Case: Bemke, Brian v. Pechacek, Amy

3:21-cv-00560 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Filed Date: Sept. 7, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges a Wisconsin law that categorically denied unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to people who also received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). On September 7, 2021, a group of eight disabled Wisconsin residents filed this class action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, arguing that a state law prohibiting them from receiving SSDI benefits unlawfully discriminated against them. The case was assigned to District Judge William M. Conley.…

This case challenges a Wisconsin law that categorically denied unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to people who also received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). On September 7, 2021, a group of eight disabled Wisconsin residents filed this class action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, arguing that a state law prohibiting them from receiving SSDI benefits unlawfully discriminated against them. The case was assigned to District Judge William M. Conley. 

The plaintiffs sued the Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Represented by private counsel, they brought claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (prohibiting discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal funding), and—through 42 U.S.C. § 1983—the Procedural Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief; they asked the court to declare the offending Wisconsin law unlawful, and to order the state to stop enforcing the law. The plaintiffs also sought compensatory damages (those SSDI benefits that Wisconsin had denied or clawed-back) for two proposed classes, as well as attorneys’ fees.

How SSDI and UI Benefits Intersect

SSDI provides monthly federal benefits to people who have worked but are now disabled. SSDI recipients are allowed to work in limited capacities—especially part-time—without losing their benefits. Unemployment insurance, on the other hand, offers temporary weekly payments to people who lose work through no fault of their own. Wisconsin law (§ 108.04(12)(f)) barred individuals from receiving UI benefits during any month in which they received SSDI—even if they were otherwise able to work. This was the crux of plaintiffs’ problem: they alleged they were eligible for SSDI benefits because they were too disabled to work full-time, but that Wisconsin law totally barred them from any unemployment benefits, even if they could only work part-time, because they received SSDI benefits. In essence, Plaintiffs alleged that Wisconsin actually punished them for working as much as they were able to.

The plaintiffs argued that Wisconsin’s law discriminated on the basis of disability. Some alleged they had been told not to bother applying for UI; others were forced to repay benefits or hit with penalties when the state learned they were SSDI recipients. One plaintiff alleged he was ordered to repay over $1,000 in UI benefits after a layoff, even though his SSDI status had no bearing on his ability to work part-time. Others had pandemic-era job losses but were excluded from regular UI and, in some cases, also denied pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA).

The lawsuit sought relief for two proposed classes: (1) SSDI recipients who were denied UI solely due to their SSDI status, and (2) SSDI recipients who received UI but were later forced to repay it—with or without added penalties—on that same basis.

Procedural History and Rulings

The same day that plaintiffs brought their lawsuit, they also moved for a preliminary injunction, requesting that the court immediately order Wisconsin to stop enforcing § 108.04(12)(f) while the lawsuit was pending. But on October 25, 2021, the court denied the plaintiffs' motion. To obtain the preliminary injunction they sought, one thing the plaintiffs need to prove was “irreparable harm.” In other words, they needed to prove that the court should enjoin the Wisconsin law immediately because the harm they were suffering now couldn’t be compensated by damages/relief awarded at the end of the lawsuit. Ultimately, the court found that the plaintiffs did not allege specific enough facts (i.e., expressly alleging that they could not afford food and shelter without the unlawfully withheld benefits) to show that they were (or would) suffer irreparable harm. 2021 WL 4947355.

At Wisconsin’s request, the court initially postponed ruling on class certification until it had determined whether the statute was, indeed, unlawful. 

After extensive discovery, both parties moved for summary judgment. On July 17, 2024, the court issued a mixed summary judgment ruling. 2024 WL 3443792. The court ruled on several theories asserted by both parties:

  • First, the plaintiffs alleged that the Wisconsin law intentionally discriminated against individuals with disabilities because if a person receives SSDI benefits, then they are necessarily disabled—so the statute was only harming disabled people. The court rejected this claim; it found that the statute technically only targeted people receiving SSDI benefits—even if those people were disabled.
  • Second, the plaintiffs alleged the Wisconsin law had a disparate impact on disabled individuals (in other words, it was a neutral law that ended up affecting disabled people more harshly than non-disabled people). The court agreed. It granted plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment regarding this allegation, meaning that it found Wisconsin liable—without needing a trial—for discriminating on the basis of disability in violation of the ADA.
  • Third, the plaintiffs argued that their due process rights were violated by Wisconsin’s denial of their UI benefit applications. The court found that this claim failed because plaintiffs didn’t specifically allege any insufficient process, such as a denial of notice or an opportunity for a hearing to contest the denial of benefits

