Unemployment Insurance Rates Rising

HELENA, Mont. — The Department of Labor and Industry says most Montana employers will see an increase in unemployment insurance rates for the second straight year.

The contribution rates in 2011 will average 2.32 percent of wages, compared to 1.92 percent in 2010. The increase averages about $4.26 per employee every two weeks.

Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly says the increases are needed to shore up the Montana Unemployment Trust Fund, which has fallen from $191.2 million in October 2009 to $123.1 million this year. The fund held $290 million in October 2008.

An employer’s contribution rate is based on their history of unemployment claims. The new rate schedules will be sent out next week.