The Daily Mail reported on May 12 that since Montana Governor Greg Gianforte launched the “go back to work” (return-to-work) incentive program on May 4, it has stimulated other states to trigger a domino effect, with 11 Republican governors announcing their withdrawal from the $300-a-week enhanced unemployment program starting in June and other states to follow. The $300 enhanced unemployment program was announced by 11 Republican governors as of June, and other states are expected to follow suit. It is expected that the long-term unemployed, self-employed and part-time workers (gig workers) in these states will not receive $300 per week, as well as other state unemployment benefits, starting June 12.
Republican states opted out of the federal program because Biden rejected Republican calls to cut $300 a week in additional unemployment benefits. The program’s expiration date has been extended several times since it was first passed by Congress last year during the Trump presidency, and the benefit expired in September of this year. But governors are now concerned that their states’ economies will not recover if people continue to be incentivized not to work.
In March 2019, federal and state unemployment benefits combined were averaging $348 per week. That number almost tripled to $938 in March 2020 and is now down to $638 per week, still $300 more than in 2019. Based on a 40-hour work week, working at home with nothing to do would also pay $16 per hour, more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
The 11 states that announced their withdrawal from the enhanced unemployment program this time are, Iowa, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina and Alabama. Other Republican governors, too, are considering withdrawing from the program.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) told CNN Sunday that he is considering turning down $300 in unemployment benefits. Republican governors in Joe, Nebraska and New Hampshire, are also considering ending the program this summer.
Other Republican-led states have made changes to their unemployment benefit programs, and Vermont and Indiana have reinstated the rule that you have to find a job to receive benefits.
Arizona Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) said Tuesday morning that it’s time to stop paying benefits.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said in April that he opposed extending the unemployment benefit enhancement program, but has not yet announced whether he will withdraw the $300 aid package early.
Recent Comments