Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/15/2008 10:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB120 | |
| SB209 | |
| SB243 | |
| SB254 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 209 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 254 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 120
"An Act relating to the calculation and payment of
unemployment compensation benefits; and providing for
an effective date."
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT Work Draft for SB 120, 25-
LSO622/N, Wayne, 3/14/08.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED.
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, SENATOR STEDMAN, explained that
there are three main changes:
· Sec. 9, line 7, changed to 2 year phase in for the
decreased contribution rate paid by the employer.
Instead of going from 80% to 73% in one year, the
phase in would be 76% beginning January 1, 2009 and
73% beginning January 1, 2010.
· Page 6, line 13, Sec. 10 creates the two year phase
in for the increased contribution rate paid by the
employee. The rate would change to 24% beginning
January 1, 2009 and 27 % beginning January 1, 2010.
· Sec. 13, 14 and 15 have been deleted. He explained
that section 13 was a conforming amendment that is no
longer needed with the deletion of section 14.
Section 14 is the automatic annual recalculation of
the benefit amount (escalator clause). Sec. 15 was
deleted as it conflicted with federal law. He
referenced the handout of federal tax code Chapter 23
- Federal Unemployment Tax Act (On File).
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO OBJECTION, CSSB120 (FIN) 25-LSO622/N, Wayne,
3/14/08 was adopted.
10:10:03 AM
DANA OWEN, STAFF, SENATOR ELLIS, presented SB 120. He
informed the Committee that for the last 11 years the
maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployment insurance has
remained at $248. He explained that the intent of SB 120 is
to raise unemployment insurance to $370.
Senator Olson asked if the Sponsor agreed with the changes
in the Committee Substitute.
Mr. Owen said the Sponsor is fine with the change and
believes it is an improvement to the bill.
Senator Olson asked if those effected by the changes in the
CS have commented on the change.
10:12:37 AM
Mr. Owen acknowledged that the escalator clause may not stay
in the bill. He explained that members of both houses have
discussed the automatic adjustment to benefit amounts
(escalator clause, Sec. 15). There are many who oppose
these adjustments and Senator Ellis had anticipated this and
discussed the issue with others, but there is no public
testimony on record regarding the changes.
Senator Thomas said he is pleased to see the increase in the
amount. He would prefer to see the escalator clause in the
bill, but is not concerned with its removal.
10:14:26 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to REPORT CSSB 120(FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED and asked if the Administration
had an opinion on the bill.
10:15:24 AM
PAULA SCAVERA, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, said there was no comment from the
Department.
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
AT EASE: 10:16:20 AM
RESUME: 10:17:17 AM
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