Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a 1-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and reduces the number of weeks for which benefits can be received.

Highlights:

• Reduces the number of weeks for which unemployment benefits can be received from 26 weeks to the following numbers of weeks (Sec. 3):
• 12 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is at or below 5.49 percent;
• 13 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 5.50 and 5.99 percent;
• 14 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 6.00 and 6.49 percent;
• 15 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 6.50 and 6.99 percent;
• 16 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 7.00 and 7.49 percent;
• 17 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 7.50 and 7.99 percent;
• 18 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 8.00 and 8.49 percent;
• 19 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate is between 8.50 and 8.99 percent; or
• 20 weeks, if the state's average unemployment rate exceeds 9 percent.

• Establishes a required waiting period of 1 week before unemployment benefits can be received, beginning on the first day of the first week that the recipient applies for benefits, effective July 1, 2012 (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text