MADISON (WKOW) -- The Governor's office is gearing up for Jim Doyle's final State of the State address Tuesday evening.
Lawmakers say they're hoping it's all about jobs. Wisconsin lost more jobs in December. The latest numbers showing 137,000 people now unemployed, that had jobs a year ago.
Both Republican and Democratic leaders at the capitol say job creation is essential, perhaps by creating specific incentives for businesses to create jobs.
Republican leaders suggest bolstering the light manufacturing jobs that've been lost. Democratic leaders in the Assembly say clean energy jobs are the way to go.
Both sides address the fact that the governor now holds that "lame duck" status.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says, "A lot of the things I think he's going to talk about tomorrow from the podium are going to be some to preserve his legacy, but I don't think Democrats in either the Assembly or the Senate are going to embrace those ideas."
State Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison) disagrees: "As Assembly Democrats we're fixed on what's happening in the next few months, moving forward with aggressive programs to create jobs that translate to the average person."
Other hot button issues plaguing the legislature right now include the city of Milwaukee's debate over who should control their public school system, and the global warming task force the governor created.
Also talking scorecards as the governor wraps up his second term in office, Republican leaders say the governor hasn't been able to maintain state finances in a responsible way, while Democratic leaders say Wisconsin has seen tough times, but is better off as a whole than others.
The State of the State will be Jim Doyle's eighth and final State of the State. He was first elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006.
You can watch Doyle's address streaming LIVE right here on WKOWTV.com and join the conversation in our live chat hosted by 27 News' Greg Jeschke and Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of WI Education Fund, Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Online Reporter: Teresa Mackin
Email Teresa at tmackin@wkowtv.com
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