Department of Workforce Development

Thursday, March 6, 2003 Governor Jim Doyle Secretary Roberta Gassman

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

Madison – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced the creation of a Task Force to advise the department on the implementation of a Transitional Jobs component to the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program.

"Wisconsin is committed to assisting low-income parents by helping them attain economic self-sufficiency through different levels of employment opportunities and training services. Transitional Jobs can provide important work experience while also teaching the responsibilities and rewards of paid employment," said DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman.

Governor Jim Doyle announced the Transitional Jobs program in his 2004-2005 state budget, with access to work-site mentoring, education, training and transportation assistance, to build upon Wisconsin’s W-2 program and to increase employment and earnings opportunities for low-income families.

The Task Force will consist of 15 members including legislators from both houses and both major political parties, business, labor and external stakeholder groups such as community organizations, W-2 agencies and Workforce Development Boards. Additionally, the Task Force will include three non-voting research and program experts to serve as technical advisors.

As now successfully used around the country, Transitional Jobs will bring to participants eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). With additional participants qualifying for the EITC, millions of new federal dollars will flow into Wisconsin providing important help to families and businesses in areas of economic distress.

Governor Doyle has asked the Department of Workforce Development to structure the Transitional Jobs program to:

• Provide real world work opportunities for W-2 participants;
• Preserve W-2 participant incentives for moving into unsubsidized employment;
• Prevent displacement of non-W-2 workers by subsidized W-2 workers;
• Minimize changes to existing law, rules or the existing W-2 program structure;
• Encourage employers to provide transitional job work sites;
• Address labor shortages in specific economic sectors, such as health care; and,
• Build upon existing Wisconsin employment and training initiatives already in place.

The Task Force will submit a final report to the Secretary with recommendations by August 1, 2003. A list of Task Force members is included below.

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