To the Editor:

Politicians are trying to convince us that Wisconsin’s economy is booming. Unemployment might be low, but that’s not the whole story. Not everyone is working at a family wage paying job with benefits. 20% of the state’s workers earn less than $12 an hour which puts them below poverty. Too many Wisconsinites would like to find a better job.

Let’s look at some other economic indicators besides unemployment. Wisconsin has lost more members of the middle class than nearly every other state. Our poverty rate is growing and stands at a 30 year high. Our rate of jobs added to the economy has been below the national average for the last six years. Furthermore job growth is not equitable because our rural areas are hurting. Rural counties have actually lost jobs.

If you’re part of the 1% and buying a bigger jet or another mansion, the economy is great. However, that same economy is not working for everyone and not working in rural areas of Wisconsin at all. It’s time for a different approach. Tony Evers cares about us.

Leigh Allgaier
Stevens Point