Governor of Wisconsin Touting Employment for Disabled

Governor Scott Walker spent a day in Stoughton last week in an effort to promote an initiative of his office. Walker has been working on an initiative to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, according to The Stoughton News.

During his visit to the town, Walker went to McGlynn Pharmacy to speak with Dan Blomgren about his daily duties as a janitor there.

“Individuals like Dan are some of the hardest-working people employers can find. Finding opportunities for people with disabilities benefits everyone involved-the individual finds dignity through work and contributing their talents, and the business gains a dedicated, productive employee,” Walker said in a release after Blomgren.

Walker’s initiative, “A Better Bottom Line,” in January during his annual State of the State address. His goal for the initiative is to help those who have disabilities overcome the problems that prevent them from gaining a job.

During his State of the State address, Walker said that the initiative, “is not about charity…(it) means helping both the individual and the company do well.”

The pharmacy was just the first stop for the governor, who will make one per month for the rest of the year at businesses employing disabled workers.

Also signed into legislation last year was the number of people who can be served by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Walker increased the number of people who can be served the agency by 6,000.

This agency belongs to the Wisconsin workforce development agency and its goal is to link disabled job seekers with employers who are looking to hire. Close to $4 million was contributed by the state to this agency so it could secure $14 million in federal funds.

“This will allow the state to reduce or eliminate the waiting list of persons with disabilities, who are seeking assistance with jobs skills training advocacy, so they can enter the workforce,” a release from Walker’s office said.