In Support of Modernizing Unemployment Benefits in D.C.

Summary

On April 27, 2016, Claire McKenna testified before the Council of the District of Columbia in support of B21-370, which would modernize unemployment benefits in the District. By raising the maximum weekly benefit to $430, and ensuring that it does not erode in value in the future; making available up to 26 weeks of benefits to all District claimants; and strengthening claimant connections to work by improving partial UI rules, the Council would be taking the necessary steps to ensure that that the unemployment insurance program will remain a vital piece of the safety net for working families in the District of Columbia, today and in the inevitable next recession.