Editorial

New York State has not increased its maximum unemployment benefit — a meager $405 a week — in a decade, and a drive to raise payment levels has been derailed by the legislative chaos in Albany. While the politicians squabble, victims of the economic downturn are struggling to make ends meet. The governor and legislative leaders should increase unemployment benefits without further delay.

New York State was once a leader in providing unemployment insurance. Now it is a laggard — nationally and in the region. Connecticut pays up to $576 a week, and New Jersey up to $584. Even with an additional $25 a week temporarily added by the federal stimulus program, New York’s payments do not begin to equal the cost of living in one of the most expensive states.

Bills have been introduced in the Legislature to raise the maximum benefit to $625 over the next few years, and then to index it to 50 percent of the average weekly wage. Indexing is necessary to ensure that benefit levels, never a legislative priority, do not fall behind again. Business interests have been fighting the raises, which would be financed by reasonable tax increases.

New York’s unemployment rate was 8.2 percent last month, a 16-year high, and the number of jobless people in the state is the highest it has been in 33 years. An adequate system of unemployment insurance, which is an important part of the social safety net, is particularly necessary now. It can also be a powerful form of economic stimulus since it puts money into the hands of people who can be counted on to spend most of it right away.

The State Senate’s recent escapades are interfering with important work for the people of New York. If the state’s elected officials want to show that they care about their constituents, and not merely their own power machinations, increasing unemployment insurance benefits would be a good place to start.