For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                       Contact:  Rep. Paul Tittl

May 2, 2017                                                                                                                                                                                        (608) 266-0315

Rep. Tittl Votes to support initiatives to end homelessness in Wisconsin

Madison: State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) supported legislation aimed at ending and preventing homelessness in Wisconsin during the Assembly floor session Tuesday. Assembly Bills 234, 235, 236, and 237 take crucial first steps in providing resources and direction for homelessness services and include creating an interagency council on homelessness to better coordinate strategies and funding.

“It was particularly special to me to be able to cast my vote in favor of this important legislation today,” said Rep. Tittl. “My Hometown Hero, Lia Haile, received her award today for her work with the homeless right in her hometown and mine. Hearing her story again really drove home for me the importance of us addressing homelessness in Wisconsin.”

Addressing the issue of homelessness was a priority in the Assembly Republican Forward Agenda. The bills passed out of the Assembly on a bipartisan vote and now move to the Senate for consideration.

The legislative package received support from leaders in homelessness services, including Carrie Poser, Director at Wisconsin Continuum of Care, and Joe Volk, Executive Director at Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness. “[The bills] will actually result in change,” said Poser during her testimony in favor of the legislation.

Along with the creation of the interagency council on homelessness, the bills allow the state to better utilize existing funds for combating homelessness, create a pilot program to provide funding for a community program designed to connect homeless adults with permanent employment, and authorize the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to prioritize chronically homeless individuals and families for housing vouchers.

“I came to Madison to make a difference in people’s lives and to help individuals who may be struggling,” said Rep. Tittl.  “I look forward to seeing final approval of this legislation in the Senate and having the governor sign the package of bills into law.”

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