House Approves Unemployment Reform Legislation (SB 28)

While our economy is showing some positive signs of life, our state continues to deal with the repercussions of the economic downturn of 2008-2009. One of the lasting effects of that difficult moment in our nation’s history is the enormous economic burden it placed on our state as we paid for unemployment benefits for the many Missourians who lost their jobs. The dramatic increase in Missourians on unemployment also prompted us to take a closer look at the way the system works. Specifically we want to make sure our unemployment system is sustainable so that it can continue to provide benefits to Missourians while they do their best to return to work.

A bill we passed this week that is now on its way to the governor’s desk would reform our unemployment system to ensure it is protected for those who need it –  Missourians who lose their jobs by no fault of their own. As the law stands now, it is possible for individuals to collect benefits even after being fired for offenses like sleeping on the job. The law simply denies benefits to those who are fired because of “misconduct” in the workplace.

The change we authorized would expand the definition of misconduct to deny unemployment benefits to those who lose employment because they are chronically absent from work or knowingly violate the rules of their employer. The bill would protect those who unknowingly violate a workplace policy, or who violate a policy that is unlawful. The bottom line is that this change would preserve unemployment benefits for hard-working Missourians who are laid off or who lose their jobs by no fault of their own. It’s a change we hope the governor will sign as it represents a positive step forward in protecting our unemployment system from potential waste, fraud and abuse.

For more information on SB 28, please click on the following link:

http://www.senate.mo.gov/13info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=16944753