House reconsidering unemployment fraud bill…
Now, House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, has called for reconsideration of SB 1369... "I was compelled by the arguments that put the onus for this on the employer," Bedke told the House. "I've had experiences with employers over the last year that make me think that the employers are not the problem here, and to further penalize them doesn't sit with me. And so that's how I feel. I've got to sit with myself. You guys all vote your conscience, but I feel better about, if I get a chance to vote 'no' on that bill."
Rep. Steven Thayn, R-Emmett, spoke in favor of the bill. "They're not wanting to raise money from this bill," he said. "They see a significant problem with overpayment of unemployment policies. They're working to try to solve this problem. ... We can reduce the cost to business of having unempoyment insurance, which is keeping them from hiring other people and further reducing the rate of unemployment." Said Thayn, "This is a serious issue, the cost of unemployment insurance, and I think this is a very reasonable way to move ahead."
Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, said, "This bill adds to the burden of business."