EAU CLAIRE — Dana Wachs announced the third part of a week-long issues campaign called Week One. On Day Three, Wachs would launch Wisconsin’s American Dream Initiative aimed at making sure every person who works hard and plays by the rules has an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
“The evidence is clear, folks are often still paid or given different opportunities in the workplace as a result of their gender or race. Those differences can have a lasting impact not just on a worker, but on their family and generations to come. If we truly believe that it should not matter what your race or gender or nationality or sexual orientation is, we have to act on it.
“The good news is that we can make the American Dream achievable for every Wisconsinite. I will take swift action to create an Office of Equality within the governor’s office to problem solve across state agencies.
“I will make sure that Wisconsin has a real equal pay law, and that we do more to grow minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
“We have to care for those who need us most like our veterans, seniors, and people who are homeless.
“And I will do what Gov. Walker has repeatedly failed to do in nearly eight years — I will renew the State’s commitment to working cooperatively with Wisconsin’s Tribes,” said Wachs.
Wisconsin’s American Dream Initiative will:
Create a Governor’s Office of Equality focused on coordinated resources across Wisconsin to tackle the racial and gender disparities.
Increase funding and support for housing, Wisconsin’s veterans, folks who are homeless, Wisconsin’s seniors.
Increase efforts to strengthen and grow minority-owned and woman-owned businesses.
Enact a Wisconsin equal pay law and prohibit employers from asking job applicants about their salary history.
Increase early childhood and public school funding particularly in underserved communities so that every child is ready to succeed.
Renew Wisconsin’s commitment to working cooperatively with Wisconsin’s Tribes.
Wachs for Wisconsin will release a new initiative each day from January 8 through January 12, one year out from a new administration.
