Walker visits De Pere business

DE PERE - Republican Governor Scott Walker visited businesses across northern Wisconsin in his first public trip since taking office last week.

On Thursday's agenda was a stop at WEL Companies - a trucking operation in East De Pere.

Walker's trip was aimed at talking with workers about job creation and reform policies.

The owners of WEL Companies say they're pleased with Walker's plans for job creation, and add - as a result - they will accelerate their hiring in Wisconsin.

Walker has introduced legislation aimed at lowering the tax burden for small businesses and lessening regulations.

The Legislature is considering a package of bills that would add $152-million to the roughly $3-billion budget deficit.

“We view this as a partnership with lawmakers. We've been working with them day in and day out about some adjustments, but I think in the end we're going to see a package that has major tax relief for small businesses, you're going to see a package that has relief from regulatory and litigation costs and you're going to see more help not only for workers but for family farmers when it comes to health care,” said Walker.

Walker also made stops at a bridge component manufacturer in Wausau and a horseradish producer in Eau Claire.