#unemployment insurance

[racefortheironthrone]

Newsom's UI Veto Is a Sign of CA's Dysfunction on UI

Introduction:

While I'm not yet up to a full blogpost, I thought I'd chime in on social media to buttress a point that my colleague Erik Loomis made in regards to Gavin Newsom's veto of the Unemployment Insurance strike bill. While Erik is absolutely correct that Newsom's veto is a pretty nakedly anti-union move, (especially in the wake of a major entertainment industry strike in which management attempted to use the threat of eviction and foreclosure to break the union), I think the veto also reflects the dysfunction in the California Unemployment Insurance system.

California's UI System:

Back when I was a freelance policy analyst in grad school, I had the opportunity to write about a wide range of topics in social and economic policy - and it just so happened that one of those topics was unemployment insurance.

One of the problems with the U.S' social insurance system is that, because UI is a joint Federal-state program that's financed by state payroll taxes that are then forgiven against Federal taxation (or in the case of the pandemic or the Great Recession, Federal loans), there is a powerful incentive for states to under-tax and under-finance their UI systems and rely instead on the Federal backstop to keep the system ticking over.

For all of California's progressive reputation, it actually ranks towards the bottom of the national league tables when it comes to underfunding its UI system:

"Unemployment benefits in California are funded by a payroll tax on businesses, but the tax is so low and generates so little revenue that the state had to borrow $20 million from the federal government to provide benefits during the pandemic. In a veto message, Mr. Newsom said that $302 million in interest is due on the federal loan in September alone. “Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt,” he said." (source)

To be fair, California is not absolutely terrible - it's not Texas or Mississippi or Alabama - and a lot of its current predicament has to do with how hard California was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but even in good times, California taxes itself so lightly that it routinely owes the Federal government UI money. This creates another reason/excuse for the state government to not follow the California Labor Federation's lead and transform the UI system into something that can fight not just poverty but all forms of economic exploitation.

State Capacity:

Now, to my mind, this only makes it more imperative for the state to get its act together - and a big part of that is adopting labor's proposal for decoupling strikes and starvation through the UI system. As I see it, that goes hand in hand with raising minimum benefit levels, such that UI plus strike pay should allow people to live with dignity even during a long strike of 5-6 months duration, improved administration so that people don't have to wait three weeks to actually get their hands on their own money, and improved financing so that the system as a whole can actually work as an automatic stabilizer in economic crises.

To me, this is the essence of community unionism: we work to improve the lives of our members, and in so doing improve the lives of the entire community.

#u.s politics #california #california politics #gavin newsom #unemployment insurance #labor unions #trade unions #labor law #wga strike #sag aftra strike #social insurance

[newyorkthegoldenage]

When this woman, being escorted out of City Hall Park by a policeman, came to call on Mayor Walker on February 7, 1930, she headed a large body of unemployed men and women carrying banners. None of them succeeded in parading into City Hall, as police dispersed the band very quickly. Unemployment insurance and work were the chief demands made by the demonstrators.

Photo: Associated Press via Getty Images

#vintage New York #old New York #unemployment #Feb. 7 #February 7 #Great Depression #NY City Hall #Jimmy Walker #demonstration #unemployed #unemployment insurance

[dontmean2bepoliticalbut]

#us politics #memes #gop #conservatives #republicans #libertarians be like #fuck libertarians #libertarians #lolbertarians #ayn rand #paul ryan #rep. Paul Ryan #taxation isn't theft #taxation is theft and other lies by lolbertarians #welfare programs #unemployment insurance #regulations #federal regulations #deregulate deez nutz #infrastructure reform #social security #medicare

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

The Biden administration announced a series of measures Thursday to track down and punish fraudsters who scammed billions of taxpayer dollars that were supposed to provide relief to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden is pledging $1.6 billion to bolster law enforcement manpower and new programs that will be used to prosecute scammers, prevent fraud, and provide assistance to victims of identity theft.

“We want to not only capture them and get their funds, we want to send a signal to them that you can run, but you cannot hide,” said Gene Sperling, a Biden senior adviser who is overseeing the implementation of the COVID-relief plan.

THE LATEST

• The administration’s plans call for creating 10 Department of Justice “strike forces” that will include U.S. attorneys and other law enforcement officials to investigate COVID-relief fraud and help recover stolen tax dollars. The teams will target criminal syndicates and other major fraudsters. Three strike forces already are in place and have recovered millions of dollars in stolen relief funds, officials said.

