RP76 - Relating to the suspension of a waiting period for certain state unemployment insurance claims

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

Executive Department

Austin, Texas - September 17, 2011

Relating to the suspension of the seven-day waiting period for certain state unemployment insurance claimants who have become unemployed as a direct result of wildfires.

WHEREAS, devastating wildfires struck several counties in Texas beginning on August 30, 2011 , causing severe damage to homes, businesses and residents; and

WHEREAS, I issued an Emergency Disaster Proclamation on December 21 , 2010, as extreme fire hazard posed a threat of imminent disaster in specified counties in Texas; and

WHEREAS, this Emergency Disaster Proclamation is currently in effect, having been recently renewed on September 1, 2011; and

WHEREAS, the President of the United States issued a major disaster declaration (FEMA 4029-DR) under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 5121 et seq.; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 207.0212 of the Texas Labor Code, the seven-day waiting period requirement for certain state unemployment insurance claimants who have become unemployed as a direct result of a natural disaster that resulted in the major disaster declaration issued by the President of the United States may be suspended by the governor;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Section 207.0212 of the Texas Labor Code, do hereby suspend the seven-day waiting period requirement imposed under Section 207.021(a)(7) of the Texas Labor Code to authorize an individual to receive benefits for that waiting period if the individual:

(1) is unemployed as a direct result of a natural disaster that resulted in the major disaster declaration issued by the President of the United States(FEMA 4029-DR) under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S. C. Section 5121 et seq.; and

(2) is otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation benefits under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act; and

(3) is not receiving disaster unemployment assistance benefits for the period included in that waiting period.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded or superseded by me or by a succeeding governor.

Given under my hand this the 17th day of September, 2011.

RICK PERRY (Signature)
Governor

Attested by:

ESPERANZA "HOPE" ANDRADE (Signature)
Secretary of State