Madison – Representative Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg) voted with his Wisconsin State Assembly colleagues to pass a package of bills designed address the problem of homelessness in Wisconsin. These eight bills are taken directly from the A Hand and a Home: Foundations for Successcomprehensive action plan released by the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH).
“It is important that we show those who are affected by homelessness that we are committed to helping them gain independence from assistance programs,” said Rep. Katsma. “The reforms we passed today provide real resources aimed at ensuring that everyone in Wisconsin has a place to call home.”
Building on the reforms that were passed last session, including creation of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, this package follows therecommendations made in the ICH’s statewide action plan. These bills authorize a $3.75 million increase to address a number of initiatives, including an additional $500,000 for the Homeless Prevention Program, $900,000 for the Housing Assistance Program, and $250,000 to the Skills Enhancement Program. This action more than doubles the state’s investment.
“Providing job training and technical skills to low-income individuals gives them a chance to find long-term stability,” continued Rep. Katsma.
Rep. Katsma and the Joint Committee on Finance have already voted to set aside the funding for these initiatives in the state budget. The full legislature will soon vote to advance the budget bill to Governor Tony Evers for consideration.
Representative Terry Katsma represents the 26th Assembly District including the cities of Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls; the villages of Adell, Oostburg, Random Lake and Cedar Grove; and the towns of Lima, Holland, Sherman and Wilson.
