Gov. Evers announces $130 million investment in new workforce programs

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Gov. Tony Evers announced he is investing $130 million into solutions to help address the state’s post-pandemic workforce needs.

The governor’s announcement comes as he visited Titletown Tech in Green Bay Wednesday.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, the funds will be invested into Wisconsin’s workforce across three programs:

• $100 million Workforce Innovation grant program to encourage regions and communities to develop leading-edge, long-term solutions to the workforce challenges the state faces in the wake of COVID-19;

• $20 million toward the Worker Advancement Initiative, which will offer subsidized employment and skills training opportunities with local employers to unemployed individuals; and
• $10 million for a Worker Connection Program which will provide workforce career coaches who will connect with individuals attempting to reengage in the workforce post-pandemic.

The governor’s office said the grants will be funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which are available to support investments to address the ongoing negative economic impacts of COVID-19.