Yesterday, WCCF released its 2009-10 WisKids Count data book, “Jobs Count: Helping Wisconsin Families Thrive Through New Opportunities.” In addition to the usual array of data on many key indicators of child well-being, this year’s book features an essay on employment, access to training and postsecondary education, work supports, and related issues. The essay contains a number of recommendations aimed at addressing the state’s employment challenges, including:

• updating the state’s UI system so that those seeking part-time work will qualify;
• putting more emphasis on education and training in the welfare reform legislation (TANF) coming up for reauthorization soon;
• indexing the minimum wage to inflation; and
• extending the increased funding for Pell Grants that was provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The book was released at a panel discussion–“Employment Challenges in the Milwaukee Area: The Recession and Beyond” — which took place at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee and featured local experts speaking on workforce issues.

For more information, see our press release about the “Jobs Count,” and of course, READ THE BOOK.