Bipartisan bill seeks to expand welfare eligibility for high-risk pregnancies

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A group of lawmakers want to make changes to a welfare program that helps low-income women who experience complications during their pregnancy.

Sen. André Jacque (R-De Pere), Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) and Rep. Sue Conley (D-Janesville) introduced the At-Risk Pregnancy Wisconsin Works Fairness Act. The bill would expand eligibility under the Wisconsin Works (W2) program which is designed to assist low-income parents and pregnant women find work.

Under current law, a childless adult is eligible to receive $673 a week if they are unmarried, in their third trimester of pregnancy and deemed to be at risk by a medical professional impacting their ability to participate in the workforce.

The proposal would change the criteria to include women who have kids, regardless of what trimester they are in.

"If somebody says you can work because you're on bed rest, then it shouldn't matter what phase in the pregnancy you are in. It shouldn't matter if you have a kid at home or not," Jacque said.

The proposal is struggling to gain traction in the Legislature, according to Jacque's office, as some Republicans are against expanding welfare benefits. The proposal has yet to be assigned to a committee.

It does have support from domestic violence and anti-abortion advocates. They say this measure could not only benefit women financially who are unable to work, but also individuals whose pregnancy complications are linked to an abusive partner.

"This is all tied in for us, it's all about a continuum of care that needs to be provided to women in Wisconsin," said Gracie Skogman, legislative director at Wisconsin Right to Life.

In another bill proposed by Jacque, survivors of domestic violence could file their own tax returns and remain eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Currently, survivors separated from a spouse must either file joint tax return with an abuser or claim head of household status, which they may not be eligible for and could put them at risk of further abuse.