45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED FINANCING FOR THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION.

WHEREAS, in recent years employers, workers, state employment service administrators and the federal department of labor have formulated consensus proposals for unemployment insurance reforms; and

WHEREAS, there is currently an administration proposal to reform the unemployment insurance system in a manner that would devolve the administration of that system to the states; and

WHEREAS, this proposal preempts the New Mexico labor department process that formulated the consensus proposals for unemployment insurance reform; and

WHEREAS, eliminating the historic federal role in administering the unemployment insurance system may threaten the program's stability; and

WHEREAS, requiring states to administer the unemployment insurance system while reducing the federal unemployment tax by seventy-five percent will result in states either having to increase spending on administration of the system or reduce services and benefits to the unemployed; and

WHEREAS, the existing unemployment insurance system balances the interests of the states with the federal government's compelling interest in assisting unemployed workers and their families and stabilizing the economy during economic downturns;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress and the president of the United States be requested to maintain federal financing for administration of the unemployment insurance system and ensure the system's continued stability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation and the president of the United States.