Continuing Wisconsin's Welfare Reform Tradition
Reforming welfare so it works for those
who truly need it is a Wisconsin tradition that I am honored to continue.
A
necessary function of government is to care for those less fortunate.
Along with this duty comes the task of ensuring that programs designed
to help our citizens in need are utilized in their intended manner.
Wisconsin has been a leader in welfare reform starting in the 1990s when
Governor Tommy Thompson led the charge to replace dependence on
government with the tools to succeed. Since then, Wisconsin has
continued to pave the way in caring for our people in need while using
taxpayer dollars wisely. Recently however, it has become clear that
several of our public benefit programs (FoodShare and Unemployment
Insurance) are in need of some basic updates to ensure that only
individuals who need tax-payer assistance are receiving them.
The FoodShare program helps people with limited means buy the food they
need. It’s a resource for Wisconsinites of all ages who are living on a
small or fixed income, have lost their job, retired or are disabled.
Wisconsin’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program was created to provide a
temporary source of income, financed by employers, for workers who were
laid off from their jobs. In addition, the program was implemented to
further broaden societal goals, which included establishing a policy
designed to encourage stable employment practices and a mechanism to
provide an economic stimulus during economic downturns.
Unfortunately, over time, some individuals have found ways to take
advantage of these public benefit programs, and are essentially stealing
from taxpayers and other public benefit recipients. According to a
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report entitled “Fraud taints FoodShare
program,” 2,000 FoodShare recipients reported losing their cards six or
more times just in 2010. Sixty people had cards replaced 12 or more
times. Furthermore, a 2014 audit by the Legislative Audit Bureau,
discovered 67,000 fraudulent payments and found $51.4 million in
Unemployment Insurance overpayments in the past two fiscal years. While
we all know mistakes can happen, intentionally stealing from the state
and taxpayers should not be tolerated.
That’s why I was proud to cast my vote in support of a package of bills
that aim to protect public benefits from misuse and theft. The four
proposals include measures to expunge unused FoodShare benefits after
one year, reduce the number of FoodShare replacement cards, place a
photo on FoodShare cards, and crack down on intentional fraud of
unemployment benefits. These are common-sense precautions that will
maintain the integrity and sustainability of these important programs.
My responsibility as your representative is to use your taxpayer dollars
wisely. We cannot allow taxpayer dollars to be directed to someone who
is intentionally scamming the system. Thanks to the Assembly’s work on
preserving the integrity of Wisconsin’s safety-net programs, you can
rest assured that your tax dollars are being spent on individuals who
won’t take advantage of them. Reforming welfare so it works for those
who truly need it is a Wisconsin tradition that I am honored to
continue.
Update: Speakers Task
Force on Alzheimer's & Dementia
This week
the Speakers Task Force on Alzheimer's and Dementia took a Tour of
Brewster Village. The tour of Brewster Village showcased the long term
care facility and their work with residents who suffer from Alzheimer's
and Dementia. Thank you to Brewster Village for having us. After
the tour, we held the first of our series of Public Hearings for the
Task Force in different parts of the state. The hearing provided
excellent testimony from both the invited speakers, and the public.
These hearings are designed for face-to-face sharing of ideas, concerns
and input. I hope you will join us at one of the next public
hearings.
The
remaining hearing schedule:
Wednesday, November 18th – Rhinelander
area public hearing
Thursday, December 3rd – Dodgeville area public hearing
Wednesday, December 9th – Eau Claire area public hearing
I will
continue to keep you all informed on what we are doing, I’m proud to
have the opportunity to bring awareness to this important issue.
The Group Tour of Brewster Village
What's
Been Happening
Recently, I've
had the pleasure of attending some local events, in addition to meeting with
people at the Capitol in Madison.
The Wisconsin
Physical Therapy Association had their annual legislative day in the
Capitol. Katie Place, from South Wayne, and her group of Physical
Therapy students at UW-Madison stopped in my office to discuss legislation
that pertained to their field.
I had the
opportunity to meet with the Southwest Alliance for Tobacco Prevention,
which is made up of representatives from Green, Lafayette, Iowa, Grant and
Rock Counties. Debbie Fischer, Executive Director, gave a great presentation
on keeping tobacco and electronic cigarettes out of schools. Thanks to Ann
Thompson, Iowa County Health Department Director, for hosting the event.
Representative
Ed Brooks and I were able to meet with the Sauk County Ambassador group for
their day at the Capitol. We talked about their legislative priorities
and policies of interest to them. I appreciate them taking the time to come
down to Madison.
Last
Friday, I spent the morning touring the Frank Beverage Company, a beer and
liquor distribution facility in Middleton. The company has a huge presence
in Southwest Wisconsin, and have many employees who live in the 51at
Assembly District. Thanks to Mike and Steve Frank for the invitation, and
their staff for the tour and great discussion.
Yesterday I
had the opportunity to meet with David Breunig, Mayor of Darlington, and
Steve Pickett, Darlington City Council Member, who were in town
for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Lobby Day. I also had the
pleasure of serving on a Legislative Panel for the League of Wisconsin
Municipalities for their Lobby Day in Madison as well. Our discussion
included issues of interest and importance to local government, and our
experiences as legislators in comparison to our local government
experiences. Serving on the Panel with me were Senator Devin Lemahieu,
Representative Rob Brooks, and Representative Lisa Subeck. It was nice to
see and talk with the local officials from across Wisconsin, there was a
great turnout!
Today, I spent
the morning visiting the Shullsburg School District. Students gave a
presentation on the dangers of using E-Cigarettes and tobacco. I also was
able to talk to the civics/government class. Talking and listening to
students is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a State Representative.
Sincerely,
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