The court also clarified that while a full ban on UI for SSDI recipients was impermissible, Wisconsin might lawfully offset UI payments by the amount of SSDI received—so long as such a system was neutrally applied and allowed for individualized determinations. It requested the parties to write briefs arguing whether it should strike down the Wisconsin law in its entirety, or if less drastic measure was possible

The court allowed discovery on class certification and remedies. That discovery is ongoing as of May 7, 2025.

Summary Authors

Gordon Pignato (5/9/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60366332/parties/bemke-brian-v-pechacek-amy/


Judge(s)

Conley, William Martin (Wisconsin)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Forberger, Victor (Wisconsin)

Attorney for Defendant

Hector, Colin A (Wisconsin)

Kawski, Clayton P. (Wisconsin)

Keckhaver, Karla Z. (Wisconsin)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

3:21-cv-00560

Complaint

Sept. 7, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

Complaint
17

3:21-cv-00560

Opinion and Order

Oct. 25, 2021

Oct. 25, 2021

Order/Opinion

2021 WL 4947355

93

3:21-cv-00560

Opinion and Order

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 3443792

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60366332/bemke-brian-v-pechacek-amy/

Last updated Aug. 4, 2025, 5:26 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Any Pechacek ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number 0758-2932117.), filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - 2010 Memorandum, # 2 JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet, # 3 Summons) (Kinne, Paul) Modified on 9/7/2021: Corrected stats. (lak) (Entered: 09/07/2021)

1 Exhibit - 2010 Memorandum

View on RECAP

2 JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

3 Summons

View on PACER

Sept. 7, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

Clearinghouse
2

MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/07/2021)

Sept. 7, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

RECAP
3

Brief in Support of 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/07/2021)

Sept. 7, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

RECAP
4

Declaration of Victor Forberger, Esq. filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - D12-05-SSDI, # 2 Exhibit 2 - 2010-UC Letter, # 3 Exhibit 3 -Frostman - Scalia 2020.06.09, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Rubsam Email 2020.06.09, # 5 Exhibit 5 - ID-210311960, # 6 Exhibit 6 - U7 - Claimant Statement 2021.02.17, # 7 Exhibit 7 - U7 - Claimant Statement-Response (SEALED)) (Kinne, Paul) Modified on 9/8/2021. (lak) Modified on 9/15/2021 (rks). (Entered: 09/07/2021)

1 Exhibit 1 - D12-05-SSDI

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 2 - 2010-UC Letter

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3 Exhibit 3 -Frostman - Scalia 2020.06.09

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit 4 - Rubsam Email 2020.06.09

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit 5 - ID-210311960

View on PACER

6 Exhibit 6 - U7 -Claimant Statement 2021.02.17

View on PACER

7 Exhibit 7 - U7 - Claimant Statement-Response

View on PACER

Sept. 7, 2021

Sept. 7, 2021

RECAP
5

Notice of Appearance filed by Heath P. Straka for Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Straka, Heath) (Entered: 09/08/2021)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

RECAP

Add Judge for Shell Case Opening

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER
6

Notice of Appearance filed by Victor Forberger for Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Forberger, Victor) (Entered: 09/08/2021)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER

Standard Attachments Sent

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER

Case randomly assigned to District Judge William M. Conley and Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker. (kwf)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER

Standard attachments for District Judge William M. Conley required to be served on all parties with summons or waiver of service: NORTC, Corporate Disclosure Statement. (kwf)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER
7

Summons Issued as to Amy Pechacek. (kwf) (Entered: 09/08/2021)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER
8

