Posts Tagged ‘SB 990’

Senate Bill 990 allows six week extension for about 18,600 unemployed

An estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians who were about to lose unemployment benefits will receive a six-week extension because of a bill passed this morning in the Oregon Senate. Senate Bill 990, a key part of the Oregon Senate Democrats’ agenda for the February session, passed the chamber by a unanimous vote.

“The most important thing the Oregon legislature can do right now is to provide meaningful help for hardworking Oregonians who are struggling to survive in this difficult economy,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “The emergency unemployment benefits in this bill will allow thousands of Oregon families to put food on the table and a roof over their heads while they continue to look for work.”

The unemployment extension in SB 990 has the added benefit of providing dollars that go directly into local communities. Checks are often used to pay rent and buy groceries and other essentials.

“The fact that this is the first bill to be voted on the Senate floor this session is an indication of our priorities – getting people back to work,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “During this short session, we will continue to focus on what matters most to Oregonians – creating jobs, helping families make ends meet, and supporting our struggling businesses.”

SB 990 will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The extension is estimated to last until mid-April.

Bills extend unemployment benefits and increase small businesses’ access to capital

Two bills that are a major part of the Senate Democrats’ February jobs agenda moved out a Senate committee today. Two bills, one extending unemployment insurance benefits and one making it easier for small businesses to access capital, were voted out of the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee by a unanimous vote.

“These bills are perfect examples of our commitment to getting Oregonians back to work and supporting small businesses this session,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Committee.

Senate Bill 990 uses $19 million in the unemployment trust fund to give Oregonians a six week extension in much-needed benefits. The funds are available after a 2009 extension was supplemented by federal stimulus dollars, leaving a remaining balance for a new extension. SB 990 will be voted on by the full Senate within the week.

“Oregonians need to be able to feed their families while they continue to look for work,” said Rosenbaum. “This six week extension will help over 18,000 workers who have already exhausted their Federal benefits.”

Senate Bill 1017 was also voted out of committee today. That bill gives small businesses better access to the capital they need through the Oregon Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund and the Oregon Business Development Fund.

“This bill will help small businesses in rural and urban areas across the state and it will further the entrepreneurial spirit that is so important to Oregon,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington Co./Portland), the bill’s chief sponsor.

Senate committee will hold hearing Monday, move bill on Wednesday

This coming Monday, on the opening day of the February session, the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will hold an informational hearing on extending unemployment insurance benefits to an estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians.

“While job creation remains the number one priority in this building, we have a responsibility to make sure that those Oregonians who are struggling to find work are able to put food on the table and take care of their children said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Committee.

A legislative proposal utilizes $19 million in the unemployment trust fund from a similar extension passed in the 2009 session. Federal stimulus dollars supplemented that extension, leaving a remaining balance for a new extension.

“The February session is about responding to emerging issues and looking out for the unemployed continues to be a priority of immense importance,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Supporting Oregonians who are looking for work is a cornerstone of the Senate Democrats’ priorities for the February session.”

The Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will meet Wednesday, February 3 at 3:30, to consider action on SB 990, a bill that extends unemployment benefits. The bill will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The $19 million is estimated to last until mid-April with eligible claimants receiving no more than 6 weeks of additional benefits.