Recipients of unemployment benefits could be eligible for job training

The state Department of Labor would be authorized to fund job training for recipients of unemployment benefits under a bill discussed during a Business and Labor Committee hearing Feb. 6.

Under LB1152, introduced by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, people currently receiving unemployment benefits would be eligible for job training funded by the state Department of Labor. Lathrop said providing the training would help create a more skilled workforce.

“This would be beneficial for both workers and employers,” Lathrop said.

Steve Howard, representing the Nebraska AFL-CIO, testified in support of the bill, saying providing training to unemployed workers would help to ease the strain on the unemployment benefit system.

“It makes sense to prioritize these unemployed workers to receive the training,” Howard said. “Ultimately it would return these people back to work sooner.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action.