HIgh Schoolers Eligible For Unemployment

Federal funding has been a relief for many during the pandemic, but those who are students are often over looked.

Is a non?

"*profit oranization that funds youth programs across minnesota.

Those involved are an advocate for change... and now federal?*- funded unemployment money will positively impact those they help.

The youthrise vice president tells us employers pay into the unemployment system on behalf of young people like they do any other worker.

"it's unfair for employers to pay in for young people and them not be able to recieve the benefit.

They need these resources.

We're in a pandemic they're helping to support their families."

A 1939 minnesota state law prohibits young people from recieveing state funded unemployment benefits.

Early this year the state also determined younger people were not elig for federally funded benefits.

"so this has been an issue for a long time in minnesota, but with the pandemic and all of the issues that young ppl are facing and the number of people who have been laid off, this issue really came to the forefront."

In march, young people reached out to youthrise for support as they tried to influence legislators to change that law so they could receive unemployment benefits.

Youthrise introduced bills in the house, senate, and even congress .

It wasn't until october, youthprise filed a lawsuit against the mn dept of employment and economic development.

They wanted clarification that young people ?

"(should be eligible *- to bring relief to young workers.

Youthprise vp tells me they have received support from the governor, deed commissioner, attorney general that young people should be entitled to unemployment benefits by