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Unemployment Compensation: Continuity, Change, And The Prospects For Reform, Jerry L. Mashaw
Unemployment Compensation: Continuity, Change, And The Prospects For Reform, Jerry L. Mashaw
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The Symposium proceedings for which this Introduction provides an overview had a decidedly reformative impulse and focus. Authors and discussants came together not just to ruminate about the future, but to grapple with concrete problems that are both a legacy of the past and the product of relatively recent changes. Reformers found much to criticize and to suggest, whether their focus was on stable structures or newly emerging issues. The purpose of this Introduction is to synthesize the views expressed and to reflect on them from the perspective of a student of benefits administration, but one not expert in the …
Unemployment Compensation In A Time Of Increasing Work-Family Conflicts, Martin H. Malin
Unemployment Compensation In A Time Of Increasing Work-Family Conflicts, Martin H. Malin
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The demographics of the workplace have changed substantially since the nation's unemployment insurance system was enacted in the 1930s. The number of dual-earner and single-parent families has increased dramatically. Yet, the basic requirements for eligibility for unemployment compensation have not varied much since their initial enactment. In this Article, Professor Malin explores the availability of benefits to individuals who lose their jobs because of conflicts between work and family responsibilities and to unemployed individuals whose family responsibilities restrict the types of jobs that they are able to take. He finds that the states have differed greatly concerning the degree to …
A Case For Pregnancy-Based Unemployment Insurance, Mark R. Brown
A Case For Pregnancy-Based Unemployment Insurance, Mark R. Brown
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Professor Brown argues that unemployment insurance laws should be amended to provide coverage to otherwise eligible, pregnant claimants. Under current law, women who quit because of pregnancy are either disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits altogether or qualify only after childbirth. Those who are fired, meanwhile, often either cannot prove the motivation for their discharge or discover that they are disqualified because of their unavailability for work. Professor Brown uses a case study to illustrate the problems posed by pregnancy and unemployment insurance. He proposes model legislation that extends coverage to all pregnant claimants who temporarily separate from their employment.
Procedural Reform In The Unemployment Insurance System, Marla D. Clark, Jesse S. Reyes
Procedural Reform In The Unemployment Insurance System, Marla D. Clark, Jesse S. Reyes
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
In the 1990s, we have witnessed a political movement toward smaller governament and reduced federal funding for social benefits programs. At the same time, evidence suggests that the unemployment insurance (UI) system as it works today still may not benefit all of its intended recipients. The need for improved UI services and the scarcity of resources available to meet this need create a tension between political pressures and constitutional considerations of fairness and due process. While constitutional considerations always override political pressures, the real issue is where to strike the appropriate balance between fundamental fairness and economic reality.
Clarifying Conditions For Nonmonetary Eligibility In The Unemployment Insurance System, Amy B. Chasanov
Clarifying Conditions For Nonmonetary Eligibility In The Unemployment Insurance System, Amy B. Chasanov
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Article explores the nonmonetary eligibility requirements that unemployed individuals must meet in order to receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. These eligibility criteria, which are decided by the states, vary significantly. Because states often have relatively vague statutes regarding their specific nonmonetary eligibility criteria, state rules, regulations, and case law interpret these statutes and better define the criteria. The author discusses the results of a recent survey of UI nonmonetary eligibility criteria which provides information on the status of criteria across the nation than has been available previously. The author concludes that policy reform in this area should be focused …
Representation Of Claimants At Unemployment Compensation Proceedings: Identifying Models And Proposed Solutions, Maurice Emsellem, Monica Halas
Representation Of Claimants At Unemployment Compensation Proceedings: Identifying Models And Proposed Solutions, Maurice Emsellem, Monica Halas
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Emsellem and Halas posit that claimants need representation at unemployment compensation proceedings. Evaluating statistical and survey data, the authors find that representation significantly improves a claimant's chance of receiving unemployment compensation. Improved recovery rates, they argue, benefit not only claimants but also society. The authors analyze the factors inducing employer appeals of compensation awards. They also review the systemic issues that accompany the provision of representation to those unable to afford it or to those unfamiliar with the unemployment compensation process. Finally, the authors present models of expanding claimant representation.
Essay: Torquemada And Unemployment Compensation Appeals, William W. Milligan
Essay: Torquemada And Unemployment Compensation Appeals, William W. Milligan
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The premise of this Essay is that unemployment compensation appeals hearings take the form of inquests rather than follow the traditional adversarial model. Given this, the hearing officer carries a special burden of ensuring that due process is afforded. State review systems should structure the process so that the difference, along with the unique burden, is made explicit.
