MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Two lawmakers are seeking support for a bipartisan effort that would make it a felony to defraud the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. The bill by Republican Rep. Samantha Kerkman and Democratic Sen. Dave Hansen comes after reports that the state’s job creation agency gave taxpayer loans to at least two companies that gave false statements on their applications. Under the bill, defrauding the agency would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both. The bill prohibits making false statements on applications for WEDC grants, loans, tax breaks or other benefits. It would make people who commit such fraud ineligible for WEDC benefits for seven years. Current law prohibits fraud, but doesn’t include provisions specific to WEDC.
