Renacci introduces bill to give states more flexibility to create jobs

Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) would make it easier for states to apply for existing waivers within the unemployment insurance (UI) program.

The Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act, H.R. 1091, aims to encourage job creation and support for the unemployed by making it easier for states to use the existing UI program waiver process.

U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

“At a time when too many people in Ohio and around the country are still looking for work, we should be doing everything we can to make it easier, not harder, to reenter the workforce,” Renacci said.

The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 gave the Department of Labor the authority to grant UI program waivers for state demonstration projects that help unemployed workers re-enter the workforce.

But because of a difficult waiver application process, just one state applied and that application was denied.

“It is critical that we reduce the unnecessary Washington red tape that stands in the way of job growth and states’ ability to make unemployment programs more effective,” Renacci said.

The Flexibility to Promote Reemployment Act would clarify waiver application requirements and demonstration project activities. The measure would also provide greater transparency in the demonstration termination process.