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Unemployment benefit increase debated; department models larger payouts and possible trust‑fund effects
Summary
Committee heard testimony and department modeling on HB 542 (increase to weekly unemployment benefits). The Department of Employment Security outlined projected benefit‑pay increases under the bill as introduced, and asked for time to model a scaled amendment; the hearing was recessed for further analysis.
The House Labor Committee recessed its hearing on HB 542, a bill that would raise the state’s maximum weekly unemployment benefit, after extensive testimony from Representative Mark McKenzie (sponsor), business and advocacy groups, and a detailed presentation from the Department of Employment Security about projected costs and solvency risks.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Labors told the committee that the current maximum weekly benefit in New Hampshire is $427, a level unchanged since benefits were last raised in 2007. Under the bill as introduced — which would add 12 higher benefit tiers up…
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