Madison – Representative Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) introduced legislation Tuesday, November 18th, along with State Senator Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee), to address staffing shortages facing Wisconsin’s police, fire, and EMS departments. LRB-5267 permits technical colleges around the state to reserve admission slots for employer-sponsored students in protective services, such as police, fire, and paramedics.
“After repeatedly hearing from my local chiefs about recruiting and training challenges, I am pleased to work on this legislation with Sen. Cory Tomczyk. Public safety has always been a top priority of mine, as it should be for every state legislator. When our local leaders are telling us that the current rules and enforcement of those rules are keeping them from getting willing trainees into courses that would equip them to do the job, we need to quickly correct those obstacles in state statute.
“This legislation will allow our technical colleges to work with departments in the area to get quality recruits into educational programs promptly. Without this legislation, our local departments are losing potential staff while those who may never pursue a job in emergency services fill courses. This current process is impeding our departments’ ability to get the best candidates into those roles in a timely manner.”
State Representative Barbara Dittrich (R- Oconomowoc) is in her fourth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, now serving the 99th Assembly District which includes much of Waukesha County’s Lake Country Area as well as portions of Jefferson and Dodge Counties. Representative Dittrich serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Insurance.
