WTC Records Folder 0140 label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Support of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund: As a result of the terrorist attacks there are thousands more claims for unemployment insurance benefits than would normally be seen at this time of year. These claims are straining the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund and, in turn, adding to the considerable after-shock the State's businesses are experiencing. The UI Trust Fund needs an immediate infusion of $260 million to cover the cost of unemployment insurance benefits that will be paid through December 31, to the thousands of workers who have lost their jobs due to the attack. Without Federal reimbursement of these changes, employers would be subject to unaffordable increases in UI costs. In addition, it is critical that the Federal Government act to provide extended Unemployment Insurance benefits beyond the 26 week period provided for under normal UI, and that it funds such benefits out of the Federal budget.

Workers' Compensation: A similar increase in workers compensation rates is also likely to be triggered due to payments made in relation to the terrorist attacks. New York State has made tremendous strides in lowering employer's workers compensation rates over the past several years, and the Federal Government should make special accommodations to prevent any increases in these rates due to the terrorist attacks. As the impact of the crisis ripples throughout the State, the amount of Federal funding will need to be increased to accommodate employers who provided services, products or otherwise relied on business activity generated in the immediate disaster area.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program: New York requests assurances that the Federal Government will continue to allow workers ineligible for State UT benefits to apply for benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, which provides benefits to self-employed individuals, spouses who have lost the major supporter for a household, and others.

Welfare-to-Work Funding: Efforts should be made to further streamline the Federal requirements governing individual recipient eligibility in the Welfare-to-Work Block Grant. In light of the events of September 11th, New York would like to access its share of this funding as a true block grant, by using the funds to provide employment services to whoever is in need of assistance, without regard to the eligibility restrictions that currently remain in the Federal law.

Enhancing New York's Transportation Infrastructure and Safety

New York's transportation infrastructure programs present an opportunity to immediately stimulate the economy, create good paying jobs and spur development. The State's transportation agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Thruway Authority are positioned to begin additional projects quickly, thus maximizing the use of Federal assistance by immediately cycling this funding through the economy.

The Federal Highway Administration has indicated that each $1 billion of transportation investment creates 42,000 jobs. These projects will also provide added long-term benefits by improving access to businesses and industrial facilities. Major transportation projects have, historically, laid the foundation for expanding residential and commercial development and the growth of jobs.

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NYC-WTC 000136684