Wisconsin Wins
Wisconsin Wins, a new training program for unemployed workers,
passed unanimously in the Assembly last week. Representative Mark Honadel
(R—So. Milwaukee) authored the bill, which I co-sponsored and supported. We can all recognize the importance of working
together to provide innovative opportunities to get the unemployed into the mainstream workforce.
Wisconsin Wins does just that by matching employers with job
seekers for training in the workplace.
Wisconsin Wins is a pilot program which offers voluntary
workplace training to Unemployment Insurance
claimants
for 20-24 hours a
week for up to six weeks. The program offers benefits to both employers
and the unemployed. Employers can increase the probability of a good
hire through the trial period, while reducing the usual risks and costs
of hiring new employees. Job seekers benefit by getting an opportunity
to receive training and demonstrate their skills for a potential
employer, while still receiving unemployment benefits. At the end of the
training period job-seekers may be offered full-time employment. The
legislation now advances to the Senate.
Foreign-Trade Zone Expansion
I
introduced a Joint Resolution which honors the Port of
Milwaukee’s Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 41 and supports an application to
include nine additional Wisconsin counties. The State Assembly
passed the Joint Resolution with bipartisan support. Here's a link to a
video of the reading of the resolution and my floor speech:
http://tinyclip.tv/321deab4
FTZ status is a great advantage for importers and
exporters that engage in any of the numerous permitted activities, such as
processing, packaging, assembling, and distributing. Both Rock and
Walworth counties would be included in the FTZ under the application.
Agricultural
Exports on the Rise!
This year Wisconsin hit a new record!
Wisconsin agricultural exports rose 18% in 2011 with a total value of $2.85
billion. Overall exports from Wisconsin increased
11.4% to $22 billion. Relative to nearby competitors, Wisconsin moved up one spot from
number 17!
I recently met with the Rock County Farm Bureau at the State Capitol.
State of Wisconsin Requests Board Applicants
The State of Wisconsin is always looking for
qualified and enthusiastic individuals to fill the numerous boards, councils
and commissions that help make Wisconsin great. If you are up to the
challenge and ready to help better our state and come to positive solutions,
consider applying to the Governor's office. This
link can assist
you in getting starting and submitting your application.
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My Capitol office at 209 North is here to help you with general inquiries as
well as questions and concerns
regarding legislative matters. Feel free to contact me or my
legislative assistant, Lonna Morouney. We are always ready to assist you in
your needs. Please visit my
website for press releases and other Capitol updates.
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