Dupage Policy Journal

State Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) took the floor during the House Labor and Commerce Committee hearing on House Bill 2643 to question Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) about what happens when a recipient is inadvertently overcompensated.

House Bill 2643, which would later be passed unanimously by both the Illinois House and Senate, aims to make changes to the state's unemployment system and Department of Employment Security.

Lewis was concerned about the section of the bill dealing with whether or how the state should recoup funds from beneficiaries who received overpayment through no fault of their own, but cannot repay the benefit. 

"Is it just forgiveness?" Lewis asked. 

"The department could not or would not (force repayment). If there is extreme financial hardship then they will not be able to recoup," Hoffman said.

Lewis asked for another clarification regarding the bill's 'forgiveness' policy. "So if someone got a very large amount and wastes that money, causing financial hardship, would this apply?"

Hoffman clarified that requirements must be met in order to get a waiver. "To get this waiver, number one you have to apply within 45 days after receiving written notice from IDES," Hoffman said. "You have to apply within 45 days or you don't get the waiver.  Secondly, overpayment must be received through no fault of their own."

House Bill 2643 is a collection of bills, also known as an "omnibus package" that includes a variety of 8-9 bills that aim to provide additional unemployment benefits. It's sponsored by several state representatives and senators in the Illinois General Assembly.

As important as HB2643 is in dealing with the unemployment problem of Illinois, it slid under the radar as state legislators focused on the redistricting process and budget cuts in the last few months.

The bill has been sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.