POSTPONED - Unemployment Compensation Hearing on Monday, Sept 14 in Philadelphia

Wanted to take the time to drop you a quick note and advise that Monday’s Senate Labor & Industry Committee meeting in Philadelphia has been postponed.

We were planning to meet in City Hall to examine how changes to the unemployment compensation system have affected seasonal workers. This will be the second hearing on this important subject, and the date will be made up.

In Erie this past August, Sen. Sean Wiley, Sen. Lisa Baker and my staff opened our investigation into this issue by talking with seasonal employees, business owners, and union leaders about the changes, three years ago, to Act 60.

As I stated then, the unintended consequences of the changes made through Act 60, the disproportionate number of seasonal workers, and those who respond to emergencies – like Hurricane Sandy – require us to revisit these changes. Unemployment benefits are a vital financial safety net for men and women who have lost their jobs. Making sure they don’t suffer further is why we have been working hard to rectify this issue.

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, National Federation of Independent Business, the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, Laborers’ International Union of North America, the American Council of Engineering Companies, and the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors testified during that Erie hearing.

We’re looking forward to more good discussions and information gathering once we eventually meet in Philadelphia.

Have a good weekend!