Minnesota’s economy is doing much better than Wisconsin’s, but that doesn’t stop Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker from touting his record. Under Walker, Wisconsin’s budget deficit has shrunk and the unemployment rate has fallen from nearly 8 percent in 2011 to 4.2 percent in June 2016. But here in Minnesota, we have seen even more economic growth under DFL Governor Mark Dayton.

Since becoming governor in 2011, Republican Scott Walker has been a friend to corporations and the rich, cutting taxes for the wealthy and taking steps to eliminate government regulation on big business. During his short run for president last year, Gov. Walker boasted his success in changing Wisconsin’s economy; however, the governor failed to mention that the Badger State lags in job creation and faces a large budget deficit.

Gov. Walker failed to fulfill his promise of adding 250,000 jobs by 2015. The state’s labor force participation rate in July 2015 was the lowest since he took office. Walker boasts that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is “far lower” than the national average; however, in reality, the Badger State’s rate is just 0.7 percent below the national rate, and job growth is higher in nearly all neighboring states.

Minnesota has fared much better under Governor Dayton. His approach has prioritized investments that will benefit all Minnesotans, not just corporations and the wealthy few.

Recognizing that a large budget deficit hurts children, families, and communities across the state, Gov. Dayton proposed investing in working families, education, and infrastructure in order to increase economic opportunity for everyone.

Instead of giving them special treatment, Gov. Dayton and DFLers asked corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share. The state budget grew from a deficit of $6 billion in 2011 to six consecutive surpluses. Nearly 6 percent of Minnesotans were unemployed in 2011; in June 2016, the rate dropped to 3.8 percent. For the third year in a row, Minnesota has been ranked as one of the top ten states for business.

While Walker and Wisconsinites boast improvement, Minnesota is still leading the way toward building a better future for everyone, not just the wealthy.