Leaders of local cities and towns are praising the recommendations of a task force that urges the state to close loopholes that have allowed some nontenured teachers, crossing guards, and municipal retirees to collect extra benefits and pay through the unemployment compensation system.

“Massachusetts has a very liberal unemployment insurance program, but the proposal from the task force will make measured and reasonable changes to better balance taxpayer dollars while also providing the appropriate safety net for employees,” said Lexington Town Manager Carl Valente.