Requests the governor, the congressional delegation, and certain legislative committees to respond immediately to the impact COVID-19 has had on Louisiana's unemployment trust fund.
Impact
The bill emphasizes the importance of the unemployment trust fund, which is primarily financed through state unemployment tax contributions from employers. The declining balance of this fund poses a risk of increased unemployment tax burdens for employers while simultaneously lowering the benefits available to unemployed workers. The resolution aims to prevent a further decline in the fund, which could exacerbate economic challenges in Louisiana and hinder recovery efforts for both employers and displaced employees.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 40 urges immediate action to address the significant decline in Louisiana's unemployment trust fund, which has been heavily impacted by the economic fallout from COVID-19. The resolution specifically requests the governor, Louisiana's congressional delegation, and relevant legislative committees to respond to this pressing issue. With Louisiana's unemployment rate reaching as high as 13.3% in May 2020, the resolution highlights the urgent need for intervention to assist struggling businesses and workers as the state recovers from the pandemic's effects.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR40 is centered on urgent need and solidarity among legislators and community leaders. Most discussions appear to support the coordinated effort to safeguard the unemployment trust fund, reflecting a collective concern for both businesses and workers affected by COVID-19. The resolution underscores the potential hardship that could befall employers and the unemployed if timely action is not taken to stabilize the fund.
Contention
No notable points of contention were referenced in the discussions around SR40. The resolution received bipartisan support, reflecting a common understanding of the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. By urging immediate governmental action, the resolution seeks a unified approach to address the unemployment crisis in Louisiana, focusing on the urgency and necessity of maintaining the fund's solvency to support economic recovery.
Suspends certain provisions of law relative to the application of certain wages and benefits for the next calendar year. (Items #8 and #30) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD See Note)
Requests Louisiana congressional delegation to take steps to modify the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation supplement in a way that will promote individual claiming benefits to return to work.
Provides for the unemployment insurance procedure to be applied by the administrator for calendar year 2021. (gov sig) (Items #8 and #30) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD See Note)
Provides for the unemployment insurance procedure to be applied by the secretary of the La. Workforce Commission for calendar year 2022. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE OF RV See Note)
Creates a task force to study and make recommendations for replenishing the unemployment trust fund and increasing the unemployment compensation weekly benefit amount (Item #8)
Memorializes Congress and the Louisiana congressional delegation to clarify the eligibility of freshwater fisheries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to receive CARES Act dollars
Requests Louisiana congressional delegation to take steps to modify the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation supplement in a way that will promote individual claiming benefits to return to work.
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission study its processes used to determine if an unemployed worker is conducting an active search for reemployment along with available measures to ensure enforcement.
Provides for the unemployment insurance procedure to be applied by the administrator for calendar year 2021. (gov sig) (Items #8 and #30) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD See Note)
Provides for the unemployment insurance procedure to be applied by the secretary of the La. Workforce Commission for calendar year 2022. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE OF RV See Note)