Democrats unveil jobs plan, hope GOP will support

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Legislative Democrats say they hope Republicans get behind a package of proposals Democrats say will create jobs quickly, close the skills gap and help the middle class.

Republicans control the Legislature and Democrats can't get anything passed without their support. Democratic leaders speaking Thursday when they unveiled the ideas say Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans should get behind them because they have backed some of the ideas before.

The package includes creating a competitive grant training program to close the skills gap, making certain angel and early stage seed investment tax credits refundable, and requiring state and local governments to give preference to U.S.-made products when purchasing materials.

• Click here to watch the Democrats' full news conference announcing the proposals

Walker and Republican legislative leaders had no immediate comment on the proposals.