http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/boys-girls-club-ribboncut-s460.jpgBoys & Girls Clubs Recognize Success of Legislator's Advocacy for Youth

MADISON - Representative Alex Dallman was recognized this week as the Wisconsin 2023 State Champion for Children, an award given out by the Wisconsin Alliance of the Boys & Girls Clubs to an elected official who goes above and beyond to successfully advocate for the youth of Wisconsin. Alex Dallman was selected unanimously by twenty-seven Club CEOs who serve over 117,000 kids and teens across the state.

Dallman, who was appointed to the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) in December of 2022, fought to secure $5,000,000 in additional funding for the Clubs’ Be Great Graduate and Wisconsin After 3 programs. These statewide initiatives ensure youth excel in academics, remain on the right track to graduation, and secure livable wage jobs. The funding also provides high impact afterschool programming that offers life changing opportunities and a safe place to go after school.

Jason Presto, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area, explained why Dallman is deserving of the Alliance’s highest award, “It’s refreshing to work with Representative Dallman on critical state issues. He truly loves Wisconsin and wants to see our great state continue to grow and prosper. He has a heart for helping youth and families because, not only is it the right thing to do, it's also the best thing for Wisconsin. Representative Dallman's remarkable leadership led to some important investments for youth in our state; investments that have a tremendous return on investment for our state and our taxpayers.”

“Whether it's building a better workforce, responding to childhood trauma, or helping teens graduate, Clubs have solutions to Wisconsin's top problems,” said Karen DeSanto, CEO of West Central Wisconsin Clubs. “Alex Dallman sees this impact we have on the lives of Club kids, and is their voice in the legislature. He doesn’t just try, he gets things done. We are thankful to have him as a powerful voice for all youth.”

Dallman, who visited Clubs and met with staff and board members to learn more about the impact of this funding, shared, “The 41st District is lucky to have Boys & Girls Clubs in Berlin and Green Lake, and now new sites coming into the City of Portage and Ripon. These Clubs make lasting impacts on thousands of youth each year. It has been an honor to work alongside their respective leadership teams to deliver a massive investment that will change countless lives across Wisconsin.” Wisconsin Clubs operate 202 sites across 76 cities, including on native lands, urban centers, rural backwoods, and a military base.

“Alex Dallman comes to Club fundraisers, conferences, and youth events. He gives advice and strategy tips, and never asks for recognition or credit. He’s a work horse, not a show horse, and he keeps the promises he makes,” said Andy Gussert, Director of the Wisconsin Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. "Club kids are fortunate to have Representative Dallman fighting for them in the state legislature.”