Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its support for a legislative proposal aimed at encouraging unemployed individuals in Missouri to return to work. Senate Bill 8, introduced by Senator Mike Bernskoetter, seeks to adjust the duration of unemployment benefits based on the state's unemployment rate.

During a recent session of the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Senator Bernskoetter explained that under the current legislation, individuals can receive unemployment benefits for up to 20 weeks. The proposed bill would implement a sliding scale system where the length of benefits is linked to Missouri's unemployment rate. If the rate exceeds 9%, the maximum duration would remain at 20 weeks. Conversely, if the rate drops to or below 3.5%, benefits would be limited to eight weeks.

"I don’t want to punish people that can’t find a job, but we can’t reward people that will not find a job," stated Bernskoetter.

Luke Reed, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber, voiced his support for SB 8 during his testimony. "Tying the unemployment rate to the duration of benefits paid out makes sense because we need to protect the Unemployment Trust Fund for times when the employment rate is high. We want to make sure it is solvent and we don’t need federal backing," Reed remarked.

A similar measure, House Bill 771, is being sponsored by Representative John Hewkin.

For further details, Luke Reed can be contacted via email at lreed@mochamber.com or by phone at 573-300-1450.