Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Dec. 13, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Reforming the Unemployment System

This week I would like to talk to you about another one of the bills I have pre-filed for the legislative session in January.  Senate Bill 8 modifies unemployment benefits based on the unemployment rate. This bill is a commonsense reform to the unemployment system I have been working on for years. I am hopeful that this year we can see it passed into law.

Under current law, a person can receive unemployment benefits for up to 20 weeks. This bill modifies the benefits program so that the amount of time a person can receive benefits is tied to the unemployment rate.  A low unemployment rate is a sign that jobs are available for those looking for them. When the unemployment rate is low, I do not believe people need as much time on unemployment. This is a fiscally responsible way to organize our unemployment system and will cause it to more accurately reflect the economy. 

When the unemployment rate is high and the economy is suffering people can still be on unemployment for up to the full 20 weeks, but when it is low and the economy is healthy it will shorten the amount of time they are allowed to receive those benefits. This legislation will promote fuller participation in the labor market and help us save money during the good times which will help us weather the bad ones. 

Overall, I believe this bill will lead to a healthier and more appropriate unemployment program and I am hopeful this legislation will be passed into law this session.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.