Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The minimum wage bill enacted by the Legislature last summer included language to create a special commission “to conduct an investigation and study of the activities and efficacy of the adjudication of unemployment insurance claims” by the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
The 11-member commission, which has met twice so far, is charged with making recommendations to the Legislature, by June 30, relative to dealing with the current backlog of cases, implementing oversight and quality control principles, and conducting a thorough review of the system for dealing with fraudulent claims.
The commission is currently reviewing claims data from the Department of Unemployment Assistance.
Weston Assistant Town Manager Lisa Yanakakis is the MMA’s designee on the commission.
Unlike private sector employers, cities and towns pay dollar-for-dollar for unemployment insurance claims. This means municipalities are particularly vulnerable when benefits are provided mistakenly.