The Week in Review
Creating a
Path to Sobriety and Reunifying Families
This week, I had the opportunity to testify on
Assembly Bill 481, legislation that will allow counties to develop a Family
Drug Treatment Court program. Family Drug Treatment Court is a unique
alternative that helps keep families together and provides family members
with the help they need to overcome addiction. The court began in Milwaukee
County.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Rebecca Foley, program coordinator,
testified before the committee
to demonstrate the tremendous success the court is having in Milwaukee
County. Robin Ellis, a former graduate of the program, shared her experience
participating in the Family Drug Treatment Court. Robin struggled with
addiction starting at a very young age but with the support group from the
court, she was able to be reunified with her child and
is now living a drug-free life. People like Robin, are an inspiration and
demonstrate the proven success of the Family Drug Treatment Court.
Not only is the court proving successful in helping its graduates overcome
addiction but it is also a cost-effective alternative to incarceration.
Family Drug Treatment Court programs will help empower communities in
their efforts to combat addiction. I look forward to its passage in the
coming months.
Have a great weekend!
PPG Hosts Students for Manufacturing Day
On
Friday, I joined a group of eager Oak Creek High Schools students for tours
at PPG as part of National Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing Day is a unique
opportunity for students to learn more about manufacturing and careers in
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
PPG, headquartered in Pittsburgh, manufactures paints and coatings for
variety of products including automobiles. The Oak Creek facility has
approximately 550 employees.
Students were also given a tour of Yaskawa America, Inc., located in Oak
Creek. According to the company’s website, Yaskawa is the world’s largest
manufacturer of AC inverter drives, servo and motion control, and robotics
automation systems.
Manufacturing has a rich history in Wisconsin, especially in Oak Creek, home
to several well-known manufacturers. With more manufacturers, like Foxconn,
Haribo and others, locating in southeastern Wisconsin, it’s important to
provide students with the knowledge and skills for jobs of the future.
I look forward to the continued success of the manufacturing industry in Oak
Creek, South Milwaukee and the surrounding area.
South Milwaukee High School Career Expo
This week South Milwaukee High School held a
career expo inviting a wide variety of representatives from various
industries throughout the region to meet with students and discuss possible
career opportunities.
I had the pleasure of meeting with students and sharing my experience as a
state representative for our district. It was a wonderful opportunity for
students and I’m certain many of them will make great elected officials in
the future!
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