State could expand unemployment
More Wisconsin residents would qualify for unemployment benefits under a proposal designed to bring in $89.3 million from the federal stimulus package to the state.
A measure moving quickly through the Democratic-controlled Legislature would allow workers to receive unemployment if they quit jobs because spouses relocate, to take care of ill relatives or if they fear domestic violence. Laid-off workers in certain job training programs would also qualify for 26 weeks of additional benefits.
The changes are required for Wisconsin to qualify for $89.3 million in unemployment benefits in the national economic stimulus law, which requires states to update their unemployment programs to qualify for a share of $7 billion in aid.
May 12, 2009 at 10:36 a.m.
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I understand your concern, but if you have to provide documentation like you do for family leave then we shouldn't have any issues. I wish this would have been around when my mother was dying of cancer!
May 12, 2009 at 10:28 a.m.
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There are verification requirements. The illness and need for care must be certified, and the employer must refuse to grant sufficient leave. Someone will then be eligible for standard UI benefits, which do expire. It isn't permanent welfare (which isn't permanent in Wisconsin anyway). Additionally, you have to have had a job to quit from that meets eligibility requirements; you can't just start receiving this. Caregiving can be a full time job, unfortunately, and in the US it is frequently an unpaid one -- even though it can save thousands of dollars in medical costs.
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It's A.B. 255. Mike Sheridan is a co-sponsor.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/A...
May 12, 2009 at 9:25 a.m.
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thats what the caretaker program is for at human services.have they lost their damn mind? everybody and their brother will suddenly have a sick relative.its an easy way of getting an old fashion welfare check,without saying theyre bringing welfare back.
May 12, 2009 at 7:57 a.m.
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I can see the relocation of a spouse as a reason for unemeployment but allowing people to quit to take care of an ill relative is ripe for abuse.
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