February 10, 2021 10:00 a.m.

Senate Finance Committee Chair and Oregon Senator, Ron Wyden, along with a group of colleagues, have introduced legislation that would establish one set of technology and security capabilities for state unemployment offices.

Wyden said while enhanced jobless benefits have enabled millions and millions of families to pay the rent and buy groceries, many states have been unable to get benefits out the door in a timely manner. Wyden said, “That completely unacceptable when families are depending on these benefits to keep a roof over their heads”. He said the legislation requires a complete overhaul of unemployment technology, and paves the way for one place to apply for jobless benefits, not the current 53.

More information about the Unemployment Insurance Technology Modernization Act is linked: https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Technology%20Modernization%20Act%20of%202021%20Bill%20Text.pdf