Department of Workforce Development

Unemployment Claims Continue At Unprecedented Rate

DWD triples workforce for unemployment insurance system in response.

Assembly GOP Pitches Unemployment Loans

Instead of convening and legislating, Republican legislators pitch a personal loan program.

Hotels, Vendors Laying Off Workers

In Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, including Miller Park and Lambeau Field.

State Unemployment Insurance System Failing Many

The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the current system, and left many without help.

Minority Workers Get Less Unemployment Aid?

National studies shows Black, Latino workers typically get less aid. Wisconsin has no data by race.

Unemployment Benefits Extended by 13 Weeks

Unemployed workers who have exhausted their benefits can apply for an additional 13 weeks of support.

Baldwin, Moore, Kind, Pocan Urge Trump Administration to Make Disabled Wisconsinites Eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

State Wants Pandemic Aid for Residents on Disability Insurance

State officials are seeking permission from the federal government.

Workers Concerned About Safety During Reopening

As many are called back to work, there are more questions than answers about their safety.

Eviction Ban Lifted, Here’s What Renters Should Know

Moratorium on evictions was suspended Tuesday, many landlords rushed to start evictions.

GOP, Dems Battle Over Unemployment Backlog

Democrats say Walker administration failed to update the system, now it can't handle unprecedented wave of unemployment claims.

Far More Businesses Using Work Share

Up 17-fold in state since pandemic, as companies avoid layoffs by switching workers to part-time.

Pandemic Exposes Caregiver Shortage

Care for elderly and disabled was already hard to find, the pandemic made it worse.

Amendment to help furloughed workers falls just short

Statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis May 8, 2020

GOP Inaction Cost Wisconsin $25 Million

Already depleted unemployment trust fund misses out on millions in federal aid.

Two-Thousand Sign onto Letter to Gov. Evers Calling for Economic Restart

14 Resources to Help You During the Pandemic

The shutdown is hurting everyone, these resources are for small businesses and residents.

Wisconsinites Who Lose Health Insurance During COVID-19 May Be Able to Enroll on HealthCare.gov or in BadgerCare

WI Congressional Delegation Backs Federal Help

All back CARES Act and Evers' disaster declaration for Wisconsin.

Johnson Leads Wisconsin Delegation Letter Supporting Major Disaster Declaration Request

State Unemployment System Overwhelmed

Callers can’t get through, 1.5 million calls last week to Department of Workforce Development.

Evers Urges Legislators to Convene

“We still need” state solutions to coming surge of COVID-19 patients, he warns.

U.S. Sees A Historic Number of Unemployment Claims

More than 3.3 million claims filed last week.

Local Companies Working to Supply Healthcare Workers

Businesses are reacting to the unprecedented moment, to make sure healthcare workers have what they need.

Unemployment Claims Have Skyrocketed

Up 1200% in Wisconsin! And with more layoffs and filings likely to come.

State Launches Programs To Aid Business

Loan and grant programs intended to provide bridge for businesses hurt by pandemic.

Trade War Wounds May Heal Soon

Job losses may be slowing and new trade agreements are offering hope.

WEDC, DWD host “Veteran-Ready Wisconsin Summit”

Event brings together businesses, community groups to support service members

City’s Millennial “Brain Drain” Raises Concerns

State reports shows Milwaukee has problem. Alderman proposes task force to find solutions.

Pot Possession Charges Cause Big Problems

17,000 arrested in state in 2018. Negative consequences include loss of jobs, housing and financial aid.

Democrats Push Paid Family Leave Bill

Modeled after other states, bill creates insurance trust fund paid for entirely by employees.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security

"Everyone should have the opportunity to save for their future and no one should have to worry about making ends meet or their financial security in retirement."

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #52 Relating to Climate Change in Wisconsin

"For too long we've been ignoring science, and frankly, we can't afford to do it any longer."

Governor Evers’ Task Force on Caregiving Holds First Meeting in Milwaukee

The 29-member group has goals to increase caregiver workforce, improve conditions for direct care workers, and provide support for family caregivers

Company Charged With Forced Labor of Mexicans

Workers were allegedly victimized as forced laborers in cabbage patches in Racine area.

Evers Blasts Trump “Tweet” Trade Wars

The approach “just sucks,” governor says on new state podcast.

Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Task Force Members Kick off Governor Evers’ Retirement Security Task Force Surrounded by Retirees and Stakeholders

By listening to people across Wisconsin, the Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security will explore ways to ensure people can adequately save.

State Targets Payroll Tax Fraud

50 investigations by Department of Revenue of companies suspected of cheating workers on pay.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #41 Recreating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

"Caregivers provide critically important care and services, and it is essential that we recognize the important contributions these unsung heroes make to families in Wisconsin."

State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment

Evers Administration uses lame duck law to make policy changes with no chance for public comments.

Gov. Evers Announces Task Force on Payroll Fraud and Worker Misclassification Appointments

The task force will report to the governor on or before March of each year on their activities.

