Unemployment Benefits Cuts in GA

 On May 2, 2012, Georgia governor, Nathan Deal, signed House Bill 347 into law, to take effect at a later date.

  House Bill 347 (HB 347) cuts unemployment benefits severely for Georgia residents. Prior to HB 347 the unemployed could receive payments for 26 weeks. Under HB 347 the payment duration is sliced from 26 weeks to a "sliding scale of 14 to 20 weeks" (accomplishing a TOP TWO ranking nationally in its brevity.) 

  Supposedly, unemployed residents already receiving benefits will be "grandfathered" into the new program, however the new requirements will effect all new applicants for unemployment benefits. That's a loss of between 6 to 12 weeks of benefits for those currently applying.

  The alleged motive for such action is the inability of the State to repay the $700 million it borrowed from the federal government(1) to pay unemployment benefits during the economic slow down commonly referred to as "The Great Recession."

   Opponents of HB 347 correctly noted,that in fact it was the decision of Georgia State officials to grant businesses  unemployment insurance cuts for several years which caused the problem,and the need for the $700 million loan in the first place. And now, HB 347 is supposed to rectify the problem?

    Incredible!

  The State (elected officials) dug itself a huge hole by looking out for business interests first,and now plans to fix the problem by taking money away from the unemployed poor? (2)

  Whatever taking from the poor could lead to cannot possibly be good.

  Hope you're ready! The above mentioned "later date" for enactment of HB 347 was July 1, 2012. 

(1) It's a wonder GA was even able to borrow $700 million from the Fed considering GA did not vote Democrat in the last election.

     Or perhaps this was a round about way of getting even. Borrow yourself to death.

(2) I mean, I just don't know but, Isn't there a little something wrong with that?

  

#2013