Business Leaders Stress Need for UC Reforms

Ohio’s unemployment insurance (UI) system is in a state of crisis. The Ohio Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which is funded by employers and pays out benefits to qualifying jobless workers, is insolvent.

Representative Barbara Sears (R-Maumee) has introduced legislation, House Bill 394, to reform Ohio’s Unemployment Insurance law and address the solvency of the Ohio Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

The Toledo Blade ran this op-ed (Jan. 3, 2016) from OMA president Eric Burkland, who said, “Ohio’s unemployment insurance system is in crisis. It not only is insolvent; it is also a deterrent to job creation and retention. A bill before the General Assembly is a prudent and long overdue response to a clear need for reform.”

The Canton Repository ran opposing opinions (Jan. 4, 2016) drawn up by OMA’s director, Public Policy Services, Rob Brundrett and Policy Matters Ohio.  Brundrett said:  “Employers and employees must share the burden of ensuring a sound system for the future.”

Roger R. Geiger, vice president and Ohio executive director for the National Federation of Independent Business, also filed this op-ed to the Cincinnati Enquirer (Dec.8, 2015), saying “Benefit payment amounts in Ohio are higher than the national average, and the federal unemployment tax imposed on Ohio employers exceeds that of all states except Connecticut.”

OMA members are encouraged to go on the record with their elected officials about the need for reforms; use the easy email tools here.