Baldwin Hails Federal Investment in Wisconsin Worker Training

Press Release

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin hailed the announcement today by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Hilda Solis that a $6 million Workforce Innovation Fund grant will go to the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW) and its ten consortium workforce development boards.

The funds will support the Skills Wisconsin program to reform the way that job seekers find career guidance, training and placement in specific industries. Baldwin and Senator Herb Kohl had sent a letter in March to Secretary Solis in support of the grant request.

"I'm delighted that Senator Kohl's and my request to Secretary Solis contributed to bringing these funds for worker training to Wisconsin," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "By coordinating efforts to help unemployed Wisconsin workers find jobs, they will have access to more timely, quality training and improved matching to job opportunities. This is a good example of how federal tax dollars can be used smartly in partnership with state agencies, community colleges and private employers to help Wisconsinites find jobs. At a time when so many Wisconsinites are looking for well-paying, family supporting jobs, this crucial investment will aid their search," Baldwin said.

"The Wisconsin Workforce Development Association and the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin thank Rep. Baldwin and Sen. Kohl for their strong support of this application and in helping bring these funds to our state," said Patricia Schramm, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin.

"The Department of Labor's Innovation Grant to Wisconsin is coming at an absolutely critical time. The Grant will be dedicated to the development of a coordinated workforce and economic development communication platform that will enable all partners --Workforce Development, Economic Development, Education and Industry -- to maintain timely information to support development and retention of workers and companies in Wisconsin," Schramm said.

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