A One-Stop Shop for Ex-Prisoners

New program Home to Stay offers array of services to help ex-cons rebuild their lives.

Senator Taylor Acknowledges Clean Communities Week

Senator Taylor looks forward to the week’s remaining events including Thursday’s Hemp Small Business and Financing Session with State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski.

Bill Funds Electric Car Charging Stations

Republican proposal would help pay for stations located along I-94 corridor.

Evers Targets Payroll Fraud by Companies

Thousands of workers misclassified as independent contractors to avoid paying taxes, employee benefits.

Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals

GOP push back on minimum wage, water quality, corrections worker wages, unemployment compensation and more.

Senator Erpenbach supports Gov. Evers’ workforce development proposals

Instead of agreeing with a $1 increase in minimum wage for working-class Wisconsinites, Republicans stood up for their wasteful tax handout, which gives 16 wealthy individuals $36 million.

Governor’s Budget Creates an Economy that Works for Everyone

"Hardworking Wisconsin families deserve decent wages and workplace fairness."

Workforce Development Head Wants Better Wages

Caleb Frostman, new state director, says family supporting jobs should be key concern.

Evers Taps Barca, Former Obama Official

Rep. Barca will run revenue department, Andrea Palm will run Health Services.

Statement by IBEW Local 494 Business Manager on Cabinet Appointments to Secretaries of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and Wisconsin Workforce Development

"Dawn brings a wide range of expertise on licenses and regulations issues and will be a very valuable asset for the Evers administration and for policymaking in Wisconsin."

Governor-elect Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Barnes Announce Cabinet Members

"This talented group of leaders will help our administration address the issues Wisconsin residents asked us to focus on."

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Next Generation Workforce and Economic Development Policy Advisory Council

"Investing in an economy that creates good-paying, family-supporting jobs for the people of Wisconsin is a top priority for our administration."

The Republican War Against Democracy

Details in lame duck bills show disdain for democracy by Vos and Fitzgerald.

New ‘Mission Wisconsin’ initiative provides state employers with unique opportunity to recruit military veterans

Initiative will help Wisconsin companies fill workforce needs by engaging with service members about to return to civilian life

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Senior Advisor, Deputy Transition Director, Personnel Advisory Council

Governor-elect Evers will make numerous new appointments in the near future.

Wisconsin Sees Unemployment at or Below 3% for a Record Eight Straight Months

"We are moving Wisconsin forward."

Governor Walker Celebrates Manufacturing Day at Automation Components in Middleton

"Wisconsin is a top 10 state for manufacturing jobs since we took office, and it’s because of great companies like Automation Components."

Governor Walker Highlights Youth, Registered Apprenticeship Programs at Event with Milwaukee Public Schools, Harley-Davidson

"By continuing to expand our Youth Apprenticeship program, we are creating pathways to meaningful careers for high school students across Wisconsin."

Governor Walker Highlights Wisconsin’s Strong Economy at the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Conference

"With our unemployment rate at or below 3% for seven consecutive months, it’s clear our state is moving forward..."

Schimel’s Spoils System

DOJ gag order on his employees shows the impact of ending civil service protections.

Will State Prevent Election Cyber Attacks?

Cybersecurity experts warn Wisconsin’s system is vulnerable. What are state officials doing about it?

Wisconsin is Ready to Win the 21st Century: Tax Relief, Worker Training, Children’s Health Among Governor Walker’s Priorities in Next State Budget

Priorities included in state agency budget requests due today

Governor Walker Celebrates the Opening of United Community Center Acosta Middle School’s New Facility

Commends school for focusing on high-demand fields: science-technology and skilled trades

Governor Walker Visits Foxconn Construction Site to Discuss New Opportunities for Wisconsin Workers

"Opportunities are available for Wisconsinites from all over the state, with any experience level, to take advantage of Foxconn’s historic investment/"

JULY JOBS: Wisconsin Adds 9,100 Private Sector Jobs, Unemployment Remains Below 3.0% for a Record Six Straight Months

Wisconsin added 9,100 private-sector jobs from June 2018 to July 2018, and 2,500 manufacturing jobs.

Governor Walker Announces Initiative to Help Small Contractors Compete for Wisconn Valley Construction Work

Two capacity-building sessions targeting smaller contractors will be held in Milwaukee and Racine in August.

State’s Voting Systems Are Vulnerable

They can be hacked, experts say, and 2016 Russian cyber attacks on state could be repeated in 2018.

June Jobs Report: 5th Consecutive Month of Unemployment Under 3 Percent, New Record Highs Set for Employment, Labor Force

5,500 private sector jobs created in June

Mayor Tom Barrett Announces Willie Wade as President and CEO of Employ Milwaukee

"Willie Wade’s passionate leadership and commitment to connecting people to lifelong employment is unparalleled."

