While the need for a better Unemployment Insurance (UI) system was apparent before COVID-19, the economic crisis caused by the pandemic has shown that our outdated and underfunded system is broken, with disproportionate impacts on women and workers of color. With too few unemployed workers qualifying for benefits, inadequate levels and duration of benefits, and the lack of effective triggers that tie benefit duration to economic conditions, the UI system fails to meet the needs of today’s workers or economy.
The second program of the EOF Fall Funder Learning Series, this webinar included a discussion about key organizing, policy, and systems design and implementation strategies for making the permanent reforms needed to transform the UI system into a fully functioning and readily accessible program that protects all jobless workers and their families and effectively stabilizes the economy during economic downturns.
Jean Ross, The Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust (Moderator) [bio] |
William Spriggs, Howard University and AFL-CIO [bio] |
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Tara McGuinness, New America [bio] |
Arelia Valdivia, Center for Popular Democracy [bio]
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