Rauner, business, labor agree on jobless benefit changes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner says his administration has reached an agreement with business groups and unions on a framework for changes to Illinois' unemployment insurance system.

The agreement would deny benefits to laid-off workers in certain cases such as providing false information on an employment application and damaging an employer's property through gross negligence.

The three sides said in a joint statement Monday the framework also would allow laid-off workers who are eligible for Social Security to receive a full unemployment benefit. Under current Illinois law, half of the amount older workers receive for Social Security is deducted from unemployment benefits.

The agreement needs General Assembly approval. Changes to the unemployment insurance system is a key component of Rauner's pro-business agenda he wants approved by lawmakers in the current budget standoff.