News Archives
April 23, 2010
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, Star-Ledger, and State Leadership All Agree: Don't Cut Unemployment Benefits
As promised, Governor Chris Christie is continuing to cut state programs, making his latest target, the unemployed. The unemployment trust fund, which pays out weekly benefits to unemployed workers in New Jersey, is in dire need of resources. The fund was exhausted as a result of years of raiding from state leaders and the explosion of unemployment benefit claims following the recession. However, rather than placing a tax on business to support the unemployment fund, Governor Christie will cut benefits to the unemployed allowing for a more modest tax on employers. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, Star-Ledger, and leaders in the State Legislature, such as Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, all agree that cutting benefits to the most vulnerable families is not the right course of action. Governor Christie’s plan would reduce the top weekly benefit of $600 by $50, and it would require unemployed workers to wait one week before claiming benefits. New Jersey workers contributed to the unemployment fund with the understanding that benefits would be there if they need them. Cutting unemployment benefits is a cheap-shot to all New Jersey workers who play by the rules, contribute their fair share, and in their time of need get denied their due support. CLICK HERE for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO testimony before the Joint Senate and Assembly Labor Committee. CLICK HERE for the Star-Ledger article regarding unemployment benefit cuts.