Wisconsin Republicans Vote for Business Subsidies

Taxpayers pick up the tab for part-time workers

MADISON – The get-the-government-out-of-our-face party welcomed the help of the federal government this week, when Senate Republicans passed a new entitlement program for businesses and the already-employed.

Through the "work-share" program, the state – via the unemployment insurance taxes it collects from businesses — would pay benefits to certain employees who have had their hours cut at work.

The Senate passed the bill on a party-line vote – Republicans in favor, Democrats against. The bill now goes to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.

"This bill can help people keep their jobs and help businesses retain skilled workers," Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said in a statement. "By giving the private sector this flexibility, we're providing an added safety net for Wisconsin workers when times get tough."