MADISON — Today, the Joint Committee on Finance once again met without addressing Wisconsin’s outdated unemployment insurance (UI) system, an issue made more urgent after their DC counterparts cut funding to delay Wisconsin’s modernization efforts.
During the state budget, Republicans on the Committee rejected Gov. Evers’ plan to fully fund long-overdue UI modernization. Weeks later, the Trump Administration cut $29 million in federal funds Wisconsin expected to receive for the very same effort, halting efforts to prevent fraud, protect data, and ensure timely payments.
The four Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance released the following statement:
“Today, we saw Republicans move a few technical fixes through JFC to address clerical problems resulting from a rushed budget process. We have plenty of evidence that they can move quickly, and we are urging them to act now — especially after a jobs report shows there are more Americans who can’t find work but want to work now than there were last year at this time.
“It’s crucial that we recognize who is most harmed by the chaotic fiscal recklessness that is becoming the hallmark of Republican leadership. At both the Federal and State levels, Democrats have included measures to modernize our unemployment system. However, just as they did when they refused to convene the state legislature during the pandemic, Wisconsin Republicans have repeatedly failed to join us in funding an improved system before we desperately need it.
“Everyone relies on the social safety net at some point in time, including unemployment insurance. We need committed action — anything less is sabotage against Wisconsinites who deserve better from their government.”
