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During the debate on extending unemployment insurance benefits (H.R. 5749) last week in the U.S. House, Oregon and Illinois were held up as states where an individual could work for just two weeks and be eligible for an entire year's worth of unemployment insurance benefits.

The issue became hotly debated and to help explain whether such a scenario was possible, Tom Byerley, Unemployment Insurance Director for Oregon and Joseph Mueller, Counsel, Illinois Department of Employment Security, both sent letters that were read on the House floor during the debate and printed in the Congressional Record.

Mr. Byerley wrote: "In the deliberations by Congress relating to a proposal to extend unemployment benefits, it has come to my attention that Oregon has been held up as an example of a state where a worker could work only three weeks during the base period upon which the claim was filed and qualify for 26 weeks of regular state benefits and an additional 13 weeks, or 26 weeks depending on unemployment rate, of benefits under the bills to extend claims. That is not true."

Mr. Mueller wrote: "It would be theoretically possible for an individual with three weeks' worth of base period wages - and 49 weeks with no wages for employment - to qualify for benefits in Illinois. However, the three weeks would have to fall "just right" and average over $500/wk. However, based on anecdotal feedback from program staff; it does not seem this theoretical possibility has been a common occurrence, if it has ever occurred."

The complete text of both letters can read by clicking here and the full debate on the extension of unemployment insurance benefits can be read in the Congressional Record by clicking here (Insert Page Number H5333).

NASWA thanks Tom Byerley and Joe Mueller for their quick response and greatly values the ability of our members to provide the facts. These letters are outstanding examples of how NASWA members can make a difference in Washington.