Senate Passes Bill Freezing Unemployment Insurance Premiums

The following is a press release from the office of Sen. Karen Spilka.

Continuing a commitment to provide economic relief for businesses across the Commonwealth, Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) announced the Senate passage of a supplemental budget bill that freezes the unemployment insurance premiums paid by businesses. Without the freeze, the rate would increase by over $200 per employee, with the average business seeing payments jump from $726 to $932 for each worker.

“By freezing the unemployment insurance rate, we are once again taking steps to help businesses expand and hire additional employees,” said Spilka. “As our economy continues to recover, it is important that we remain dedicated to providing relief to local businesses and foster an environment where they can grow and spur economic vitality throughout the state.”

In addition, the bill calls for budget cuts to state government to help avoid any cuts to local aid. This will ensure that communities will not be faced with unwanted or drastic cuts in their funding, which is crucial to protect the economic vitality and quality of life in the cities and towns of Massachusetts.   

“Local aid is always a top focus when it comes to drafting the budget and I am pleased that we took action today to ensure that our partners at the local level are not forced to endure any cuts to their local aid during this difficult economic time,” continued Spilka.

The bill now heads to a conference committee tasked with resolving the differences between the Senate and House versions of the legislation.

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