A controversial bill that would have cut jobless benefits in Ohio is on hold for now. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports.
The bill seeks to shore up the fund through which the state pays unemployment benefits before another recession. It cuts the amount businesses pay to that fund, but also shortens the window for jobless workers to get unemployment checks from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks.
Republican Rep. Barbara Sears of northwest Ohio acknowledges there were questions raised about her bill by Senators.
“We’re going to be looking at all the different components, and certainly weeks is a major portion of the bill – it’s one of the largest changes.”
Sears says she still expects the bill to move before the end of the year.
Advocates who opposed it are pleased, saying they hope to be brought in to share their concerns.