Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Chamber Supports Part-Time Worker UI Bill
The Maryland Chamber testified yesterday in support of legislation that would extend unemployment insurance eligibility to certain part-time workers.
The bill would authorize that an individual who is only able to work part-time be deemed eligible for unemployment benefits if he or she is actively seeking part-time work.
The Maryland Chamber, with several other organizations representing both employers and employees, testified in favor of the legislation. Ron Adler, President of Laurdan Associates and Chair of the Chamber’s Unemployment Insurance Subcommittee, testified on behalf of the Chamber.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce supports the bill because it would help the economy by putting money back into the economy. Also, the current law is outdated, and defines a worker as fully employed or fully unemployed, not accounting for the growing presence of the part-time work force. Individuals who have a history of only part-time work, work in an industry that primarily only hires part-time employees, and are only looking for part-time work is not considered unemployed and not eligible for benefits. The legislation would create a separate category to assist these individuals.
Click here to read the Maryland Chamber’s full legislative position statement on SB 270.
View the video below to see Adler discuss SB 270 and Tuesday’s hearing. For more information, contact Maryland Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Allyson Black at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
