Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-12 Senate Journal Page 0063 SB 30 SENATE BILL NO. 30 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the calculation and payment of unemployment compensation benefits; and providing for an effective date." 2001-01-12 Senate Journal Page 0064 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Labor and Work Force Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Halford: Alaska's economy includes many seasonal industries with employees who rely on their unemployment benefits to fill the gaps between times of work. The current rate of unemployment insurance payments falls woefully short in helping families cover living expenses. Alaska's unemployment insurance provides the lowest percentage of the state's average weekly wage of any state. Our maximum weekly th benefit amount of $248 ranks 50 of the 50 states. To correct this inadequacy, I am transmitting this bill to increase unemployment insurance benefits and then index the benefits to the state's average weekly wage, so that future adjustments would be automatic and synchronized to the state's economy. Under this bill, the maximum weekly benefit amount would increase January 1, 2002, to $284. Those earning $31,250 or more per year would be eligible for this maximum benefit. A year later, the maximum weekly benefit amount would be indexed to the average weekly wage in the state for the preceding fiscal year, set at fifty percent of that wage. Based on current projections, the maximum weekly benefit amount in 2003 would be $320 for those claimants who earned $35,500 or more. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor