Walker touts strong labor market in La Crosse visit

Gov. Scott Walker has made September Workforce Development Month in Wisconsin.

Wednesday, the governor stopped by the Workforce Development Center in La Crosse to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the job center website.

Over 35,000 companies have posted job openings on the site. But, because of the low unemployment rate, it’s hard to fill those vacancies.

Walker says he used to feel much differently.

“Eight, nine years ago, we were worried that our kids weren’t going to be able to grow up and graduate and find a job, let alone a career that would keep them here in the state,” Walker said. “I look at where the state is at today. We now have more career opportunities available then we do have people able to fill them.

Walker said they have ramped up their efforts to break down barriers for those looking to enter the workforce, like those out of prison or with physical and mental disabilities.

Walker also repeatedly touted the state’s unemployment rate, which has remained under 3 percent since March.