At a time when many Vermonters are out of work, the state’s unemployment insurance fund is running out of money. When the balance turns negative early next year, the federal government will step in to make sure benefits continue. But borrowing will be costly. This summer state legislators are working on a plan to replenish the fund. Should benefits be cut? Should eligibility be tightened? Or should employers bear most of the responsibility?
Patricia Moulton Powden is the Vermont Labor Commissioner. She speaks with VPR’s Jane Lindholm about the administration’s plan for restoring the fund to health.
Democratic representative Warren Kitzmiller of Montpelier and Republican representative Michael Marcotte of Newport are on the committee formed to study the problem. They spoke with Jane about the proposals that are on the table.