During the final night of the regular legislative session, and after many heated arguments, West Virginia lawmakers presented and approved a new version of the much-debated unemployment bill. Delegates passed the bill with a 66-31 vote, while senators approved it later with a 24-7 vote.
Unemployment Bill Brings Stability or Discord?
The Senate leadership voiced their support for the bill's ratification, stating it would stabilize West Virginia's unemployment trust fund. "It's there for the stability of the fund. It ensures the certainty of those unfortunate losing their jobs. Then there's predictability for our employers", commented Senator Eric Nelson, R-Kanawha.
Nonetheless, delegates were more reluctant about the same legislation. The delegates put the unemployment legislation on the inactive calendar for some days, opposed versions of the bill in private caucus, and discussed horse trading openly. "Why is it so vital for the unemployment bill to be passed at such a rushed moment?" questioned Delegate Jordan Bridges, R-Logan.
Trust Fund Freezed - Beneficial or Detrimental Decision?
Delegate Clay Riley, R-Harrison, explained that the bill was modified to be more compatible than its prior versions. He said, "I believed this could be a somewhat better solution." In his subsequent argument in favor of ratification, Riley mentioned that the bill enforces financial predictability on West Virginia's unemployment trust fund.
The latest House variant of the unemployment bill freezes employer contributions to the unemployment trust fund at $9,500, with a maximum benefit of $662 set for those unemployed. It maintains the maximum number of weeks at 26. Further, it mandates at least four weekly work search activities, like registering with the state's labor exchange system or taking a civil service exam.
The Future of Unemployment and The Rushed Legislation
Delegate Adam Vance, R-Wyoming, who witnessed the upswings and downturns of the coal industry, expressed worries that this bill could affect those losing their jobs. He stated that the rushed bill could lead to unfortunate future outcomes. "I have my people to look out for," Vance expressed.
S.B. 841, gotten clearance from a Senate Committee two weekends prior as a bill that utilized West Virginia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to determine the maximum number of weeks of benefit eligibility. This Senate version of the unemployment bill received backlash for being introduced amidst the loss of hundreds of jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs in Weirton and Allegheny Wood Products scattered around the state.
Delegates moved it to the inactive calendar shortly after the bill progressed toward a passage vote. This decision resulted in a standoff with the Senate, holding legislative activity to a minimum during the final two days of the session.
After 5 p.m. on Saturday, delegates shifted a new bill version back to the active calendar, pushing it to the top of bills under consideration. Democrats objected to having the bill read aloud in lieu of its explanation, leading to a House clerk reading the nearly 30 pages aloud.
Delegate John Williams, D-Monongalia, commented: "There have been so many different iterations of this bill, and I'm fearful that in the short term, we're going to keep the benefits the same but not increase it with inflation." Delegate Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, also expressed her disapproval of the legislation. She commented, "I don't think we have a problem; we shouldn't be cutting unemployment. We've had two large employers close, leaving about 2,000 people recently out of work."
