Wisconsin Senate Bill SB214

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/6/23
• Refer: 4/6/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Creating an ineligibility period in the Medical Assistance and FoodShare programs for voluntary employment termination. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB214 would amend the statutory definitions and regulations surrounding the MA and FoodShare programs in Wisconsin. Proponents of the bill argue that establishing an ineligibility period would encourage greater workforce participation and reduce potential misuse of public resources. They believe that the imposition of such a waiting period could deter individuals from leaving jobs purely to reap the benefits of state assistance, thus promoting a more responsible approach to welfare dependency among able-bodied adults.

Summary

Senate Bill 214 proposes the implementation of a six-month ineligibility period for participants of the Medical Assistance (MA) and FoodShare programs if they voluntarily terminate their paid employment. The bill specifically targets able-bodied adults and outlines that if such individuals leave their jobs voluntarily, they will not qualify for these essential welfare programs during the ineligibility period. This measure seeks to enforce accountability among beneficiaries and to ensure that public assistance is not awarded to those who willingly remove themselves from the workforce.

Contention

Opponents of SB214 have raised significant concerns about its potential unintended consequences. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable citizens, particularly those who could be leaving jobs for unforeseen personal issues, such as health problems or workplace harassment. The bill does accommodate for exceptions based on particular circumstances under which an able-bodied adult may leave their job—such as illness or safety concerns—but there are worries that these exceptions may not adequately protect all affected individuals from the punitive measures proposed in the bill. Additionally, the necessity for federal approval to implement these provisions adds another layer of uncertainty regarding the bill's future.

Federal approval

The bill mandates that if the Department of Health Services identifies that federal approval is needed to implement the ineligibility periods, they are obliged to seek this permission. This requirement underscores the interplay between state and federal regulations regarding public assistance programs and highlights the complexities involved in altering existing welfare laws.