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Cow Brushes
Calf Houses with Bottle Holders
There were automatic milkers, where cows get treats for coming into a booth and milking while a machine takes their temperature and records how much milk they've given. There were tail clippers- like men's hair clippers, but for cow tails because as of January, unless you are a sheep or a pig, American animals can't have their tails docked, so farmers need to keep tails really tidy. There was a robot to push feed closer to the cows. And of course, there was a next generation of dairy farmers, eager to learn about this famous Wisconsin industry.
Disabilities Employment Matters
Earlier this week I checked out what was billed as the "World's Second Largest Toilet Museum". (The largest, at least in my memory, is in Kohler at their bathroom fixtures headquarters.) At Independence First in Milwaukee, I learned about scores of accommodations- some cheap, some expensive- that facilitate a basic human function for folks with disabilities. Later in the week I talked about hiring people with disabilities (80% outside the workforce WANT to be in the workforce) and the fact that spending just $1 in accommodations (not necessarily in the bathroom) yields $28.69 in return because people with disabilities tend to be productive and loyal. In fact, employee turnover among the traditional worker population is 45%... among people who have disabilities it's just 8%.
The School Everyone's Talking About
I got an inside look at St. Augustine Academy this week. The choice school looks like a technical college with open collaborative spaces, two huge pools, learning labs and a robust curriculum. Gus Ramirez essentially built this school himself... the head of HUSCO International, a Waukesha County manufacturer of hydraulics, he didn't feel that the high school graduates applying to work at HUSCO were ready to succeed, so he vowed to create a K-12 environment that raised up amazing talent. This is the school's first year and I am fascinated by this initiative and how a largely Hispanic population in Milwaukee's south side is embracing it.
Changes and Thank yous
For quite some time the Lt. Governor's office was provided security by the WI State Capitol Police. You saw them with me at work (making sure I never caused trouble) assuring I was always on time and safe. This week we said "thank you" to these brave and personable men who have driven me miles and miles and kept me safe all the way. While protecting the Lt. Governor is no longer a full time function of the Capitol Police, I will leave you with one final photo... even though I have my Hunter's Safety certification, I took Concealed Carry instruction at Waukesha County Technical College as well. The Lt. Governor's office is a nimble one.
Forward,
 Rebecca Kleefisch
Lt. Governor
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