Frostman out as state Workforce Secretary

The Brillion News

MADISON - Caleb Frostman is out as Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development.

He was appointed to the post by Governor Tony Evers. Frostman served as First District State Senator for about six months in 2018, succeeding Frank Lasee, after winning a special election over Andre Jacque of De Pere.

Then, in the fall 2018 genereal election, Jacque beat Frostman to become the state senator for the First District - which encompasses the first, second and third assembly districts.

Evers announced on Friday, September 18, that he asked for and received resignation from Frostman, whose resignation is effective immediately.

Department of Corrections (DOC) Deputy Secretary Amy Pechacek will lead the transition until the new secretary is appointed.

Frostman's downfall was the problems his department had in getting CARES Act unemployment funds to Wisconsin citizens out of work because of the COVID-related business shutdowns.

Republican lawmakers had been calling for Frostman to be fired.

Evers blamed the GOP for Frostman's problems running the DWD.

“People across our state are struggling to make ends meet, and it is unacceptable that Wisconsinites continue to wait for the support they need during these challenging times,” Evers said. “It is clear that our unemployment system has faced historic levels of claims these past few months, hindered in part by antiquated technology we inherited, and processes designed by Republicans to make it harder for folks to get these benefits.”

Eveers said he's confident that Pechacek can straighten things out.

"I appreciate Secretary Frostman’s service to our state and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Evers said.