National, state economic crises deepen(Wisconsin)
"Following the confirmation of a national recession that began in December 2007, key state indicators show the Wisconsin economy has also entered a recession, according to the quarterly Wisconsin Economic Outlook released today by the Department of Revenue. The freezing of the credit market and drop in foreign demand are the major factors driving the economic crisis, which has worsened significantly since the August outlook.

State employment will continue to decline due to sizable job losses in the Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation and Utilities sectors. Total state employment is expected to decrease by 0.6% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2009, and begin recovery toward 2010. Wisconsin personal income growth, which had grown steadily over the last three years, is expected to stall in 2009."