Contact: Rep. Jim Steineke (608) 266-2418
GREEN BAY – At a news conference today with local lawmakers and area homelessness advocates, Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) announced the introduction of a bill he authored that makes targeted investments in the State Shelter Subsidy Grant program. Additionally, it adds performance metrics to incentivize shelters to responsibly transition individuals into permanent housing. The legislation is part of a new package of eight bills, “A Hand for the Homeless,” which takes next steps towards combatting homelessness in Wisconsin.
“Since beginning this work last session, I’ve been able to see first-hand how much of a need our entire state has when it comes to finding proven, sustainable ways to address homelessness,” said Rep. Steineke. “I am confident my legislation and our broader package of bills will help further our efforts in curbing homelessness here in Wisconsin.”
Last session, Rep. Steineke worked alongside other Assembly Republicans to author and pass multiple pieces of legislation in tandem with 2017-19 budget priorities aimed at addressing homelessness in Wisconsin. These bills, including Rep. Steineke’s that created the Interagency Council on Homelessness, passed with broad bipartisan support.
Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, the council worked with stakeholders from throughout Wisconsin to craft an action plan to address homelessness. The plan, A Hand and a Home: Foundations for Success, is a statewide, comprehensive plan aimed at addressing homelessness in Wisconsin.
“The council has done an amazing job of putting together a comprehensive, state-wide plan that will make measurable differences in our ongoing fight to end homelessness,” continued Rep. Steineke. “I am excited to see that plan turned into legislative action, and I look forward to seeing these bills garner bipartisan support as they move through the legislative process.”
