Possible Changes Coming to Wisc. Employment Data - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The federal office that tracks employment data for the states tells Wisconsin that changes may be coming in how it handles monthly estimates.

The reliability of the monthly data, versus quarterly numbers, was a major issue during Gov. Scott Walker's recall election in the spring.

Walker drew heat for releasing quarterly figures, which showed a more positive job picture in 2011 than previously reported, before the bureau could vet the numbers.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson last week sent a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics asking it to change how it compiles the data.

On Thursday, Newson released a response letter from BLS Acting Commissioner John Galvin which says the agency is looking at making changes.