Latest news with #DepartmentofWorkforceDevelopment
Indianapolis Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Department of Workforce Development lays off 123 state employees
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development laid off 123 employees this week to accommodate reduced state and federal funding, the latest in a flurry of staffing cuts as Gov. Mike Braun's administration pursues efficiency. The bulk of the layoffs affected employees working on the state's unemployment insurance program, with 57 employees laid off. The department removed an additional 48 people helping with workforce programs and laid off 18 people working in administration. 'The Department of Workforce Development experienced budget reductions at both the state and federal levels. As a result, operational adjustments were necessary to ensure we remain fiscally responsible in how we serve Indiana,' the department said in an emailed statement. 'The decision to reduce staff was made with great care and consideration. Our teams work with Hoosiers every day- including those navigating unemployment- and that perspective helped guide our decision-making process.' The cuts at DWD are the latest to hit state agencies, which saw more than 50 employees across agencies like the Department of Education and the Indiana State Library let go in June. At the time, Braun told IndyStar his staff was looking for places to cut that would make state government more efficient. Employment within DWD peaked in April 2021 at 1,272, according to the Indiana Transparency Portal. The current total number of employees sits at 791, meaning the department has reduced more than a third of its staff in four years. However, current numbers are closer to pre-pandemic levels — the department had 772 employees six years ago. The layoffs follow Braun's executive order from February targeting unemployment insurance fraud. That order requires DWD to take extra measures to ensure applicant eligibility and provide quarterly progress reports to the governor. State data shows there are now 67 people working in unemployment insurance: 38 in quality control, 16 in the tax department, eight in a category labelled 'Integrity/TrustFund' and five cashiers. This story may be updated.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cracking down on fake emotional support, service animals among notable bills from May
While state budget negotiations happen in the background, Wisconsin lawmakers have been busy introducing dozens of bills, spanning from mental health care for college students to protecting endangered bees. Several hundred pieces of legislation are pitched each session, and only a fraction end up becoming law. Around 300 proposals have been introduced since lawmakers reconvened at the state Capitol in January. Here's a roundup of notable ones from May. Most haven't yet received public hearings, the first step on the path to becoming law. You can read our April roundup here. Republicans leading the bill say business and property owners have reported higher cases of emotional support and service animal misrepresentation, with owners using fake harnesses or vests. The bill would enshrine in law landlords' ability to ask tenants for documentation showing a prescription for an emotional support animal. Tenants who provide false documentation or health care providers who don't have a 30-day, established relationship with the patient could face a $500 fine. Under the bill, people who bring fake service animals in public places could face a $200 fine. The state Department of Workforce Development would be required to create signs for businesses that say "task-trained service animals are welcome" and misrepresenting a service animal is against state law. The bill "does not infringe on the federal protections under the Fair Housing Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. It simply reinforces responsible and verifiable use of those protections in Wisconsin," lawmakers argue. Disability Rights Wisconsin didn't immediately have comment on the bill but is reviewing the proposal. Other states have moved to crack down on people passing off their pets as service animals. Authors: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton; Rep. Paul Tittl, R-Manitowoc Lawmakers introduced a group of bills aimed at protecting pollinators. One would name the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee the official state native insect. Another would create a "Protect Pollinators" license plate, generating revenue for the state's endangered species fund. While there are some Republican supporters, the bills have typically been sponsored by Democrats in past sessions and never made it far in the state Legislature. Bees, butterflies and other insects keep ecosystems thriving, and a whole week in mid-June is dedicated to pollinators. Authors: Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin, D-Whitefish Bay; Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee; Rep. Deb Andraca, D-Whitefish Bay; Rep. Elijah Behnke, R-Chase; Rep. Lee Snodgrass; D-Appleton; Rep. Vincent Miresse, D-Stevens Point More: These Wisconsin specialty license plates were the most popular in 2024 This bill would require the University of Wisconsin System to contract with a vendor to provide virtual mental health services for students, beyond traditional business hours. Campuses have already utilized telehealth, lawmakers note. "Telehealth services have proven to be effective in shortening waiting times to see a provider, and allow patients to receive care at their convenience," bill authors wrote. The bill doesn't include any new funding. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' budget proposal included $22 million for the UW System to support student mental health, including telehealth services and 57 new counselor positions. Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee removed several UW-related portions of Evers' budget at their first meeting, but didn't strike the mental health provisions. The budget will likely be signed later this summer, so it's not clear if mental health funding for UW will be in the final version. Authors: Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp; Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville More: The state of mental health across Wisconsin's public universities in 4 charts In Wisconsin, each city, town or village sets its own early voting hours and locations, where voters can cast an absentee ballot in-person starting two weeks before Election Day. This bill would require municipalities to offer a minimum of 20 hours of early voting. Bill authors argue early voting access has become unequal between large cities and smaller towns. Milwaukee offered 10 sites for the November election, for example. But some election officials told VoteBeat it wouldn't make sense for communities with only a few dozen voters and limited clerk capacity. Supporters plan to propose funding in the budget to help smaller communities reach the 20-hour minimum. Authors: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton; Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater; Rep. Scott Krug, R-Rome More: Wisconsin early voting surges compared with the 2023 spring election This bipartisan proposal would require the state Department of Health Services to work with health care providers to develop informational materials on menopause and perimenopause, the transitional phase. Those handouts would include information like symptoms, treatments, when to consult a provider, the biological process and how to talk to friends and family. The bill is modeled after legislation in Pennsylvania, where public testimony highlighted the "difficulty women have in being heard and taken seriously discussing menopause and the issues that surround it," lawmakers said. Authors: Sen. Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton; Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton; Rep. Karen DeSanto, D-Baraboo This proposal could provide up to $2 million for a data sharing pilot program for police and sheriff's departments in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. The grant would reduce siloed data between agencies, helping solve cases faster, bill authors argue. The bill was introduced May 12 and quickly received a hearing May 27 in the Senate. It has at least one Democratic cosponsor. The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, which supports the bill, testified that the proposal would help agencies struggling with staffing. "While geographic boundaries may define our jurisdictions, the individuals committing crimes do not recognize or respect those lines," the association said. "Effective information sharing is essential to modern policing." Authors: Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine; Rep. Bob Donovan, R-Greenfield This bipartisan bill would allow funeral processions to use flashing purple lights. Current law allows flashing amber lights during the procession, but that can be ambiguous to divers, lawmakers argue. Bill authors point out purple is a symbol of mourning in many cultures and would be distinct from red and blue lights used by emergency vehicles. Wisconsin would join about a dozen other states that use purple lights for funeral processions, including North Carolina. Authors: Sen. Julian Bradley, R-New Berlin; Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit; Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah Two lawmakers are leading a resolution that urges the "overdue induction" of Jack Vainisi into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Vainisi scouted and drafted 12 future Hall of Famers, from Bart Starr to Ray Nitschke, and played an important role in persuading the team to hire Vince Lombardi. He "may have had more influence on the Packers dynasty than any player or coach," lawmakers wrote. Resolutions are different than bills — they express the opinion of lawmakers but don't carry the force of state law. The Hall of Fame selection process is intense, with a 50-person selection committee and only a handful of new enshrinees each year. Authors: Sen. Andre Jacque, R-New Franken; Rep. Rob Kreibich, R-New Richmond This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Legislature's May bills include fake service animals
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Department of Workforce Development seeks Wisconsin employers who go above and beyond for veterans
(WLAX/WEUX) – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is seeking Wisconsin employers who hire and retain veterans for the Vets Ready Employer Initiative. Vets Ready honors organizations across the state, while also helping employers attract and retain veteran talent. Applications are now open through July 18 of this year. 'Gov. Tony Evers announced this month that Wisconsin's workforce development services for the second consecutive year ranked 4th in the country for successfully helping veterans find employment. Through our Office of Veteran Employment Services, DWD is commitment to connecting veterans to employers and recognizing those employers who support our veterans,' said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. 'We encourage employers to take advantage of the skills that veteran employees bring to the workforce and apply for the Vets Ready award.' You can find the steps to apply below: Login to the Job Center of Wisconsin as an employer. Hover on the 'Employers' menu to get the sub-menu. Click on My Company Information. Click on Manage 'Vets Ready Employer Applications' to begin the application process. Learn more at the Vets Ready website and contact VetsReady@ or your local veterans employment representative with Vets Ready questions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Over 100 employees to be laid off as college in northern Wisconsin closes in May, citing lack of attendance and high costs
