Wis. welfare-to-work incentives could trim cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin officials hope a new incentive plan will trim participation in the state’s welfare-to-work program.

A Wisconsin State Journal report says nearly 15,000 people were in the program last month. But new incentives could decrease those numbers.

One provides an initial payment for people who stay on a job for 31 days and a second payment for staying employed for four months. There are also cash incentives for earning a promotion and higher pay, which would eventually help people leave the program.

The welfare-to-work program is called Wisconsin Works, or W-2. It provides financial assistance to low-income people who are trying to find work.

State officials say the incentives could help prevent situations where people take jobs, receive a payment and then quit a few days later.