Republicans Increase Attacks on Wisconsin Working Families

MADISON – Today, Legislative Republicans passed a series of bills severely restricting the ability of Wisconsinites to access their state social support programs, arguing that these restrictions would force people back into the workforce. With an unemployment below the national average and record high labor force participation, Democrats offered several solutions that would instead remove barriers to employment and give families the flexibility they need to re-enter the workforce.

“Wisconsinites are working hard to support their families and build a better life and the notion that they’re just sitting on the sidelines collecting a government check is insulting. If you don’t have the resources to stay healthy, you cannot enter the workforce. If you cannot even get to work because you don’t have reliable transportation, entering the workforce is simply not an option.”

Assembly Democrats offered an amendment that would expand Medicaid to 90 million Wisconsinites and allow the state to access millions of dollars in federal funding. Republicans immediately voted down consideration of the amendment.  Wisconsin is one of ten states nationally that has not yet expanded this program.
 
“This session was a shameful display of partisan politics and continued Republican attempts to punish and demonize working families,” continued Rep. Subeck, “Under the guise of expanding our workforce, partisans in the legislature are trying to make it harder for workers to access programs like Medicaid and unemployment insurance that they have spent their entire careers paying into.
 
Today, we proposed real solutions to get Wisconsin back to work. We can do that funding Badgercare, Child Care Counts, and public transportation. We can do that by passing Governor Evers budget.”

Rep. Subeck has represented the 78th Assembly District since 2015 and serves as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. 

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