Rep. Warren Petryk

Every September we join other states in celebrating National Workforce Development Month. During this month we aim to spotlight the vital role that workforce programs play in connecting people with job opportunities in the Badger state. With our state currently facing a significant labor shortage, addressing these challenges has become more important than ever. For example, according to the Wisconsin Employer Survey, 75% of businesses are struggling to find qualified skilled workers, which is not only limiting our state’s economic potential but also highlights the critical need to fill these vacancies.

This is why we need our state programs to focus on helping people transition into employment. In April 2023, Wisconsin voters made their views clear by overwhelmingly approving an advisory referendum, with nearly 80% supporting the idea that able-bodied, childless adults should be required to seek work in order to receive taxpayer-funded benefits.

Recognizing these challenges, I worked closely with members from the Joint Committee on Finance as Chairman of the Assembly Workforce Development and Economic Opportunities Committee to guarantee that the state budget included critical support for workforce programs that help people build their careers. That is why the legislature allocated over $1.4 billion a year towards workforce development programs, which included additional funding for students, technical credit programs, and investments in the Youth Apprenticeship program.

To build on these efforts, I partnered with my legislative colleagues to pass the Stronger Workforce package. This legislation introduced practical reforms aimed at transforming unemployment insurance into “Reemployment Assistance” and holding state programs accountable through common metrics. The bill would have also required the development of personalized workforce plans for individuals on unemployment insurance. These ideas were designed to connect people with job opportunities while providing them with the training and resources they need to succeed in their next career.

But these common-sense efforts have been consistently blocked by the governor and legislative Democrats who seem more focused on expanding government than on helping people find meaningful work. This approach not only undermines efforts to promote self-sufficiency and workforce participation but also risks leaving jobs unfilled. It’s disappointing that they have taken this stance, especially now as they suddenly claim to be concerned about our state’s labor crisis.

As your State Representative, I remain committed to advancing solutions that strengthen Wisconsin’s talent pipeline and ensure that our state’s assistance programs focus on helping people secure meaningful employment. By doing this along with attracting veterans, supporting students with disabilities, and repurposing state programs to emphasize work readiness, we can drive economic growth and ensure a brighter future for all Wisconsinites.