Talking about the status of jobs and workers in our state during this recession.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman addresses the governor's Council on Workforce Investment , discussing strategies to achieve the very best work force possible. Wisconsin is having a tough time along with the national and global economy, but Gassman is optimistic about the future.
"We are going to come out of this and a key part for our future success as we come out of it is making sure that we have the skilled workers to fill the jobs to keep Wisconsin strong and healthy."
Funds from the federal government are already proving to help the state. Gassman says $3.7-billion from the American Recovery Act will help create jobs in Wisconsin and get people working. Gassman explains, a lot of the money is intended to help the state labor department to train folks who need the skills to work. She says the state has already seen some progress and expects to "be back on track and growing again in Wisconsin."
"We've already lined up thousands of young people around the state and thousands of employers who are now ready to hire these young people and young adults so I think that's a sign that by all of us working together — government, the private sector, community groups — we're gonna come through these challenging times and be back on the path that we were before this deep, deep recession."
The Council on Workforce Investment concentrates on, among other things, increasing education, skills and wages; and fostering entrepreneurship.
NOTE: The Secretary addresses the Council at 10:00 am at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:35 MP3)
