MADISON, Wis.— Some big changes could be coming to Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance system— if the state’s highest leaders are willing to work together. 

Thousands of Wisconsinites waited months to get their unemployment benefits in 2020. The decades-old system was essentially crushed under the weight of the pandemic. The problem wasn’t new: Leaders have known for more than 10 years that the system was outdated.

Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers called for the legislature to update the system in a special session. Speaker Robin Vos blamed Evers for the wait time. 

For people who had to wait months for help, the idea of unemployment system changes was a relief. 

Jeremy Krueger of Fond du Lac is one of them. He has a background in IT, and has worked as a forklift operator. He filed for unemployment toward the beginning of the pandemic. 

“Maybe the single most frustrating experience in my life,” he said. “It was… stressful enough that it’s hard to talk about.” 

It took three months for him to get his benefits. 

“I was really angry with unemployment. I was angry with the state of Wisconsin,” Krueger said. “The hardest part about it was I pretty much felt like I didn’t matter.” 

He started to choke up. 

“I pay my taxes; I raise kids here,” he said through sniffles. “I gave my blood, sweat and tears to this state.” 

Krueger knew he wasn’t alone. He decided to start a Facebook group for others struggling to collect their unemployment. It serves as a forum for some to ask questions and seek out support. 

With everything he’d learned through his own claims, he was able to help others get theirs processed. 

“Maybe the one thing that made it better for me was helping other people,” he said. “Even when I wasn't able to get my own money for a while, I was able to get other people money.”

Evers announced in his State of the State address that he’s calling a special session for the legislature to take up his unemployment reform plan. Neither those plans, nor the date for the special session, have been released yet. 

It’s not clear how lawmakers will act. 

Previously, when the governor has called a special session, the Republican-led legislature has gaveled in and gaveled out within seconds, without considering the measures. 

Krueger doesn’t want that to happen again. 

“I have supported the Republican party my entire life… Myself and other Republicans were starving this year,” he said. “This isn’t about you. This is about us. This is about our lives right now.” 

He said the blame game isn’t helping anyone. He hopes leaders put politics aside to support Wisconsinites in need. 

“It doesn’t matter whose job it is. Get together and figure out how to fix it.”