GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As the world continues to re-open, some requirements, waived to help those during the pandemic are now going away. Wisconsin lawmakers voted to once again require those applying for unemployment benefits to show proof they are looking.
When applying for unemployment benefits people will once again have a list of requirements to follow, proving they are looking for jobs.
“Looking for work should be a full time job,” said Matt Valiquette, the executive director for Bay Area Workforce Development.
Valiquette tells FOX 11 they are more than ready to help those who are seeking employment. People will have to fill out a resume on Job Center of Wisconsin’s website and show proof of applying to 4 jobs a week.
Valiquette says there are plenty of jobs to apply to.
“Just this last 30 days alone there’s been over 600 jobs posted in Brown County alone. Many of them are well-paying jobs, meaningful employment, and bringing a family sustain wage with career potential.”
Originally, the work search requirement was slated to go back into effect in July. But, with state unemployment numbers standing at 3.8%– slightly above pre-pandemic levels, Republican lawmakers voted to push up that expiration date. Saying it is time to get back to normal.
“We can’t continue to allow people to ignore state law, regardless of where these rules come from and unfortunately under this Governor’s administration it’s become a pattern to continue to do that,” said State Rep. Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) during Wednesday’s public hearing.
However, some Democratic lawmakers disagree with implementing the requirements again.
“We know from the research we’re not likely to see people going back to work because of this. Again, it’s about addressing the barriers that workers are actually facing. This ruling does nothing to address those,” said State Rep. Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay).
But, supporters of requiring work-searches for potential employees, helps small businesses.
“They’ve been locked down for the last year, sometimes more, we need to do what we can to get them up and fully functional,” said Bill Smith, director for National Federation of Independent Businesses.
Shelton says that’s not what Green Bay business owners have told her. She says workers want better benefits, and small businesses want to help.
“They want to do right by workers. They want to help cover and provide needs but they need help and support from state and federal government.”
Work search requirements go back into effect on Sunday.
The Bay Area Workforce Development Job Centers will re-open on June 1st. Until then, their services can be accessed virtually or by calling their office.
