Governor Tony Evers defended the additional $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits being allocated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His position comes despite business groups calling on him to immediately stop the payments.
Critics argue the additional money is a major factor in the state’s workforce shortage.
“First of all, I’d like to see proof that the people struggling on unemployment, that if they all came back to work suddenly this problem is solved,” Evers said outside the state Capitol. “It’s an issue I’ve seen no data on, none whatsoever.”
Republican lawmakers are moving legislation that would end the additional federal money.
The governor appears likely to veto it. “I’ll take a look at it,” Evers said when asked Tuesday.
The additional $300 a week in federal benefits is set to expire on Labor Day.