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| Date: | October 4, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| PEDERSON JOINS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ADVISORY COUNCIL |
(St. Paul) – State Senator John Pederson (R-St. Cloud) has accepted an invitation to join the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council. The council is an informal group that has been in place for over 20 years which helps to frame legislative initiatives on unemployment issues through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
The council’s membership consists of representatives of business and labor, as well as interest groups and members of the public who have knowledge and expertise on unemployment insurance. During the 2011 Legislative Session, Sen. Pederson authored several bills to reform the state’s unemployment regulations. This experience and his first-hand, private sector knowledge will make Pederson a welcome addition to the council.
“It is an honor to be asked to serve on this council and I am looking forward to helping craft the recommendations ultimately are brought to the legislature,” said Sen. Pederson. “Unemployment benefits are not a substitute for stable, long-term employment, but I believe it is critical that we continue to provide some reassurance to people who haven’t found work in this terrible economic climate.”
Earlier this year, Sen. Pederson sponsored a bill that received a bipartisan vote of 62-0 of the Minnesota Senate which extended unemployment insurance benefits to 14,000 workers by conforming to new federal laws. He also chief authored legislation that will save those that pay into the unemployment system $20 million right away in 2012. Both measures were signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton.
“Unemployment benefits need to be maintained and preserved – they are important and serve a legitimate purpose,” said Sen. Pederson. “I will also continue to promote policies that encourage real economic recovery and private sector job growth.”
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