Res. No. 1176
Resolution calling on the New York City Congressional Delegation to vote to disapprove H.R. 3630 which cuts federal unemployment benefits for long term unemployment and instead to support full renewal of the federal unemployment insurance program through 2012.
By Council Members Ferreras, Mark-Viverito, Brewer, Vann, Palma, Gonzalez, Chin, Comrie, Dickens, James, Lander, Mealy, Rose, Williams and Rodriguez
Whereas, According to the United States Department of Labor 13.3 million Americans receive federal unemployment insurance benefits; and
Whereas, Some 5.7 million or 43 percent of those receiving benefits have been unemployed for at least 27 weeks; and
Whereas, According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the previous high for the long-term unemployed was 26 percent in 1983; and
Whereas, Federal unemployment insurance benefits for the long-term unemployed will expire in January of 2012, if they are not renewed by December 31, 2011; and
Whereas, According to the New York State Department of Labor, 443,036 of New York State residents are receiving federal unemployment insurance benefits; and
Whereas, It has also been reported that 223,700 of New York City residents are receiving federal unemployment insurance benefits; and
Whereas, If legislative action is not taken 59,180 of New York City residents will be without federal unemployment insurance benefits; and
Whereas, If enacted, the current proposal, H.R. 3630 would reduce the federal unemployment benefit period by 40 weeks; and
Whereas, The proposal would also allow states to require recipients to have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma in order to receive benefits; and
Whereas, According to the New York State Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for those with less than an high school diploma is 12.3 percent; and
Whereas, Imposing this policy would be to the further detriment of communities that are disproportionately impacted by unemployment; and
Whereas, This measure would also allow states to institute drug testing policies which have been proven to be an inefficient use of money in other social service programs; and
Whereas, According to the National Employment Law Project (NELP), federal unemployment benefits create economic activity; and
Whereas, Federal unemployment insurance benefits have generated $2 in economic activity for every $1 the federal government has spent on these benefits during the recession; and
Whereas, NELP also reports that the passage of H.R. 3630 would result in the loss of $22 billion in economic growth which translates into at least 140, 000 jobs in 2012; and
Whereas, A reduction in unemployment benefits would impact state and local budgets by reducing the amount of revenue generated through payroll taxes, sales taxes and local spending on goods and services; and
Whereas, H.R. 3346 and S.1804, are proposals that would fully renew the federal unemployment insurance program through 2012 and continue to stimulate the economic recovery of the nation, state and city; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls the New York City Congressional Delegation to vote disapprove H.R. 3630 which cuts federal unemployment benefits for long term unemployment and instead to support full renewal of the federal unemployment insurance program through 2012.
FCC
LS #3126
12/14/11