District 39 State Senator Kevin Kinney (D) has sponsored a new bill to help incentivise Iowans getting back to work. 

Senate File 2161 proposes a $100 a week benefit to encourage Iowans on unemployment to get back into the workforce. These payments would last up to six months. Those eligible to receive this benefit would have to meet all program requirements including not having previously participated in the program, not receiving any unemployment benefits or payments from a similar program in another state, providing employer contact information and a paystub and working a minimum of 32 hours per week. Senator Kinney explains that getting Iowans off unemployment will hopefully get them back in the habit of going to work, “Studies show that once someone is working, it becomes a habit. Much like when you’re shooting or doing any other type of sporting activity, it’s muscle memory. It just gets you back in the habit and gets you back in the workforce”

Kinney added that he believes the main issue with people not coming off of unemployment is due to the federal government paying people to stay home and that this is an effort to begin turning the tables. He says that efforts began after having conversations with employers in Washington County. American Rescue Plan Act dollars would fund the program and end on December 31st, 2023. Kinney’s proposal comes as Senate Study Bill 3096 which has passed out of subcommittee seeks to end unemployment benefits at 16 weeks, and stipulates that in times of low statewide unemployment Iowans would receive 12 weeks of benefits, 14 week fewer than allowed under current law.