Contact: Louisa Tavlas
Mobile: 571-527-6403
Email: ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 12, 2024 – The Niskanen Center applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Unemployment Insurance Integrity and Accessibility Act. Led by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID), the legislation would require state participation in critical unemployment insurance (UI) database systems, create new incentives for state governments to pursue and recover overpayments, and promote more accessible online filing systems for workers to promptly and accurately file for earned benefits.
“State UI agencies have struggled with improper payments and inefficient claims processes for too long,” says Niskanen Center employment policy analyst Will Raderman. “Chair Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo developed thoughtful legislation that will lead to improved detection of fraud risks and increased benefit access for eligible workers.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed grave challenges for UI agencies in quickly delivering benefits to legitimate claimants while protecting federal and state taxpayers from sophisticated criminal actors,” adds David Jimenez, Niskanen’s social policy government Affairs manager. “We applaud the Senate Finance Committee’s leadership in introducing a robust and comprehensive proposal to set up our UI system for greater program performance, efficiency, and integrity.”
Niskanen’s research informs federal policymakers working towards an UI system that supports workers during temporary job loss, facilitates swift re-entry back into the workforce, and maintains high integrity standards.
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.