Georgia $1.5 billion Coronavirus Fund Allocation will Save Millions in UI Taxes and Promote Recovery
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 of Labor: By allocating [...]
House Democrat Stimulus Proposal Would Dramatically Expand Unemployment Compensation
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 interest for Unemployment Insurance [...]
House Democrat Stimulus Proposal Would Create New Federal Health and Safety Standards
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 create new employer reporting requirements with respect to health and safety and create new workers’ compensation presumptions related to COVID-19 (See section by section summary) Provisions of particular [...]
UWC Applauds Senators Portman and Cardin Introduction of Legislation to Clarify Workers’ Comp Payments
On September 24, 2020 Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced legislation to clarify the determination of workers’ compensation for Medicare eligible employees who were injured or became ill in the course of employment. This bi-partisan bill is the Senate companion to HR 4161 that was introduced by Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and George Holding (R-NC). The [...]
Report Unemployment Fraud! – United States Department of Labor OIG Provides Guidance
Unemployment Insurance Fraud has become a significant problem due to the volume of regular unemployment compensation and pandemic unemployment claims filed due to COVID-19. On September 21, 2020 the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (OIG) released the Unemployment Insurance Fraud Consumer Protection Guide with links to state workforce agencies and tips to avoid and respond to [...]
States Should Consider Using Coronavirus Relief Funds to Improve UI Solvency
The COVID-19 recession has significantly impacted the solvency of state UI Trust Fund Accounts. A snapshot of the status of accounts as of September 16, 2020 shows that 21 states have already requested authorization to obtain loans from the Federal Unemployment Account because state unemployment trust fund balances have been or will be exhausted. (see below) A number of states [...]