Forward Latino Applauds Passage of DACA Professional Licensing Bill
Legislation will strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce and economy
Franklin, WI – Forward Latino, a national non-profit, non-partisan service and advocacy organization headquartered in Franklin, Wisconsin, applauds the Wisconsin Legislature for passing S.B. 745, legislation that expands access to professional licensing for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Statement by National President Darryl Morin:
“Today marks the culmination of three years of dedicated advocacy and hard work. With the Wisconsin Senate’s passage of S.B. 745, following approval by the Wisconsin Assembly, our state takes a meaningful step forward in strengthening both its workforce and its economy.
This legislation ensures that DACA recipients can obtain occupational credentials and professional licenses in Wisconsin. For far too long, talented individuals who earned degrees, certifications, and specialized training here were forced to leave our state to practice their professions in places like Illinois and Indiana. That has been a loss not only for them, but for Wisconsin as a whole.
Now, our state can fully benefit from the investment made in these young people, individuals brought to this country through no fault of their own and who are ready and eager to contribute their skills and talents. At a time when Wisconsin faces a growing workforce shortage, this measure is both timely and essential.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Senator James and Representative Kitchens for their leadership, with special thanks to Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and all the bill’s co-authors and supporters in the Wisconsin Legislature. I also thank the broad coalition that came together to advance this effort, including bipartisan city and county elected officials, faith leaders, chambers of commerce and businesses, labor unions, healthcare providers, colleges and universities, local governments such as the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, and our partner advocacy organizations.
I also wish to make a special acknowledgment of the contributions of our National Vice President Steven Monroy, who first brought this issue to our attention more than five years ago.
This achievement reflects the kind of effective, collaborative governance envisioned by our nation’s founders, where practical solutions are advanced through partnership and shared purpose.
Thank you again to everyone whose leadership and commitment made this possible.”
About Forward Latino:
Forward Latino advocates for community empowerment, democracy, and civil rights while addressing hate crimes, gun violence, and the needs of veterans and working families. We train and support a diverse network of Hispanic leaders to meet the civic, economic, and political challenges of the 21st century. Learn more at www.forwardlatino.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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