The proposed measures, which received final approval on Wednesday, aim to compel job seekers to meet more rigorous criteria in order to qualify for government assistance.
Wisconsin Republicans have successfully passed a set of bills in the Legislature, imposing stricter requirements for individuals seeking unemployment benefits
Similar legislation had been vetoed by Democratic Governor Tony Evers during his previous term, and it is expected that he will do so again for these five bills, given that they were passed along party lines in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Despite Governor Evers’ previous objections, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos remains hopeful that the governor will reconsider his stance. Vos points to the support garnered from voters in April, who approved a non-binding ballot question affirming that able-bodied adults should be required to actively search for employment to receive government aid.
Individuals receiving unemployment benefits in Wisconsin must undertake four work-search activities per week
One of the approved bills permits employers to report recipients who decline or fail to attend scheduled interviews. Those who have been reported multiple times without valid justifications for their absence may have their benefits revoked. Another bill seeks to enforce stricter identity verification procedures for individuals claiming unemployment benefits.
Several influential conservative business organizations, including the state Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Opportunity Solutions Project, have expressed their support for these bills. Conversely, local unions and Democrats have voiced their opposition, aligning themselves against the proposed legislation.