Frederica Freyberg:
Jobs are the number one priority for the Democratic majority in the state Legislature for the upcoming session beginning in September. That's according to Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan this week, who says business tax credits passed in the state budget will keep and attract jobs.  

Mike Sheridan:
We're going to continue to make sure that businesses in the state of Wisconsin and other states and a new business, innovative businesses, know that Wisconsin is open for business. And these tax credits and some of the other things that we've done in this budget are the most that have been done in years under Democrats in charge. So we support businesses and we want to make sure that they're strong here in the state of Wisconsin.

Frederica Freyberg:
Now, for his part, Scott Fitzgerald says democrats calling jobs priority one is hypocritical. Fitzgerald says hikes in corporate income taxes sign a death warrant on Wisconsin businesses the tax credits can't touch.

Scott Fitzgerald:
Small, minute tax credits which are eye-wash, window dressing to hide this massive tax increase that the Democrats in the legislature launched on the citizens of Wisconsin. We saw it coming a mile away. Listen. Republicans wrote most of the tax credits that we've seen here in the state. And, again, it's one of those tricks where you have massive tax increases and you throw a few bones in there just to pacify the business community.

Frederica Freyberg:
Tax credits include those for creating and improving jobs, research and development and
investing in Wisconsin companies. Two companies have taken advantage of the breaks and are moving into the state. Still, the Senate Republican leader says those breaks pale in comparison to hikes in the personal tax and capital gains tax.