Unemployment compensation has been a benefit available to most American workers for many decades.This benefit is provided though a combination of State and Federal programs.Funding for these programs comes fromtaxes paid by businesses on their payrolls.Discussion and debate has been on going regarding the level of benefits that should be paid, the length of time that these benefits should be paid, and the relative ecomomic benefit that the payments ultimately have.

Please comment on unemployment benefits, unemployment taxes and related matters by considering the following questions:

1. If you are aware of situations where the unemployment benefit system has benefited someone, or a situation where it has been abused by someone, please describe the situation.You don't need to use specific names, places or businesses, but give us a general discussion of what you knew to be true.

2. Give your opinion as towhy the situtation was either beneficial or abusive.Suggest ways that the system could have worked inorder to catch the people who weretaking advantage of the situation.

3. Discuss whether you believe that the taxes paid by businesses are excessive (consider the % required and the level of payroll that is taxed).Do these taxes help encourage or discourage businesses from locating in our state?