** TEXT ONLY ORDER ** The court is in receipt of plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction (dkt. # 2 ), filed September 7, 2021, the same day as plaintiffs filed their complaint (dkt. # 1 ). The clerk's office issued a summons as to defendant Amy Pechacek today. (Dkt. # 7 .) As such, the court will require plaintiffs to serve promptly defendant with the summons, complaint, motion for preliminary injunction, all supporting materials and this order. Once service has been accomplished, plaintiffs should notify the court. Defendant's response to plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction is due twenty-one days from the date of service. The court further notes that defendant's response should include individual responses to each of plaintiffs' numbered proposed facts set forth in their brief in support of that motion. For further guidance, the parties should refer to the court's Procedure to be followed on Motions for Injunctive Relief. After review of defendant's response, the court will determine whether a hearing is necessary. Signed by District Judge William M. Conley on 9/8/2021. (kwf) (Entered: 09/08/2021)

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER

Text Only Order

Sept. 8, 2021

Sept. 8, 2021

PACER
9

Notice of Appearance filed by Steven Carl Kilpatrick for Defendant Amy Pechacek. (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 09/14/2021)

Sept. 14, 2021

Sept. 14, 2021

PACER
10

Notice of Appearance filed by Colin A Hector for Defendant Amy Pechacek. (Hector, Colin) (Entered: 09/14/2021)

Sept. 14, 2021

Sept. 14, 2021

PACER
11

Notice of Appearance filed by Clayton P. Kawski for Defendant Amy Pechacek. (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 09/14/2021)

Sept. 14, 2021

Sept. 14, 2021

PACER
12

Redaction to 4 Declaration,, Exhibit 7 by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/15/2021)

Sept. 15, 2021

Sept. 15, 2021

PACER
13

Waiver of Service Returned Executed by Defendant Amy Pechacek. Amy Pechacek waiver sent on 9/13/2021, answer due 11/12/2021. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/16/2021)

Sept. 16, 2021

Sept. 16, 2021

PACER
14

Response to Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 10/04/2021)

Oct. 4, 2021

Oct. 4, 2021

RECAP
15

Brief in Opposition by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Clifford Neumann, Brian Bemke, Judy Fintz, Tracy Long, Scott Collett, Evan Johnson, Sarah Jamieson, John Feriozzi (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 10/04/2021)

Oct. 4, 2021

Oct. 4, 2021

RECAP
16

Notice by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re 8 Text Only Order,,,,, Requesting Seven Days' Notice of Hearing if Ordered. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 10/06/2021)

Oct. 6, 2021

Oct. 6, 2021

PACER
17

OPINION AND ORDER denying 2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by District Judge William M. Conley on 10/25/2021. (kwf) (Entered: 10/25/2021)

Oct. 25, 2021

Oct. 25, 2021

Clearinghouse
18

ANSWER by Defendant Amy Pechacek. (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 11/12/2021)

Nov. 12, 2021

Nov. 12, 2021

RECAP

Set Pretrial or Status Conference

Nov. 15, 2021

Nov. 15, 2021

PACER

Set Telephone Pretrial Conference: Telephone Pretrial Conference set for 12/22/2021 at 2:00 PM before Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker. Counsel for Plaintiff responsible for setting up the call to chambers at (608) 264-5153. [Standing Order Governing Preliminary Pretrial Conference attached] (kwf)

Nov. 15, 2021

Nov. 15, 2021

PACER
19

Notice of Appearance filed by Riley Leonard for Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Leonard, Riley) (Entered: 12/09/2021)

Dec. 9, 2021

Dec. 9, 2021

PACER
20

Joint Preliminary Pretrial Conference Report by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 12/16/2021)

Dec. 16, 2021

Dec. 16, 2021

RECAP

Telephone Preliminary Pretrial Conference

Dec. 22, 2021

Dec. 22, 2021

PACER

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker: Telephone Preliminary Pretrial Conference held on 12/22/2021 [:15] (skv)

Dec. 22, 2021

Dec. 22, 2021

PACER
21

** TEXT ONLY ORDER **In this proposed class action challenging specified state statutes under the ADA and RA, the State wants the court to determine the issue of liability before determining whether to certify a class. January 14, 2022 is the State's deadline to file its motion and support on this point. Plaintiffs' response is due January 24, 2022, with the State's reply due January 31, 2022. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 12/22/2021. (kwf) (Entered: 12/22/2021)

Dec. 22, 2021

Dec. 22, 2021

PACER

Text Only Order

Dec. 22, 2021

Dec. 22, 2021

PACER
22

Pretrial Conference Order - Preliminary Pretrial Packet in cases assigned to District Judge William M. Conley attached. Amendments to Pleadings due 2/25/2022. Motion to Certify Class under Rule 23 due 7/8/2022. Dispositive Motions due 10/24/2022. Settlement Letters due 3/31/2023. Motions in Limine due 4/7/2023. Responses due 4/21/2023. Final Pretrial Conference set for 5/2/2023 at 4:00 PM. Jury Selection and Trial set for 5/15/2023 at 9:00 AM. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 12/27/2021. (kwf) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

RECAP
23

Standing Order Relating to the Discovery of Electronically Stored Information in a Complex Civil Lawsuit. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 12/27/2021. (kwf) (Entered: 12/27/2021)

Dec. 27, 2021

Dec. 27, 2021

RECAP
24

Motion to Amend/Correct the Preliminary Pretrial Conference Order by Defendant Amy Pechacek. Response due 1/21/2022. (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 01/14/2022)

Jan. 14, 2022

Jan. 14, 2022

PACER
25

Corporate Disclosure Statement by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

Jan. 18, 2022

Jan. 18, 2022

PACER
26

Certificate of Service by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/19/2022)

Jan. 19, 2022

Jan. 19, 2022

PACER
27

Certificate of Service by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/19/2022)

Jan. 19, 2022

Jan. 19, 2022

PACER
28

Certificate of Service by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/19/2022)

Jan. 19, 2022

Jan. 19, 2022

PACER

Set Briefing Deadlines

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER

Set/Reset Briefing Deadlines as to 24 Motion to Amend/Correct the Preliminary Pretrial Conference Order. Brief in Opposition due 1/24/2022. Brief in Reply due 1/31/2022. (kwf)

Jan. 20, 2022

Jan. 20, 2022

PACER
29

Brief in Opposition by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 24 Motion to Amend/Correct filed by Amy Pechacek (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/24/2022)

Jan. 24, 2022

Jan. 24, 2022

PACER
30

Disregard. Modified on 1/31/2022. (lak) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

Jan. 31, 2022

Jan. 31, 2022

RECAP
31

Brief in Reply by Defendant Amy Pechacek in Support of 24 Motion to Amend/Correct the Preliminary Pretrial Conference Order. (Hector, Colin) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

Jan. 31, 2022

Jan. 31, 2022

PACER
32

** TEXT ONLY ORDER **Defendant has moved for the court to determine liability before it determines class certification. (Dkt. 24 .) The court's normal practice, consistent with the direction in Rule 23, is to schedule briefing on class certification before summary judgment. In this case, however, the court agrees with defendant that an exception to that general rule is warranted. In light of the court's decision on plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction--casting doubt on the merits of plaintiff's claim--this is a case where "it may make sense for the district court to skip certification and proceed directly to the merits." Thomas v. UBS AG, 706 F.3d 846, 849-50 (7th Cir. 2013). Defendant's motion is GRANTED. The schedule is amended as follows: the deadlines to disclose class experts are struck. Plaintiffs must disclose their liability experts not later than May 6, 2022, defendants must disclose their liability experts not later than June 17, 2022. Dispositive motions are due by July 1, 2022, with 21/10 response briefing. Plaintiffs must disclose their experts on class certification by November 4, 2022, defendants must disclose any such experts by December 5, 2022. Plaintiffs must file their class certification motion not later than January 9, 2023, with 21/10 response/reply briefing. For now, the remainder of the schedule remains in place. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 3/3/2022. (kwf) (Entered: 03/03/2022)

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

PACER

Set Class Action Deadlines

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

PACER

Set/Reset Deadlines: Dispositive Motions due 7/1/2022. Motion to Certify Class under Rule 23 due 1/9/2023. (kwf)

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion to Amend/Correct

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

PACER

Set Deadlines/Hearings AND Set Class Action Deadlines

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022

PACER
33

Notice of Withdrawal of Counsel by Colin A Hector re: Defendant Amy Pechacek (Hector, Colin) (Entered: 05/06/2022)

