The House Labor Committee approves legislation that would increase Louisiana unemployment benefits by $28 a week and an amendment was added that would give out a $1,000 bonus to individuals who get off unemployment and find a full-time job.
“With that $1,000 you can put it in the bank, you can buy groceries, whatever it may be, and then you wouldn’t qualify for the unemployment benefit for 24 weeks” said Monroe Representative Mike Echols.
Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews reluctantly supported the amendment. He said the only other option to get people to go back to work is to cut off federally enhanced benefits.
“I encourage the rest of you to consider the option that some of the other states are doing, returning that federal funding saying, you know what we aren’t going to do this we need our people to go to work,” said Crews. “But I think this (amendment) is a very valid alternative.”
Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox said he’s concerned about the 24-week ban on accepting benefits for those who take the bonus.
“This is a right-to-work state, I can hire you for a week and then come in and say that I don’t need you anymore. That is going to be a problem,” said Cox.
There were other concerns raised by committee members over just how the bonuses would be administered, and whether or not unemployment funds can actually be used or restricted in this way.
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