I have toured nearly every work center in Wisconsin's 6th District, such as Lakeside Packaging in Oshkosh, Ascend Services in Manitowoc, Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, RCS Empowers in Sheboygan, Fox River industries in Berlin and Northwoods, Inc. in Portage. I’ve had the privilege to see the great facilities, meet the dedicated employees and speak with the individuals with disabilities who love working there.

One of the people I met, and now consider a friend, is a young woman named Yael. She has a job at a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) and at a retail store. Yael has not let her disability get in the way of her happiness. When I ask her which job she likes better, she tells me she likes her job at the CRP because "that's where all my friends are".

Yael was referred to her CRP 18-years ago by her local vocational rehabilitation agency. It has been invaluable for young people like Yael to have the choice and flexibility to work in a fulfilling job that provides them with work experience, financial compensation, friends, and social experience and the dignity they deserve as vital members of our communities.

Since then, however, the Department of Education issued a regulation and guidance that left local agencies confused, which has led many to no longer refer people like Yael to jobs in CRPs.

That is why, I introduced two bills that will help individuals with disabilities find the same happiness Yael has. The Workplace Choice and Flexibility for Individuals with Disabilities Act and the Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act will correct the unintended consequences the Department of Education’s regulation and guidance have created and will allow individuals with disabilities more choice in where they work.

I hope that my colleagues in Congress will realize that Congressional actions in the past have taken away opportunities for young people with disabilities and that now is the time to restore the full array of options available to these unique, valuable, hardworking individuals who so deserve it.

This week, I held town hall meetings in Grafton and Two Rivers. Thank you to everyone who attended! I always enjoy giving you a detailed update on what Congress is working on and hearing which issues are affecting you. My office is finalizing details on my next round of town hall meetings, so stay tuned into my weekly E-newsletter for further information when it becomes available.