Indiana to end Federal PUA Program
Governor Eric Holcomb announced that Indiana will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment insurance programs effective June 19, 2021. The programs that will end are:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides a $300 weekly add-on to recipients of unemployment insurance
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides recipients extended benefits after their traditional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits have been exhausted
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits to individuals who do not normally qualify for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed, gig workers, and independent contractors
- Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides a $100 additional weekly benefit for individuals who are eligible for regular unemployment benefits but also earned at least $5,000 in self-employment income
Indiana’s unemployment rate, which jumped to more than 17 percent at the height of the pandemic, has recovered to 3.9 percent. More Hoosiers are in the workforce now than a year ago, and the labor force participation rate is nearing the pre-pandemic level. On May 11, Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to reinstate requirements that Hoosiers who are requesting unemployment benefits be actively seeking full-time work beginning on June 1. Work search activities include applying for a job, attending a job fair, participating in WorkOne orientation, or completing an online workshop.
Monroe County opens waste management reuse programs
The Monroe County Waste Management District has reopened its District reuse programs, including donations and shopping for the Trading Posts, Reuse Sidewalk, the Material for the Arts facility, and the Household Hazardous Waste Hazbin room. Masks will no longer be required at District facilities and no vehicle limits are in place. County officials still encourage masks and safe distancing, while requesting that patrons be respectful and mindful of others. Visit gogreendistrict.com for schedules.
Amy Beard announced as new Indiana Insurance Commissioner
Governor Eric Holcomb has named Amy Beard as the new commissioner of the Indiana Department of Insurance. Beard is replacing Stephen Robertson, who is stepping down on June 1 after 11 years as commissioner. Beard will begin her tenure on June 2. Beard has eight years of experience at IDOI, including five years as general counsel. She has been responsible for review of multimillion-dollar transactions regarding insurance holding companies, ensured the state met national accreditation standards, and served on the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission Regulatory Counsel Committee.