By Martin Crutsinger AP Economics Writer Washington (AP) — Construction spending rose in March for the first time in five months, but all the strength came in government activity as private sector building fell to the lowest level in a ...

Tagged with: Capital Economics Commerce Department construction spending economic recovery IHS Global Insight private sector

By Matt Pommer Gov. Jim Doyle is again talking about reducing the number of state workers to help meet state government’s growing financial challenges. His comments have spurred speculation that a pension buyout plan may be in the works. A ...

Tagged with: Gov. Jim Doyle health insurance pension private sector Social Security Wisconsin Retirement System

By Sean Ryan [email protected] The federal stimulus package continues to discourage and underwhelm Wisconsin engineers and builders. “The stimulus program is not stimulating the building industry,” said Mike Campbell, chief operating officer of Ruekert & Mielke Inc., Waukesha, “I think ...

Tagged with: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Associated General Contractors of America Association of Equipment Manufacturers League of Wisconsin Municipalities private sector Ruekert & Mielke Inc. stimulus

Paul Snyder [email protected] Speculation dies when there’s no one around to buy. That is the message more than 200 contractors and chapter leaders from the Associated General Contractors of America will take to Washington, D.C., next week when they ask ...

Tagged with: economy private sector recession

Paul Snyder [email protected] Either construction projects or city programs will take a hit in Madison’s next budget as officials try to control debt and the crushing interest that comes with borrowing money. “The reality is it’s a huge issue,” said ...

Tagged with: budget capital budget debt Madison private sector