On August 11, 2021 the US Department of Labor released a series of documents describing how it intends to use the $2 billion in funds to assist with UI Modernization and addressing Fraud in the UI system. These funds were part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that responded to systems and integrity needs [...]
In May 2021, Governor Mike DeWine notified the United States Department of Labor that Ohio would be terminating its administration of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) and the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (“MEUC”, together with the FPUC the “Temporary Federal UI Programs”) programs. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Restaurant [...]
On June 23rd Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed SB 1202, the implementing bill companion to the state budget for the biennium ending June 30, 2023. Included in the bill was a provision that would impose a tremendous reporting burden for employers doing business in the state of Connecticut. The legislation dramatically expands the requirements for quarterly reports [...]
On July 12, 2021, the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration provided guidance to states with respect to the transition from the temporary unemployment benefit programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. A link to the guidance may be found at doleta.gov. Highlights of this UI PL No. 14-21, Change [...]
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today released a statement providing guidance on the use of $350 Billion in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The release provided below includes links to a description of permissible uses and the allocation of funds by state and county. Local governments should expect to receive funds in two [...]
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte announced that by June 27 Montana will end its participation in the federal supplemental unemployment benefit program that provides the jobless with an additional $300 a week and replace it with return to work bonuses. Congress enacted the supplement in its Covid legislation, but Governor Gianforte noted that it has become a [...]
A national policy discussion is in progress with respect to Unemployment Insurance and the dramatic increases in payments to individuals who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 and the ensuing economic recession. What support is appropriate? How should it be delivered? How can identity theft and fraud be avoided? How should the system be financed? Is [...]
On April 20, 2021 business associations joined in a letter of opposition to unemployment insurance amendment provisions that were included in HR 1620 as it passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 17th. The letter raised a series of reasons for opposition, including: The amendment would impose a federal mandate that would be inconsistent with [...]
Potential State UI trust fund Impact after September 6th for States Remaining "On" After a year of extremely high unemployment rates, regular extended unemployment compensation is beginning to trigger off in many states. The triggering off is due to reductions in the Total Unemployment Rate below 6.0% and the fact that the number of claims filed [...]
The American Rescue Plan Act passed the US House of Representatives March 10, 2021. President Biden is expected to sign the Act into law. Attached is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as it passed the House and is scheduled to be signed by President Biden. The text is posted at www.congress.gov, click on H.R. [...]
