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DWS Press Release
September 7, 2016

Utah featured in U.S. House Ways & Means Subcommittee hearing
Utah's Unemployment Insurance highlighted as a positive example of a state-run program

SALT LAKE CITY - The U.S. House Ways and Means subcommittee on Human Resources held a hearing today entitled "Unemployment Insurance: An Overview of the Challenges and Strengths of Today's System." As part of the hearing, Utah's Unemployment Insurance Division Director Michelle Beebe testified about the successes within Utah's program and the current challenges states are facing.

"Utah is one of the top states in the country when it comes to having low duration and exhaustion rates, and has one of the healthiest Unemployment Trust Funds," said Beebe. "Even with our success in re-employment, there are challenges every state is experiencing regarding funding constraints and the partnership with the federal government. States need flexibility to continue along the path of sustainability and innovation."

The purpose of the hearing was to examine the program integrity, trust fund solvency and re-employment strategies within the Unemployment Insurance system. Beebe was the last of four witnesses to testify before the subcommittee, which included Florida's director of Economic Opportunity, an employer and an advocate organization.

"Utah's Unemployment Insurance Program is a positive example of how the system can protect workers and employers, which helps keep our economy strong," said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. "Having our Unemployment Insurance director asked to testify before Congress is an honor and opportunity to help the federal government understand how a state can be strategic and innovative."

To view Beebe's written testimony and to learn more about Utah's Unemployment Insurance Program, visit http://jobs.utah.gov/blog/post/2016/09/07/utah-s-ui-director-testifies-before-u-s-house-ways-and-means-subcommittee.

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