Representing Wisconsin State Assembly District 93

Every September, as Wisconsinites and a nation, we recognize National Workforce Development Month. This month is an opportunity to highlight the amazing and successful programs that we have in place right here in Wisconsin and look at what we can do in the future to make our workforce system function even better. This year, National Workforce Development month is taking place just as our economy continues to rebound from the pandemic and a critical workforce shortage.

As Chairman of the Assembly Workforce Development Committee, I continue to meet with constituents, businesses, and workers to find out what can be done to help move the needle on finding more qualified employees. These meetings have been and will continue to be foundational in determining what we can do to strengthen the workforce talent pipeline in our state._This pipeline includes not only those who lost their jobs during COVID-19 but also those who may be on the workforce sidelines or just about to enter the workforce for the first time.

That is why this last bipartisan budget that was signed into law included many provisions aimed at easing the workforce shortage. It included providing $1 million in new money for our nationleading Youth Apprenticeship program and maximized the amount of funding available for vocational rehabilitation to help people with disabilities overcome employment barriers._ Additionally, it funded workforce training programs in our prisons so that inmates can develop marketable workforce skills that are incredibly valuable for when they are searching for work upon being released. We also made investments in efforts to attract veterans and their families to employers in our state.

In addition to what was recently passed in the budget, a recent study from the nonpartisan Legislative Council reported that in Wisconsin, nine state agencies administer at least 45 separate workforce programs. Although these programs may target different demographics with varying degrees of workforce assistance, we need to ensure they are moving in the same direction. _All of these programs, and even those not listed, should include incentives to work and provide opportunities for those who need a job to find their next career in Wisconsin._ With the upcoming fall session, I look forward to working with my colleagues to find innovative and creative solutions to strengthen and expand our state's workforce system._And these systems need to incentivize people to remain engaged in our labor market so they can find their next work opportunity. When people have these incentives, they are more likely to reach their full potential and lead a happier, more productive, and more successful life.