The Iowa Legislature has been volleying a bill between the House and Senate that would make changes to unemployment.

District 47 Representative Phil Thompson of Boone says the House originally passed legislation that reduced the number that an individual could receive unemployment benefits from 26 to 16 weeks. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the bill was sent over to the Senate, which re-inserted a one week waiting period and sent it back to the House. Thompson talks about why the House was apprehensive about having a one week waiting period be a part of their bill.

“What we’re seeing is a lot of businesses will lay off employees for one week and allow their employees to draw those (unemployment) benefits for that week and then come back to their job. Obviously, most of us see unemployment, if you’re on unemployment you should be seeking another job. Obviously, people that are laid off temporarily aren’t looking for that other position.”  

After conversations with Iowa Workforce Development, Thompson says it would be a benefit to have a one week waiting period that would save money in the trust fund. He adds he would be in favor of the Senate’s amendment and is hoping to pass the bill soon and get it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.