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Survey: Many Wisconsinites Think State Economy Headed in Wrong Direction

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A new poll shows decreasing confidence in the state of Wisconsin's economy.

The quarterly Wisconsin Economic Scorecard poll is conducted by UW-Milwaukee's Center for Urban Initiatives and Research, in conjunction with WUWM and WisBusiness.com. It surveyed 560 Wisconsin residents, asking them about their read of the current economy and the direction they believe the state's economy is moving.

Survey manager Joseph Cera says because the poll was conducted far after an election, the survey results show people are being more objective than partisan about the economy.

That said, Wisconsinites are fairly pessimistic.

"I’m seeing a negative trend in people’s opinions, both of the direction of the state and the health of the state economy," he says. "I think that reflects underlying economic realities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that Wisconsin is near the bottom in terms of private sector job creation; there’s evidence of declining wages as well."

Cera also tellingly observed that people's expectations for the future economy generally reflect their own personal economic situation.

“There’s a real division in terms of people’s views on how things are and how things are going to be," he says.

The poll also asked about two hot button political issues - how to deal with a shortfall in the state's transportation fund, and confidence in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

But while the poll shows Wisconsinites' general attitude is discouraged, Cera says there is always tomorrow.