Dane, Dodge, Marquette and Sauk County Partnership Selected to Operate W-2 in 2004 and 2005

August 04, 2003
See contact information below.
County Executive

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced that a consortium of Dane, Dodge, Marquette and Sauk county human services departments has been selected by the State of Wisconsin to provide W-2 services to their residents in 2004 and 2005. The Department of Workforce Development today formally notified the Capitol Consortium that its proposal to operate the W-2 program in the four member counties has been accepted. “We’re very excited and gratified that the state has chosen our partnership to provide these services in our member counties,” said Falk. “We think this partnership affords us the best chance to run an effective and cost-efficient W-2 program at a time when state resources to provide these critical services are dwindling.” Each county in the consortium has operated its own W-2 program since W-2’s inception in 1997. But, never before have they operated jointly. Wisconsin Works replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program in September 1997 and focuses on finding work for W-2 participants, including unsubsidized employment, community service jobs, trial jobs, and transition to work activities. Each county operates the program under its human services department, providing seamless links to other non-W-2 services that may benefit W-2 participants, such as child care, short term training, job placement, transportation, food stamps, medical assistance and Badger Care. A Job Center also exists in each county to provide comprehensive services for employers and job seekers - from online recruiting to labor market information and training opportunities. “The Capitol Consortium combines the resources and the best practices of our four counties to guarantee a comprehensive and effective program for those we serve,” said Falk. “We look forward to implementing this new partnership.” W-2 is based on work participation and personal responsibility. Under W-2, there is no entitlement to assistance, but there is a place for everyone who is willing to work to their ability. The program is available to low-income parents with minor children. Each W-2 eligible participant meets with a Financial and Employment Planner (FEP), who helps the individual develop a self-sufficiency plan and determine his or her place on the W-2 employment ladder. The four-county consortium submitted a $14.7 million proposal to operate the W-2 program for the two-year period. During two-year 2002-2003 contract period, $19.8 million was allocated to the four counties to operate W-2. In 2002, more than 1,300 Dane County families participated in the W-2 program at some point. The average monthly caseload was 503 families in 2002. # # # Contact Information: David W. Carlson Communications Manager Dane County Human Services (608) 235-3312 (for contacts tonight, 8/4/03) (608) 242-6424 David Titus, Director Dodge Co. Human Service & Health Dept. 920-386-3534 Bill Orth, Director Marquette County Department of Human Services 608-297-9136 ext 243 Ken Cady, Director Sauk County Department of Human Services (608) 355-4276