Cutting unemployment benefits will hurt job seekers and communities

Draconian measure to slash benefits is wrong approach to prod employment, report says.

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Contact: Hannah Halbert, 614.221.4505

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Legislation that would sharply reduce unemployment compensation will hurt Ohio by causing hardships for laid-off workers, prompting many to exit the labor force, a new report by Policy Matters Ohio says. Under House Bill 394, the maximum number of weeks would vary depending on the state unemployment rate. Ohioans would be eligible for only 12 to 20 weeks of benefits, instead of a maximum of 26 weeks. Legislators also have discussed cutting the maximum to a flat 20 weeks. Most Ohioans who receive jobless benefits find new jobs before their benefits run out