Perry selected for unemployment insurance oversight committee

Raleigh, NC - Senator Jim Perry (R - Wayne, Lenoir) has been named as a member of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance by Senator Phil Berger, pursuant to Rule 31 of the Permanent Rules of the Senate, and NCGS 120-19.6.Joint Legislative Oversight Committees are made up of members of the NC Senate, and NC House who are personally selected by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House.   Committee members serve at the pleasure of the appointing officer of each chamber.“

Many North Carolinians have been impacted by Unemployment over the last few months.  I have heard from hundreds of people in eastern North Carolina who have been frustrated by not being able to get claims resolved.  This is an important topic, and I am thankful to be selected to work on this committee.  I hope we can help people find some relief.”
The Division of Employment Security ultimately reports to Governor Cooper, not the General Assembly.  The General Assembly has no day to day authority for its operational decisions.  Oversight Committees have the ability to produce legislation, call for studies, et cetera. 

“I have a lot to learn about this topic, but I have been studying some already.  Our average incomes in North Carolina are towards the bottom of all states. Thankfully, so is our cost of living.   Many people were shocked to learn employees don’t pay for Unemployment Insurance, and neither does the State of NC - it is funded by employers.  Constituents have told me they mistakenly thought it was a benefit provided by state funds.”

Senator Perry was asked if he felt the system needed to change.  He responded:  “I believe everything can be improved.  It seems reasonable that our UI system could use some tweaks.  I have spoken with Representative Howard about the topic already, and she has a wealth of knowledge.  Senator Newton is a great teachers, and he has also been very helpful. I look forward to digging in to learn more.”

Senator Perry served as Chairman of Joint Legislative Study Committee on Small Business Retirement Options and he was named to the Joint Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, he serves on the following standing committees: Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Health Care, Commerce and Insurance, Pensions and Retirement and Aging, and State and Local Government.