Contact: Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (608) 266-5719
Green Bay, WI – Representative Mike Rohrkaste (R-Neenah) joined area representatives and homeless advocates at the Micah Center in Green Bay to unveil a package of bills to address homelessness. Assembly Republicans today announced the introduction of the new “A Hand for the Homeless” initiative, comprised of eight bills.
“Homelessness is an issue in Neenah just as it is in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Eau Claire, and other cities. It affects thousands of individuals,” said Rep. Rohrkaste. “This initiative will put resources behind ensuring everyone has an opportunity to thrive – that means housing and access to a career. We have nearly 100,000 open jobs available in the state, and if we can help connect people who are down on their luck or have barriers to success with their most basic needs, we can work to get them on track towards future success and financial independence.”
Last session, the Wisconsin Legislature passed multiple pieces of legislation in tandem with 2017-19 budget priorities aimed at addressing homelessness in Wisconsin. These bills passed with broad bipartisan support, one of which created the Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, the council worked with stakeholders from throughout Wisconsin to craft an action plan to address homelessness. The plan, A Hand and a Home: Foundation for Success, is a statewide, comprehensive plan aimed at addressing homelessness in Wisconsin.
“These bills are taken directly from the action plan and are another step in the ongoing fight to end homelessness in Wisconsin,” said Rep. Rohrkaste. “I look forward to seeing support for this legislation on both sides of the aisle, and hope we can move these bills through the process with broad bipartisan support.”
