Local and Overlooked News: Jobs in record numbers, but did a Robot just deliver my food?

Local and Overlooked News for the week that was December 22, 2023 includes a different way to fill job openings in Wisconsin and concern about the age of some of those living on the streets

Civic Media’s Teri Barr joins The Maggie Daun Show to share a few Local and Overlooked News Stories:

1. Are robots really filling some job openings in the state?

If you are looking for a job in the new year, employers will be hiring, but for some specific positions.

The outlook for 2024 coming at the same time Wisconsin’s labor force is at a record high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than three million jobs across the state, not including those employed on a farm.

It adds up to more than 32,000 additional jobs compared to this same time last year, and an increase of 1,700 according to the state’s Department of Workforce Development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics survey also shows education has the most job openings, but the hospitality industry is a very close second. 

Those numbers haven’t changed much in the last year with many bars and restaurants still hanging up “help wanted” signs.

Meantime, some Wisconsin restaurant owners are finding a way to combat the lack of employees by bringing robots in to do the work.

You can currently find robots in action at restaurants in Wauwatosa, Sun Prairie, and soon, Green Bay. 

The owners of these particular businesses say the robots are programmed by GPS so can only run specific routes. Typically this means delivering food and cleaning up after the meal. 

But, reaction from Wisconsin Restaurant Association President Kristine Hillmer isn’t exactly supportive. Hillmer says, “Robots are not a one size fits for all solutions.” She calls people the better employees.

2. A Wisconsin city worries about its homeless population. Is it because of their age?

It’s officially Winter in Wisconsin. The season officially changing on December 21, which is also the longest night of the year.

But, due to the growing number of people who are homeless, the Winter Solstice is also being used as a “Homeless Persons Memorial Day.” It’s the time to remember those in our communities who died while living on the streets.

Several large cities, New York and San Francisco for example, held a “Homeless Persons Memorial Day” the past few years. And in the Badgers State, La Crosse is now taking part.

Officials in La Crosse say the issue of homelessness has to be taken seriously and point at some reports indicating more people living on the streets there are in their 60s or older. Officials are concerned it puts them at a higher risk of death due to untreated chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

The city is putting support behind a Homeless Outreach Team, budgeting more than $155,000 for next year. The team will try to connect services to those living outside.

48 people died in La Crosse while homeless this year. The Coulee Coalition for Continuum of Care reports an average of 40 families and more than 200 individuals are currently living on the La Crosse streets.