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Unemployment Insurance - A Construction Workers'
safety net:
Everyone wants to work. No one knows better than a construction worker how fickle a job is. Snow, rain, an economic downturn, materials or parts not available, and suddenly there is no work today - no paycheck.
So what do you do? You go on unemployment. You and your contractor pay taxes when you are working to cover you when you can’t.
What is Terry Branstad’s solution? When he was Governor in 1985, Terry Branstad wanted to cut unemployment benefits, and make you -- the construction worker -- ineligible for unemployment, because you are a “seasonal worker.”
Here’s what the Des Moines Register wrote about Branstad’s plan:
Branstad said he’ll recommend changes in the unemployment system and those suggestions are likely to set off a political furor between labor groups and employers regarding jobless benefits. Major changes sought by the group [task force appointed by Branstad] include: cutting the maximum weekly benefit from $196 to $164, saving $4.9 million. Making seasonal workers ineligible for benefits in the off season, saving about $17 million a year. Eliminating a provision that allows workers to get an extra 13 weeks of benefits if they are victims of plant closings, and making permanent a one-week waiting period before a jobless Iowan can apply for benefits. Raising the wage level at which laid-off Iowans can qualify for jobless benefits, saving about $22.9 million.” (Des Moines Register, 11/14/1985)
You and your skills are a key to economic recovery. Do not let Terry Branstad balance budgets on your back when there are no jobs.
Protect your unemployment coverage! Protect your paycheck!
Vote Chet Culver for Governor
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