SENATE PROTECTS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR HARD-WORKING MAINERS

Measure protects benefits for those unemployed through no fault of their own

AUGUSTA—Today, in a 19—15 vote, the Senate passed a bill to protect the benefits received by unemployed workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

“People who are laid off are in a tough spot trying to survive on unemployment compensation and still pay their bills,” said Senator John Patrick, D-Rumford, the Senate chair of the Labor Committee and co-sponsor of the bill. “Laid-off workers depend on the security of their unemployment check while they get back on their feet. We shouldn’t be delaying that.”

The measure allows employees who have not yet been compensated for unused vacation time to remain eligible for unemployment compensation beginning the week they are unemployed.  If passed, LD 1198, “An Act to Protect Earned Pay” would undo last session’s Republican-backed bill which forced unemployed workers to use up their earned vacation time prior to collecting unemployment insurance.

“When you work hard, play by the rules, and still lose your job through no fault of your own, the least you deserve is the unemployment benefit you’ve earned while you get back on your feet,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

The average weekly benefit of unemployment compensation is slightly more than $270 per week.

Senator Patrick added, “It is arbitrary, unfair, and discriminatory that laid-off workers are treated differently based on whether they have used their vacation.”

LD 1198, An Act to Protect Earned Pay, faces more votes in the Senate and the House.

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