Hintz Applauds Assembly Action to Extend Unemployment Compensation;Savings to State is $44 million
MADISON – Rep. Hintz (D-Oshkosh) today cast an emergency vote on AB 5 to extend critical unemployment compensation. By passing the extension quickly, the state will save taxpayers an estimated $44 million for the Wisconsin Unemployment Trust Fund, and will provide an additional 12 weeks of critical benefits for working families who are out of work and struggling to make ends meet.
“Given our current economic climate and that we are experiencing the highest rate of unemployment in our state in 20 years, I am proud that the Assembly today worked in bi-partisan manner to quickly pass this crucial legislation 96-1,” said Rep. Hintz. “This legislation is necessary to keep our state program viable and to protect and provide for our citizens during these financially difficult times.”
Because Wisconsin’s jobless rate is so high, it has put extra pressure on the Unemployment Trust Fund, and has triggered a federal assistance program to help the state cope with increased unemployment claims. AB 5 will suspend the state funded Wisconsin Supplemental Benefits program and shift unemployment benefits funding to the federal government.
The shift will save the Wisconsin Unemployment Trust Fund an estimated $44 million. The move will also enable Wisconsinites in need to access extended federal unemployment benefits from the current 8-week schedule to 20 weeks – an extra 12 weeks of breathing room for Wisconsin families who are currently weathering this economic storm.
“We must all continue to work to get our state’s economy back on track,” said Rep. Hintz. “I shall continue to work with my colleagues to create jobs, grow our economy, help businesses and support our workers.”
Rep. Hintz is available for comment today, both before and after Governor Doyle’s State of the State Address which is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Interested parties can contact Rep. Hintz toll-free at 888-534-0054.
“Given our current economic climate and that we are experiencing the highest rate of unemployment in our state in 20 years, I am proud that the Assembly today worked in bi-partisan manner to quickly pass this crucial legislation 96-1,” said Rep. Hintz. “This legislation is necessary to keep our state program viable and to protect and provide for our citizens during these financially difficult times.”
Because Wisconsin’s jobless rate is so high, it has put extra pressure on the Unemployment Trust Fund, and has triggered a federal assistance program to help the state cope with increased unemployment claims. AB 5 will suspend the state funded Wisconsin Supplemental Benefits program and shift unemployment benefits funding to the federal government.
The shift will save the Wisconsin Unemployment Trust Fund an estimated $44 million. The move will also enable Wisconsinites in need to access extended federal unemployment benefits from the current 8-week schedule to 20 weeks – an extra 12 weeks of breathing room for Wisconsin families who are currently weathering this economic storm.
“We must all continue to work to get our state’s economy back on track,” said Rep. Hintz. “I shall continue to work with my colleagues to create jobs, grow our economy, help businesses and support our workers.”
Rep. Hintz is available for comment today, both before and after Governor Doyle’s State of the State Address which is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Interested parties can contact Rep. Hintz toll-free at 888-534-0054.
posted by Cheryl Hentz at 3:27 PM
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