Fisher's legislation to extend unemployment passes

State Representative Barney J. Fisher's legislation extends unemployment benefits for some Missourians. Fisher, left, watches the Speaker of the House, Rep. Ron Richard from Joplin, Mo. sign the bill. The governor's signature is needed in order for the bill to become law. --submitted photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- As many as 35,000 Missourians would benefit from extended unemployment benefits under legislation sponsored by Representative Barney Fisher, R-District 125. HB 1544 was given final approval Thursday by the Missouri General Assembly.

The bill would extend federal unemployment benefits for workers that have exhausted all state and federal benefits. Legislation passed in 2009 set a cutoff date of Dec. 5, 2009, for the extended benefits. HB 1544 removes the sunset provision and allows unemployed workers to receive extended benefits as long as the federal government fully funds them. The Missouri Department of Labor estimates the extended benefits will help approximately 25,000 to 35,000 unemployed Missourians.

"This bill allows us to make use of federal funds to provide extended unemployment benefits to Missourians who are struggling during these tough economic times," said Fisher. "With the job market as tough as it is, we know there are many able-bodied Missourians who want to work but simply cannot find employment. This bill will help them stay on their feet a little longer while they search for a job."

Senator David Pearce, who handled the bill in the Senate, said, "This extension comes at no cost to Missouri taxpayers or businesses because extended benefits would end when the federal government stops completely funding them. With our state's unemployment rate hovering near 10 percent, the demand for unemployment benefits has risen, so this extension buys more time for those who are struggling to find work."

The bill also contains an extension of the Shared-Work Program extension from the current 26 weeks to 52 weeks. The program allows employers to reduce the work hours of full-time employees, while the workers collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. The program helps employers retain skilled workers, reduce payroll costs and avoid the expense of recruiting, hiring and training new employees when the economy improves.

"This program has saved millions of dollars, and comes with the support of Missouri business groups and labor unions," Pearce said.

"We all have a vested interest in keeping Missourians employed and businesses afloat; this program is a way for our businesses to avoid painful cuts without hurting the financial well-being of their employees."

The bill now moves to the governor's desk to be signed into law. It will take effect immediately upon being signed.