Assembly Maj. Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, proposes homelessness legislation

Author: Jennifer Hwang

Assembly Republicans are pushing for $3.7 million to mitigate homelessness in Wisconsin.

Democrats are pushing back however, stating they are not informed enough to support the Republican proposition.

Rep. David Bowen, D-Milwaukee, also criticized Republicans for holding a news conference in his district without seeking his input.

“I am terribly disappointed in my Republican colleagues' decision to hold their Milwaukee press
conference on homelessness without speaking to or even inviting members of the Milwaukee
Delegation or Black Caucus whose communities are deeply affected by this issue,” Bowen wrote in a statement today.

Republicans say however, the legislation addresses a key need in Wisconsin.

“I've been able to see first-hand how much of a need our entire state has when it comes to finding proven, sustainable ways to address homelessness,” Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke issued in a statement.

The new Republican bill allocates $500,000 to prevent homelessness through eviction avoidance programs, as well as $300,000 to assist the homeless in finding stable housing. The GOP also plans to use an additional $500,000 for shelter grants and $900,000 more for a housing assistance program, according to the Associated Press.

The legislation includes measures to aid the homeless in guiding them to jobs and renovating apartments for affordable housing.