BRIDGEPORT, POST,

EXHIBIT 13

State Chamber's Plan Sound

Business and industry, represented by the Connecticut Manufacturers Associa tion, opposed all bills now before the] State Legislature that would increase benefits to the unemployed at last week's hearings in Hartford.

And the association announced that it was "unalterably opposed" to a proposal of the State Chamber of Commerce which, under certain thoughtfully prepared conditions, would extend unemployment benefits to a maximum of 39 weeks. The Chamber, however, joined the manufacturers in their opposition to bills before the Labor committee to liberalize compensation benefits.

Opposition is based on the belief that liberalization of present laws would increase the costs of business and industry in Connecticut, and this burden would prevent them from expanding or even recovering from the current recession. It was also said at the Labor Committee hearing that it is yet to be shown that an emergency exists in this state.

That statement was made as unemploy-1 ment in Connecticut passed the 91,000 mark, according to Labor Commissioner, Renato Ricciuti, which would seem to be convincing enough. Flat opposition to all measures offered was not quite realistic. While there may be truth in the statement that a heavy burden would fall on business and industry, it is our opinion that wise heads in state government and in business and labor can work out a satisfactory solution of the state's problem.

Most people have been led to believe. on the state as well as the national level, that a serious recession could never hap pen again, that sound and permanent safeguards had been prepared through the years which could be put to use at once. in case of a sudden slump. But the present recession is eight months old, and none of the groups involved in preparing protec tive measures has come up with a solution.

There was a clash of interests at Hartford, to be sure, but there was one serious proposal offered by the State Chamber of Commerce which in our opinion was the soundest proposition laid before the committee. It seems obvious that something of this type of benefit will have to be adopted by the Legislature, if unemploy ment benefits are to reach, ultimately, those who need aid the most.

The General Electric News Pittsfield, Mass.

May 16, 1958

This was the plan offered by Maurice W. Reid of Bridgeport, representing the State hamber, who urged that present law be mended to increase aid to "regular me bers of the work force." by giving them aid for 33 weeks, with a max. imum of 39 weeks, when benefit claims equal or exceed 5 per cent of total covered employment for four consecutive weeks.

But, this would also require a person making the claim to have worked five years preceding the claim. But if he had Social Security or other benefits he would not be eligible.

The reasoning behind this proposal is simple. It is based on responsibility, which was clearly explained when Mr. Reid stat ed that while it is true that the plight of short term or transient workers who would not qualify is no less critical, "we feel that this is more a public responsibility than an exclusive one of the employers." This responsibility, he believes, could be discharged through monies from the General Fund or by an equitable form of taxation.

The suggested amendment would provide an extension of time in which benefits could be collected but would not increase the weekly allowance as the Governor and labor organizations have advo

cated.

Gen. Elect

EXHIBIT 15

Special Salute to the 17th State

We're mighty glad to welcome the new 49th state but while we're doing it let's not outlook a timely achiennes of the 17th, Ohio. Typical of its progressiveness is the recent extrasion of when playmans pay by 50% to a maximum of 39 weeks for Olac's joblese. This is another example of Ohio's leadership and shay so et peceptly its own state-wide ends

General Electric angement isnored and spoke up for de extension of jobless pay benefits just as it has supported and pad its sure for unemployment braalis impresevents in the past.

The full cost of employment pay is borne by Chao's employ en and the cost to cach is based on the individual company x strady work record. Those that provide the steadiest wark get the lowest unemployment compensation tax tas. Here is another com pelling incentive for Ohio companies so plan and manage their business in a way that provides employees with the steadiest work possible

More than 2,500,000 Ohio workers-including all 05 ployers are red for benefits under the State Uncoupkyment Compost plan. These awost necem improvements demonstrate agam Okie's ability to meet stare-wide jobless pay neede lior Ohio ans through its long established Unemployment Compensation plan. This calls for a special salute in the 17th State.

Progress Is Our Most important Product

GENERAL

ELECTRIC

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