MADISON, WI – State Representative William Penterman (R–Hustisford) voted for a package of workforce development bills aimed at preventing fraud, closing loopholes, and helping Wisconsinites return to work.
The unemployment insurance (UI) program was designed to help aid employees that have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. However, studies from the United States Department of Labor have shown that Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) have paid out almost $250 million to individual that should not be eligible for UI, which is nearly 25% of all UI claims. It is the duty of the legislature to ensure these programs are being administrated correctly and that assistance is going to individuals who truly need it.
The legislative package helps to streamline reporting metrics for workforce development programs. It also modernizes the UI program and helps to strengthen weaknesses within the UI program that were exposed during the pandemic. The package of bills updates pertinent definitions and ensure unemployment benefits are reserved for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Other bills in the package focus on tightening ID verification, cracking down on fraudulent claims, and ending abuse of the job application process.
“These reforms are about restoring integrity to the system and making sure unemployment benefits help people get back to work—not reward those who game the system,” said Rep. Penterman.
The bills now head to the Senate for further consideration.
