State Sen. Dale W. Schultz: Employment goal should be praised (Wisconsin State Journal)

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By State Sen. Dale W. Schultz

Recently, when a candidate for Wisconsin governor pledged to create 250,000 new jobs here by 2015, critics proclaimed it “ridiculous” because it would mean an unemployment rate lower than we’ve ever had.

The critics are off base because, in addition to the 170,000 jobs lost in the recession, hundreds of thousands more want to work more hours, are working below their ability or have given up looking for jobs.

Don’t we want leaders to state their priorities, set tough goals and work hard at them? Let’s reject knee-jerk reactions based on political labels and the desire to fault others, and renew our compassion for our neighbors who are hurting in this terrible economy.

A year ago, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation launched a campaign called “Zero in Wisconsin,” setting a goal for Wisconsin to achieve nothing less than zero traffic fatalities. No one ridiculed Gov. Jim Doyle or that campaign. Whether the goal is achievable remains to be seen. But setting a goal of zero was the right thing to do — a lesser goal would be unacceptable.

A goal less than full employment for every Wisconsin resident able and willing to work is also unacceptable. After it’s met, let’s create more jobs to bring more workers and wealth to our community.

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