Madison, WI – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed a series of bills aimed at reforming Wisconsin’s public benefit programs. This package of legislation comes on the heels of the statewide ballot proposal, which revealed that 80% of voters believe able-bodied, childless adults should be required to look for work as a condition of receiving welfare benefits.
Some of the measures included in this reform package include:
o Requiring Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to randomly audit claimant reports to ensure work search requirements are being met. (AB 147)
o Allowing employers to report to DWD if an individual declines an interview or job offer, so that DWD can determine if the individual should still be eligible for benefits. (AB 149) o Requiring DWD to provide a universal career readiness screening to unemployment claimants as well as workforce training and career matching to help individuals find employment sooner. (AB 150)
o Combating fraud by strengthening identity checks for those receiving benefits. (AB 152).
“The residents of Wisconsin were clear—they want greater accountability in our public benefits programs. Each of these bills strengthens the integrity of our system by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are prudently used to provide temporary relief to those who have lost their job. The focus should always be on creating pathways for reemployment,” said Rep. Steffen.
The bills will now move on to the Senate for consideration. For more information please contact the office of Representative Steffen. He can be reached at (608)237-9104 or by email at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov.
