A big change now in effect for those receiving unemployment benefits. The state said you now have to prove you’re looking for a new job. In order to receive unemployment benefits, New Mexicans now have to show:the date you contacted the business the type of work it wasthe employer's name the type of contact and contact information (such as a phone number or web address), and the result of your contact“The idea behind it is to incentivize people to go out and look for work,” said Michael O’Donnell, UNM’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research acting director.After 14 months without it, the work search requirement is back for unemployed New Mexicans per the Department of Workforce Solutions' website. As of Sunday, the waiver that had been in place due to the pandemic is now lifted and those seeking benefits have to prove they've made at least two work searches every week.But, what led to the decision?In a statement on Monday, Stacy Johnston with department said, “...With the decline in Covid-19 spread and the successful rollout of the vaccine, we have the tools to move New Mexico forward. As a result, more employers are now able to increase their reopening efforts, including bringing more staff back to work and hiring new positions."“Given that there are reportedly tons of jobs available, more than perhaps people had expected, it make sense to revert back,” said O’Donnell.O’Donnell, an economist, at UNM said the change makes sense. With the state's unemployment rate at 8%, one of the highest in the country, the work search requirement might help.“I think bringing back the search requirement will probably help at least somewhat to bring that rate down. the question is are those people going to go back to work or are they going to drop out of the labor force,” said O’Donnell.He said it's hard to right now if those staying on the side lines are doing so due to benefits or reasons like feeling less safe going back to work in a pandemic. The state expects the unemployment rate will decrease.