There is no question that District workers are struggling during this recession. With unemployment at historical levels, more families are facing economic hardship and falling into poverty. Although most jobs that have been lost during this recession have been by men, it is important to note that a significant percentage have also been lost by women. A recent report by the U.S. Congress’ Joint Economic Committee found that from October 2009 to March 2010, women lost 22,000 jobs while men gained 260,000. And, in March 2010, the unemployment rate for women with families was 11.3%, the highest rate in the past 25 years. Women of color, in particular are struggling – 12% of Latino and 12.4% of African American women were unemployed in March 2010, compared to 7.3% of white women (link).
There is some good news: the District of Columbia has taken proactive steps to strengthen a vital safety net for jobless workers. On Friday, May 14, 2010, Mayor Fenty signed the Unemployment Compensation Reform Act (A18-0401), legislation that will help thousands of D.C. workers cover their basic needs – rent, groceries, utilities – as they continue to search for long-term employment. By temporarily filling this income gap for individuals, unemployment benefits can stabilize a household and prevent families from slipping into poverty.
The Act will do 5 things: (1) provide an additional $15/week to those with children or dependents; (2) extend unemployment insurance to those enrolled in a qualified training program; (3) expand eligibility to those who leave their jobs because of domestic violence against themselves or members of their immediate family, to relocate with a spouse or domestic partner, or because they must care for an ill or disabled family member; (4) extend the deadline to appeal a denial of benefits from 10 to 15 days; and (5) include a good cause exception for those who miss the deadline.
These changes will help all workers, but particularly women workers – and single women with children – whose choice to leave a job is often one of necessity and beyond their control. In fact, women workers account for 70% of employees who leave their jobs for domestic reasons. As one of our clients noted during her testimony before the D.C. Council, “I am the primary caregiver of a three year old and of my 91 year old mother-in-law, and have had to leave a job in the past to care for them. This new law will no longer penalize me for making this necessary decision.”
With this new legislation, the District will now be qualified to receive $18 million in federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. D.C. was only required to enact two reforms in order to receive the federal funding. By going above these minimum requirements, the District is able to maximize the impact of the stimulus funding and spread much needed relief to more struggling workers and families.
These new provisions will go into effect in the summer.
Courtney Chappell is the director of advocacy at D.C. Employment Justice Center.
