123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1015		LR 183(02)
	An Act To Amend the Unemployment Laws
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "     "
	Committee: Labor
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Undetermined current biennium cost increase - Other Funds Undetermined current biennium revenue increase - Other Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	Allowing individuals who are employed by their spouse or child, or individuals under the age of 18 who are employed by a parent, to receive unemployment compensation if the employer voluntarily elects to make unemployment contributions for these individuals will result in additional unemployment benefits being paid out that will be partially offset by an increase in unemployment contributions.  The amount can not be determined at this time and will depend on the number of individuals who qualify for this provision.  Information provided by the Department of Labor indicates that the average weekly benefit amount in 2006 was $239.48 and the average duration of unemployment compensation was 14.1 weeks for a total average benefit per individual claimant of $3,376.67.  The 2007 average unemployment contribution rate at the $12,000 taxable wage base is 1.8%, or $216.00.  The minimum contribution rate is 0.54%, or $64.80 and the maximum rate is 5.40%, or $648.00.