GOP bills that would make sweeping changes to unemployment benefits and stop local communities from establishing guaranteed income programs have cleared a state Assembly committee and were scheduled for votes by the full Assembly Tuesday, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Changes to unemployment benefits would include renaming the state’s unemployment insurance program “reemployment assistance” and adding eligibility requirements. The proposal would expand current requirements that people search for work every week that they collect unemployment, requiring them to make direct contact with potential employers, more regularly check in with the Department of Workforce Development and take part in employment workshops or training.
Another proposal banning guaranteed income programs would prohibit communities from distributing direct and no-strings-attached cash payments to residents. Wisconsin Independent Businesses and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce support both bills.
