The Future

By most measures Wisconsin offers state residents a very high quality of life. Homes are affordable, communities are appealing, services are very good, public schools are doing their jobs, quality health care is available, and workers like their jobs. Taxes are viewed as high and taxpayers sometimes question the relative value of what they get for their money. Good jobs are tight. Health care is expensive.

Although the economic situation needs remedial action, life is good in Wisconsin and respondents in the 2002 Quality of Life survey indicate that they think it will continue to be good. Sixty three percent of this population think things are on the right track in their communities and 59% are optimistic that things will get better in the next year. Job opportunities, although not plentiful, are secure according to our respondents. On the other hand, jobs are likely to be tight for their children.

The priorities for residents of Wisconsin are evident. Hold the line on taxes. Create jobs. Manage health care costs. Right now, the economy is the biggest challenge to maintaining and improving a highly satisfactory quality of life for the people of Wisconsin. In addressing these economic conditions, however, communities will be under pressure to protect what’s already there — high-quality services, affordable housing, access to high-quality health care, and high-quality schools.


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