On Tuesday, two of my colleagues and I testified in the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development to urge support for legislation that aims to curb homelessness in Wisconsin. My bill, Assembly Bill 122, assists in workforce development for homeless job seekers.
Last session, legislation was introduced to address the growing issue of homelessness in Wisconsin. Many were surprised to learn that homelessness impacts nearly every community throughout the state.
To answer the growing need, Assembly Republicans came forward with a package of legislation that made the first meaningful effort to address homelessness in Wisconsin in more than a decade. Included in the package of bills was the creation of the Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness. The council was chaired by former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, included secretaries and directors from state agencies, in addition to service providers and homeless advocates.
Last year, the council released a statewide comprehensive action plan, A Hand and a Home: Foundations for Success. The report included a number of recommendations for policy and funding that work toward ending homelessness. Assembly Bill 122, comes directly from the council's action plan.
In 2014, federal law provided funding to states and local workforce development boards to create plans that provide employment and training activities to job seekers. AB 122 requires the state and local workforce boards to work with homeless response systems in designing their strategic workforce development plans. Ensuring the homeless community is properly represented when plans are developed will help this population find employment. We learned last session, that finding meaningful employment is arguably one of the most crucial steps to ending homelessness.
There isn’t a silver bullet that will end homelessness in Wisconsin but this package is another step in the right direction and will allow us to continue this important conversation going forward.
Look for further commentary on this initiative next week!
Drug Take Back Day
April 27 is Drug Take Back Day across Wisconsin. Drug Take Back Day is recognized statewide and provides residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unused medication.
Proper disposal of prescription medication ensures these drugs don’t get into the wrong hands and helps to prevent problems related to addiction.
To find a disposal site near you visit: https://doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback/find-a-take-back-location/.
April Office Hours
Monday, April 29th, I will be holding in-district office hours in Oak Creek and South Milwaukee. Stop by to discuss the budget or any other issue related to state government. See the graphic below for more details. Hope to see you there!
South Milwaukee Downtown Market – Thursday, May 30 – October 10, 3 - 7 pm – 11th & Milwaukee Avenues https://www.smmarket.org/
Rep. Rodriguez State Capitol, Room 204 N PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0021 or (608) 266-0610 Rep.Rodriguez@legis.wi.gov| Read Online |
