Brad Jones, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, released the following statement today on House Bill 150, a plan to link the number of weeks an individual could collect unemployment benefits to the state unemployment rate itself:
“Tying the unemployment rate to the number of weeks of benefits only makes sense. If there are more jobs then it only stands to reason that people would need less time to find work.
“Raising the threshold limit is a good idea because our fund has gone broke for the last five recessions. Although it is no guarantee that the fund won’t once again run into trouble, it certainly lessens the impact on employers. Other states have found it advantageous to bond their indebtedness. Missouri hasn’t even considered the option. This bill would at least require us to look at it.”
“When the state has to borrow from the federal government it is never in the best interest of Missouri employers because they demand to be paid back with interest. Having a healthy unemployment fund is certainly a better option for small business owners.
“On behalf of our members, we’re urging the House to give final approval to H.B. 150 as soon as possible and for the Senate to approve the measure as well.”
NFIB/Missouri is the state’s leading small-business association with over 8,500 dues-paying members representing a cross section of Missouri’s economy.
