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Health & Fitness

Unemployment Insurance Extension Becomes Law

State Senator Van Wanggaard authored Senate Bill 147, which extends unemployment benefits for up to 40,000 Wisconsinites trying to make ends meet and stay in their homes.

This week, the Senate convened for a special Monday session to vote on SB 147, which provides extended unemployment benefits. Senate Bill 147 results from the unanimous recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council, and changes the “trigger” that authorizes extended unemployment benefits.

This change allows Wisconsin to capture additional federally-funded benefits and provide up to 13 weeks of extended benefits for as many as 40,000 Wisconsin families.  Senate Bill 147 passed the Senate on a 19-14 party-line vote, and was signed into law by Governor Walker on Wednesday.

I’m glad the Senate understood the importance of this legislation and provided this assistance. These benefits are not a handout or an entitlement. They are a temporary extension of assistance to families struggling to make ends meet.

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That being said, people should not expect further extensions and should redouble their efforts to find work. Although this bill will immediately help up to 40,000 Wisconsin families, it is not the solution to the high unemployment rate in Racine County and Wisconsin. The best way to help the unemployed is by finding them a job. We must continue to focus on bringing good, family-supporting jobs back to Wisconsin.

That’s why Republicans in the Legislature have made the tough decisions necessary to create a pro-job creation environment in Wisconsin.  These tough decisions are paying off—our state created almost 40,000 new jobs this year, including over 14,000 in manufacturing.  These numbers show great improvement from our previous business climate.

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Although we’ve made progress, we can’t turn Wisconsin around overnight.  Many of my constituents are actively seeking employment and learning new skills to re-enter the workforce, but finding employment can take time. Wisconsinites need the relief brought by Senate Bill 147.

Wisconsinites eligible for the extension should receive benefits within several days if they have continued to file weekly claims.  Those who are eligible but have stopped filing claims should immediately begin re-filing in order to receive extended benefits.

As I continue my work in the State Senate, I remain committed to listening to my constituents in the 21st Senate District. I appreciate hearing your comments and concerns.  As always, my staff and I continue to welcome visitors to our Madison office during normal business hours and to our Ives Groves County Building office on Tuesdays from 3-7 pm. If you cannot visit in person, you can always contact us at (608) 266-1832 or at Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wi.gov. I look forward to hearing from you.

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