BOSTON, MA – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) responded to the recent announcement by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development regarding extended unemployment benefits. The change will see the duration of benefits extended from 26 weeks to 30 weeks, following new unemployment rates across state metropolitan areas.
Christopher Carlozzi, Massachusetts state director for NFIB, criticized the policy, stating, “The cracks in our broken unemployment insurance system are now becoming chasms.” Carlozzi emphasized that Massachusetts is the only state offering up to 30 weeks of unemployment benefits, attributing the extension to problematic state policies.
Massachusetts businesses, which already face some of the nation’s highest unemployment insurance taxes, are impacted by this development. The state is currently working to repay nearly $5 billion in unemployment insurance debt, including $2.1 billion resulting from an accounting error. Projections by the Department of Unemployment Assistance suggest the unemployment insurance trust fund may be insolvent by 2028, potentially incurring a deficit exceeding $300 million and activating the highest rate schedule for employers.
Carlozzi urged, “Elected officials must act immediately to enact long overdue benefit and eligibility reforms to provide UI tax relief for overwhelmed small businesses.” He stressed the pressing need to address the issue, noting that further delays could exacerbate the problem.
This announcement coincides with NFIB’s continued efforts through a radio and digital ad campaign to push for unemployment insurance system reforms. More information about this campaign is available at ProtectMassachusettsSmallBusiness.org.
NFIB, a nonprofit and nonpartisan advocacy organization, has represented small and independent businesses across the United States for over 80 years. More details about NFIB can be found on their website at nfib.com.
