The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has scheduled a public hearing on unemployment benefits and taxes for Thursday, November 21st, at 2 to 4 pm and 5 to 6 pm.

This public hearing is online only (via webex) and requires prior registration for both sessions: registration for the 2 to 4 pm session and registration for the 5 to 6 pm session.

Comments can also be submitted in writing via [email message](mailto: UILawChange@dwd.wisconsin.gov) or written letter to:

Janell Knutson, Chair

Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council

P.O. Box 8942

Madison, WI 53708

Written comments must be received by the close of business on Friday, November 22nd. Any complaints or concerns about specific unemployment cases will be ignored.

Finally, keep in mind that past public hearings have been almost completely ignored. And, a change in this practice does not seem likely. The Advisory Council that is supposed to respond to what is said at these public hearings has failed to respond at all since the 2016 public hearing when the Advisory Council rejected an outcry over the end of winter work search waivers. The Department has dutifully compiled summaries and reports of the testimony and comments provided at these public hearings, but the only public acknowledgment of the testimony and issues — along with links to those reports and summaries — has been this website.