Representative Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) announced his co-sponsorship of the Second Start Act today. The proposed legislation connects employment opportunities to individuals who left the UW system before obtaining a degree.
The bill allows the Department of Workforce Development to invite people into the marketplace through skilled trades.
“We are facing sharp increases in demand for skilled workers over the next decade, and this bill is an important step in fixing the situation,” said Rep. Allen. “There are good, middle-class jobs out there just waiting for a new generation.”
According to the bill’s authors, current federal privacy laws prohibit universities from sending data directly to employers. This legislation avoids that problem. Instead, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) would be required to prepare materials on employment and training opportunities, and when a student leaves the UW system without obtaining a degree, the DWD forwards them the information.
“Senators LeMahieu and Feyen, and my Assembly colleagues, Reps. Krug and Petryk, are advancing an important idea,” said Rep. Allen. “I thank them for their work in drafting this measure.”
Department of Workforce Development statistics indicate sharp rises in demand for skilled workers through the year 2022. Demand for construction workers is estimated to rise 18% during that time span. Health care support fields face a projected 16% rise in demand in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties.
The Second Start Act, LRB-0828/1 is slated to be circulated for co-sponsorship through February 21st.
