A bill that would amend certain provisions of the Social Security Act to promote the reemployment of unemployed workers was introduced in the House last week by U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH).
The Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act, H.R. 1091, seeks to provide states with more flexibility to help unemployed individuals.
Under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, the Department of Labor was granted waiver authority within the unemployment insurance (UI) program. These waivers gave states latitude in using UI funds to operate demonstration projects that would help unemployed workers reenter the workforce. However, Renacci argues that the Department of Labor’s application process makes it very difficult for states to apply for waivers. To date, only one state has applied and the application was rejected.
The bill proposes reforms to the current waiver program to make the application process more appealing to states. It would clarify application requirements and demonstration activities and provide greater transparency in the demonstration termination process.
“At a time when too many people in Ohio and around the country are still looking for work, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier, not harder, to reenter the workforce,” Renacci said.
“It is critical that we reduce the unnecessary Washington red tape that stands in the way of job growth and states’ ability to make unemployment programs more effective,” added Renacci, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and Budget Committee.