or she is honest – would not trade me even up for our education system,” Doyle said. “This was given to us by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents.”

Citing Abraham Lincoln, Doyle said the state’s role in the economy can best be described as an obligation to provide an education system and an economic base that will allow individuals to maximize their potential.

“We should create an environment that will allow a person to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them,” Doyle said.

Doyle made the remarks while speaking to about 300 state officials and business leaders at the Governor's Conference on Economic Develop-ment. The conference was organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and held at Monona Terrace convention center in Madison.

Doyle’s speech highlighted several recent gains in economic development during his term as governor. Wisconsin, Doyle said, is a leader in research on the medical benefits of stem cells, which carries strong potential for commercial application in the pharmaceutical industry.

“There are states all over the country that are desperately trying to catch up to us,” Doyle said.

Doyle cited other recent good news on the economic development front, including Procter & Gamble’s decision to build the first new paper production machine in the state in 35 years, and GE Medical’s decision to establish its corporate headquarters in the state.

“My vision for Wisconsin is that we are going to compete on the high end,” Doyle said. “If you want to have a product made by the best-trained, best-educated workforce in the world, then come to Wisconsin.”

Resource Page on the Economy

Posted February 24, 2006