The Wisconsin state Senate unanimously passed a bill to create the Wisconsin Fast Forward program Tuesday, which aims to increase state employment numbers.
The Fast Forward bill, which is co-authored by state Sens. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, and Richard Gudex, R-Fond du Lac, is designed to unite potential employees with businesses that need workers. It also gives grants to state technical schools to boost skills development among people searching and training for jobs.
The bill’s authors said the legislation would help to fix the state’s skills gap, which refers to a current problem where graduates do not have the skills to fill available job vacancies.
Both authors released statements Tuesday saying they are happy with the support the bill has received.
State Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, also said he was happy with the bill, although he also said the provision does little to remedy the approximately $72 million cut from technical colleges during the last budget cycle.
The bill will now move on to Gov. Scott Walker for a final decision.
