http://www.errorsofenchantment.com/2011/09/17/new-mexicos-unemployment-insurance-program-in-dire-need-of-reform/ Why is New Mexico not realizing its potential? Thu, 23 May 2013 08:07:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= http://www.errorsofenchantment.com/2011/09/17/new-mexicos-unemployment-insurance-program-in-dire-need-of-reform/comment-page-1/#comment-9487 Harlan Lawson Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:20:03 +0000 http://www.errorsofenchantment.com/?p=3625#comment-9487 The federal extension of unemployment benefits to 99 weeks has totally drained the NM system. There are no incentives for someone on unemployment to seek a job. I say the benefits should be reduced by 10% each month after three months to serve as an incentive to get folks out looking for a job. My unemployment insurance was about $30.00 per month in Dec 2010, but because the Department of Workforce Solutions approved unemployment benefits for two of my former employees who just walked off the job, my insurance costs went to nearly $300.00 per month in Jan 2011. During the 99 weeks that that last former employee was drawing benefits, I received two calls from prospective employers about him. Therefore, I doubt that he was looking for a new job very much.

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