Creates a joint committee to provide oversight on unemployment insurance; authorizes the department of labor to conduct a study on potentially changing how unemployment insurance benefits are paid out.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8436
SPONSOR: Forrest TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the labor law, in relation to establishing a joint
committee for unemployment insurance oversight; and directing the
department to conduct a study on the unemployment insurance program
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To form a joint committee on unemployment insurance oversight to ensure
accountability and transparency around the New York unemployment insur-
ance system and provide tangible pathways to reform.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section to the labor law establishing the joint
committee on unemployment insurance oversight, defining the membership
of the committee, defining the goals of the committee, defining the
powers of the committee, and setting reporting requirements for the
committee.
Section 2 requires the Department of Labor and the committee to under-
take a comprehensive study of the New York unemployment insurance system
and potential reforms to the system.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill would create a Joint Committee for Unemployment Insurance
Oversight, which will examine the unemployment insurance system, specif-
ically examining the equality in how funds are paid out, and any poten-
tial need for alterations to the system. The Committee will publish a
report on its findings and recommendations.
Oversight and transparency are fundamental to the New York Department of
Labor Unemployment Insurance program, primarily to ensure that funds are
distributed accurately and efficiently to citizens entitled to those
benefits. Unemployment insurance is a critical safety net for those who
haVe lost their'jobs. It is essential that these funds are not misused
or misallocated, so the individuals who genuinely need them receive
appropriate support. Without proper oversight, there is an increased
risk of fraud, waste, and abuse, leading to a depletion of resources
that could otherwise support those in need.
Transparency is vital in upholding public trust in the system. The unem-
ployment insurance program is funded by taxpayers, and as such, they
have a right to know how their contributions are being used. A transpar-
ent system allows for public scrutiny, which can act as an additional
layer of oversight. This can lead to increased accountability, and
enhance the public's confidence in the system's effectiveness and fair-
ness.
Proper oversight and transparency can also help identify systemic issues
or inefficiencies within the program. By consistently monitoring and
reporting on the program's operations, potential problems can be identi-
fied early and addressed promptly. This not only ensures the program's
integrity but also its sustainability, preventing future imbalances or
shortfalls.
Oversight and transparency have the potential to promote equity within
the program. Unemployment can disproportionately impact certain demo-
graphics, and without a clear view of who's receiving support, it's
difficult to ensure that funds are being distributed in a way that
addresses these disparities. By ensuring transparency and oversight,
through a new Joint Commission, the program can more effectively target
support where it's needed, and work towards reducing inequities.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately
