Montana Governor Greg Gianforte announced that by June 27 Montana will end its participation in the federal supplemental unemployment benefit program that provides the jobless with an additional $300 a week and replace it with return to work bonuses. Congress enacted the supplement in its Covid legislation, but Governor Gianforte noted that it has become a [...]
A national policy discussion is in progress with respect to Unemployment Insurance and the dramatic increases in payments to individuals who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and the ensuing economic recession. What support is appropriate? How should it be delivered? How can identity theft and fraud be avoided? How should the system be financed? Is [...]
On April 20, 2021 business associations joined in a letter of opposition to unemployment insurance amendment provisions that were included in HR 1620 as it passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 17th. The letter raised a series of reasons for opposition, including: The amendment would impose a federal mandate that would be inconsistent with [...]
Potential State UI trust fund Impact after September 6th for States Remaining "On" After a year of extremely high unemployment rates, regular extended unemployment compensation is beginning to trigger off in many states. The triggering off is due to reductions in the Total Unemployment Rate below 6.0% and the fact that the number of claims filed [...]
The American Rescue Plan Act passed the US House of Representatives March 10, 2021. President Biden is expected to sign the Act into law. Attached is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as it passed the House and is scheduled to be signed by President Biden. The text is posted at www.congress.gov, click on H.R. [...]
On February 26, 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Fraud Alert for Unemployment Insurance claims after the issuance of erroneous forms 1099-G. See Issuance of Erroneous Forms 1099-G due to Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims The link provides information about fraudulent claims and links to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and state UI offices. [...]
The US House Ways and Means Committee has reported legislation language proposed for inclusion in the budget reconciliation bill for 2021. The language also seeks to address COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus. A summary of the UI related provisions addressed in the bill is available from the House Ways and Means Committee at 1.UI_sxs.pdf (house.gov) Click [...]
On January 22, 2021, President Biden signed a series of executive orders, including an order addressing economic relief. This order includes the following provision: Help ensure that unemployed Americans no longer have to choose between paying their bills and keeping themselves and their families safe from COVID-19 by asking the U.S. Department of Labor to consider [...]
On October 14, 2020 Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that Georgia will allocate $1.5 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds to the state unemployment trust fund to save Georgia employers millions of dollars in state and federal unemployment taxes, prevent significant layoffs, and save the state millions of dollars in interest payments. According to the Georgia Department [...]
On September 28, 2020, Speaker Pelosi released the summary of the Updated Version of the HEROES Act for consideration in response to the Coronavirus and as an economic stimulus. The proposal would dramatically increase administrative funding and unemployment compensation for individuals impacted by COVID-19 and the ensuing recession. (see section by section summary) Provisions of particular [...]
