On the Bipartisan Unemployment Insurance Program Integrity and Improved Administration Framework

Washington, DC – Following is a statement from Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of the National Employment Law Project, on the framework proposed by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) relating to unemployment insurance (UI) integrity.

“NELP applauds Senators Wyden and Crapo for announcing their bipartisan framework for legislation which would set new national standards improving workers’ access to UI and ensuring that workers are not unfairly forced to pay back long-spent benefits.

“We are encouraged that this framework incorporates new access and technology requirements for online claim filing systems and for in-person alternatives. At the same time, we are concerned about provisions that would lengthen the statute of limitations for pursuing overpayments and enable states to retain a portion of recovered overpayments rather than putting that money back into the state trust funds from which UI benefits are paid.

“Despite its limitations, NELP is pleased to see this framework introduced. We are happy to be part of this critical conversation and hope this effort leads to bipartisan support for broader UI reform legislation. Unemployment insurance supports economic recovery and serves as a critical bridge to reemployment for workers, so reforms that strengthen the UI system deserve strong bipartisan support.”