Delegates say no to Federal Strings.

Local legislators renewed their opposition Wednesday to a potentially permanent expansion of unemployment benefits that could net the state $125 million in federal stimulus funds.

Del. Chris Saxman said if there were no federal stings attached, he would have supported the plan. However, he said in the long-run it would hurt small businesses that could be faced with the burden of higher fees. Additionally, he said the move could discourage businesses from hiring part-time employees that would cost more if they were let go.

"Employees are not going to hire those part-time employees, and they will say 'we'll do it some other way,'" Saxman said. "(They'll say) we don't want to incur that risk."

Saxman also called on the chamber to either support or oppose the unemployment benefit plan in order to give legislators a better understanding of what the will of local businesses is on the subject.
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