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!