COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin are surging. If you feel sick, please stay home. If not, please be sure to social distance, wash your hands and wear a mask when appropriate. I hope that you will add these CDC-recommended tips to your daily routine.

Last week the U.S. Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, and I visited UW-Oshkosh's new COVID-19 surge testing facility. We saw how the university will be able to safely, effectively and quickly administer tests to individuals who need them. This facility is offerring rapid tests, which produce results in minutes instead of days. Rapid testing is a huge leap forward in the effort to stop the spread of the disease, because you will no longer have to quarantine for days while waiting for the results. 

The testing center will be open weekdays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., but will be administering a limited number of tests. If you or someone you know needs a test, you can click here to register. The testing site is operated by eTrueNorth, whose website you will be directed to by clicking the link to register.

You can also click here to read more about the Surgeon General's visit and the UW-Oshkosh testing facility.

Today marks the end of National Apprenticeship week.

Apprenticeships offer a way for those seeking to enter the skilled labor market to get hands-on, real-world experience that is crucial for professions like plumbing, carpentry, welding, nursing and even computer programming. The U.S. Department of Labor has reported that 94 percent of individuals that complete apprenticeship programs not only find jobs, but make an average starting salary of $70,000.

We still have a shortage, however, of individuals to fill the skills-based jobs that are vital to our economy. It is not uncommon for me to speak with employers who tell me that they desperately needed 5, 10, 20 or more skilled employees just to keep up with demand. 

Earlier this year, at a House Education and Labor Committee hearing, I had the opportunity to discuss the state of apprenticeship programs in America. Dr. Morna Foy, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), was among those testifying at the hearing. Dr. Foy and I were both happy to share Wisconsin's successful apprenticeship programs and encourage other states to look to the Badger state as a template for success.

Dr. Foy highlighted how Wisconsin’s technical college systems maintain a strong relationship with state-based employers in order to ensure their curriculums are the most up to date with industry changes to best prepare students for work after their apprenticeship. Additionally, Dr. Foy and I discussed how Wisconsin uniquely allows technical school credits to apply to the university system and university credits to apply to the technical school system, which ensures students won't be left behind when transferring.

I will continue to work toward expanding apprenticeship programs and encourage young Wisconsinites to seek out these high-paying, high-demand jobs. There is a bias in our society that a traditional four-year degree is the best option for every student. In reality, many of them would be happier, and often make more money, if they had pursued career and technical education after high school.

If you would like to read more about this hearing or watch video of my questioning, please click here.

The October jobs report exceeded expectations. Our economy is recovering and people are getting back to work!

65 percent of students at Lakeshore Technical College are taking at least one class in-person this fall. It was great to see how the culinary, automotive and manufacturing departments are accommodating students during COVID-19.

Thank you to our retired, active duty and fallen Marines for your service, sacrifice and dedication to our country. On Tuesday, we celebrated the 245th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Renaissance Manufacturing Group in Grafton showed me their innovative metal casting technologies and how they are keeping employees safe during COVID-19.

On Wednesday, Veterans Day, we came together as Americans to honor all those who have served our country in times of peace and times of war. America’s veterans are the reason we can enjoy our freedoms every day and we are forever grateful to all who served. To thank our veterans and their families, President Trump and Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced that our veterans and Gold Star families will now enjoy free access to America's national Parks.

In honor of Veterans Day, I had lunch in Fond du Lac with Darryl and James, two veterans from Wisconsin's Sixth District.

Gauthier Biomedical in Grafton manufactures high-quality medical instruments. Thank you for showing me how you are keeping Wisconsin working.

My colleagues and I sent this letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr because the integrity of our elections is of paramount importance. Elections need to be held safely, fairly and legally. You can read the full letter by clicking here.

As your Congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the Sixth District. 

You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman).