Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants. (FE)
Impact
The legislation modifies eligibility criteria and program operations. Claimants will now need to demonstrate more active engagement in job searches, including making direct contacts with employers and posting updated resumes on the state job center website. This shift to reemployment assistance reflects an effort to connect unemployed individuals with job opportunities more effectively, potentially improving reemployment rates in the state. The bill envisions a more active role for DWD in offering tailored support through workshops and assessment plans.
Summary
Senate Bill 197 introduces comprehensive changes to the unemployment insurance framework, which will now be termed 'reemployment assistance'. This bill requires the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to evaluate and assist claimants more thoroughly. Notable changes include a mandated reemployment counseling session for those with limited benefits and an established division within DWD specifically for reemployment assistance. The bill aims to improve claimant outcomes by increasing the requirement for direct job applications and the submission of current resumes.
Contention
While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to modernize the support provided for the unemployed, concerns persist regarding the increased pressure on claimants to comply with more stringent requirements. Critics might see these obligations as hurdles, particularly for those who face obstacles in the job market, including barriers related to technology and access to information. The effectiveness of mandatory counseling and workshops will depend significantly on the DWD's ability to implement and manage these new requirements competently.
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and authorizing the secretary of administration to transfer employees from any executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development for certain purposes. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and authorizing the secretary of administration to transfer employees from any executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development for certain purposes. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Defining "benefit year" and "temporary unemployment" in the employment security law, allowing the extension of temporary unemployment; requiring electronic report filing by certain employers, permitting discretion in appointments and terms for the temporary employment security board of review, delaying new account formation after certain business acquisitions, requiring the new unemployment insurance system to allow employer reports regarding claimant compliance and authorizing the legislative coordinating council to extend new system implementation deadlines.