State Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein
Press Release

Hesselbein Calls on State Legislature to Take Immediate Action on Federal UI Funding

 

MADISON – Last week, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, which provides an additional $300 per week in federal funding for unemployed Americans over the next several months. For Wisconsinites to receive this additional federal funding, Wisconsin must suspend its one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which Republicans put into state law in 2011 and which went back into effect on Sunday, March 14th.

“It is important that we act quickly to remove the one-week waiting period. With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Wisconsinites will be able to receive essential federal benefits in the coming months,” said Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton). “Wisconsin families can’t wait a moment longer to receive these essential benefits, and $300 per week during this pandemic will make a huge difference for people getting back on their feet.”

Last spring, Republicans’ delay in suspending Wisconsin’s one-week waiting period resulted in Wisconsin losing $25 million in federal unemployment insurance funding. Under the American Rescue Plan, Wisconsin could now lose out on about $2.6 million per week in federal funding for each week the waiting period is in place.

“Our constituents need these benefits now to help make ends meet during this pandemic,” continued Representative Hesselbein. “The legislature must act now to ensure Wisconsin receives our share of federal money. Families are relying on this funding and we have to remove the barriers to accessing it.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

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