Chamber Board Response to Indiana Unemployment Fund “Fix” Becoming Law

Members of the Indiana Chamber board of directors, conducting their semiannual meeting today and Friday, reiterated their continued disbelief, outrage and opposition to unemployment insurance trust fund legislation that will lead to many more job losses across the state.

The General Assembly passed the massive tax increase on employers on April 29 and Gov. Daniels signed the bill yesterday. James A. Merten, Chamber chairman of the board for 2009 and vice chairman for City Securities Corporation in Indianapolis, said:

"Indiana companies already struggling to preserve jobs are being victimized by their own senators and representatives at the Statehouse. This singularly focused attack on statewide businesses not only does not solve the problem, but makes it considerably worse for employers and their employees."

Merten urged the governor and legislators to reconsider this detrimental action and pass a more balanced solution during the upcoming special session.

Merten and the Chamber released the letter (below) – signed by 68 members of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce board of directors – that was sent to Gov. Daniels immediately after the legislation passed the General Assembly. Continue reading