Sebelius removes delay in flood victims’ benefits
Residents who lost jobs as a result of flooding to receive help sooner

Workers and businesses impacted by flooding in Southeast Kansas will receive additional help from the state, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced today.

Sebelius signed an executive order allowing workers unemployed as a result of the flooding to receive unemployment benefits immediately, as well as making it so business’ unemployment insurance accounts are not charged for disaster-related benefits.

“The people whose homes and livelihoods were impacted by flooding shouldn’t have to wait for help.  We want to put the benefits and resources into their hands as quickly as possible so they can begin the recovery process,” said Sebelius.

Executive Order 07-20 suspends:

1. K.S.A. 44-705(d), which normally would require an individual to be unemployed for a period of one week before receiving their first unemployment benefits, unless certain criteria were met;
2. K.S.A. 44-710(c)(1), which would otherwise require the charging of employer accounts for unemployment insurance benefits paid as a result of the disaster;
3. K.S.A. 44-717 which would impose of interest and penalties for failing to file wage reports or make contribution payments under the Employment Security Law for the second and third quarters of 2007; and
4. K.S.A. 44-926 which would require the payment of fees for the inspection of newly installed or replacement boilers or pressure vessels.

This executive order applies to Allen, Cowley, Elk, Labette, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, and Wilson counties.  It is similar to Executive Orders 07-11 and 07-14, which lifted similar rules for employees and employers impacted by the Greensburg tornado in May.

Executive orders can be viewed online at http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/

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