MADISON – This afternoon, Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) attended the signing into law of Assembly Bill 119, which provides additional funding for the State Shelter Subsidy Grant program and incentivizes shelters to responsibly transition individuals into permanent housing. The bill was part of the larger Assembly Republican “A Hand for the Homeless” package of eight bill that was introduced last spring, taking the recommendations from the Interagency Council on Homelessness’ two-year action plan and turning them into legislation.

Representative Steineke, the author of AB 119, released the following statement after the bill signing:

“Having worked on homelessness initiatives for years, I know the importance of getting this bill across the finish line. Our shelters are a crucial line of defense that help get some of our state’s most vulnerable off the streets and on the path to independence. I am incredibly proud of the work we did in the Assembly and with our colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor’s desk.

“While this bill is a step in the right direction, I know there is more that can – and should – be done. Our ‘A Hand for the Homeless’ package created a multifaceted approach that is necessary when trying to tackle a complex problem like homelessness. This is not a blue or red issue, it’s a human issue that has received broad bipartisan support. I will continue working with the Senate to deliver our full legislative package to the governor’s desk so we can continue making strides in combatting homelessness in Wisconsin.”

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