JANESVILLE, Wis. -- The head of federal council that helps auto industry workers transition to new manufacturing opportunities visited Wisconsin on Friday.

Dr. Ed Montgomery, the executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers, and other federal officials visited Janesville and Kenosha and met with local workers and community leaders affected by the economic downturn.

In Janesville, Montgomery said that despite spending $3 billion in Wisconsin, the federal government's work in the state is far from over.

Montgomery's visit began with a tour of the Rock County Job Center.

"Employment in the state is starting to pick up. We've had some growth overall. We've had some growth in manufacturing. But we aren't happy. We are still at a point with the unemployment rate in excess of 11 percent in this area. There's a lot more work that needs to be done," Montgomery said.

Of the billions of federal dollars spent in the state, about $300 million has gone to help workers affected by the closing of the General Motors plant in Janesville.

Daniel Schmidt, a longtime Janesville resident, said he's only been able to find seasonal employment. With Janesville's unemployment rate at 11 percent, he said he's skeptical.

"I haven't seen any change whatsoever," Schmidt said. "I knew as soon as GM went down everything would go with it. I don't know if it will get any better. I'm hoping it will get better. But I haven't seen anything yet."

Since being laid off from Lear two years ago, Wayne Tracy used his time to go back to school. He said the government's economic recovery program seems to be working.

"I think they are doing everything they can to make this program work as far as helping people find jobs. I think there are more jobs but it's got to be because of the government," Tracy said.

Montgomery said his office plans to continue to working with local leaders to rebuild their economy by recognizing the challenges specific to the area.

During his visit he also met with United Auto Workers in a closed-door session. He said he plans to take their suggestions with him when he returns to Washington.