Gov. Walker is hosting a "Talk with Walker Tour"
By: Kris Schuller
Updated: November 26, 2012
Green Bay (WFRV) - Gov. Scott Walker is turning to Wisconsinites to keep our state on track. He's hosting a "Talk with Walker Tour" to gather ideas for his next state budget . The governor will bring his tour to ACE Marine in downtown Green Bay Tuesday. He says he's looking for ideas - as he sets the priorities for the next two-year budget
In a video released on YouTube Monday, Gov. Walker announced his tour and the issues he believes must become priorities in the state's next budget: job creation, workforce development, government reform and infrastructure investment.
"Over the next several weeks I want to have a conversation," said Gov. Walker. "With you - the people of Wisconsin - to find the best ways and best ideas to fix problems and build a better state."
But the governor's fact finding mission ahead of the next legislative session, may serve yet another purpose. Two years ago - our state's capitol was filled for weeks with protesters, angry over the governor's controversial Act 10 - a law which limits the ability of unions to bargain.
Mark Westphal of the Fox Valley Area Labor Council thinks the governor may be looking to mend broken fences.
"I'm please to hear the governor is going to go around the state and talk to average citizens about what they think should be the top priorities the coming two years," said Westphal.
Gov. Walker has said the tour is about getting people involved in the process - of putting together his agenda for the next two years. But while this labor council president is encouraged by the idea, he says he remains leery of the final outcome.
"I'm a little skeptical," said Westphal. "Hopefully they learn from some of their mistakes. But given the same people are in power, it's going to be interesting to see what happens."
"Over the next few weeks I'll be traveling the state and meeting with people to have a discussion about these priority areas and the best ways to meet our goals and keep Wisconsin moving in the best direction," said Gov. Walker.
The governor will be at ACE Marine Tuesday afternoon, meeting with workers and others in the community. He 'll be in La Crosse later in the week - with other stops in the works for Eau Claire, Wausau and the Milwaukee area.
