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Madison, WI— State Representative Rob Brooks (R-Saukville) issued the following statement following Governor Walker’s announcement to include $7.6 million to assist school districts connect disabled students with jobs in his 2017-19 budget:

“I applaud Governor Walker’s commitment to ensuring that Wisconsin’s students with disabilities are workforce and college ready. Last session, I authored the Better Bottom Line Initiative, which initiated a “pay-for-performance” incentive for school districts whose students with disabilities find employment or post-secondary training/education one year after completing high school. I am grateful that this program will now be funded adequately.

“The Better Bottom Line Initiative is an effective way for school districts to strive to close the achievement gap. Studies have shown that when students with disabilities have one paid position before graduation, their chances of obtaining long-standing employment as adults, doubles. Two paid job experiences increases their likelihood of employment five-fold.

“Our state’s economy and addressing our workforce needs will be a top priority as the budget unfolds. We need to make sure that students with disabilities continue to be strong players in the workforce and the Better Bottom Line Initiative will provide school districts with the tools they need to help their students succeed.”

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