Madison, Wis: Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted on eight Republican backed bills, six of which would cause confusion and limit Wisconsinites’ ability to access their earned benefits. While the current federal administration has launched the world economy into dangerous and uncertain territory, Wisconsin Republicans are trying to make it even harder for everyone to receive their earned benefits.
Representative Ann Roe (D-Janesville) stated after the session, “Wisconsin was actually the first state to implement unemployment insurance – what a slap in the face to those workers who find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own. And in light of the reckless job cuts the Trump administration is making at our federal agencies – this is just wrong.”
Not only did Legislative Republicans bring forward six bills that would harm laid-off workers, another bill the Assembly voted on today allows big businesses in Wisconsin special treatment in our state’s court system (AB 73). Like the bills on unemployment benefits, this bill was fast-tracked through committee. Big corporations are looking for special treatment in our critical, busy, and successful treatment courts which have helped individuals redirect their lives.
“The Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder has met once since the start of 2025 to fast-track this legislation that gives businesses a leg up in our already underfunded and backed-up court system. This bill has nothing to do with mental health and none of the bills voted on today address Wisconsinites’ real concerns.” Rep. Roe stated.
“In addition, we voted on a bill (AB 165) to take away local control from cities and towns which try to help the poorest of their communities. It seems Republicans don’t trust local leadership to help their own residents. Unacceptable,” Roe commented.
Rep. Roe ended by stating “Legislative Republicans haven’t passed meaningful legislation addressing the challenges Wisconsinites across our state are facing – not even the people they claim to champion.”
