January 29, 2010
The Honorable Thomas M. Middleton
Finance Committee
3 East, Miller Senate Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Senator Middleton:
SB107 would provide for an alternative method to determine the base period for unemployment insurance purposes under specified circumstances, alter provisions relating to benefit eligibility of specified part-time workers, and create an additional training benefit for specified individuals. In addition it would provide that specified training benefits may not be charged to employers, and provide for the calculation and limit for the additional training benefits; etc.
The Legislative Committee of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill. This act will increase employers’ liability since increased benefits will far exceed tax revenue. The stimulus monies received for making these changes will only offset the additional benefits for a relatively short period of time, and merely postpone the need for higher taxes. In addition, the Committee believes that changes are needed in a bill such as this that would eliminate sick pay benefits, dependent allowances and benefits granted to voluntary quits unrelated to the job; as well as changes to limit benefits during training.
We ask that your committee give this bill a negative report.
Sincerely,
Richard Haddad
President
CC: Senator Larry E. Haines