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Arkansas. Effective July 1, 2007, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Arkansas is $409 and the minimum weekly benefit amount is $73.
Colorado. Effective July 1, 2007, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Colorado is $413 and the alternative maximum weekly benefit amount is $455. The minimum weekly benefit amount is set in the law at $25.
Iowa. Effective July 1, 2007, the maximum weekly benefit amount for an individual with no dependents is $347, the maximum weekly benefit amount for an individual with one dependent is $360, the maximum weekly benefit amount for an individual with two dependents is $373, the maximum weekly benefit for an individual with three dependents is $393, and the maximum weekly benefit amount for an individual with four or more dependents is $426. The minimum weekly benefit amounts, effective July 1, 2007, are $51, $54, $56, $59 and $62, respectively.
Kansas. Kansas has amended its Employment Security Law as follows:
Employer. The definition of "employer" has been expanded to include an employing unit that elects to establish an unemployment tax account at the time of initial registration.
Employment. The definition of` "employment" now excludes service performed by an owner-operator of a motor vehicle that is leased or contracted to a licensed motor carrier with the services of a driver and that is not treated under the contract as an employee for purposes of FUTA and FICA. Employees or agents of the owner-operator are not considered employees of the licensed motor carrier for purposes of employment security taxation or compensation.
"Motor vehicle" is defined as any automobile, truck-trailer, semitrailer, tractor or motor bus used on Kansas public highways to transport persons or property. "Licensed motor carrier" means any person or business entity that holds a certificate of convenience and necessity or a certificate of public service from the state corporation commission or is required to register motor carrier equipment. "Owner-operator" means a person or business entity that owns a single motor vehicle which is driven exclusively by the owner under a lease agreement or contract with a licensed motor carrier.
Eligibility conditions. The law now provides an exception to the waiting period requirement for claimants who become unemployed as a result of employers terminating business operations within Kansas, declaring bankruptcy or initiating a work force reduction pursuant to the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. A claimant will become eligible to receive compensation for the waiting period upon completion of three weeks of unemployment consecutive to such waiting period.
Annual rates. The rates for new employers have been changed. Beginning in 2007, new employers will pay contributions equal to 4.0% of wages paid during each calendar year with regard to employment. New construction employers will pay a rate of 6.0%. Also beginning in 2007, employers who are current in filing quarterly wage reports and are current in their contribution payments may be eligible for reduced rates. Employers in groups 1-5 would have their rates reduced to 0.0%. Employers in groups 6-28 would have their rates reduced by 50%. Employers in groups 29-51 would have their rates reduced by 40%.
In 2007, employers are eligible for reduced rates if all late reports and payments are filed and paid within 30 days of the mailing of the amended rate notice. For 2008 and subsequent years, employers must be current by January 31st of the applicable year. However, if the average high cost multiple of the employee security fund falls below 1.2%, the reduced rates will not apply. The average high costs multiple is the reserve fund divided by the average high benefit cost rate. The average high benefit cost rate is determined by averaging the three highest benefit cost rates of the last 20 years from the preceding fiscal year. The high benefit cost rate is defined by dividing total benefits paid by total payrolls for covered employers in the fiscal year.
Effective July 1, 2007, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Kansas is $407 and the minimum weekly benefit amount is $101.