May 6, 2022

May 6, 2022

PACER
34

Joint Motion to Amend/Correct Scheduling Order by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

May 24, 2022

May 24, 2022

PACER
35

** TEXT ONLY ORDER **Although the parties have not come close to establishing good cause for the extensions they seek, the court nonetheless will grant their joint request for new dates through the submission of dispositive motions, with the admonitions that the court does not intend to grant any additional extensions. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 5/26/2022. (kwf) (Entered: 05/26/2022)

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

PACER

Text Only Order

May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

PACER
36

Motion to Compel by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker. Response due 7/5/2022. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - plaintiffs' discovery requests to defendant, # 2 Exhibit B - defendant's responses to plaintiffs' discovery) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 06/28/2022)

June 28, 2022

June 28, 2022

PACER
37

Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion to Compel by Defendant Amy Pechacek. Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker. (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

PACER
38

** TEXT ONLY ORDER **ORDER granting 37 Motion for Extension of Time. Brief in Opposition due 7/12/2022. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 5/30/2022. (voc) (Entered: 06/30/2022)

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

PACER
39

Brief in Opposition by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 36 Motion to Compel, filed by Clifford Neumann, Brian Bemke, Judy Fintz, Tracy Long, Scott Collett, Evan Johnson, Sarah Jamieson, John Feriozzi (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER
40

Declaration of Pamela Neumann filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 36 Motion to Compel, (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER
41

Declaration of Clayton P. Kawski filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 36 Motion to Compel, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - 06-14-22 e-mail from Kinne to Kilpatrick and Kawski) (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 07/12/2022)

July 12, 2022

July 12, 2022

PACER
42

Expert Witness Disclosures by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Attachments: # 1 1 - Expert Witness Statement) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 07/13/2022)

July 13, 2022

July 13, 2022

PACER
43

Brief in Reply by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann in Support of 36 Motion to Compel, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 07/18/2022)

July 18, 2022

July 18, 2022

PACER
44

MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT by Defendant Amy Pechacek. Brief in Opposition due 9/12/2022. Brief in Reply due 9/26/2022. (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 08/11/2022)

Aug. 11, 2022

Aug. 11, 2022

PACER
45

Brief in Support of 44 Motion for Summary Judgment by Defendant Amy Pechacek (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 08/11/2022)

Aug. 11, 2022

Aug. 11, 2022

RECAP
46

Declaration of Linda Hendrickson filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 08/11/2022)

Aug. 11, 2022

Aug. 11, 2022

PACER
47

Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 08/11/2022)

Aug. 11, 2022

Aug. 11, 2022

PACER
48

MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT . by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. Brief in Opposition due 9/12/2022. Brief in Reply due 9/26/2022. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/12/2022)

Aug. 12, 2022

Aug. 12, 2022

PACER
49

Brief in Support of 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/12/2022)

Aug. 12, 2022

Aug. 12, 2022

RECAP
50

Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/12/2022)

Aug. 12, 2022

Aug. 12, 2022

PACER
51

Declaration of Paul A. Kinne filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - PechacekAmy Depo, # 2 Exhibit B - ChiolinoJames Depo, # 3 Exhibit C - ALJ Decision Bemke, # 4 Exhibit D - Collett ALJ Determination, # 5 Exhibit E - Decl Collett, # 6 Exhibit F - ALJ Determination Feriozzi, # 7 Exhibit G - Decl Feriozzi, # 8 Exhibit H - ALJ Decision Fintz, # 9 Exhibit I - ALJ Determinations Jamieson, # 10 Exhibit J - Decl Jamieson, # 11 Exhibit K - ALJ Determination Johnson, # 12 Exhibit L - Decl Johnson, # 13 Exhibit M - ALJ Decision Long, # 14 Exhibit N - Decl Long, # 15 Exhibit O - ALJ Determination Neumann, # 16 Exhibit P - Decl Neumann, # 17 Exhibit Q - Frostman Ltr, # 18 Exhibit R - DWD Proposal D12-05, # 19 Exhibit S - DWD Proposal D15-01) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/12/2022)

Aug. 12, 2022

Aug. 12, 2022

PACER
52

Declaration of Sarah Jamieson filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
53

