Wisconsin Senate passes bipartisan unemployment bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP/CBS 58) — The Wisconsin Senate has approved a bipartisan bill designed to begin updating the state's antiquated unemployment insurance system that Gov. Tony Evers has blamed for causing delays in the processing of claims filed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Just as the unemployment bill passes 27-3, @GovEvers signals he may sign it.
"It's not enough, but it’s at least a step in the right direction," he said in a statement.

— Emilee Fannon (@Emilee_Fannon) February 18, 2021

The measure approved Thursday also includes portions of a COVID-19 bill that Evers vetoed. It would waive the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits until March 14 and extend limited liability from coronavirus-related lawsuits to businesses, governments and schools.

The bill now heads to the Assembly, which could vote on it as soon as Tuesday.