|
Griffo Urges State
Department of Labor to Take Action Now to Get
People Back to Work
Published: May 27, 2021 at 01:15 p.m.
By: Press Release from Senator Griffo’s
Office
Griffo to DOL: Take
action now to get people back to work
New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome,
was joined today by representatives of the local business community to urge
the state Department of Labor to take action to get people back to work and
help struggling businesses.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals receiving unemployment
benefits have collected more money than they were earning at their jobs
thanks in part to an enhanced federal benefit providing an additional $300
a week to those who are eligible. This enhanced benefit has made it
difficult for employers to fill open positions and to have employees return
to work.
Many states have recognized this significant issue and are taking action to
address it. More than two dozen have announced that they will end enhanced
federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits early. Others are offering one-time
financial incentives and payments to unemployed workers who accept a job.
However, in New York, this extra payment is expected to continue through
Sept. 5, 2021.
At today’s news conference, Sen. Griffo offered
several suggestions that can help the state address this issue, including
dropping the enhanced federal benefit and/or offering financial incentives
as other states are doing.
Sen. Griffo also suggested implementing
legislation (S6771) he has introduced that would provide an incentive for
employees to return to work by having the state subsidize the difference
between their pay for work and the amount they were earning while
unemployed. This arrangement would only take place during this designated
pandemic period.
Additionally, Sen. Griffo said that individuals
who are offered their old job but refuse it should forfeit their benefits.
If someone turns down a job that is comparable to the one that they lost
through no fault of their own, they would no longer be eligible for
unemployment benefits.
“From accessibility problems to identify theft to overpayments, the state
Department of Labor and the state’s unemployment system has continued to be
plagued by issues, challenges and problems during the coronavirus
pandemic,” Sen. Griffo said. “While
I recognize that COVID-19 has created significant economic hardships for
New Yorkers and their families, I believe my legislation will get people
back to work, help struggling businesses and companies and save the state
money.”
###
|
