| (MADISON) – Because Wisconsin lost nearly 4,000 manufacturing jobs and saw a decrease in private sector wages in 2016, Senator Taylor (D-Milwaukee) introduced a motion to create a grant program in the Department of Natural Resources which would support instruction and training in forestry and agricultural practices. This motion, along with other proposals seeking worker training and protections, was rejected by the Republican majority on the Joint Finance Committee.
Senator Taylor offered the following remark:
“Unemployment in my district, in 53206, is the worst in the nation. My people need and expect and demand access and opportunity to manufacturing and industry jobs, which agriculture and forestry provide. It is a shame that based on nothing more than party lines, the Committee rejected this, especially in light of all the manufacturing jobs that were lost last year. Forestry and agriculture have been, and always will be, foundational to Wisconsin. We need to continue to support these practices. |
