Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler (R) is considering ending federal unemployment benefits, which were expanded during the coronavirus pandemic to force recipients back into the workforce, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.
Kersha Cartwright, a spokeswoman for Butler, said he met with Georgia Gov. Brian KempBrian KempGeorgia’s Legislators Call for Better System for Handling Unemployment Claims Why won’t the national media cover the story that matters most to Americans? County North Carolina is reversing course and ending the ban on coke machines MORE (R) on Monday to discuss the option to cut the $ 300-a-week federal allowance or special benefits for people who are normally not eligible for state unemployment.
“I think the governor’s office and the commissioner agree that a significant reduction in some, if not all, programs is required,” Cartwright told the AP.
Cartwright told The Hill that Kemp and Butler were still working to “prepare the entire plan,” but said a decision on the reduced benefits could be made as early as Friday.
A Kemp spokesman Mallory Blount told the AP “to expect final decisions on timing and other details in the coming days.”
The AP reported that Butler had legal powers to cut federal benefits. It could also reduce a person’s income while they are still eligible for government benefits.
Several other states such as Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Montana have also pulled back from the $ 300-a-week federal aid that Conservatives say is preventing people from re-entering the job market.
On Monday, several business organizations, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, called for benefits to be suspended, saying “connecting the unemployed with employers and getting back to work is the first step” in tackling labor shortages, the AP reports.
“Because they cannot find workers, companies are turning down orders, raising prices and some are even considering closing permanently,” the groups wrote in a statement. “Many restaurants only offer a drive-through and pick-up service, not because of COVID, but because they cannot find enough workers to fully support operations.”
Republican lawmakers have argued that federal unemployment benefits discourage workers from looking for work.
President BidenJoe BidenBiden emphasizes unity in July 4th remarks: “America is coming back” Oregon Governor: Heatwave death toll “Totally Unacceptable” Military prepares for fundamental change in judicial reform MORE announced on Monday that his government would make it clear that workers cannot turn down “suitable” job offers and will continue to receive federal benefits.
“We will make it clear that anyone who collects unemployment benefits, who is offered a suitable job, must accept the job or lose their unemployment benefits,” said Biden.
