UI Benefits: The Facts

Earlier this month, Governor Gregoire signed into law a $45 increase in weekly unemployment benefits. On Tuesday, the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee approved a separate measure, Senate Bill 5809, which will use $28 million in Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund reserves to pay for worker retraining programs. By using unemployment insurance funds for retraining purposes, we turn a passive income–maintenance program into an active tool for economic development. This bill trains our unemployed for the jobs of tomorrow and for the jobs that need workers - now.

While it should be noted that the measure will result in a $14 weekly reduction in benefits, the unemployed still come out ahead because the Federal stimulus package will add $25 to their weekly benefits. When all is said and done, those collecting unemployment will actually see a $56 increase in their weekly benefits and important retraining programs will be funded.