Unemployment Trust Fund Debt Drops Below $1 Billion | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC - Governor Pat McCrory announced today that North Carolina's unemployment insurance debt to the federal government has dropped from more than $2.5 billion to $980 million during the past 18 months. In 2009, the state had to begin borrowing funds from the federal government to cover unemployment insurance benefits that were among the highest in the South.

    "Thanks to the tough choices we made last year to modernize North Carolina's unemployment insurance system, we are on track to pay this debt at least three years ahead of schedule," said Governor McCrory. "We also transformed our workforce training and job placement programs under our NCWorks program. With more people working, we will pay off this debt and ease a significant tax burden on nearly every North Carolina employer."

    Once the debt is paid off, North Carolina employers will begin receiving their full Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) credit just like those employers in 37 other states. All of these unemployment taxes are paid by employers on behalf of their employees.

    "Our work isn't done," said Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Employment Security Dale Folwell. "Although we are excited about being below this billion dollar mark, the true impact will be felt once we build a $1 billion surplus, which will lower state unemployment taxes on employers. This not only gives employers certainty about the cost of doing business in North Carolina but will help in recruiting and retaining jobs. We will not rest until every North Carolinian who wants a job, has a job."

    Contact: Crystal Feldman