This week, I joined Governor Scott Walker in Valders to cut a ribbon at Spancrete to celebrate an expansion project that will bring 30 jobs to Manitowoc County.
Spancrete is opening a new $500,000 transportation facility on the 100-acre site in our district. The Valders location currently employs 275 people and will be adding 30 new jobs as a result of the expansion. Spancrete produces precast, prestressed concrete for highway projects. The recent US Highway 41 renovation, the Milwaukee airport spur and other infrastructure projects throughout the state have increased demand and production for Spancrete.
I am proud of our local company and the decision to grow the Valders location as the company expands. Our local workforce has the proven strength and skills that make our area an attractive location for employers. As the business environment in our state improves, I look forward to more opportunities to celebrate expansions and growth in our community.
~ Governor’s Council on College and Workforce Readiness ~
In an effort to confront a growing skilled worker challenge in Wisconsin, the Governor has created the Council on College and Workforce Readiness. Based on the high number of skilled-trade based jobs I our area, I am honored to be a member of this unique initiative.
Executive Order 56 created a Council that is comprised of representatives from small business, the workforce, the State School Superintendent, Cabinet Secretaries and top officials from public and private universities and technical colleges. The Council will seek to advance ideas that will improve student readiness for college and careers through a variety of measures, including designing shorter and less costly degree programs aimed at filling high‐need positions. In addition, the Council is looking at ways to expand dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities for high school students, allowing them to earn college and workforce training credits while in high school.
Members of this council include the following individuals. As you can see, the council is a diverse collection of voices from both parties and experts from throughout the state.
Tim Sullivan (Chair)
Senator Joe Leibham (R- Sheboygan)
Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona)
Representative Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee)
Representative Peter Barca (D-Kenosha)
John Zorbini- Rep for WI Employers
Laura Cataldo- Rep for WI workers
Jeffrey Clark- Small Business Rep
James Crawford- Indian Tribes Rep
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers
Secretary of DCF Eloise Anderson
Secretary of DWD Reggie Newson
Kevin Reilly- UW System Rep
Dan Clancy- Tech Colleges Rep
Rolf Wegenke- WI Assoc. of Independent Colleges
We will meet for the second time next week, and I am encouraged by the initiatives that are already being discussed and investigated as work to develop a package of proposals that can be considered by the Governor and legislature.
By December 2012, the Governor expects our council to propose actionable plans that will impact the following priorities:
a. Reducing dropout and remediation rates as well as income and racial achievement gaps therein;
b. Increasing the overall number of degrees and certificates awarded;
c. Expanding dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities to middle and high school students statewide;
d. Designing shorter, less costly degree programs aimed at filling high-need positions while promoting and supporting technical career pathways for students beginning at a young age;
e. Easing transitions between systems and institutions, specifically through the transfer of credits and the awarding of credit for prior learning, including on the- job training and other experience; and
f. Any other issues the council deems vital to improving career and college readiness for Wisconsin’s students.
As we work toward these goals, I encourage to you share your input and ideas.
~ Thank you Veterans! ~
On this Memorial Day we honor the service of you and your families. We appreciate your sacrifices and honor the memory of those who have fought for our freedoms.
Thank you for securing our liberty!
As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling 888-295-8750, writing to me at PO Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, or by e-mailing me at
Sen.Leibham@legis.wi.gov. You can also log on to the 9th Senate District on-line office at
www.leibhamsenate.com.
It is an honor to work for and represent the residents of the 9th District in the State Senate.