ROTHSCHILD, WI (WSAU) — Local state representatives have outlined a plan to help those waiting on unemployment claims.
Speaking at the Rothschild Pavilion, Assembly Representatives Mary Felzkowski (District 35) and Pat Snyder (District 85) presented a plan to help with unemployment. The plan would use unspent money from the federal CARES Act to help those who are waiting on claims that are being reviewed and processed.
Representative Felzkowski says the money would work as either a loan or a grant. “Take 40 million of that and do a small loan for the people that are waiting to have their claims addressed. They can be paid back when they recieve their unemployment. Or if they are denied, it would then be in the form of a grant.”
The plan was put together based on how other states have been using their CARES Act money. Felzkowski cited that Wisconsin ranks 47th in the nation in settling unemployment claims and is the lowest in the Midwest.
With state unemployment payments at around $326 a week, Representative Snyder says those receiving money would get a little over $1,000 a month. “To try and bridge this and give folks $1,300 a month in the process of them getting their unemployment reviewed.
“Because we have to make sure we take care of these individuals. Some of the stories we hear are just so heartbreaking. And as Mary says, especially when families that have kids.”
With long wait times and lack of manpower, Felzkowski also suggests that other state departments help in handling unemployment claims. “DWD is probably not the place where this hsould be processed. They are very backlogged so there are other avenues, they can work with other agencies. Other agencies have knowledge on how to do this and would also assist in getting it done.”
The plan from Assembly Republicans will now go on to Governor Evers for him to review and potentially take action on the plan. Currently, there are 140,000 unemployment claims under review by the Department of Workforce Development.
