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Walker Addresses Worker Shortage, Previews Budget Proposals In Madison

Budget Will Include Initiatives To Help Former Inmates Find Work, Walker Says

By
Andy Manis/AP Photo

Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday his state budget proposal will include plans to help former Wisconsin inmates enter the workforce.

The governor addressed Wisconsin’s workforce shortage at an economic conference in Madison, saying he also wants to find jobs for veterans and people with disabilities.

“There’s not a person in this state we can’t find a job for,” Walker said. “To use an example from the Packers, I can’t afford to have anybody on the sidelines any more. I’ve got to get everybody in the game.”

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Walker also spoke about drug testing welfare recipients. A Wisconsin law allowing such testing has been blocked by the federal government since 2015. Walker said identifying welfare recipients who need treatment will ultimately help them enter the workforce.

“If I get you clean, I can get you a job anywhere,” Walker said.

Lifting the federal ban on testing was one of several issues outlined in a letter the governor sent President-elect Donald Trump last month.

The governor will deliver his State of the State address at 3 p.m. Tuesday. His 2017-19 budget address is expected sometime in mid-February.