If you’re collecting unemployment, you might soon be required to increase your work searches and keep your job interview appointments in order to keep your benefits. The House has passed HB 153 by a vote of 73-24. It’s written by Lafayette Republican Troy Hebert, who says he’d heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews.
“He said, ‘I’ve had eight people in a row fail to show up for an interview over the last two weeks. The American workforce isn’t what it used to be.’ And then he puts ‘Any of my government friends or other HR friends know what’s going on out there with unemployment,” Hebert said.
Hebert’s legislation would require those on unemployment to perform five work search actions a week, up from the current three.
“More opportunity searching for a job may help lead somebody to a job quicker,” Hebert said.
All but one of the 24 “no” votes were cast by Democrats. Among them was Matthew Willard of New Orleans, who expressed concerns that this was a way to get the state out of paying unemployment benefits.
“My concern with this bill is that it would make it easier for people to be pushed off of their unemployment benefits,” Willard said.
Hebert says the legislation would also result in disqualification for unemployment if they miss a scheduled job interview or do not accept a suitable job offer. The Louisiana Workforce Commission says it already disqualifies people under those conditions. This legislation would codify that practice into state law.
Hebert pointed out that in the year that the system has been in place, only 1% of those collecting unemployment benefits were subsequently deemed ineligible.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
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