MADISON, Wis. — The state Assembly has passed a bill that would increase the maximum weekly unemployment insurance payout but also install new limits on who can collect the benefits.
The measure passed Wednesday on a bipartisan 61-35 vote. It cleared the Republican-controlled Senate on a party line vote Tuesday and now heads to Gov. Scott Walker.
The bill would increase the highest monthly benefit by $7 to $370.
The proposal would also make it easier for the state to recover overpayments made to the unemployed, by allowing for periodic audits of those receiving the benefits.
The bill would also repeal a program that allows claimants to receive an additional 26 weeks of benefits if they are enrolled in worker training. Inmates in work-release programs would also be barred from receiving unemployment benefits.
