What I Found at the Tomah VA

You might have guessed I stopped by the hospice wing of the Tomah VA on my visit, which I did, and it’s where I got to thank Cyrus (above) for his service. But I would guess that most Wisconsinites know two other things about the Tomah VA: it’s where a veteran who died of a drug overdose got his treatment, and where a 2015 report revealed that a doctor there over-prescribed painkillers to the vets he treated.

I went to the Tomah VA because I heard about their “Pain University.” A response to the overdose and over-prescribing scandal, the classes engage veterans in a “whole health” model where they learn about how they can use every tool available- not just medicine -to control both physical and emotional pain. I was impressed with how intentional they are being in engaging all aspects of a vet’s life to help them zero in on stability and pain management. This may be a model for not only other veterans service organizations, but all efforts to curb opioid abuse.

Where Kids Solve the Problems

What happens when you force school kids into teams of people they don't know, then give them a bunch of problems? They use science, technology, engineering and math to solve them. At least that’s what happened this week at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha where they used “design thinking” in a competition to outwit each other…and the challenges they were given.  These are the future engineers of Wisconsin.

First Time in a Cap and Gown

I advocate for common sense policies for people reentering society after being behind bars. I believe in tough sentences that fit the crime…but after the sentence is served, I think those who’ve wronged their communities should return to them (97% DO return) ready to make right, do good, get a job, and not commit a crime again. That’s why I headed to Racine Correctional Institution to talk to graduates (some of whom wore a cap and gown for the first time because they were getting their high school equivalency or GED). These men have taken advantage of their time behind bars to get credentialed in things like CNC machining and custodial service. When they are released, their educations will now qualify them to apply for jobs that will make them taxpayers and contributors to society, as opposed to dangers to it. I wish them good luck in taking advantage of a second chance!

Forward,

Rebecca Kleefisch
Lt. Governor