Sep. 25, 2017
HARRISBURG – Today the House Labor and Industry Committee unanimously supported an unemployment compensation reform bill introduced by Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler). The bill would increase the amount of time to appeal an unemployment compensation decision from 15 to 21 days.
“All across the Commonwealth, there have been incidents where longtime workers have found themselves without jobs – through no fault of their own – because of plant closures. Understandably, people are in shock after serving a company for decades, and they need a bit more time,” James explained.
The bill would increase the time workers and employers have to appeal unemployment compensation decisions. Current law allows 15 days for an appeal while James’ bill would allow 21 days.
“I drafted a similar bill in the previous legislative session and incorporated concerns from the Department of Labor and Industry regarding meeting federal benchmarks into this version,” James added. “Three weeks is an appropriate compromise for all involved.”
As the change would extend the deadline for both workers and employers, neither party would receive an advantage over the other.
House Bill 1597 now heads to the full House for consideration.
Representative Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
RepJames.com /
Facebook.com/RepLeeJames