Just What You Might Expect He Would Say

Ball State report gives Wisconsin 'A' for manufacturing. (The Business Journal, 6/20/2013)

Although......

Ball State study foils GOP claim‘Right to work’ as job creator not based in reality: economist.  (Kokomo Tribune, 1/16/2012)

Michael J. Hicks

Maybe that "A" isn't such a big deal after all.

Manufacturing index wanes.  (Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, 6/4/2013)

Excerpt:   The Institute for Supply Management said Monday its index of manufacturing activity fell to 49 last month from 50.7 in April. That's the lowest level in nearly four years and the first time the index has dipped below 50 since November. A reading under 50 indicates contraction.

The drop below 50 in the ISM's index does not mean the overall economy is shrinking. Manufacturing represents just a small fraction of U.S. output.

Manufacturing’s Declining Share of GDP is a Global Phenomenon, and It’s Something to Celebrate.  (U. S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 3/22/2012)

Excerpt:   Manufacturing’s declining share of output isn’t a sign of economic weakness—it’s just the opposite. It’s a sign that advances in manufacturing productivity and efficiency are translating into lower prices for consumers when they purchase things like cars, food, clothing, appliances, furniture, and electronic goods.

Efficiency.  As in companies paying their workers less and eliminating those pesky "high worker benefit costs" as Michael Hicks refers to them.

One more thing.

GRAPHIC: How The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Uses Its “Spooky PAC” To Funnel Corporate Cash Into Secret Attack Ads.