Are Non-English-Speaking Claimants Served By Unemployment Compensation Programs? The Need For Bilingual Services, Mary K. Gillespie, Cynthia G. Schneider
Are Non-English-Speaking Claimants Served By Unemployment Compensation Programs? The Need For Bilingual Services, Mary K. Gillespie, Cynthia G. Schneider
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Article examines the need for interpreters and translated written materials in unemployment compensation programs for those claimants who do not read, understand, or speak English well or at all. Thousands of employable persons in the United States do not read, understand, or speak English. These persons may be unable to receive unemployment compensation benefits or may receive delayed benefits solely because they are unable to comprehend English. The authors examine how ten states with substantial populations of limited-English-proficient speakers have provided these persons access to their state's unemployment compensation programs. The authors find varying practices among the states in …
Due Process Implications Of Telephone Hearings: The Case For An Individualized Approach To Scheduling Telephone Hearings, Allan A. Toubman, Tim Mcardle, Linda Rogers-Tomer
Due Process Implications Of Telephone Hearings: The Case For An Individualized Approach To Scheduling Telephone Hearings, Allan A. Toubman, Tim Mcardle, Linda Rogers-Tomer
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
As the executive branch shrinks and reduces expenditures, its adjudicative functions adjust to the new fiscal reality. Telephone hearings are, therefore, increasingly being used in order to control costs. This Article examines the impact of telephone hearings on the due process elements of unemployment compensation 'fair" hearings. The Authors review the applicable federal and state law and find that there is no absolute bar to using the telephone to conduct administrative hearings. They test the empirical effect of the telephone on hearings in California and Maine. Their analysis of hundreds of hearings indicates that parties to telephone hearings are less …
The Law And Politics Of The Enforcement Of Federal Standards For The Administration Of Unemployment Insurance Hearings, John C. Gray Jr., Jane Greengold Stevens
The Law And Politics Of The Enforcement Of Federal Standards For The Administration Of Unemployment Insurance Hearings, John C. Gray Jr., Jane Greengold Stevens
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Unemployment insurance claimants are entitled to have state unemployment programs administered in accordance with federal standards, which include the provision of prompt and fair hearings for claimants if their applications for benefits are denied. Violations of these rights are widespread, but the United States Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Service has never brought a formal proceeding to enforce the federal standards of administration. This Article explains why enforcement of the federal standards is needed and why it has not been provided and suggests methods by which advocates for claimants can seek to enforce federal standards in the face of this …
Interstate Claims: Their History And Their Challenges, Mark D. Esterle
Interstate Claims: Their History And Their Challenges, Mark D. Esterle
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Article provides an overview of the cases and statutes relating to interstate claims for unemployment compensation. The author suggests that the current federal statutes and regulations are inadequate on the grounds that they are ambiguous, lead to inconsistent results in different states, and may fail to ensure due process in claims determinations. The author highlights these problems with regard to interstate fact finders, attorney representation, witness subpoenas, and access to judicial review. Finally, he points to regulations that cover interstate unemployment compensation claims by federal employees and military servicemembers as models for new regulations of uniform application.
Federal Law Requirements For The Federal-State Unemployment Compensation System: Interpretation And Application, Gerard Hildebrand
Federal Law Requirements For The Federal-State Unemployment Compensation System: Interpretation And Application, Gerard Hildebrand
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The benefits provided to states by federal unemployment compensation law are conditioned on meeting several requirements. This Article examines some of these requirements, how they came about, how the United States Department of Labor and the federal courts have interpreted them, and how conflicts between the states and the federal government have been resolved. The Article concludes that certain types of requirements work best within this federal-state system.
Introduction: Unemployment Compensation Eligibility, Cheryl A. Leanza
Introduction: Unemployment Compensation Eligibility, Cheryl A. Leanza
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Introduction will review the Symposium sessions which dealt with eligibility issues. Many of the statements made by the panel participants and audience members highlighted the contemporary problems of a system established over sixty years ago. Thus, this Introduction seeks to record the main points made during these sessions in an effort to contribute to the debate regarding reform of the unemployment compensation system.
Introduction: The Federal-State Partnership Of Unemployment Compensation, Richard W. Fanning Jr.
Introduction: The Federal-State Partnership Of Unemployment Compensation, Richard W. Fanning Jr.
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Federal and state governments jointly administer the unemployment compensation system. Many participants at the Symposium addressed this aspect of unemployment compensation, and it is the topic of the four Articles that follow. This Introduction discusses three broad areas in order to provide a framework for issues concerning federal-state relations in unemployment compensation. This Introduction also will highlight some of the points made by Symposium participants in response to the ideas expressed in the following Articles. Part I addresses how the federal-state partnership operates and defines areas of responsibility for both the states and the federal government. Part I also discusses …
Timeliness In The Unemployment Compensation Appeals Process: The Need For Increased Federal Oversight, Sharon M. Dietrich, Cynthia L. Rice
Timeliness In The Unemployment Compensation Appeals Process: The Need For Increased Federal Oversight, Sharon M. Dietrich, Cynthia L. Rice
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Anecdotal evidence suggests that during the recession of 1989-1992, unemployment insurance claimants suffered unprecedented delays in the receipt of their benefits. Advocates reported that claimants who were initially denied benefits suffered delays of months, and even years, before the state administrative appeals process resolved their claims. Although federal law establishes timeliness standards for processing appeals, many states did not meet those standards. In this Article, the Authors discuss and analyze the results of a nationwide review of state compliance with federal timeliness standards. They then assess the state and federal responses to the increased number of unemployment insurance claims and …