Department of Safety & Professional Services Budget Requests

Saturday, February 27th, 2021 -- 6:11 PM

(WMTV) -Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services submitted their biannual budget request, including a variety of key initiatives.

Secretary Dawn Crim says, “This budget really is about helping all Wisconsinites engage and move forward.” The first key issue is to help curb the opioid epidemic. By securing funding for healthcare providers, DSPS wants providers to implement the ePMDP database.  The Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program has providers enter their opioid prescriptions. Further, they can monitor other physicians’ prescriptions throughout the state. By guarding physicians with this information, DSPS hope it leads to more responsible prescribing.  More funding is requested to support veterans entering the civilian workforce. “Individuals serving in the armed forces receive extensive training that enables them to perform a wide range of duties”, says Crim.

By working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wisconsin Technical College System, DSPS looks to give veterans credit for skills gained during their service; giving veterans a clearer path from the service to the private sector.  Following in the footsteps of the Sun Prairie Fire Department, DSPS eyes expanding a “high school to firefighter” pipeline program. Four years ago, Sun Prairie launched a program giving high school students school credit to learn more about the firefighting profession.  DSPS can implement these wide-ranging initiatives once the budget is approved.

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