Dear Friends, Not only does Wisconsin have its lowest unemployment rate ever at 2.8%, the hiring boom is happening all over the state. Fifty of Wisconsin's 72 counties met or broke their all-time low unemployment rates in May. Also, all 12 of the state's metro areas and all our 32 largest cities have seen a year-over-year drop in unemployment.  Our state's low unemployment rate is leading to fierce competition in hiring for workers. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Fox Valley Work Development Board, Anthony Snyder, “If you’re unemployed now, it’s probably by your choice because everybody is hiring.” In fact, there are more than 95,000 jobs available on the state's job site. We've come a long way from the days of more than 9% unemployment and businesses leaving the state. Wisconsin is open for business again and the numbers prove it. As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov . On, Wisconsin!  Alberta

Senator Darling Receives Friend with Heart Award

This week, the American Heart Association honored me with a "Friend with Heart Award" for my efforts to battle heart disease. Cardiovascular disease kills approximately one woman every hour in Wisconsin. In the United States, it is the number one killer of women. Yet, despite these startling statistics, approximately 80% of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented with education and lifestyle choices. You can read more about the award here.

Fighting Homelessness

On Wednesday, I joined Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch at Community Advocates in Milwaukee to help announce $500,000 in grants to 10 homeless shelters. The money will help provide case management services related to income stabilization and employment training. Grants are going to the following groups that help fight homelessness in Wisconsin: Community Advocates (Milwaukee) Salvation Army of Dane County Salvation Army of Milwaukee Freedom House Ministries (Green Bay) Homeless Connections (Appleton) Renewal Unlimited (Portage) Salvation Army – Grace Place (New Richmond) Lakeshore IHN, Hope House Manitowoc  Family Promise Washington County In 2015, more than 27,500 people received services or shelter in our state. These grants will help make sure people don't fall through the cracks and get the help that they need.

University System Audits

On Thursday, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee held a public hearing to review audits of the University of Wisconsin System and their fundraising foundations . After reviewing the audits, we had a great discussion with UW-System President Ray Cross on how we can increase transparency and accountability. We also voted to conduct an audit of the Department of Corrections and finding out what is driving costs in our prison system. It is my hope that this audit will serve as an outline to where the increased costs are within the prison system. That information will be extremely helpful during the next budget so we can continue to protect taxpayers from rising costs.

Senator Darling Honored for Leadership in Mental Health

The Coalition for Expanding School-based Mental Health in Wisconsin honored Representative Mike Rohrkaste and I for our leadership on funding innovations to improve student access to mental health. They presented both of us with awards this morning at their 3rd Annual Growing School Mental Health Summit in Middleton. In the budget, we invested more than $7 million for mental health services for kids in our schools. We also delivered a $7 million increase in children and family aids to counties to help kids who have been neglected and abused. I also authored a new law to make sure kids can get mental health treatment when their parents or guardians can't be found. Students can't succeed if they are struggling with mental health issues, these changes will make sure more children get the help they need.

Friend of Housing Award

On Friday, the Wisconsin Builders Association honored me with the 2018 Friend of Housing Award. I want to thank all of the 4,000 members of the Association for this award.

Junior League Event

This week, I had the honor of attending the Junior League Sustainer Spring Tea. As you may know, I was once President of the Junior League of Milwaukee. It's a fantastic organization that really makes an impact in our community. Junior League is particularly good for building skills of leadership in terms of organizing, communication, agenda building, and how to work as a team. If you are interested in finding out more about the Junior League, please visit here.

Child Sales Tax Rebate Sign-up Continues

Parents with a child aged 18 or younger can claim a Child Sales Tax Rebate! Families who qualify are eligible for a $100 rebate per child for sales and use tax paid in 2017. Time is running out, the deadline to file a claim is July 2, 2018. So far, nearly 470,000 have signed up for the rebate. Click on the picture above to sign up!

Wisconsin Proud!

Fifty of Wisconsin's 72 counties met or broke their all-time low unemployment rates in May. All 12 of the state's metro areas and all our 32 largest cities have seen a year-over-year drop in unemployment.  The number of people employed in Wisconsin is at an all-time high of 3,090,200, and the unemployment rate is at all-time low at 2.8% for May. Construction wages in Wisconsin are up 7.5% from 2016-2017. Wisconsin ranks 7th in manufacturing job creation from 2016-17, and wages are up 15% since 2010. Over 85 percent of our population in the state in the prime age group of 25 to 55 is employed.

Around the 8th...

Thiensville Village-Wide Rummage Sale Saturday, June 23rd 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Maps with addresses will be available at Village Hall, 250 Elm Street, or click here to view. Contact Rob Koss at robertjkos1@gmail.com or 908-295-9808 if you have any questions.

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