It looks increasingly like one of the first issues the 2013 General Assembly will consider is how to address the $2.4 billion the state owes the federal government for unemployment insurance funds the state borrowed to provide the desperately needed benefits to laid off workers during the Great Recession.

But the decision may have basically already been made, judging by a weekend Associated Press story that provided the outline of the proposal that has been crafted behind closed doors by Republican legislative leaders and business lobbyists.

No labor leaders or other advocates for workers have apparently been invited to the secret meetings where the plan was crafted that will be presented to the next meeting of the Revenue Laws Study Committee on Dec. 5.

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