GOP bill would penalize those on Medicaid who refuse jobs

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Republicans want to crack down on those who don't show up for job interviews in hopes to ease the worker shortage.

Thursday, Feb. 17, Assembly Republicans passed their workforce package of bills that would penalize those on Medicaid if they turn down a job offer.

Another bill would take away unemployment benefits if people don't show up for a job interview.

The unemployment rate in Wisconsin is the lowest it's ever been, at 2.8 percent.

It's one reason why Democrats say Republicans' plan won't solve the problem.

"It's time we stop playing political games and we really tackle the root issues impacting the workforce here in Wisconsin," said State Rep. Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee).

"What we want the department to do is to change their focus to helping people get back to work, which it should have been all along, but that focus has been lost," said State Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Town of Washington).

The Republican bills do have support from the business community, however Governor Evers is almost certain to veto them.