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Today we highlight our latest examination of frustrations for Wisconsinites with disabilities who are seeking jobless benefits.
Bram Sable-Smith, of WPR and Wisconsin Watch, previously reported on a 2013 Wisconsin law that state officials said prevented laid-off workers receiving Social Security Disability Insurance from getting state unemployment insurance. The state was denying them federal pandemic aid too, citing reasoning that some unemployment law experts criticized. The state reversed that policy last month, but many remain in limbo. One northern Wisconsin woman finally retroactively received six month of benefits, but only after a four-month wait — capped by two weeks of phone calls, technology glitches and 32 emails to agency administrators.
See our full coverage of Wisconsin’s struggles to deliver on unemployment during the pandemic here.
Top Stories
Wisconsinites with disabilities see long wait for jobless aid, even after gaining eligibility — Wisconsin Watch/WPR
Spike in COVID-19 cases at Wisconsin veterans home spurs request for federal aid — WPR
No vaccine mandate. No jail time. Here’s what Sheboygan Co.’s proposed public health ordinance really entails. — Sheboygan Press
Most COVID-19 patients in Wisconsin have recovered, but what does that mean? — WisContext
Dentists alter procedures as oral care resumes during COVID-19 — Wisconsin State Journal
Wisconsin removed from Chicago quarantine order after drop in daily cases — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
AP survey: States uncommitted to Trump’s unemployment boost — Associated Press
How COVID-19 will change school busing — Janesville Gazette
What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Quotable
“I’m sad that school is starting online this year. Being able to go to school and see my friends was one of my favorite parts of school, and now I won’t be able to see them in my classes, which is pretty upsetting. It’s also harder to ask teachers questions and for them to explain through the screen. I personally learn better when it’s being shown to me in person,”
Celia Rivera, sophomore at Pius XI Catholic High School in Milwaukee, speaking to Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
“I think it’s better virtual, because if we go to school it will be hard for teachers to keep us socially distanced from each other.”
Kimahry Rosa Rodriguez, a student at Escuela Vieau School in Milwaukee, also quoted by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Data to note
Here are the latest visualizations of COVID-19 cases and deaths from our partners at WisContext.
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People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Record July home sales in Wisconsin follow record declines just months before — WPR
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The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (wisconsinwatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.
