House Republicans have questions to answer back in their districts about the spending cuts they’ve recently voted for and continue to support. Back in Wisconsin, where state Republicans are already under attack after their broadside against collective bargaining rights, GOP freshmen in competitive districts are catching earfuls from locals about budget cuts.
The Green Bay Press Gazette flags one example. House bill HR 1 — the Republican House majority’s flaship legislation this Congress — eliminates funding for the Workforce Investment Act, which funds job training for people out of work.
Jim Golembeski, executive director of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board, which administers WIA services at five regional jobs centers and three smaller sites in 10 counties in Northeastern Wisconsin, says he would have to shut down his operation if the cuts are approved.
As a result, about 30 people would be out of work, he said, in addition to many others who would not receive needed services it provides.
That puts freshman GOP Reps. Sean Duffy and Reid Ribble, who voted for HR 1, in a pinch.
Cheryl Welch, CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, said that given House Republicans’ position on job creation, they should reconsider some of the proposed cuts in their push for fiscal responsibility.
“There needs to be some understanding of the programs being cut and their impact on an economy that’s trying to recover and create jobs,” Welch said…. “They say they’re hearing us, but I guess we’ll know when the vote comes.”
And, of course, similar tensions are flaring up in other states as well.
