The House Finance Committee has advanced a bill designed to subtly alter the unemployment trust fund in the state. The legislation, known as S. B. 841, will gradually lower the unemployment checks given to individuals over time, while simultaneously increasing the amount that employers contribute to the fund. The bill was passed on a 14-9 vote after an extended three and a half hours of discussion, and it is now set to go before the House floor in the final week of the regular legislative session.

Delegate John Hardy, the vice chairman of the Finance Committee, expressed conflicted feelings over the bill, calling it a hot mess, yet also endorsing it for advancement. According to Hardy, the bill was abruptly introduced by the Senate. Despite this, Hardy believes the bill would contribute to the long-term stability of the unemployment trust fund. He said, “I think this is a long-term solution to the pressure we are seeing on the fund, adding, “I’m not going to let the perfect be the enemy of the good to get this done and make sure we are securing our long-term plan.

West Virginia labor organizations criticized the advancement of the bill, with Josh Sword, president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, expressing disappointment over the potential cut in the number of weeks that unemployment is available and the gradual decrease in benefits over time. The bill proposes a maximum of 24 weeks of unemployment eligibility, down from the current 26-week maximum.

Interestingly, officials from Workforce West Virginia defended the changes, arguing that they could stabilize the unemployment fund. Delegate Larry Rowe, however, was skeptical, questioning the fund’s ability to sustain a 10 percent unemployment rate for 91 weeks without running out of money.

Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher and Delegate Clay Riley expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its potential for restoring stability to the unemployment system and providing a cushion for those who lose their jobs. The bill, if enacted, would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2025.

The discussion above highlights how legislative discussions around unemployment benefits can be complex and multifaceted. For job seekers and beneficiaries of unemployment benefits, keeping track of how these changes impact them is crucial. If you are facing trouble understanding the unemployment benefit process or need to find a way to contact the unemployment office, consider reaching out to agencies who specialize in such services, such as eddcaller.com for personalized assistance. They can provide specific information and tips on how to get through to EDD live person, when you need to address your employment compensation-related questions or concerns.