121st Maine Legislature
		Office of Fiscal and Program Review
		LD 240
		An Act to Ensure that Maine's Unemployment System is Responsive to the Needs of Today's Workforce
		LR 1502(01)
		Fiscal Note for Original Bill
		Sponsor: Rep. Norton
		Committee: Labor
		Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Undetermined current biennium cost increase - Other Funds
Current biennium revenue increase - Other Funds
Minor cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Department of Labor estimates this bill will increase benefit costs beginning in fiscal year 2003-04 by approximately $4,600,000 per year based on the unemployment rate assumptions of the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission.  The cost increase would move the unemployment contributions schedule from B to C for rate year 2005, increasing collections by $12,200,000 in 2005 and an additional $1,500,000 in 2006.
	The State, with a few exceptions, is a direct reimbursement employer and, as such, would experience some increase in unemployment compensation costs if these rules are implemented.  However, there are relatively few part time state employees and the costs, when spread over all agencies, should be able to be absorbed.