As many out-of-work Wisconsinites struggle to keep up with their bills, chances are their credit rating is taking a hit. If a potential employer sees that during the interview process, State Representative Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater) is worried it could be held against them.
Hixson is introducing legislation that would add credit scores to the list of criteria employers are not allowed to use when weeding out applicants. In most cases, he says those scored are not connected to how effective a person will be in a particular job.
The bill does provide exemptions for jobs where how you manage your own money could be a factor. Hixson says he can see the importance of looking at credit reports for an investment banker, where their own financial issues could influence their decisions.
As many unemployed residents of the state look for work, the Whitewater Democrat says lawmakers should be doing all they can to make it easier for them to get the jobs they're able to find.