• The administration also will propose increasing the statute of limitations to 10 years for fraud involving the pandemic Unemployment Insurance program, which has been hit especially hard by scammers.

• Some $300 million will be distributed to inspectors general at the Small Business Administration, the Department of Labor and the staff of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a government watchdog over pandemic spending. The money would be used to hire investigators and make sure they have the resources needed to pursue specialized cases of pandemic fraud.

• In his proposed budget to be released next week, Biden will offer a package of legislative reforms to prevent, detect and recover payments made improperly through the Unemployment Insurance program.

• Federal grants would be made to states to help modernize their information technology systems to enable them to respond more quickly to fraud, decrease erroneous payments and provide more efficient claims processing.

• New initiatives also would be put in place to identify victims of identity theft, including an early warning system to stop potentially fraudulent transactions before they occur and a one-stop shop to report identity crimes.

WHY IT MATTERS

The federal government distributed more than $5 trillion in pandemic relief under programs approved by Biden and former President Donald Trump. The money was distributed quickly, leading to an increase in fraud and other improper payments, such as those that shouldn’t have been made or were made in the wrong amount.

The Government Accountability Office reported last month that the extent of fraud in COVID-relief programs is not yet known but that the Unemployment Insurance program alone was believed to have made more than $60 billion in fraudulent payments.

From March 2020 to last January, at least 1,044 people pleaded guilty or were convicted of defrauding COVID relief programs, the GAO report said. Federal charges were pending against another 609 individuals or entities for attempting to defraud COVID-relief programs.

Also, the federal government gave $5.4 billion in COVID aid to small businesses with “questionable” Social Security numbers, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee reported in January. The watchdog identified nearly 70,000 questionable Social Security numbers used to obtain pandemic aid from two programs run by the Small Business Administration.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Republican-led House Oversight and Accountability Committee has opened an investigation into fraud in COVID-relief programs. The committee held its first hearing on the subject last month.

Sperling, however, said the administration’s anti-fraud package isn’t a direct response to the GOP investigations. Most of the proposals were being prepared before last November’s election, he said.

#us politics #news #usa today #2023 #president joe biden #biden administration #ppp loans #stimulus checks #pandemic response #covid relief #fraud #Gene Sperling #identity theft #Department of Justice #Unemployment Insurance #Small Business Administration #Department of Labor #Pandemic Response Accountability Committee #Government Accountability Office

[jhtechgeek2011]

Drivers lately, tight money, and unemployment woes

Drivers are really stupid lately. Parking halfway into traffic, speeding like it's the Daytona 500 just to stop at a red light or turn into the gas station, jumping out way into the intersection instead of stopping at the freaking stop sign/light like they're supposed to, etc. I was on my way home from my condo job and 3 cars almost hit my Lyft. One jumped far out into the intersection, one was speeding and swerving recklessly around cars going too slow for their liking and nearly hit us on our way out of my job's driveway, and the last driver pulled out from a parking space without looking at all and nearly ran right into us. I also then nearly got run over by a lady speeding through the intersection before my house like she was on the highway, had I looked down I'd have gotten hit, she was going that fast.

Money is really tight right now and jobs are hard to find as well. It took my boyfriend a month to find another job after his caregiving job ended because the elderly people he was helping went into hospice and passed away. He applied and looked every single day and really wanted to work and it still took that long for him to get hired. I am looking for a work-at-home side hustle and I have been for 2 or 3 months. It is ridiculous that with 2 jobs I still can't make ends meet completely. Like how do I need 2 jobs and a side hustle just to have enough to live on? It is RIDICULOUS right now with the inflation and this recession we are in. If they would raise the Federal minimum wage, the states would have to raise theirs, too and then these companies couldn't be out here paying people $9 an hour to bust their asses and still not be able to live. If they would just raise it to $15 an hour people could actually maybe make a decent livable wage but they don't, and then complain about the high unemployment rates and so many people getting government assistance.

And then there is unemployment which does NOT want to pay people the money they EARNED working. The entire point of unemployment is to be able to have money if you are fired through no fault of your own, but for something the employer chose to fire you for, as in not because you had too many no call no shows, but because they had to lower costs and downsized, for example. Or you can get it when your hours are reduced below 32 hours a week on a partial basis. But they will come up with any and every way to deny people the money they are owed. They will count 2 jobs together instead of like they are supposed to, counting them separately. They will tell you they need to call you about some information they don't have and never be available by phone, they will say they sent you some paperwork they never sent and deny you for not turning it in by some deadline you could never meet because the mail doesn't work that fast, literally anything so that they can say no and not pay.

