GOP Governors Slash Unemployment Benefits as Businesses Plead for Workers

Expanded federal unemployment benefits that were implemented during last year's pandemic relief efforts are ending earlier than scheduled in Arkansas, Montana, and South Carolina-and Florida is expected to follow suit as Republican governors nationwide respond to pleas from businesses to encourage Americans to return to work.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said that by the end of June his state would no longer participate in the extended weekly unemployment benefits under the Biden administration's new $1.9 trillion stimulus plan-three months earlier than its expiration.

Earlier, the Republican governors of Montana and South Carolina announced similar plans, claiming that these benefits have discouraged people from returning to the workforce and have become a drag on the recovery.

GOP Texas lawmaker Kevin Brady meanwhile has said he expects more states will follow suit, accusing the White House of being "In denial" that many businesses are struggling to hire more people.

Nearly 40 percent of workers could make more on unemployment at the $300 level than they would earn by returning to work, according to American Action Forum, a center-right policy institute.

Businesses and organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest business lobbying groups, have called on the Biden administration to end the unemployment benefits.

President Joe Biden, when asked by a reporter whether the enhanced unemployment benefits had had any effect on the weak job numbers, said, "No, nothing measurable."

https://www.theepochtimes.com/gop-governors-slash-unemployment-benefits-as-businesses-plead-for-workers_3809059.html