Senate Bill 515 proposes significant changes to Wisconsin's unemployment insurance benefits, primarily by increasing the maximum weekly benefit rate and adjusting the wage cap for eligibility. The bill establishes a new maximum weekly benefit rate of $497 for unemployment weeks starting from January 4, 2026, to January 3, 2027, and thereafter ties the maximum benefit to the consumer price index for annual adjustments. Additionally, the wage cap for eligibility will rise from $500 to $672 for the same period, with future adjustments also linked to the consumer price index.

The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Workforce Development to set the maximum weekly benefit amount and wage limitations based on the consumer price index, ensuring that these figures remain relevant to economic conditions. The language of the bill renumbers and amends existing statutes to incorporate these changes, including the creation of new subsections that outline the indexing process for future adjustments. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the financial support available to unemployed individuals in Wisconsin, reflecting changes in the cost of living and wage standards.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 227.01(13)(n), 227.01