House Bill 376 is "Short-Sighted and Harmful to Working Families"

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today voiced strong opposition to proposed legislation (House Bill 376) that would reduce the maximum duration of unemployment benefits in Ohio from 26 weeks to 20 weeks, warning that the change would leave thousands of working families without critical support during periods of economic and affordability hardship. 

“This proposal pulls the rug out from under Ohio workers at the exact moment they need stability,” said Rep. Brennan. “Unemployment benefits are not a handout, they are a lifeline that workers have earned through their labor. Cutting six weeks of support will have real consequences for families trying to stay afloat.”

Under current law, eligible Ohioans may receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation within a benefit year, depending on their work history and earnings. The proposed legislation would cap benefits at 20 weeks for all new claims, regardless of economic conditions or regional job availability.

Rep. Brennan emphasized that the change fails to account for the realities many workers face when seeking new employment.

“Finding a new job can take time-especially for workers in specialized industries, older workers, or those in communities where job opportunities are limited,” continued Rep. Brennan. “This bill ignores those realities and instead imposes an arbitrary cutoff that could push families into a financial crisis.”

Rep. Brennan also raised concerns about the broader economic impact of reducing unemployment benefits.

“When families lose this support, they spend less in their local communities-at grocery stores, small businesses, and service providers,” added Rep. Brennan. “That ripple effect hurts not just individuals, but entire local economies across Ohio.”

The legislation maintains existing eligibility requirements, including work and wage thresholds, but reduces the total amount an individual may receive by shortening the benefit duration. Rep. Brennan argued that this effectively penalizes workers who have already met strict eligibility standards.

“These are Ohioans who worked, paid into the system, and followed the rules,” said Rep. Brennan. “We should be strengthening our workforce and supporting people through transitions-not making it harder for them to get back on their feet.”

Rep. Brennan calls on his colleagues to reject the proposal and instead focus on policies that promote job growth, workforce development, and economic stability.

“We all want a strong workforce and a thriving economy,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “But cutting unemployment benefits is not the way to get there.”

HB 376 awaits a third hearing in House Public Insurance and Pensions.