Tell the Legislature and our Governor to reform Unemployment Insurance benefits now!

 

New York State Unemployment Insurance Payment Ranks 25th out of 50 States


In January 2008, approximately 160,000 New Yorkers were unemployed and that number has risen to approximately 420,000 in January 2009.  The last increase in New York State Unemployment Benefits came over ten years ago, and with the cost of living skyrocketing in the current economic climate, the rate of the unemployment benefit is nowhere near acceptable. 
Currently the maximum unemployment payment is 405 dollars per week.  The purchasing power of 405 dollars since 2000 has dropped 20% to 327 dollars in current dollars.  This is an insufficient amount for a working family to live on.  This amount represents about 35% of the State Average Weekly Wage which is 1141.17 dollars.  History has shown that legislature puts the Unemployment Issue on the backburner.  It is time to take action and let them know this issue is not going away, but getting worse.  If working families are going to get through this economic crisis, we need to act now. 

  • Despite paying lower benefit rates than any other Northeastern state, there has been a shortfall in funding for New York State Unemployment Benefits.
  • Unemployment Insurance claims are at an historic level and getting worse.
  • We need to increase benefits now and guarantee increases in the future.

    Your voice must be heard.  Tell the Legislature and our Governor to reform Unemployment Insurance benefits now!

 

 INCREASE UI BENEFITS NOW!

NEW YORK’S WORKING FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER

 

 Click here to take action

This week the State Department of Labor will release the unemployment numbers for January and we can all expect another jolt in terms of new and extended filings.

There is simply no choice. The time for action is now and we need your help! If working families are going to get through this economic crisis, we need the legislature and Governor to increase Unemployment Benefits today!

  • UI claims are at historic levels and getting worse...
  • New York’s benefit is shamefully low...
  • We need to increase benefits now and guarantee future increases....

Your voice is critical. Tell the Legislature and the Governor to reform UI benefits Now!  We can’t afford to wait.

 

 Click here to take action