Gov. Scott Walker released workforce development initiatives and goals Wednesday for the fall legislative session committing $8.5 million for vocational job training programs.
Walker’s plan to deal with the state’s economic issues is based on developing the state’s workforce by increasing apprenticeships, funding for skill development programs and educational incentives.
The governor’s initiative builds on the $100 million workforce development program passed in the recent state budget and plans to secure an additional $14 million in federal funds to advance vocational training programs and help low-income workers transition into employment.
The plan outlines funds to be delegated to the Wisconsin Technical College System, which offers technical college classes and apprenticeships in construction, manufacturing, ironworking and pipefitting. The release of Walker’s plan drew immediate praise from WTCS President Morna Foy and WTCS Board President Drew Peterson, who released a joint statement Wednesday.
“The System is looking forward to working with legislative leaders to advance education initiatives this session,” Foy said in the statement.
State Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, lauded some ideas outlined in Walker’s initiative but ultimately criticized the effort for being long overdue, labeling the effort as “baby steps” in a statement.
State Senate Minority Leader Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, released a statement saying he was cautious but optimistic about adopting job-creating policies that Democrats have been urging the GOP to employ.
“I hope this means that Governor Walker and legislative Republicans are finally realizing that divisive policies and political games is not a winning strategy for creating jobs in Wisconsin,” Larson said in the statement.
State Superintendent Tony Evers hailed Walker’s decision to pursue monetary incentives for institutions offering certification in high demand industries, according to a statement.
“To be pro-business, you have to pro-education,” Evers in the statement. Evers also called the initiatives “critical investments” in both students’ and the state of Wisconsin’s future.
Walker said in a statement he looks forward to working with legislators on the bipartisan bills that he thinks will help fill available jobs and improve the financial state of Wisconsin.
The proposed initiatives are scheduled to be introduced and discussed in this fall’s legislative session.
