In March, the Kansas Department of Labor announced that the state’s unemployment rate is the highest it has been in 25 years. To help struggling Kansans during this difficult economic time, Rep. Raj Goyle, D-Wichita, introduced legislation last month to bring nearly $70 million in federal stimulus money to the state. The legislation contained two important provisions that strengthen the state's unemployment laws. Today, the House gave preliminary approval to the first provision that will draw down $23 million from stimulus funds.
House Bill 2374 will modify the method of determining a worker’s base wage period and increase the number of workers eligible for unemployment benefits.
“As we learned last month, a record number of Kansans find themselves out of work through no fault of their own,” said Goyle. “Many are hardworking employees of Hawker Beechcraft, Cessna and other companies in south central Kansas. The passage of House Bill 2374 puts us one step closer to getting unemployed Kansans the help they need to stay afloat during this economic downfall.”
Approval on Final Action is expected this afternoon or tomorrow morning. House Bill 2374 will then advance to the Senate for consideration.