I'm responding to Sen. Jennifer Shilling's divisive, doom-and gloom-column (Tribune, Jan. 11), with actual facts.

Wisconsin median individual income in 2011 -- $53,765; in 2016 -- $56,811. Republican policies have led to a 5.6 percent growth in individual income.

Republican policies have reduced state income taxes for every individual paying income taxes.

Wisconsin median family income in 2011 -- $67,994; in 2016 -- $72,891. Republican policies have led to a 7.2 percent growth in family income.

Wisconsin poverty rate in 2010 -- 13.2 percent; in 2016 - 11.8 percent. Republican policies have led to more than a 10 percent drop in poverty.

Comparing 2011 to 2017, Republican policies have increased state transportation funding (money for roads) for both La Crosse County and the city of La Crosse.

The unemployment rate in January 2011 was 8 percent; in October 2017 it was 3.4 percent. Republican policies have led to more than a 57 percent drop in unemployment.

Every property owner in the state saw the removal of the state portion of their property tax. Republican policies have reduced everyone's property taxes.

The facts show Republican policies are moving Wisconsin forward. Rather than divisive columns, Sen. Shilling should actually be working to help Wisconsin continue to move forward.