Forward Janesville - TheReport - Spring 2016

program guidelines to expand the reach and impacts of its community development investments. The F-1 Visa Program An F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for foreign students wishing to study in the United States. This program is of great importance to the School District of Janesville, as international students who participate in the Janesville International Education Program (JIEP) need F-1 Visas to study here. JIEP is growing steadily, but the F-1 Visa Program’s restrictions are threatening the program’s potential. F-1 Visas for public high school students are limited to one year, while F-1 Visas for private high school students are five years. This creates a competitive disadvantage for our public schools. Congress should level the playing field by extending the duration of F- 1 Visas for international public school students to five years. This change would allow international students to come to Janesville as freshmen and then enable them to continue their education through their senior year. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Reform The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the government’s mechanism for funding national workforce development activities. While some program adjustments have been made, work remains to reduce the complex and duplicative layers of workforce programming that exists across multiple agencies. We encourage lawmakers to consider consolidating these programs and incorporating increased flexibility into the workforce system; thereby, targeting these resources to meet the evolving needs of job seekers and employers. Criminal Justice Grants Rock County law enforcement agencies have successfully utilized several criminal justice grants, including: • The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, which is leveraged for equipment purchases and officer training. • The Crisis Intervention Training Grant, which offers the opportunity to enhance the skill sets of police as they interact with individuals that suffer from behavioral health issues. • The State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which provides reimbursement for the costs associated with the incarceration of illegal aliens who commit crimes. • A Mental Health Collaboration Grant, through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is leveraged to equip jail personnel with the appropriate skill sets to deal with inmates that suffer from co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues. • The Comprehensive Justice and Mental Health Act (H.R. 1854) authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to make grants to mental health and criminal justice stakeholders. Rock County, in collaboration with the National Institute of Corrections, is using these funds to identify best practices and perform inmate risk assessments. D.C. Confidential: Insider Perspectives from Inside the Beltway Continued from page 9 12 • W W W . F O R W A R D J A N E S V I L L E . C O M “QUOTES” from OUR OWN Dr. Charles Clark, Regional Executive Officer & Dean, University of Wisconsin Colleges-Southwest: "The dinner with Speaker Ryan was enjoyable and, more important, substantive. While our visit with him the next day was brief, I found the time the most informative and useful of all the visits with legislators who are seeking or will likely seek reelection. The meeting with Reid Ribble was interesting; I appreciated his candor, while I didn't necessarily agree with all of his proposals." Curt Parish, Bronfman E.L. Rothschild; FJI Government Relations Council Chair: "What a great opportunity to hear first-hand from our Wisconsin elected officials, in the Capitol! We heard very disparate opinions, but I enjoyed the opportunity to question them directly, while advocating for important business related issues. It was also very gratifying to hear lawmakers welcome our input and appreciate our involvement in the legislative process. A great experience!" Dr. Larry Bergen, Beloit Health System: "This was my second legislative trip with Forward Janesville. Returning has given me a greater perspective on the function (and dysfunction) of Washington than I had before. It emphasized to me two important points: Knowing the lawmakers by name is a crucial step towards future asks; and that real progress requires a strong local front. We will never know how important our previous efforts on infrastructure planning (as per funding the transportation bill) was in its recent passage; but that passage should encourage us to continue pushing for regional projects. Secondly, we must realize that our local school boards, city councils, etc. are far more capable of being quickly responsive to our needs than the Federal government is. I return home more committed to the local level, while cherishing our newfound national contacts." Kevin Murray, Janesville School Board President: "I am encouraged by the support of education by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is focused on fixing shortcomings in our education system so that: students emerge from our public school system prepared for college or career; employers can find workers with the right skills and qualification; and our workforce will attract investment, drive growth and spur innovation. The opportunity to talk with local business owners and leaders has helped me better understand the role that Public and Private Enterprise plays in the health of our community. Cultivating and growing these relationships is essential in my role as a School Board Member and participant in our community." Sam Liebert, Janesville City Council: "My experience with Forward Janesville in D.C. was incredible. The access and treatment we were afforded was first class. Being able to speak with U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin was also a treat. With their busy schedules, it was nice that they were able to meet with our group. Even though they're both from different political parties, they had a lot in common when it came to supporting small businesses in Wisconsin. I was also impressed with Congressman Reid Ribble. His knowledge of transportation, funding and the mechanisms of Congress was eye-opening and enlightening. Meeting with Speaker Paul Ryan in the Speaker's Office was also a moment to remember. So many men (and one woman) have held that highest of office, and our Congressman from Janesville now presides over the House. It was interesting to see the dynamics between Speaker Ryan and the GOP Presidential front-runner, Donald Trump. I think we have a very interesting year ahead of us in government and politics, and it was incredibly exciting to visit D.C. in the middle of all of it!" John Beckord, FJI President: "Congressman Reid Ribble (Republican fromWisconsin's 8th District) told a story about how Congress has come to embrace low expectations for measuring accomplishments. Ribble related how members of Congress have been patting themselves on the back for recently passing a 5-year transportation bill that uses $11 Billion in borrowed funds each year to make a small dent in our overall infrastructure needs. He told us about becoming the coach of his daughter's volleyball team that had not had a winning season for several years. In his first year as coach they managed to finish with an 8 win, 7 loss season. Parents heaped praise on the team and on him for coaching the team to a winning season. Congressman Ribble said, "Whether we are focused on a volleyball team or a long term transportation bill, do we really want to celebrate being the cream of the crap?"