Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

The forum provided a technical overview and guidance for the Youth Firefighter Training Grant Program. Key topics included eligibility criteria, which require collaboration between volunteer fire departments, high schools, and technical colleges. The discussion covered budget requirements, the reimbursement nature of the grant, and practical advice on crafting successful applications to support firefighter recruitment and retention efforts for youth.

The strategic plan outlines efforts to support Community Risk Reduction (CRR) across Wisconsin, focusing on minimizing injuries and fatalities through a data-driven approach. Key initiatives include the utilization of the Craig 1300 dashboard to provide quality data to stakeholders, fostering education, ensuring compliance with reporting, and promoting customer service. The plan aims to empower local fire departments and communities by providing free access to data and resources, encouraging a collaborative team approach with industry leaders and state associations to achieve effective CRR outcomes.

The meeting focused on the department's initiatives to modernize licensing and credentialing processes across various professional boards. Key discussion topics included strategies to reduce licensing timelines for nursing, pharmacy, and dental professions, and the use of workforce surveys to effectively identify and address labor shortages. Further emphasis was placed on leveraging data to improve public safety, manage professional liability, and guide state investments in the professional pipeline.

This document presents a proposed modification to Wisconsin's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan for Program Years 2026-2027. The plan serves as a strategic roadmap for the state's public workforce development system, aiming to integrate workforce and talent development systems to enhance services for employers and job seekers. Key components involve the administration of WIOA Titles I-IV, covering system requirements, adult basic education, employment services, and vocational rehabilitation, with an emphasis on improving overall workforce outcomes.

The Council reviewed the UI Trust Fund financial highlights, noting a decline in benefit payments and tax receipts compared to the previous year, while the fund balance experienced growth. Discussions included the 2026 Fraud Report, specifically focusing on intentional misclassification penalties in the construction industry, and updates on legislative proposals concerning unemployment insurance policy and appropriations. The Council also received information regarding the status of pending bills in the State Senate.