On February 21, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the House Economic Matters Committee in opposition to HB 669- Workers' Compensation- Benefits- Hearing Loss. This bill would expand existing eligibility for workers’ compensation related to hearing loss to include tinnitus and would void the current common-sense age-based deductions to account for natural, age-induced hearing loss. Under HB 669, workers’ compensation claims for tinnitus would no longer require disablement for eligibility, nor would they…

On February 14, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the House Economic Matters Committee in opposition to HB 205- Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act of 2024. This bill significantly alters the way the state calculates unemployment insurance benefits and contributions. Under the bill, the minimum and maximum weekly unemployment benefits more than doubles, significantly increasing counties' claims responsibilities. From MACo Testimony: Under HB 205, the unemployment weekly minimum benefit would go up to 15…

On February 14, 2024, Associate Policy Director Brianna January testified before the House Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 571- Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program- Modifications with amendments. This bill modifies and alters certain aspects of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program -- pushing back the timetable for its full implementation and effect, and authorizing fees to be applied to employers opting out of the State-run system. Of concern to counties…