The actions of Wisconsin Republicans over the past seven months have shown disdain for things that matter deeply to our state’s citizens: a strong public education system, affordable health care and readily available job training.
But now, with the various budget bills that polarize Wisconsin and harm the middle-class signed into law, Republicans and Gov. Scott Walker are sinking to a new low: playing games that hurt workers who have just lost their jobs.
That’s why Rep. Kelda Roys and the Assembly Democrats released a new web video today to highlight Gov. Walker’s applause for the struggles many Wisconsin families are facing in these tough times:
For months it has been possible to help unemployed workers in Wisconsin using available federal funds to extend their benefits for an additional 13 weeks as they seek a job. Sen. Mark Miller and I sent an urgent letter months ago to Gov. Walker, requesting this be done immediately.
Last week, Senate Republicans voted with Democrats to approve the extension of federal unemployment and remove the one-week waiting period. But now Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has said they will flip-flop and join Gov. Walker and Assembly Republicans in their round of applause for the struggles many Wisconsin families are facing in these tough times.
Failing to approve an extension and remove the one-week waiting period is just that – a failure. And it appears now to be political games to make some Senators appear benevolent before recall elections, while still taking up to $56 million a year out of the pockets of unemployed workers.
Gov. Walker and his fellow Republicans are extending job seekers a hand and taking money out of their back pocket.
Approving an extension of benefits is critical to helping our displaced workers get back on their feet while they continue their job searches. It is a no-brainer.
But failing to approve an extension and remove the one-week waiting period is abandoning unemployed Wisconsinites in their time of greatest need. It is following a horrible lead set by Gov. Walker – who said in his budget veto message – that he “applauds” GOP legislators for taking “decisive action” on legislation to force job seekers to wait longer for help.
If Republicans can justify giving way $2.3 billion to give away to special interests and large corporations, then our values most certainly should dictate that we do not take $56 million out of the pockets of people who have just lost their jobs in these tough times.
Wisconsin families deserve better and it’s precisely these types of political games that have Wisconsinites demanding that we take our state back for the people.
Help us spread the Gov. Walker’s applause for the struggles that families are facing in these tough times by sharing this poignant video with your friends, family members and fellow bloggers before the Wisconsin State Senate votes today.