MILWAUKEE – Late last week, state Rep. Andy Jorgensen (D) blasted the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation by accusing them of mismanagement that resulted in slow economic growth. But for all of his outrage, Jorgensen’s rhetoric may not ring true. That’s because earlier this year the lawmaker used funds set aside for WEDC as a cash cow to direct taxpayer money to a special interest group he favored.
AB 38, sponsored by Jorgensen, directed $1 million to a private business association to be used for, among other things, international business travel and marketing. The legislation was supported by the Tool, Die, and Machining Association of Wisconsin, which was the trade group that stood to benefit from the special spending. The group retained lobbyist Chet Gerlach to push for the bill. Gerlach has a checkered ethics record, and was fined $5,000 once after violating campaign finance regulations.
“Rep. Jorgensen may find it politically convenient to denounce WEDC, but his legislative record this session shows him to be quite happy with micromanaging WEDC funds as a sort of legislative cash cow to dispense favors to his friends,” remarked Brian Sikma, communications director for the conservative watchdog group Media Trackers.
