Chairwoman Nicholson Proposal Would Create Paid Internships, a First for Board of Supervisors

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisors Ryan Clancy, Joseph J. Czarnezki, Felesia A. Martin, Steven Shea, Shawn Rolland, and Willie Johnson, Jr. are proposing that the County Board offer paid internships, rather than unpaid positions, to area students that want to learn the skills associated with working for a local legislative body.

“Student interns provide essential support to Milwaukee County Supervisors, and it’s time we recognize their contributions by paying them a fair wage. Any student who wants the training and education that comes with an internship at the Board of Supervisors deserves the opportunity to benefit from the experience of working in local government, not just those who can afford to take on an unpaid position,” said Nicholson.

The Board of Supervisors student intern program provides interns interested in public policy with a unique introduction to local government. Interns learn the inner workings of the legislative process and play an integral part in the daily functions of the Board.

Chairwoman Nicholson’s proposal would abolish two vacant Office Assistant positions with the Board of Supervisors and create two paid Intern positions, a move that does not require any additional funds, and better aligns the job duties with the position title.

The proposal to pay student interns supports the County’s mission of achieving racial equity, as unpaid internships are disproportionately available to individuals of higher socioeconomic status, and usually require that a student has access to outside financial support.

Nicholson’s proposal is a declaration that all workers deserve dignity and respect and reflects a growing national trend to end the exploitation of student workers. The Finance Committee unanimously approved the measure today, and the Board of Supervisors will consider it on September 23 at their monthly meeting.

The Board of Supervisors hires student interns during the fall, spring, and summer semesters that align with local colleges and universities. Interested students can learn more and apply for open positions via the Board of Supervisors web site.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.