Senate passes job growth bill (3:22 p.m. 1/21/10)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate has passed a Democratic plan to create jobs and boost the economy.

The measure would expand tax credits for angel and venture capital investment, boost grant money for business expansion and startups and increase partnerships between businesses and the University of Wisconsin. It also would expand programs for worker retraining and retooling companies for green energy production of manufacturing.

Republicans complained the bill would make little difference in the recession, but the bill still passed 32-1. Sen. Glenn Grothman, a West Bend Republican, was the lone dissenter.

The measure now goes to the state Assembly.