Press Release Archive

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

 

Governor Culver To Sign Bill Modernizing Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance System Today

Iowa will be first state to take action helping job seekers

DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver will sign Senate File 197, which will modernize Iowa’s unemployment insurance system to extend benefits for Iowans without work, and provide new funding to help job seekers find employment.  The bill – which passed the legislature with wide bi-partisan support -- will make Iowa the first state in the nation to comply with new federal guidelines under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to help job seekers during this national economic recession.

“As Governor, I am committed to doing everything I can to grow our economy and put Iowans back to work,” said Governor Culver.  “During these challenging economic times, we must protect the hard-working men and women of this state, and this bill will help us do just that.  I want to thank the legislature for passing this important legislation.  By making Iowa the first state in the nation to take this action, we are once again demonstrating our commitment to workers.”

The Iowa Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund stands to receive $71 million from the U.S. Department of Labor for enacting the following reforms:

  • The bill provides for more unemployed Iowans to claim benefits in the quarter they first become unemployed, helping to stimulate the economy by getting benefits out more quickly to Iowans.
  • The bill also provides for an additional 26 weeks of benefits for workers who enroll in high-demand or high-tech training programs. This will allow more Iowans to obtain the skills our economy demands while investing in our economy – all at no cost to employers.
  • Finally, the bill makes it easier to rehire returning veterans. This is done by not charging employers for claims filed by temporary workers who replaced active duty military employees.

NOTE:  The signing ceremony will now take place in the Capitol Rotunda.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009

WHAT:  Governor Culver will sign Senate File 197, an act modernizing Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance System.
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda
Iowa State Capitol
Des Moines, IA
WHEN: 2:00pm