The State of Wisconsin has announced the launch of the Commute-to-Careers program, an $8 million, multi-agency initiative that will support statewide support efforts to eliminate transportation barriers for low-income workers seeking to advance their careers or enter the workforce.
According to Gov. Scott Walker, the program will provide businesses and non-profit organizations with resources to help people overcome those barriers.
Commute to Careers will be implemented in two phases. First, $8 million will be invested during the current biennium – $3 million from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for transportation equipment and $5 million in grants from the Department of Workforce Development. The DWD grants will target the transportation needs of low-income workers, with at least $1 million allocated to address the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities.
Secondly, an additional $8 million in funding will be requested in the 2019-21 biennial budget, including $3 million in WisDOT funding for additional transportation equipment and $5 million in DWD funding for continuation of the grant program.
The goal of Commute to Careers is to expand the pool of talent by connecting workers with affordable transportation to and from work or training programs. DWD Secretary Ray Allen notes that many workers face obstacles getting to and from work, especially those who are financially challenged, and he says Commute to Careers will establish “strong public-private partnerships to address the needs of those workers and, in the process, grow the Wisconsin economy.”
Over time, private funding will replace public dollars, establishing a long-term network of transportation options that allow both rural and urban workers to reach training and employer sites.
