LWVDC Virtual Public Issues Forum
An Economy For All:
How Can Dane County Excel?
Find a Discussion Unit meeting that's convenient for you and continue the conversation after the Forum!
Dane County is known for its already vibrant economy supported by state government, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and more. This Forum will survey three innovations that could help unleash even more economic vitality for Dane County and which would prosper segments of our population currently hampered from full participation in our county’s economy.
The League supports Legislation, policies and programming to promote economic equity and support the democratic principle of common social good; and opposes all legislation, policies and programming that enable the unhealthy concentration of wealth and power. (Read LWVWI’s position statements on equality). LWVUS supports programs, services, and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty.
Join us on December 6, when we will hear from those on the front lines working to:
Build a comprehensive regional approach to economic development in the larger region surrounding Dane County and spur the proliferation of small businesses, the backbone of such an economy. Jason Fields, President and CEO of The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), will discuss how the organization works to ensure that resources such as good data, adequate capital, suitable talent, and sites and buildings are available to organizations that want to do business in the eight-county region surrounding Madison. MadREP cultivates businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, bioscience, healthcare, and information technologies, and helps them launch or resettle in southern Wisconsin.
Modernize Wisconsin’s early care and education system so that parents of preschool children can afford to enter the workforce and know that their children are taught by qualified professionals and arrive at public school fully ready to learn. Ruth Schmidt, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA), will address how WECA, with over 2,500 early childhood professionals in Wisconsin, advocates for policies, programs, and research that supports childcare professionals and the children they teach. She will inform us on where early childhood care and education must head in order for our economy, our workers, and our children to flourish.
Conduct a pilot program on the concept of “guaranteed income” programs. Blake Roberts, Manager of the Madison Forward Fund, will inform us about the pilot program currently being conducted by Madison to determine if an unrestricted stipend can be part of a successful program to get people back on their feet and will tell us why over 60 U.S. mayors have endorsed such programs in their cities. Can something so logical and simple replace a traditional welfare system?
OUR SPEAKERS
Jason Fields
President and CEO, MadREP
Jason Fields joined the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) in January 2021 and was recognized as a Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council in September 2022. Prior to joining MadREP, he served as a Wisconsin State Legislator.
Jason represents the United States as a senator of the World Business Angel Investment Forum (WBAF). He is founder of The Financial Promise Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches personal financial & business literacy. He is also the founder and managing director of Dark Knight Capital Ventures, a venture fund that seeks to invest in underrepresented founders across America.
He is a published author with six books, a certified financial education instructor, and a certified capital raising specialist. He holds a B.S. in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. Jason is the President of the Regional Leadership Council and a member of the Governor’s Financial Literacy Council and the Rotary Club of Downtown Madison. He serves on the board of directors of Destination Madison, Wisconsin Technology Council, MKE Tech, Competitive Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packer Mentor Protégé Program, and the Convergence Resource Center.
Blake Roberts
Program Manager, Madison Forward Fund
Blake Roberts is the Program Manager for Madison’s guaranteed income research program, the Madison Forward Fund. She has over a decade of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating economic justice, labor, workforce, and social welfare programs. She has an M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, and an M.S. in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition with a concentration in food security and social welfare from Tufts University.
Ruth Schmidt
Executive Director, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association
For over 20 years, Ruth Schmidt has led Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, Wisconsin’s largest membership and service organization for early childhood educators and the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Ruth is a leading voice on both state and national levels for strengthening the early childhood education workforce through policy and systems improvement and greater public investments. She serves on Governor Tony Evers’ Early Childhood Advisory Council and Congressman Mark Pocan's K-12 and Early Childhood Education Advisory Group. Under her direction, WECA launched and leads Raising Wisconsin, a statewide policy initiative powered by a multi-sector coalition. She is a founding member of Wisconsin Partners and is the recipient of the 2019 Community Change-Maker Award by Community Shares of Wisconsin. Ms. Schmidt earned her bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College.
Sue Jennik
Moderator
Ms. Jennik is the LWVDC Program Director and a Board member. She is also chair of the LWVWI Legislative Committee.