Reject Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposed unemployment changes

I have been working as an electrician for 20 years now and have had to rely on unemployment benefits from time to time in order to protect myself and my family. In Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State speech, while mentioning her proposed unemployment benefit cuts, unemployment benefits were compared to a hammock and not the safety net that has kept my family afloat when we’ve needed it most. I assure you that nobody wants to be caught by this safety net, but it is necessary for Iowans like myself who have had to deal with unexpected financial hardships while supporting myself and my family. Multiple bills to cut unemployment benefits were introduced to diminish the safety net that working Iowans and their families rely on when life throws curve balls.

The bills that are the most concerning to me are SF 2275 and HF 2279. These bills would implement a waiting period of one week before receiving benefits. Anyone who has had to rely on this benefit knows that the first week is the most critical to getting back on your feet in this uncertain time. These bills also limit the amount of time Iowans can rely on unemployment benefits by nearly 40 percent, from 26 weeks down to 16 weeks. Additionally, these bills contain rules that define “misconduct,” making it much easier for employers to deny unemployment benefits to hardworking Iowans. Finally, the specific language used in these bills creates the tough decision of having to either take a lesser-paying job to replace your previous one or losing your unemployment benefits entirely.

Unemployment benefits should be a bridge to your next job, not an additional obstacle for Iowans who are already under financial stress. I’ve been around long enough to know that the job market will not always make it this easy for people to find a job. The job market will turn, and the working people of Iowa will suffer. It is just a question of when, which is why I urge our elected officials to prioritize the interests of hardworking Iowans and their families that depend on them.

Matt Resor of Lisbon is a field agent for IBEW Local 405.