NJ Senate Panel OKs Unemployment Verification Bill

A report that shows New Jersey inmates have collected millions of dollars in benefits has led to a state Senate panel approving a measure that would make sure it doesn't happen again.

The Labor Committee approved a bill Thursday that prevents unemployment benefits from going to inmates. The report found 7,600 inmates had collected approximately $10 million in unemployment benefits.

The bill requires the Department of Corrections to supply the labor department with inmate's names and social security numbers. The labor department is then required to establish a verification system to make sure no inmates receive unemployment.

A report by the state comptroller's office showed inmates were paid a total of $23 million in various benefits they were not entitled to receive over 22 months ending in April 2011.

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