Louisiana unemployment benefits going up, employer tax going down. Here's what to know.

The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Louisiana will soon increase from $275 to $282 after state leaders on Thursday got an updated economic forecast of the state's unemployment claims.

Employers can also expect a cut in the unemployment insurance taxes they pay per employee into the state's unemployment fund. The wage base, or the wages businesses pay the tax on each year, will decrease from $7,700 to $7,000.

"On average overall, Louisiana employers will see about a 9 to 10 percent drop in their tax burden," said Susana Schowen, secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

"Each employer is gonna see something slightly different," she added.

The changes are set to take effect Jan. 1. and are happening because the state's unemployment fund is expected to grow more than previou