Hintz Critical of Republican Inaction on UI System Print
Elections, Elected Officials, Political Parties
Written by Wisconsin Assembly Democrats   
Wednesday, 20 January 2021 11:14

unemployment-application-wiFinger pointing and political games will not help their constituents any more than ours, says Assembly Democratic Leader, as people wait months for unemployment checks.


MADISON – Last week, Governor Tony Evers called a special session on modernizing the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system, directing the Wisconsin State Legislature to meet on January 19, 2021 to take up proposed solutions. Almost immediately, Wisconsin Republicans stated their refusal to take up Gov. Evers’ proposal and their intent to obstruct the process of fixing Wisconsin’s antiquated UI system. Today, legislative Republicans gaveled in and gaveled out of the special session, which means no action will be taken.

Today, Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement:

gordon_hintz“So what is their plan? Republicans say their constituents are struggling with lagging payments from an antiquated system, but then refuse to take action on measures that would help address the problem. Choosing to play politics and point fingers at Governor Evers at the expense of helping those who are struggling with the economic fallout from the pandemic is unacceptable. This is all too reminiscent of legislative Republicans’ delay last April, which cost our state $25 million in funds that could have gone to Wisconsinites who had lost jobs due to the pandemic.

“I fully support Governor Evers’ call to take legislative action to modernize Wisconsin’s antiquated UI system, and I am eager to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do so. This is an urgent situation and Wisconsinites deserve action from the legislature. Wisconsin Republicans have been loud and constant in pointing out problems in the UI system. They should turn their words into action and come to the table to work with Gov. Evers and legislative Democrats.

“Wisconsinites experiencing unemployment because of the pandemic are struggling to put food on the table and pay their rent. It's time to stop playing partisan games and deliver relief to our constituents.”

Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2021 11:36