Wisconsin Jobs Initiative

9/15/2009 4:28:01 PM

Wisconsin's technical colleges would see a large increase in state funding under a proposal advanced by Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine).  Rep. Mason's Wisconsin Jobs Initiative is a $145 million  workforce & economic development package that would:

• Create a 2-year, $82 million dollar grant program aimed at increasing technical college training capacity.  The grant program is modeled on the Pathway to Prosperity proposal from the last budget cycle, which if passed would have provided funding to reduce waiting lists and expand programming in high-demand occupational areas;
• Increase funding to decrease or eliminate the backlog of students waiting for Wisconsin Higher Education Grants, the state’s primary need-based financial aid program. There are currently 20,000 + eligible students who were unable to get grants due to lack of funding;
• Expand the Angel Investment Tax Credit, and;
• Provide grants for businesses that retool/upgrade their facilities and create jobs.

Funding is generated through an additional 1% state income tax on those earning $1 million or more.

Rep. Mason's initiative hopes to leverage up to $135 million in additional resources provided through the American Graduation Initiative, President Barack Obama's community and technical college reform package. 

Rep. Mason hopes the bill will receive a legislative hearing this fall.

Stay tuned for more information.

See Rep. Mason's press release.