WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK 1997 - 1998


10. WISCONSIN FIRSTS
     The State of Wisconsin is proud of its record of innovation in government,
social policy, education, industry, agriculture and conservation. The Progressive
Era of the late 19th century and early 20th century was especially productive
in
social policy experimentation, and Wisconsin continues to be recognized as
a
leader in many areas. This list of noteworthy "firsts" in Wisconsin's
first 150
years of statehood documents Wisconsin's progressive heritage in these areas.
SOCIAL WELFARE AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

     Worker's Compensation. Wisconsin was the first state to have an operat-
ing "workmen's compensation law" to provide monetary benefits for
workers in-
jured on the job (1911). Two other states had previously passed similar laws,
but
theirs had delayed effective dates.
     Unemployment Compensation. Wisconsin was the first state to pass a law
authorizing monetary benefits for unemployed workers (1932).


  Signing of the first workmen's compensation check, 1911 (State Historical
Society #WHi (X3) 22668)
     Women's Rights. Wisconsin was the first state to pass a law eliminating
all
legal discrimination against women (1921). Wisconsin's ratification of the
19th
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote
in
all elections, was approved by the state legislature on June 10, 1919, and
was the
first state approval to reach Congress.
     Aid to Disabled Persons. Wisconsin was the first state to provide payments
to persons who required continual care because of permanent disabilities
(1945).
     Welfare Reform. Wisconsin was the first state to submit a plan to the
feder-
al government for replacing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)


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