Department of Workforce Development
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| Friday, March 31, 2000 Governor Tommy G. Thompson Secretary Linda Stewart | News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
DWD Clears Path Allowing W-2 Participants to Work for Census
Emergency Rule lets participants work for Census without loss of benefits
MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Linda Stewart today announced that the Department was issuing an Emergency Rule that would allow W-2 participants to be employed as temporary workers for the U.S. Census Bureau without losing W-2 benefits.
"Working for the 2000 Census is a wonderful way for W-2 participants to give back to their community and earn an income at the same time," Secretary Stewart said. "This rule will also assist the Census Bureau in recruiting much needed temporary Census workers, which will help ensure that Wisconsin is accurately represented in the 2000 Census."
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture/Food and Nutrition Service have encouraged states to exempt the temporary income earned by individuals that work on the 2000 Census from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Food Stamp eligibility determinations. This action will allow low-income families to earn additional income without jeopardizing their eligibility or current status in TANF assistance programs, which includes W-2, and Food Stamps.
"This means families receiving services such as childcare, transportation assistance, and food stamps, will not be in jeopardy of losing these important supportive services," Stewart said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Family Services has requested and expects to receive approval from the federal government to exempt Census earnings for Medicaid and BadgerCare program eligibility.
In addition, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has exempted temporary Census 2000 income from the determination of eligibility for subsidized housing residents and Section 8 tenants.
"It is extremely important that Wisconsin residents complete and return their Census form. We are pleased to be able to assist in broadening the pool of available Census workers," Stewart said.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Census Bureau has found that employees who are recruited from and working in their own neighborhoods are the most effective workers.
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