ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A bill passed by the Special Committee on Government Oversight Wednesday would allow Missourians to keep the portion of overpaid unemployment benefits that came from federal stimulus package money.
Representative Raychel Proudie spoke in support of the bill, saying one of her friends considered killing himself in hopes that the community would then raise the funds needed for his wife to repay the money.
"We have citizens in the state who are deciding whether or not ending their life, for the sake of us sending money back to the federal government for no benefit."
Missouri overpaid more than $150 million in unemployment since the start of the pandemic, according to the Missouri Department of Labor Director.
Lawmakers cited estimates of 75% or 80% of the overpaid benefits was done so with federal money.
The bill was passed by the committee with bipartisan support and will now go before the House.
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