ASHLAND, Wis. (WFRV) – A small liberal arts school in northern Wisconsin announced that it will officially close, likely for good, after the end of the school year, citing attendance drops and high costs. According to the Department of Workforce Development, Northland College's closure is expected to be permanent as of May 31. With a few exceptions, all employees will be impacted. Draft City Music Fest reveals schedule for Wednesday & Saturday at Leicht Park, De La Soul & Less Than Jake to headline 112 employees will be laid off as a result of the closure. Northland College, founded in 1892, originally announced the news in February, citing financial jeopardy that has been problematic since March 2024. 'Despite collaborative efforts, we no longer have the resources needed to navigate economic and demographic storms endangering small, liberal arts institutions today,' Board of Trustees Chair Ted Bristol said via a release. Bristol also cited declining enrollment in the February release. Four finalists named for UW-Oshkosh chancellor position 'With declining enrollment and soaring costs, it takes more to operate the College than we raise in tuition,' Bristol said via the release. 'Even after enacting aggressive measures to cut costs and raise revenues, Northland College has no sustainable path forward.' Bumping rights will not be available for any impacted employees. Interim President Barb Lundberg said that the official closure will be May 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bacardi Launches Hospitality Accelerator Program To Elevate Bermuda's Hospitality Professionals
Bacardi Empowers Industry Talent with World-Class Training and Career Development Opportunities HAMILTON, BM / / February 28, 2025 / Family-owned Bacardi, proudly announces the launch of its Hospitality Accelerator Program, an advanced training initiative designed to elevate industry professionals and strengthen Bermuda's hospitality sector. In collaboration with the Bermuda Government's Department of Workforce Development, Bacardi is introducing this next-level program tailored for bartenders already working in the industry, further reinforcing career development and industry growth. These enhancements stem from valuable feedback from industry partners, who recognized the opportunity to upskill existing bartenders and create stronger career pathways within their establishments. After two successful cohorts of the Shake Your Future program, a free professional bartender training program for underemployed and unemployed young adults created by Bacardi, the company is evolving its commitment to developing hospitality talent in Bermuda. For the first time, six leading hospitality establishments have partnered with Bacardi to support this year's cohort. Bartenders currently employed with Rock and Barrel, Grotto Bay, Hamilton Princess, the IRG Group, St. Regis, and The Loren have been nominated by their employers to participate in the program, reinforcing a commitment to developing in-house talent. On February 27, the selected participants will travel to London to attend the prestigious European Bartender School, where they will embark on an intensive six-week training program. The curriculum includes four weeks of advanced spirits education and mixology training, followed by two weeks of professional development workshops. Graduates will earn an internationally recognized diploma, equipping them with world-class expertise and leadership skills, positioning them as future leaders in Bermuda's hospitality industry. "The introduction of the Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program strengthens career pathways and ensures that participants receive world-class training while maintaining ties with their employers," said Douglas Mello, Bacardi Limited Managing Director. "By investing in our talent and collaborating directly with hospitality leaders, we are enhancing Bermuda's service industry and creating more opportunities for long-term professional growth." With Bermuda's hospitality industry anticipating an increase in demand for bartenders due to upcoming hotel openings, the Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program plays a critical role in addressing workforce shortages. The November 2023 Labour Force Survey Report highlights persistent unemployment challenges for young Bermudians, reinforcing the need for accessible, skill-based training programs. As Bermudians seek career advancement opportunities, Bacardi and the Department of Workforce Development are equipping young Bermudians with in-demand hospitality skills-enhancing their long-term employability in a competitive job market. "The Bacardi Hospitality Accelerator Program offers transformative opportunities, equipping Bermudians with world-class training in mixology, customer engagement, and bar management to advance their careers in the hospitality sector. This enhanced, employer-led approach ensures that participants gain internationally recognized certifications and secure real-world experience through structured employment commitments. Our ongoing collaboration with Bacardi highlights the strength of public-private partnerships and reinforces the Government's commitment to developing Bermuda's hospitality workforce and creating sustainable career opportunities," said the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, JP, MP About Bacardi Limited Bacardi Limited, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S® Scotch whisky, D'USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL'S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi-Martini, Inc. on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bacardi-Martini, info@ SOURCE: Bacardi-Martini, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
