Unemployment Comp Reform Revived in Eleventh Hour Compromise

A plan to reform the state's unemployment compensation benefits is back on track after looking dead earlier in the week. On the final day of the legislative session, an apparent deal has been struck between the House and Senate, who had previously been unable to agree on the reform package.

The bill will require claimants to undergo a skills assessment test to help line up their abilities with job openings, make it easier for employers to challenge claims and halt payments to people who live outside the state or are in jail. The main sticking point, though, was a proposed decrease in the maximum number of weeks that claimants can receive. The House wanted to reduce the maximum weeks from 26 to 20, while the Senate wanted to keep the max at 26 weeks. The compromise bill maxes out state unemployment compensation benefits at 23 weeks.

"Ithink some of you wanted to cut the weeks anyway so that will make you happy," Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, who sponsored the bill, told her fellow members.

The bill now heads to the House for final approval.