NFIB

NFIB Unemployment Compensation Task Force Chairman Shane Fedeli was joined by state Reps. Mike Turzai and Bob Mensch for a statewide conference call to talk with NFIB members about a new package of reforms to make Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation system fairer and more consistent with laws in other states. Pennsylvania has one of the most expensive compensation systems that is preventing companies from coming to Pennsylvania and could drive businesses out of the state.

This year, employers will pay about $2 billion in unemployment comp benefits. The employers' average unemployment compensation tax rate is estimated at 5 percent.

Fedeli urged NFIB members who are concerned about state unemployment compensation rules to get involved with NFIB's Unemployment Compensation Task Force. To join, please contact Gwenn Dando at 717-232-8582.

The following reforms are included in the legislative package:

• HB 787 -- Allows referees to dismiss case if the claimant fails to appear for the hearing.
• HB 1473 -- Requires workers who voluntarily quit their jobs and seek compensation to have a reason attributable to their employment.
• HB 1472 -- Claimants who become unemployed due to "willful misconduct" be ineligible for benefits.
• HB 1542 -- Requires UC claimants to participate in job search programs.
• HB 1831 --Allows employers and claimants to access to written statements relating to the separation from employment.
• HB 1375 -- Defines "average working wage" and "suitable work," clarifies determination of contribution rate and also provides for the qualifications required to secure compensation and for the rate and amount of compensation.
• HB 1906 -- Clarifies the timely filing of relief from charges for an employer is who is otherwise entitled to relief.
• HR 445 -- Requires a study to evaluate the cost benefit of current telephone application (PAT) system and online application system that replaced local unemployment compensation service centers and requirements that claimants make initial interviews in person.
• Awaiting Introduction -- Allow self-employed corporate officers to collect benefits when they become unemployed through no fault of their own.