Supporters think governor's unemployment program will help people find jobs faster

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/money/supporters-think-governor-s-unemployment-program-will-help-people-find/article_7acbb6cd-559f-52d9-bbad-534f0e180384.html

POSTED: MONDAY, JULY 13, 2015 12:30 AM
Steve Jordon and Janice Podsada / World-Herald staff writers

Many local businesses and nonprofits are applauding Nebraska’s new re-employment program that will require job seekers to put some hustle into their job search as soon as they’re eligible for unemployment benefits.

“I think this is fantastic,” said Virginia Kiviranta, senior staffing manager with Noll Human Resources Services in Omaha and an officer with the Human Resources Association of the Midlands. “You’ve got to find a way to streamline the process and make the person more accountable for their own search.”

Most people who register for unemployment insurance work hard at finding another job, she said, but some are “working the system” to collect payments without a real interest in finding work.

Kiviranta said Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan, announced last week, would help people who are seriously trying to find jobs and won’t exclude people unfairly from unemployment benefits.

FULL story at link.

[yallerdawg]

1. I don't know...

If you are eligible for unemployment compensation - you lost your job and weren't fired for cause - the state shouldn't be adding additional conditions. All working people pay into the unemployment insurance pool. As consumers, we are all charged that additional cost.

The state provides unemployment benefits for 26 weeks, although the period may be extended under certain circumstances. The average benefit is about $250 a week, said Albin, the labor commissioner.

In May the state distributed about $4 million in unemployment benefits, down from a high, in recent years, of $40 million in March 2009.

How about the 50, 60 year old who just lost a great job and now can barely cover the bills for $250 a week (taxable income)? Must prove you have been rejected by at least two employers each week, and other stipulations?

At some point, Republicans just have to let that money go - it isn't theirs anymore! It's ours!