Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has announced the creation of three bipartisan task forces on Youth Workforce Readiness, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and Urban Education.

The Task Force on Youth Workforce Readiness will examine ways to encourage youth and students to pursue careers in trade, manufacturing and other technical fields. Vos claims that many manufacturing positions remain unfilled, despite Wisconsin being a top state for the industry. The committee will also examine ways to improve collaboration between high schools, technical colleges and businesses. Furthermore, the task force will advocate for the promotion of apprenticeships and internships in these fields and investigate industry needs for the future.

Members of the Task Force on Youth Workforce Readiness include:

• Rep. Bob Kulp (R-Stratford), Chair
• Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), Vice Chair
• Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan)
• Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton)
• Rep. Andre Jacque (R-DePere)
• Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva)
• Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield)
• Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander)
• Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine)
• Rep. Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee)
• Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit)

The Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Dementia will examine policies to ensure quality of future care and improve community-based resources for awareness of the disease. The Task Force on Urban Education will examine teacher recruitment and retention, and seek to address issues of truancy and poor academic performance in urban school districts.

Each committee will have a Republican chair and Democratic vice chair, and will consult community experts as well as individuals affected in specific issue areas. The task forces will begin activity at the end of the summer with the goal of completion by the end of next year.