Sen. Marklein: Statement on passage of workforce recovery legislation

MADISON, WI – Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) made the following statement today following the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 354 and Assembly Bill (AB) 336, Workforce Recovery legislation that ends the expansion and extension of federal unemployment compensation due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“It is time for able-bodied workers in Wisconsin to return to the workforce. The federal expansion for unemployment compensation has artificially inflated unemployment paychecks for far too long. I am very hopeful that Governor Evers will sign this bill and end this barrier for our employers.

This is not just a private sector, big business problem. Local governments, state parks, restaurants, swimming pools and corner stores are all struggling to find workers. They are willing to pay a premium and many are offering bonuses to find the people they need to staff their businesses. We need to get government out of the way.

The legislation we passed today mirrors action taken in at least 25 other states. It is time for everyone who is able to work, to return to work. We will always maintain the necessary unemployment safety net, but we cannot continue to artificially inflate the program.”