Empower Wisconsin | Oct. 30, 2019
Gov. Tony Evers again is dragging his feet on the dance floor of government reform.
The Democrat is slow-walking implementation of a rule that requires drug screening for unemployment benefits. Those who work in occupations already subject to pre-employment drug screenings would be affected by the change.
The Trump administration nearly a month ago gave Wisconsin, Mississippi and Texas approval to put the testing requirements in place.
Evers has stalled.
“We need more details from the federal government before we go down that road,” the governor recently told reporters.
He has the answers. Wisconsin, under Republican leadership, sought the federal government’s approval of a rule that makes sure those seeking employer-funded unemployment benefits aren’t taking illegal drugs. The Trump administration signed off.
Pretty simple.
Critics say the rule unfairly targets the unemployed. Some insist it’s racist.
Hogwash, say proponents of the drug-screening requirement.
“The point of having the drug screening is that first step to get you help so then you can find that independence to having a job,” state Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) told WTMJ-4. The rule includes treatment options for benefit seekers testing positive for drugs.
It’s ultimately about accountability. If you want benefits funded by taxpayers and employers, you’ve got to follow the rules.
It seems when it comes to government accountability, Wisconsin’s governor dances to the beat of a liberal drummer.
