January 15, 2025 Honorable Alfonso H. Lopez Chair, House Labor and Commerce – Subcommittee #2 House Committee Room A - 008 General Assembly Building 201 North 9th Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 RE: Support HB 1766 and HB 1767 Dear Delegate Lopez, I am David E. Balducchi, retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, a member of the Advisory Board of Social Action Linking Together (SALT), elected member of the National Academy of Social Insurance, and a resident of Springfield, Virginia. I understand that on January 16, your committee will be considering HB 1766 and HB 1767, two bills offered by chief patron, Delegate Marty Martinez. I write in support of HB 1766, which will increase weekly unemployment benefits for qualified individuals – if otherwise eligible - by $100 higher than the current weekly benefit amount. Higher benefits support local businesses and economies, as unemployment benefits are the fastest working dollar - resulting in a stronger multiplier effect. In addition, the bill requires establishing a work group to study making annual adjustments to the Commonwealth’s weekly benefits based upon the average weekly wage. Some thirty-three states set their maximum benefits as a portion of the state’s average weekly wage, and Virigina should investigate this approach. As well, I support HB 1767, which provides that for new claims effective on or after July 1, 2025, an individual’s weekly unemployment benefit amount shall be paid for a maximum duration of 26 weeks. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, duration should be uniform, so that claimants at all benefit levels can qualify for maximum duration, and experience has shown that, during ordinary times, a duration of 26 weeks is necessary. I urge that members of the Subcommittee #2 to support these bills. Sincerely, David E. Balducchi Member, Advisory Board Social Action Linking Together