Declaration of John Feriozzi filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
54

Declaration of Evan Johnson filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
55

Declaration of Tracy Long filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
56

Declaration of Clifford Neumann filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
57

Declaration of Scott Collett filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
58

Deposition of James Chiolino taken on 07/20/2022. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
59

Deposition of Amy Pechacek taken on 06/08/2022. (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 08/23/2022)

Aug. 23, 2022

Aug. 23, 2022

PACER
60

ORDER denying 36 Plaintiffs' Motion to Compel. Each side will bear its own costs on this motion. Signed by Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker on 9/8/22. (jat) (Entered: 09/08/2022)

Sept. 8, 2022

Sept. 8, 2022

PACER
61

Brief in Opposition by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, filed by Clifford Neumann, Brian Bemke, Judy Fintz, Tracy Long, Scott Collett, Evan Johnson, Sarah Jamieson, John Feriozzi (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
62

Response to Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kawski, Clayton) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
63

Brief in Opposition by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Amy Pechacek (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
64

Response to Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
65

Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
66

Declaration of Paul A. Kinne filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - ET Handbook No. 392, # 2 Exhibit B - UCFE Guide, # 3 Exhibit C - Jacoby Report) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/12/2022)

Sept. 12, 2022

Sept. 12, 2022

PACER
67

Brief in Reply by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann in Support of 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
68

Declaration of Paul A. Kinne filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Bemke Hearing Trans.) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
69

Reply in Support of Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 48 Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
70

Reply in Support of Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
71

Response to Proposed Findings of Fact filed by Defendant Amy Pechacek re: 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
72

Brief in Reply by Defendant Amy Pechacek in Support of 44 Motion for Summary Judgment (Kilpatrick, Steven) (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
73

Motion to Certify Class under Rule 23 by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. Brief in Opposition due 2/8/2023. Brief in Reply due 2/23/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Disregard) (Kinne, Paul) Modified on 1/9/2023: E-mail sent to counsel. (lak) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

1 Disregard

View on PACER

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

RECAP
74

Declaration of Paul A. Kinne filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 73 Motion to Certify Class under Rule 23, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Report of Shawn Fremstad and Hayley Brown, # 2 Exhibit B - Initial Determinations & Appeal Tribunal Decision) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

1 Exhibit A - Report of Shawn Fremstad and Hayley Brown

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B - Initial Determinations & Appeal Tribunal Decision

View on RECAP

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

RECAP
75

Motion for the Appointment of Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, Axley Brynelson, LLP and Victor Forberger, Esq., as Co-Class Counsel by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann. Response due 1/17/2023. (Kinne, Paul) Modified on 1/9/2023. (lak) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

RECAP
76

Brief in Support of 73 Motion to Certify Class under Rule 23, by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

RECAP
77

Disregard. Modified on 1/9/2023. (lak) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

PACER
78

Disregard. Modified on 1/9/2023. (lak) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

PACER
79

Disregard. Modified on 1/9/2023. (lak) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

PACER
80

Declaration of Victor Forberger filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 75 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/09/2023)

Jan. 9, 2023

Jan. 9, 2023

PACER
81

Declaration of Paul A. Kinne filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 75 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - List of Cases) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/10/2023)

Jan. 10, 2023

Jan. 10, 2023

PACER
82

Declaration of Riley C. Leonard filed by Plaintiffs Brian Bemke, Scott Collett, John Feriozzi, Judy Fintz, Sarah Jamieson, Evan Johnson, Tracy Long, Clifford Neumann re: 75 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - List of Cases) (Kinne, Paul) (Entered: 01/10/2023)

Jan. 10, 2023

Jan. 10, 2023

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Wisconsin

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 7, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A proposed class of all SSDI recipients who were eligible for Wisconsin unemployment compensation benefits after a job loss but either could not apply for those benefits, were denied those benefits, or were required to repay those benefits solely on account of their receipt of SSDI benefits.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

Social Security (Title XX), 42 U.S.C. §§ 1397 et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Benefits (Source):

CARES Act (Covid-related)

SSDI

Disability and Disability Rights:

Disability, unspecified

Discrimination Area:

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)