HB 580 Improves Unemployment Benefits
ByHB 580, sponsored by Rep. Mary Caferro (D-Helena) was heard Thursday, February 19th before the House Business and Labor committee. HB 580, titled “Revise Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Eligibility” will improve state unemployment law by allowing more people, in more social circumstances the ability to access benefits.
According to Rep. Caferro, HB 580 makes unemployment benefits “more relevant for more situations.” For instance, victims of domestic abuse, who have to leave work as a result of their personal situation or individuals seeking educational and vocational training would have greater access to benefits.
HB 580 comes at an opportune time since funding for the program could be secured through the Federal stimulus program. In light of the current fiscal crisis in America, the stimulus program is already extending and supplementing unemployment benefits. Yet the stimulus program also has optional federal funding that Montana could take advantage of to modernize our unemployment program.
HB 580 is a smart bill, taking into account the economic plight faced by many Montanans and looking to secure stimulus dollars to implement the program.
HB 580 missed the transmittal date for general bills and is probably dead.
"I think that it’s going to all work out, with the changes that we have agreed to. It’s not as much (spending for some programs) as I would’ve hoped, but apparently it’s more than other people wanted. As usual, we are trying to find the middle.” 
"[On term limits:] You empower the executive, you empower the lobbyists and that's not good for the system because then we lose what the citizen Legislature brings.” 