Charleston Gazette-Mail – The state Senate is poised to slash unemployment benefits and tighten the process for people to prove they’re seeking work at a time when West Virginia’s unemployment rate is at a record low.
Senate Bill 2 would cut the state’s paid unemployment benefits from 26 to 12 weeks, based on the current unemployment rate. After a COVID-19 vaccine exemption amendment was removed, Senate Bill 2 passed in the Judiciary Committee via a contested voice vote. Senate Bill 3 would place new requirements on job-seekers. That passed Monday in the Senate Finance Committee without opposition.
Both bills will be up for a third reading Tuesday.