Jones supports additional jobless benefits tied to training

Rich Jones, the Bell's director of policy and research, testified in favor of a bill that would extend unemployment benefits to unemployed workers who are participating in approved and expanded training programs.

The legislation, House Bill 12-1272, would expand training to include employer-based and entrepreneurial programs. With the economy showing signs of recovery, the training will help workers get needed skills so that they can fill current and future jobs, Jones said.

Research indicates that employer-based and entrepreneurial training are cost-effective methods of moving unemployed workers into employment.

The bill had bipartisan support and passed 6-1 out of the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Commitee. It now goes to Senate Appropriations.

Click here to read our Opportunity Note, which was the basis for Jones' testimony.