Nixon vetoes bill to shorten unemployment benefits window

Gov. Jay Nixon yesterday vetoed a bill designed to reduce the window workers can receive unemployment benefits.

The vetoed legislation - House Bill 150, sponsored by Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob - would shorten the maximum duration to 13 weeks from its current 20 weeks for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. It also would reduce employment insurance benefits for those who lost their job but receive severance pay, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Unemployment insurance benefits provide a bridge for hardworking Missourians looking for another job, while strengthening local economies at the same time,” said Nixon, who last year vetoed similar legislation that was sustained, in the release. “Supporters of this bill have forgotten that workers earn these insurance benefits by working and that tough economic times often last longer than a mere 13 weeks.”

According to data provided by Nixon’s office, Missouri ranks 43rd out of the 50 states in average unemployment insurance benefits of $243.63 per week. The Show-Me State is among eight states that caps the window under the national norm of 26 weeks, and about one-third of Missourians who apply for benefits receive them.

“There is no sound fiscal argument for this bill. In fact, Missouri’s unemployment insurance trust fund remains, and is projected to remain, financially sound,” Nixon added. “Therefore, the changes sought by House Bill 150 are not needed, and their impact on both individuals and our economy are unfair and ill-advised.”

The bill was scheduled to go into effect Aug. 28.