On Monday, we’ll gather with family, friends, and loved ones to spend some time together in the beautiful Wisconsin outdoors and celebrate the birth of our nation and the continued freedoms we enjoy every day in America.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we remember our Founders, who spent their lives building a strong foundation for our nation. We remember our veterans, and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom with their lives.

Finally, we bear in mind those who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. We thank them for their service and pray for their safe and speedy return home.

Tonette, Matt, Alex, and I wish you and your family a very safe and fun Fourth of July! God bless America.

Did you know that at 4.2 percent, Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been since March of 2001? The last time our unemployment was as low as it is today, my sons Matt and Alex were five and six years old. Today, they are in their twenties. 

For the month of May, we also had the nation’s second-highest rate of private sector job growth and the fourth-highest increase in private sector jobs. Wisconsin is moving forward. Our economy is improving and our workforce is strong.

The key to Wisconsin’s future success rests in our ability to provide the next generation of workers with practical skills and knowledge that will translate directly to a high-demand career in one of our state’s key industry sectors.

That’s why we continue to invest in programs like Youth Apprenticeship. Today, I joined business leaders of United Pride Dairy, LLC in Phillips to announce $3.2 million in Youth Apprenticeship grants statewide.

These grants will provide over 3,600 Wisconsin students with hands-on training from industry professionals. Those who complete the program receive a Youth Apprenticeship certificate and may receive technical college credit.

Most importantly, they’ll graduate high school with the skills they need to accept a job in their occupational area of choice.

Last week, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Ray Allen wrote a guest column highlighting the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s work to help Wisconsin farmers meet their employment goals. 

Here are a few excerpts from his column:

The core mission of DWD is developing Wisconsin's workforce, and that includes helping workers with disabilities move toward greater independence through the dignity of work.

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DVR has long supported Wisconsin's strong agricultural heritage and continues to offer an array of services to assist farmers with disabilities who are eligible DVR consumers. For example, DVR will determine the extent to which a purchase of assistive technology or other service would help farmers achieve their employment goals to continue farming. DVR also helps identify and refer farmers to other state or federal resources that focus on Wisconsin farmers.

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By aligning DVR's services to farmers with the core mission of the program, we are ensuring Wisconsin's DVR system remains stable and available to eligible workers with significant disabilities today and in the years to come.

To read Secretary Allen’s full column, click below.