Gov. Scott Walker: Welfare reforms meant to boost Wisconsin's workforce

Chris Mueller
Appleton Post-Crescent

GREENVILLE - A package of welfare reform bills is meant to get more “able-bodied, working-age adults” into Wisconsin’s workforce, Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday during a visit to Greenville.

Walker has already called for a special legislative session to give lawmakers a chance to pass the reforms, which include a measure to increase the work requirement for able-bodied adults who get food stamps to 30 hours a week.

“We can’t afford to have anybody on the sidelines,” Walker said. “We need everyone who is able to work in the game.”

The work requirement would not apply to children or elderly, blind or disabled recipients. 

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Walker's stop in Greenville on Thursday afternoon followed earlier stops in western Wisconsin as he traversed the state to give support to welfare reform bills that are heading toward the Legislature.

The reforms would require drug testing for anyone living in public housing. The measure isn't meant to be punitive — it's meant to get help for anyone who isn't able to pass a drug test so they're able to join the workforce, Walker said.

“We know it’s critically important to break down that barrier,” he said.

The plan would also require food stamp recipients to have a photo identification card with the program. Massachusetts and Missouri already have similar requirements in place. The requirement is meant to protect against fraud, Walker said.

“We want to make sure that the money we spend on public assistance goes to people who are truly in need,” he said.

Governor Scott Walker, left, Speaker Robin Vos, center left, State Senator Chris Kapenga, center right, and State Representative Mike Rohrkaste, right, introduce "Wisconsin Works for Everyone" welfare reform legislation on Thursday at the Platinum Flight Center at Appleton International Airport in Greenville.

Walker was joined by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and State Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, during his visit.

The plan for welfare reform is meant to help as many able-bodied people get off state assistance and join the workforce as possible, Vos said.

“We all agree that the very best social program is a good-paying, family-supporting job,” he said.

The bills should be introduced to lawmakers next week, Vos said. Walker also stopped in La Crosse and Eau Claire on Thursday to push for the reforms.

“We believe that public assistance should be more like a trampoline and less like a hammock,” he said. “That’s exactly what this welfare reform does.”