Our mission at DWD is advancing Wisconsin's economy and business climate by empowering and supporting the workforce, and our vision is to make Wisconsin the workforce of choice.
This report spans two years of workforce development efforts, but I want to note briefly some of our accomplishments so far this year.
2011-13 Budget - The fiscally responsible budget required tough decisions to get Wisconsin moving in the right direction. The budget included a one-week waiting period for initial payment of Unemployment Insurance benefits, saving $45.2 million a year when the measure takes effect next year. The budget also included $15 million a year in state facing for vocational rehabilitation services to serve people with disabilities.
• New website - One of my top priorities was to work with staff to identify ways we can better serve the public and communicate the many things we do every day to serve the people of Wisconsin. One June 20th, we launched a redesigned agency website at
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/, making it easier for job seekers, employers and the public to find information about our programs and services. This projects was done in house with existing staff and resources.
• www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com - Our overall objective is to get Wisconsin working again, whether in new jobs we help create of existing positions that are vacant. At every opportunity, we promote this free, user-friendly employment site. Job postings by employers have set records, exceeding 34,000 on a given day and topping 100,000 in early September, surpassing the 75,000 total postings for all of last year.
• Governor's Council on Workforce Investment - In step with efforts to create a more business friendly environment, the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment now has greater private sector representation. The council will play an important role as we work with our partners and all stakeholders to align resource, target funding more effectively and achieve the best results. At DWD, we are working closely with the new Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to advance the economy.
• Unemployment Insurance - Working in consultation with the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council, we are setting forth a plan to restore solvency in the UI trust fund, repay funds borrowed from the federal government and strengthen program integrity. As noted, Wisconsin now has a one-week waiting period for benefits. We are working with the UI Advisory Council on other steps to balance the fund. Program integrity efforts have been ongoing.
The year also included centennial celebrations of the two programs that started in Wisconsin and served as models to the nation, the Wisconsin Apprenticeship Program and Worker's Compensation. The apprenticeship program remains one of our best training programs and will serve us well in meeting the needs of employers for skilled workers. With its focus on safety, the worker's compensation program will help employers maintain safe, productive worksites and control costs. Much as we are working to move Wisconsin in a new direction and seek innovation, we also are committed to maintaining effective programs and services, improving them as needed.
We are pleased to be a part of your efforts to advance Wisconsin's economy and create new employment opportunities for the people of Wisconsin, and we look forward to continued success.
Sincerely,
scott c. baumbach
Secretary
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State of Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs
October 17, 2011
The Honorable, The Legislature:
In accordance with Wis. Stats. s.45.35(3d)(b), the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Council on Veterans Programs jointly submit the biennial report to the Chief Clerk of each house of the Legislature for distribution to the Legislature under s.13.172(2). The reports include a general summary of the activities and membership over the past two years of the Council on Veterans Programs and from each organization represented on the Council.
The information contained in the report was compiled by WDVA staff and the Council Chairman from materials submitted by the representative from each active organization on the Council. The following veterans' organizations have submitted Activities and Membership Reports: AMVETS, American GI Forum, American Legion, American Red Cross, Army Navy Union, Blinded Veterans Association, Catholic War Veterans, CVSO Association, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Association for Black Veterans, Navy Club, The Retired Enlisted Assoc., United Women Veterans, US Submarine Veterans of WWII, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Wisconsin Association of Concerned Veterans Organizations, and Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans
These organizations have not yet submitted a report: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Polish Legion of American Veterans, and Ex-POWs.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (608) 266-1315 for further information or assistance.
Sincerely,
john a. scocos
Secretary
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Motions Under Senate Rule 98 and Joint Rule 7
for the Month of September 2011
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Olsen, for Nena Beier, on the occasion of receiving the Chancellor's Award for Excellence.
A certificate of condolence by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Hansen, for Linda Belongia, on the occasion of extending our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.
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A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Lasee, for Airman 1st Class Bryeanne Brooks, on the occasion of her life-saving actions.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Fitzgerald, for the Central Wisconsin Christian School, on the occasion of their historic expansion.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Legislature on the motion of Senator Fitzgerald, for the Family Financial Education Team, on the occasion of being selected to receive the UW Colleges and UW Extension Chancellor's Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Erpenbach, for Christopher Alexander Foley, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Erpenbach, for Jill L. Frazier, on the occasion of her retirement after serving the State of Wisconsin and its citizens with honor and distinction for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Holperin, for Christopher Lee Frick, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Legislature on the motion of Senator Fitzgerald, for Gleason Reel Corporation of Mayville, on the occasion of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of dedicated service to the community.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Legislature on the motion of Senator Jauch, for Alan Gustafson, on the occasion of his retirement after 48 years of dedicated service as the Dairyland Town Clerk.
A certificate of condolences by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Taylor, for the family and friends of Clyde Houston Smith, Sr. "Smitty", on the occasion of offering condolences to his family and friends.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Zipperer, for Andrew Lynn Janus, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Legislature on the motion of Senator Fitzgerald, for Jefferson County, on the occasion of celebrating its 175th Anniversary.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Lazich, for Rex Key, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Schultz, for Lyndon Station Fire Department, on the occasion of its century of service to its community.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Olsen, for Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative, on the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Legislature on the motion of Senator Harsdorf, for OEM Fabricators, Inc., on the occasion of celebrating 25 years of business.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Lassa, for Joseph Allen O'Shasky, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Lasee, for John Pagel, on the occasion of improving the quality of life in his community through service to its members and promotion of enhanced farming practices.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Olsen, for Pardeeville United Methodist Church, on the occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Darling, for David Ritter, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Darling, for Michael Short, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Darling, for Matthew Sobczak, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Taylor, for Dr. Nathaniel Jerome Stampley, Sr., on the occasion of the Pastor & Wives Appreciation Day.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Taylor, for Mrs. Carolyn Stampley, on the occasion of the Pastor & Wives Appreciation Day.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Olsen, for the Pardeeville United Methodist Church, on the occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Weber, for Daniel Gordon Weber on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Risser, for Ellis John Wilson, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Erpenbach, for Matthew James Wiltback, on the occasion of earning and attaining the rank of the Eagle Scout Award.
A certificate of commendation by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Risser, for the Wisconsin Alumni Association, on the occasion of celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
A certificate of congratulations by the Wisconsin Senate on the motion of Senator Fitzgerald, for Captain Martin Zwieg, on the occasion of his return home and commend him for his bravery and selflessness.
