Unemployment Benefits

Nixing Unemployment Benefits for Part Time Workers

S. 1026:  This bill eliminates the availability of unemployment benefits for persons seeking only part-time work. This bill attempts to address the state’s unsustainable commitments in the area of unemployment benefits – commitments taken on in 2010 in order to draw down $97 million in federal stimulus money. As we’ve pointed out recently, the state’s law code shouldn’t be another tool for the federal government to pursue its own priorities.

Service or Work for Unemployment Benefits

S. 1049:  This bill amends section 41-35-120 to disqualify someone from unemployment benefits if the person does not apply for or accept suitable work or approved community service work within 26 weeks of filing.  The disqualification period begins with the week the failure occurred and continues until the person secures employment or completes at least 16 hours of community service.  This is another attempt to address the state’s unsustainable commitments in the area of unemployment benefits – commitments taken on in 2010 in order to draw down $97 million in federal stimulus money. As we’ve pointed out recently, the state’s law code shouldn’t be another tool for the federal government to pursue its own priorities.

Increasing the Period of Ineligibility of Persons Fired for Cause

S.1125:  This bill increases the amount of time a person discharged from employment for cause is ineligible to receive benefits.  The period is increased from six weeks or less to twenty weeks after the date the person filed the benefits request.  This is a step in the right direction to ensuring that the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) doesn’t exhaust its resources paying out millions in claims for those fired for cause.  As The Nerve reported late last year, DEW has been under serious scrutiny for their distribution of unemployment benefits.