Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum     Governor State of Wisconsin

Tuesday, July 2, 2002

W-2 PROGRAM RECEIVES $14 MILLION PERFORMANCE BONUS
Wisconsin receives third largest bonus payment

MADISON – Gov. Scott McCallum announced today the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program will receive a $14 million performance bonus award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its success in job retention and wage gains for W-2 participants.

Wisconsin ranked in the top 10 among all states for the number of welfare-to-work participants who moved into work, retained their jobs and reported earning increases. The performance bonus is based on improvement over the last year and is proportional with the size of the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant awarded to the state. Only two states (California and Texas) received a higher performance award than Wisconsin.

"This is a very clear indication that W-2 is working and working well," Gov. McCallum said. "Wisconsin’s welfare reform program is not only helping people make the transition from welfare to work, but helping people advance in their jobs and make more money. That was the intent of the program from the very beginning."

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Jennifer Reinert said the agency is looking at a variety of options for using the performance bonus.

"We have several exciting initiatives in development for the next biennial budget that will help individuals participating in the W-2 program," Reinert added. "It is important to recognize the bonus we received is the result of the effort and determination of individuals who are working toward self-sufficiency, and this funding will be invested in furthering their employment goals."

President George W. Bush and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson presented the award to Gov. Scott McCallum during an event in Milwaukee today.

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