The Stronger Way Act: U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin introduces new bill to fight poverty
MILWAUKEE -- New legislation at the federal level is designed to fight poverty at the local level, including here in Milwaukee. It's a new plan authored, in part, by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin.
The Stronger Way Act
The bill is called The Stronger Way Act, legislators say it creates new opportunities for work and then rewards good work.
A the Community Advocates building in downtown Milwaukee, Senate Bill 3231 is laid out.
"We believe the best way out of poverty is through the dignity of work. Work won't by itself lift everyone out of poverty, unfortunately, but it is the cornerstone," said Julie Kerksick, Community Advocates.
The new legislation directs the United States Department of Labor to establish in every state a large scale transitional jobs program.
The Stronger Way Act
"The goal is to create incentives and opportunities to move from these transitional jobs to transition into regular jobs in the regular economy," said David Riemer, Community Advocates.
Brian Osay has been directly effected by long-term unemployment.
David Riemer
"From 2008-2011 I was unemployed, it was hard," said Osay.
Osay began a transitional job with project return and now helps others unemployed get back on their feet.
"That was the most blessing that was the most powerful thing that could happen for me," said Osay.
Elected officials hope this new legislation does the same for many others.
"Most people want to work and do work, more than half of the people receiving food assistance in this country are workers, but there are not enough jobs that are accessible to those who are unemployed and those who under employed, and too many jobs simply don't pay enough," said Kerksick.
The Stronger Way Act
The second part of the legislation would take the federal earned income tax credit, the EITC, and make it bigger.
"This legislation would significant expand the EITC for childless adults raising it up to $1,500 and adjusting it for inflation," said Riemer.
Senator Baldwin had planned to be in Milwaukee to introduce the bill, but she was asked by the National Guard to come to northern Wisconsin and help coordinate federal response efforts for the flooding that is currently happening.