May 4, 2005

CONTACT: Andrew J. Friedman 202-637-3463

WASHINGTON, D.C. -– UWC and the National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers’ Compensation are pleased to announce the publication of the 2005 state unemployment insurance “Wrap Up” bulletin. “The Bulletin provides a unique opportunity to get up to speed on recent legislation and trends affecting employers in the ever-changing state unemployment compensation laws,” UWC legislative counsel and bulletin author Andrew Friedman explained. The bulletin summarizes unemployment insurance legislative and administrative changes adopted in all fifty states and the District of Columbia in 2004. (Changes adopted in 2005 will be reported in next year’s bulletin.)

“In 2004, Arizona, Minnesota, and Missouri had significant unemployment insurance amendments. These changes are designed to streamline unemployment insurance systems and reduce costs, while ensuring that there is enough money in state trust funds to ensure that legitimate claimants receive benefits,” Mr. Friedman said. He noted that concerns about trust fund solvency are also encouraging states to be more vigilant about pursuing fraudulent claims and recouping any overpayments. “Alaska, Connecticut, and Utah all enacted new provisions in 2004 related to fraud and overpayments. We expect that more states will do so in 2005.”

Mr. Friedman also noted that in 2004 California, Idaho, and South Carolina enacted laws addressing the unemployment insurance tax practice known as “SUTA Dumping.” The 2004 federal SUTA Dumping law requires states to amend their laws by the end of 2005. These new laws will be a significant part of the 2005 bulletin.

UWC members may access the Bulletin at no charge on the Members Only page of the UWC website.

Print copies of the 2005 UI Wrap Up Bulletin are available for just $20 for UWC members and $25 for nonmembers, a price that includes shipping and handling. The bulletin can be ordered online through the UWC Bookshop. Simply click on “Book Shop” and then “Online Bookshop” to order electronically, or print out an order form to submit by fax or mail by clicking on “Other National Foundation Publications.” Or call us at (202) 637-3464.

-UWC-