MADISON–The Wisconsin State Assembly was in session today to vote on a package of bills to limit aid to Wisconsinites who utilize Unemployment Insurance and Badgercare Plus. In response, Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement:
“Wisconsin is facing a workforce crisis, but not because Wisconsinites are sitting on the sidelines refusing to work. With record low unemployment and high workforce participation, Republicans have decided to rush through unvetted, expensive, and harmful bills for partisan political gain instead of addressing the real issues facing Wisconsin workers. This legislation doesn’t respond to the issues Wisconsinites are currently facing, and it doesn’t honor Wisconsinites for who I know them to be–tough, strong, hard-working, and people deserving respect from their elected officials.
“My constituents have spoken loud and clear–what they need to earn a living and support their families is affordable childcare, affordable housing, and reliable transportation. ‘The high cost of childcare has forced way too many parents, often mothers, out of the workforce’ said one constituent, commenting on the need for affordable childcare for working parents. ‘Childcare counts funding is critical to our child care program staying open and continuing to provide high quality care to our community’ echoed another constituent, highlighting the need for state help to our child care providers. These concerns are shared by Wisconsinites in every community across the state, and nothing we did today responds to their needs.
“There are two things that are true: Wisconsinites work hard, and parents need affordable childcare. And Democrats in this body will continue to listen to Wisconsinites, evaluate the need, and respond appropriately– in this case that means not attacking the very people we swore to serve, and instead hearing them when they tell us that in order to expand the workforce, we need affordable childcare. It’s time for Wisconsin Republicans to show up on this floor ready to expand affordable childcare and in that–expand the workforce. Wisconsin deserves a legislature that works for them so that we can move forward, together.”
