On Tuesday, the DC Council took a big step to help jobless DC residents get more assistance ‘ a move that also will allow the District to receive critical federal dollars during these tough economic times. It’s a clear win-win situation.
By a unanimous vote, the council approved Bill 18-455, “Unemployment Compensation Reform Act of 2009.” The bill makes several changes to the city’s unemployment insurance system, which will increase benefits for specific groups of jobless residents. The changes will give:
- More Assistance for Workers with Children and other Dependents: Jobless workers receiving unemployment compensation will get an additional $15 weekly payment for each dependent relative, up to $50.
- More Assistance for Jobless Workers in Training. Unemployed workers who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits will be able to continue receiving benefits if they are enrolled in training for a high-demand occupation.
- Unemployment Assistance to Workers Who Leave their Jobs for Compelling Family Reasons. Workers who must leave their jobs due to a spousal relocation, to care for an ill family member, or to escape domestic violence are now eligible for unemployment compensation.
Adopting these changes allows the District to qualify for $18 million in federal stimulus funds, which will help cover the costs of the expansions.
The new law also extends the amount of time jobless workers have to make an appeal when their application for unemployment benefits is denied, from 10 days to 15 days.
Unemployment insurance is one of the most effective economic stabilizers during a downturn, such as the current recession which pushed DC unemployment to a record-high of 12 percent at the end of last year. Unemployment compensation helps keeps jobless workers on their feet as they pursue training and work opportunities. Modernizing and broadening our unemployment compensation system will help our neighbors as well as our city remain steady as we work toward recovery.
The legislation passed this week is a permanent version of a bill passed on a temporary basis last fall. All permanent bills in DC needs two votes by the Council, and the second vote on the unemployment bill will likely take place at the Council’s May 4 legislative session. The bill will then first move to Mayor Fenty’s desk for his signature, and then to Congress for final approval.
In the end, the bill is a win for everyone. Jobless workers will get the financial boost they need to keep paying bills and pursuing training as they look for work. And the District will collect $18 million in federal stimulus dollars for making our system better.
