Chamber Supports NEVA

 

 

Media Release                                                                                             

Contact: Kelly Hall

Phone (903) 237-4000
Fax (903) 237-4049
 
Chamber Supports Employee Verification Bill
Legislation Promoted During DC Fly-In
 
Longview, TX (May 13, 2008): Supporting H.R. 5515, "New Employee Verification Act" (NEVA) was one of the recommendations made by Longview Chamber of Commerce during the Washington DC Fly-In, April 16-18, 2008. NEVA would replace the current ineffective federal government's employee verification process with a new electronic verification system. 
 
Under H.R. 5515, the New Employee Verification Act, employers would use the state "new hire" reporting process, which is currently used for child support enforcement, to access the Electronic Employment Verification System. This would allow employers to confirm the work eligibility of U.S. citizens through the Social Security Administration database and that of non-citizens through the Department of Homeland Security database.
 
In addition, this system would include a standard background check and the collection of a "biometric" characteristic, such as a thumbprint, to secure an employee's identity and prevent the illegal use of a Social Security number, stolen or fraudulently-obtained drivers' license, or altered identification documents.
 
NEVA appears to be a bi-partisan effort and would greatly enhance the ability of employers to verify lawful workers seeking employment with their companies. The Chamber of Commerce supports this legislation because it:
1.       Builds upon current government database where 90% of employers are enrolled;
2.        Eliminates paper based systems; and
3.        More effectively verifies identity of new hires.
 
The Longview Chamber of Commerce represents over 40,000 employees and 1,000 businesses. For additional information please contact Kelly Hall at president@longviewtx.com or (903)237-4000.
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