Gov. DeWine should restore unemployment benefit
Posted June 24, 2021 in Press Releases
End of $300 a week is blow to families, Ohio economy
This Saturday, June 26, an extra $300 a week in federal unemployment compensation (UC) will end for close to 300,000 Ohioans. Governor Mike DeWine ordered the end of the benefits, which otherwise would continue through Sept. 4. Policy Matters Ohio Research Director Zach Schiller issued the following statement on the cut-off:
“The extra $300 in federal unemployment compensation benefits kept food on the table, a roof over the heads and the electricity on for countless families. They’re an example of the power of the government to step up and make people’s live better and communities stronger. By cutting off these benefits to unemployed Ohioans DeWine is not only dealing a cruel blow to families, he will hurt Ohio’s economy by depriving businesses of nearly $1 billion in spending that won’t happen now. A recent study shows that in other states that cut off benefits early, job search rates actually stayed about the same or dropped compared to the national average. And this week’s job report makes clear that Ohio’s economy remains sluggish: The number of jobs is below where it was last November.
“One of the best ways to support working people is to make sure they have a safe, nurturing place to care for their children while they’re on the job. So maintaining quality child care and publicly funding it in the state budget so it is affordable are critical. At the same time, Gov. DeWine should allow those who can’t find affordable child care to receive UC benefits.
“This week, an Ohio Senate committee moved toward using up to $1.7 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to pay off any loans the state borrows from the federal government to pay UC benefits through Dec. 27. Thus, policymakers would continue aid to businesses even while support to unemployed workers is removed. Gov. DeWine should rescind his action and restore the $300-a-week benefit.”
Download 062421restore300inuc.pdf