Foxconn Deal Will Help My City

Democratic mayor of Racine sees big benefits for the people he serves.

Governor Walker Joins Air Wisconsin to Announce $8 Million Expansion at Appleton International Airport

Facility will bring 80 new high-skill aircraft jobs to the Fox Valley

The Collateral Damage From Bon-Ton’s Demise

Loss of anchor stores will force malls to reenvision future uses to attract foot traffic.

Governor Walker Highlights State’s Growing Economy, Workforce Development Investments at Milwaukee 7 Economic Development Forum

$365 million invested in worker training under Governor Walker

Governor Announces Winner of the 35th Annual Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award

Ms. Stanford Taylor was honored at a ceremony in the Senate Parlor at the State Capitol this afternoon.

Governor Walker Announces Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Surpasses $1.65 Billion, a Near-Reversal of the Lowest Point of $1.68 Billion Deficit

Total estimated UI tax savings up to nearly $700 million since 2013, saving money for tens of thousands of WI businesses

2.8 Percent: Wisconsin Achieves New All-Time Low Unemployment Rate Under Governor Walker

“Wisconsin is ready to win the 21st century.” – Governor Walker

22 Wisconsin School Districts Awarded Fab Lab Grants

Governor Scott Walker, WEDC Secretary Mark Hogan, UW System President Ray Cross and other key leaders to award grants during statewide tour on “Fab Lab Day”

State Leaders to Join Governor Walker in Awarding Fab Labs Grants Throughout Wisconsin

WEDC Secretary Hogan, Department of Revenue Secretary Chandler, UW System President Cross among those taking part in “Fab Lab Day” announcements on May 1

Rep. Neylon Issues Statement on Employment and Jobs Report

"It’s exciting to see that the state’s unemployment rate has remained at the historic low of 2.9%..."

Newly Signed Talent Attraction Legislation to Support Future Launch of Mobile Job Center

Vehicle to be supported through $6.8 million package that Governor Walker signed this week to attract veterans, millennials and others to Wisconsin

Wisconsin Adds 8,900 Private Sector Jobs, Unemployment Rate Holds at All-Time Low 2.9% in March

State sees a two-month increase of 12,600 jobs

Four state agencies poised to launch new marketing initiative as legislation authorizing $6.8 million for effort is signed into law

Campaign to focus on attracting veterans, Wisconsin alumni and millennials to the state

Will Foxconn Employ Any Milwaukeeans?

Despite nearly $4.1 billion subsidy, company only has goals, not mandates for hiring.

Governor Walker Signs Landmark Welfare Reform Backed by AFP

"This law will make it easier for our neighbors who have fallen on hard times to get back on their feet and begin rebuilding their future," said Eric Bott.

Governor Walker Signs Bills on Improving Family Access to High-Quality Child Care, Creating Transitional Jobs Program for Wisconsin Veterans, and Increasing Funding for Watershed Protection Grants

Governor Walker signs 64 bills into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

2.9 Percent: Unemployment Rate Reaches an All-Time Low Under Governor Walker

"Wisconsin is literally working as more people are employed today than ever before in our history."

WEDC names new vice president of sector strategy development

Vincent Rice will lead WEDC’s efforts to advance Wisconsin’s key industries

McCabe calls for ending 2 state subsidies benefiting select few to invest in community prosperity

“If a program works, keep it and fund it. If it doesn’t work, get rid of it.”

Governor Walker Announces United Alloy Inc. to Expand Operations in Janesville

Manufacturer expects to create 66 jobs with $15 million expansion project

The State of our State is Historically Strong

We are getting positive things done for the people of Wisconsin.

AFP-Wisconsin Hails Walker Welfare Reform Plan in State of State Address

Governor Calls for Historic Welfare Reform As Economy Grows Stronger WI. Conservative Grassroots Activists Will Engage Legislature to Pass Reforms

AFP Praises Walker Welfare Reform Push as Unemployment Rate Drops to 3 Percent

WI Unemployment Rate Now 3 Percent, Tied for Lowest on Record

Governor Walker Announces Wisconsin Career Creator Plan to Support Long-Term Workforce Development Needs

$20 million investment will improve worker training and education opportunities

State of Wisconsin launches $1 million marketing campaign aimed at young professionals in Chicago

First-of-its-kind campaign to utilize Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, mobile phone apps to highlight key reasons why millennials should consider relocating to Wisconsin

Governor Walker Visits Schools Across Wisconsin to Highlight Youth Apprenticeship

"Youth Apprenticeship is a key tool for improving educational and employment opportunities for students..."

Employment Surges in 2017: Wisconsin’s Workforce by the Numbers

"Wisconsin is working."

Fewer Injured Workers Getting Compensation

Study shows Walker appointees overwhelmingly favor employers in workers comp cases.

WEDC, UW System Name Talent Initiatives Director

Rebecca Deschane to oversee statewide efforts to attract, retain highly skilled workforce in newly-created position that will serve both organizations