President Barack Obama today signed an executive order for a federal jobs training program at an appearance in Waukesha.
The president spoke at General Electric’s Waukesha Gas Engines plant Thursday morning as part of his tour following the State of the Union address Tuesday.
Obama said household incomes have not risen on pace with the stock market and corporate profits.
The president said he has assigned Vice President Joe Biden to identify the best job training programs in the states and invest more federal dollars to help workers learn the skills that employers need.
“Give America a raise,” Obama said, echoing his remarks in his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Waukesha Gas Engines pays its full-time employees $18.40 to $30.30 per hour, as of May 1. The company has invested $35 million since 2011 and has grown its manufacturing workforce from 275 to 400 during that time. It has 700 total employees there.
Gov. Scott Walker greeted the president at General Mitchell International Airport when he arrived this morning. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barett, County Executive Chris Abele and Congresswoman Gwen Moore accompanied Obama at the Waukesha plant. Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima declined an invitation to the event.