#fed up with this shit #stupid drivers #so rude #unemployment insurance

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“FIVE-DAY WEEK; SIX-HOUR DAY’ - Labor’s Demand,” Vancouver Sun. February 22, 1933. Page 18. ---- TRADES' CONGRESS PROGRAM SUBMITTED TO B. C. GOV'T - RIGHTS OF CHILDREN TO EDUCATION ---- Enactment of legislation, along various lines, with a view of easing the burden of unemployment and increasing the purchasing power of the wage earner was sought recently by the Provincial Cabinet by the British Columbia executive of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada.

A comprehensive report of the legislation sought was placed before the Vancouver, New Westminster and District Trades and Labor Council at its regular meeting Tuesday evening, and received its endorsation. 

Principal among the proposals are: 

Limiting the working week to five days of six hours each; 

Maintenance of wages at a level which would not further jeopardize the standard of living of those affected;

National unemployment insurance. 

The meeting endorsed a resolution of the Bakers' Union seeking more rigid enforcement of the pure food laws. Complaint, was voiced against private individuals selling home bakery products in the curb markets. Such products, it was charged, were produced in bakeries which were not regularly inspected by health officials, nor were the products wrapped and labelled in accordance with regulations.

#victoria #vancouver #trades and labor congress of canada #trade unions #labour demands #union demands #new westminster #vancouver trades and labor council #working week #working class politics #health inspections #bakers' union #unemployment insurance #great depression in canada #british columbia politics

[irisdigitals]

(via Employment Insurance : Qualification, types and benefits of it)empl

#employment #unemployment #unemployment insurance #usa news #usajobs

[onemeandream]

Small Business Payroll Tax

Small business payroll tax runs about 1.25 to 1.4 times base pay. This adds a large figure to an employees overhead costs. Lets take a basic overview on whats required and how it effects your small business.

Small business payroll tax is just one part of the overhead cost of having employees. Overhead is a generic term referring to costs above normal operational costs. For employees, this means the costs above their base pay. This runs about 1.25 to 1.4 times their base pay (per year).  When an employee is promised $50,000 per year, you’re real cost is $62,000 – $70,000 per year. This does not…

View On WordPress

#disability insurance #featured #medicare #payroll tax #small business #unemployment insurance #withholding tax

[alucard007]

-Winston Churchill, 1911

#Winston Churchill #Unemployment insurance #1911

[theprivatewolf]

UAE Workers Face Fines as Deadline to Register for Unemployment Insurance Passes

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making significant strides in workers’ rights and social welfare, with the introduction of various schemes to protect and support employees. One such initiative is the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to workers who may find themselves without a job. However, with the deadline to register for this scheme having passed, UAE workers who haven’t enrolled may face fines. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this scheme, including its cost, subscription methods, and the consequences of failing to subscribe.

How Much Does the Scheme Cost to Join?

How to Subscribe to ILOE via SMS

Subscribing to the ILOE is a straightforward process, and it can be done via SMS. Follow these steps:

Compose a new SMS on your registered mobile number. Type “ILOE” followed by your Emirates ID number and your monthly salary (e.g., ILOE 123456789012345 5000).

Send the SMS to the specified number provided by the relevant authorities.

You will receive a confirmation message once your subscription is successfully processed.

Other Ways to Subscribe

While SMS is a convenient option, there are alternative methods for subscribing to the ILOE:

Online Portal: Visit the official UAE government website or the dedicated portal for the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. Fill out the required information and follow the instructions to complete your registration.

Service Centers: You can also visit designated service centers to register in person. Bring your Emirates ID and relevant documents to facilitate the process.

Fine for Failing to Subscribe

The UAE government has provided a grace period for workers to subscribe to the Unemployment Insurance Scheme. However, missing the registration deadline can result in fines. The fines for failing to subscribe can vary, so it’s essential to act promptly if you haven’t already enrolled.

Fine for Missing Installment

Once you’ve subscribed to the ILOE and become eligible for benefits, it’s crucial to make your contributions regularly and on time. Failure to pay your monthly installments can lead to fines. The exact fine amount for missing an installment can vary, but it’s advisable to stay current with your contributions to avoid any penalties.

