The maximum number of weeks Missourians could claim jobless benefits would be reduced under a plan advancing in the state Legislature.
In a House committee Tuesday, lawmakers approved legislation that would shorten the length of time laid-off workers could receive payments from 20 weeks to 13 weeks if the state’s jobless rate is below 6 percent. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average length of time a claimant receives unemployment benefits in Missouri is 12.1 weeks, meaning the change should have little impact on those receiving benefits.
“The bill corrects a problem with our current unemployment system that allows separated employees with severance packages to simultaneously receive UI benefits. The bill also reduces the number of weeks of benefits during times of low unemployment. The bill allows an employer 60 days after the effective date of the bill to timely file an appeal of an erroneous experience rating when that employer has purchased another employer.” said president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri, Ray McCarty.
“Finally, the bill also provides that the Board of Unemployment Fund Financing shall meet to discuss issuing bonds for repayment of the amount owed the federal government if the state UI fund is depleted and loans are made from the federal government. This allows for all options to be considered by that body.” McCarty said.
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