Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Unemployment Insurance Benefit

Albany, NY - Increasing the maximum unemployment insurance benefit and addressing the unemployment trust fund deficit are critical steps toward supporting unemployed workers struggling to make ends meet while providing relief to employers. The maximum benefit, stagnant at $504 per week since 2019, has for too long fallen short of meeting the basic needs of families facing financial hardship. We commend Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie for recognizing the urgency of substantially raising benefits to a level that will allow workers to better support themselves and their families while they are out of work.