In conclusion, the Unemployment Insurance Scheme in the UAE is a significant step towards protecting the financial interests of workers. The low cost of enrollment and various subscription methods make it accessible to all employees. However, missing the deadline to register for this scheme can result in fines, and failing to pay monthly installments can lead to additional penalties. To avoid these consequences, it’s essential for UAE workers to take advantage of this valuable insurance initiative and secure their financial future.

M.Hussnain

Private Wolf facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin

#ILOE #UAE INSURANCE #uae unemployment #uae unemployment insurance #unemployment insurance #insurance #deadline of uae unemployment insurance #private wolf

[newyorkthegoldenage]

After the holidays, it's back to work . . . or not. These New Yorkers were among those filling out the paperwork for unemployment benefits, January 2, 1938. In the city, 280,000 cards were given out and 140,000 insurance applications filled out and returned.

Photo: Associated Press

#vintage New York #1930s #Great Depression #unemployment #unemployed #jobless #Jan. 2 #2 Jan. #unemployment insurance #dole #out of work #vintage NYC

[hayleymorodesign]

Unemployment Assistance: From Helping to Empowering

Designing for service, as opposed to simply helping, is a crucial distinction in the field of design. It can have significant implications for how we approach various societal challenges. This distinction became apparent to me during a recent experience when I was navigating the unemployment process after being laid off.

The process of navigating government unemployment insurance was difficult and did not prioritize the needs of individuals. It serves as a prime example of "helping-oriented design" as it unintentionally fosters dependency by providing immediate assistance without addressing the underlying issues. The hands-off approach to the process made it particularly confusing for users. It was evident that there was no empowerment for individuals to learn, resulting in a lack of sustainable, long-term solutions.

On the other hand, Michigan’s specific unemployment office requires their residents to connect with a program called MichiganWorks, where they are linked with job training and employment opportunities. This approach demonstrates the principles of “service-oriented design”, as it aims to empower individuals by providing them with resources and support to find sustainable employment. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than immediate assistance, MichiganWorks helps individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the job market.

Incorporating service design principles into the entire unemployment process could greatly benefit individuals seeking assistance. By offering personalized career counseling, job training programs, and resources for professional development, individuals are better equipped to find sustainable employment and become self-reliant. Yours creatively, HM

#holistic design #service design #unemployment insurance

[fadingsunsjvj]

Around 500 laborers and workers shut down the Manhattan Bridge during the Monday morning rush hour to push for state legislation that would provide more

#unemployment insurance

[lamajaoscura]

America’s unemployment insurance system is still broken as a recession looms - Vox

#unemployment #unemployment insurance

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“Bennett Gives Timely Warning,” Kingston Whig-Standard. January 18, 1933. Page 9. ---- Tells “Hunger Marchers’ That Violence by “Reds” Will Be Punished ---- PLAN NOT FEASIBLE ---- OTTAWA, Jan. 18— Prime Minister Bennett yesterday afternoon gave short shrift to a delegation of "hunger marchers" who invaded Parliament Hill and presented demands for the establishment of a Soviet form of government in Canada and in the meantime a system of non-contributory unemployment insurance. 

He reminded them moreover that several "Red” leaders are serving sentences in Kingston Penitentiary for advocating the overthrow of the existing form of government in Canada by force and that there are still a sufficient number of citizens in this country who believe In existing institutions to resist any attempt on the part of Communists to set up the Soviet form of government here. Furthermore, if violence is resorted to by Communist sympathisers the fate which befell those now Incarcerated in penitentiary awaits others who try the same methods. 

Receives Delegation Mr. Bennett received sixteen of the "hunger marchers” who came from Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, and Ottawa, chiefly while a hundred or two waited outside the Parliament Building They were permitted to roam at will on Parliament Hill and there was no display of armed force such as greeted the last invasion at the time of the Imperial Economic Conference last July. Four members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police handled the deputation which was well behaved well clothed and apparently well fed. 

There were but one or two women among the delegates. The demands of the visitors were provocative. They condemned "slave camps of labor” and the "brutal” refusals of the Dominion Government to deal with the present difficult economic situation and alluded to the Prime Minister’s Toronto speech in which he said Communist agitations would be suppressed with an "iron heel." 

#ottawa #hunger march #hunger marchers #unemployed demands #unemployment insurance #r. b. bennet #unemployed workers' association #iron heel #section 98 #parliament hill #sentenced to the penitentiary #kingston penitentiary #communists #communism #anti-communism #great depression in canada