Madison, WI – Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) showed his support for Republican initiatives to end and prevent homelessness in Wisconsin, as the “A Hand for the Homeless” legislative package of eight bills was heard on the Assembly Floor this afternoon.

These eight bills directly mirror the recommendations made in the statewide action plan of the Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH). The ICH was created by the legislature in 2018 and released its action plan, “A Hand and a Home: Foundations for Success” in late 2018.

“Homelessness, whether seen or unseen, is a problem that affects virtually every community in our state,” said Rep. Krug. “The reforms that my colleagues and I support clearly show that we are committed to improving the lives of those effected by homelessness.  We’re providing opportunities to become independent.”

The “A Hand for the Homeless” package includes new programming and $3.75 million in new spending – a number that more than doubles the state’s current commitment. The funding includes an additional $500,000 for the Homeless Prevention Program, $900,000 for the Housing Assistance Program, and $250,000 to the Skills Enhancement Program.  These programs have been designed to address the fundamental causes of homelessness and prevent someone from becoming homeless, and furthermore, will give those that are currently homeless an avenue to improve their current living and employment situation.

Rep. Krug chairs the Assembly Committee on Public Benefit Reform, where two of the bills were sent for public hearings. Rep. Krug remarked that, “The legislation passed by the Assembly today addresses homelessness not just today, but for generations to come.  We need to provide long term, sustainable solutions and that’s what these bills do- job training and education will promote long-term stability.”

All eight bills have been passed by the Assembly with bipartisan support, and now head to the State Senate for further consideration.

The funding needed to implement the “A Hand for the Homeless” package has already been approved by the Joint Committee on Finance during its executive action on the state’s 2019-21 biennial budget.

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