Unfair Unemployment Insurance Burden

The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce stands with businesses in opposing efforts by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pass on the cost of a $2.1 billion unemployment insurance (UI) overpayment mistake to local employers. This error, which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being placed on the shoulders of the business community—many of whom are still working to recover.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has negotiated with the federal government to repay the funds over the next 10 years. However, instead of the state absorbing the cost of its mismanagement, the current plan shifts the financial responsibility to Massachusetts businesses through increased unemployment insurance payments.

“Massachusetts businesses should not be punished for a mistake they didn’t make,” said Deanne Healey, President and CEO of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses were lifelines during the pandemic. They deserve support, not added costs that threaten their stability and growth.”

The Chamber is urging members and the broader business community to join in the advocacy efforts led by the Mass Opportunity Alliance, aimed at holding the state accountable for its own error—not business owners. 

We encourage all Chamber members to learn more, get involved, contact their elected officials and help protect the backbone of our economy—our local businesses.

For more information on how to take action, please visit www.peabodychamber.com or .  Mass Opportunity Alliance Campaign: “You Broke It, You Fix It”