Marklein, Vos Author Workforce Recovery Legislation
Bill to encourage individuals to return-to-work amid massive worker shortage
MADISON— Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) today announced Workforce Recovery legislation encouraging unemployed individuals to return-to-work amid a massive, statewide worker shortage. The legislation ends Wisconsin’s participation in federal unemployment compensation enhancement programs that provide a disincentive for returning to work.
“The pandemic is now under control and we need to get people back into the workforce so Wisconsin’s economy can continue its recovery,” Speaker Vos said. “Our economy is reopening and millions are vaccinated. The federal enhancements only keep people on the sidelines while businesses who desperately need workers struggle to meet demand.”
The bill ends Wisconsin’s participation in the following federal programs:
- Pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) program
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment compensation (PEUC) program
- Federal pandemic unemployment compensation (FPUC) program
- Mixed earner unemployment compensation (MEUC) program
It also prohibits the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) from waiving the work search requirements for any reason that is related to COVID. As of today, 21 other states have opted out of the federal unemployment insurance benefit enhancers, which are set to expire on September 6, 2021.
Once enacted, the Wisconsin unemployment compensation program will return to pre-pandemic operations and provide an ongoing safety net for those who need 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.
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There is already a mechanism within capitalism for encouraging works to come back to work. Unfortunately, Republicans refuse to consider its application. Very simply, businesses need to lure workers back with livable wages, health and child care incentives and other systems changes that demonstrate management values labor.
At this point in time, workers have the upper hand. It is time for businesses large and small to swallow the Capitalist pill and pay labor just and livable wages. No more going to the government to force people to work for slave wages in unhealthy, and hostile environments.
I say to businesses, if you want workers to return, then make working for you the better than the alternatives. BTW, the alternatives are NOT unemployment benefits or welfare. The alternatives are progressive businesses that see how valuable a competent and loyal workforce is and are committed to building competency and earning loyalty.
There is no going back to the pre-pandemic past. The world has changed. It’s time to get with the new reality.