A disappointing April jobs report following months of reported hiring struggles among businesses is fueling a Republican push to end enhanced unemployment aid programs extended by President BidenJoe BidenAtlanta mayor won’t run for reelection South Carolina governor to end pandemic unemployment benefits in June Airplane pollution set to soar with post-pandemic travel boom MORE in March.
GOP governors and lawmakers are taking steps to scrap a $300 weekly boost to jobless benefits and other programs created at the onset of the pandemic that expanded aid to millions of unemployed Americans.
Republicans, who have long been critical of generous jobless benefits, are seizing on April’s lackluster employment gain as proof that pandemic-related programs are hindering what should be a booming recovery.
Sen. Roger MarshallRoger W. MarshallFauci vs. Rogan: White House works to stomp out misinformation Kris Kobach files paperwork to run for Kansas AG Kansas senator blames misinformation, bureaucrats for vaccine hesitancy MORE (R-Kan.) said Friday he will introduce a bill to phase out the $300 weekly boost, set to expire in September, by the end of the month. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also called for the end of the $300 supplement in light of the jobs miss.
The Republican governors of Montana and South Carolina had already announced plans to end their states’ participation in pandemic jobless aid programs, and other GOP-controlled states are expected to follow suit.
“Even though President Biden inherited a strong economic recovery, it’s clear his job-killing policies are hurting working families and Main Street businesses,” said Rep. Kevin BradyKevin Patrick BradyHouse panel advances bipartisan retirement savings bill GOP frustration with Liz Cheney ‘at a boiling point’ Lawmakers brace for bitter fight over Biden tax plan MORE (R-Texas), ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Critics of enhanced unemployment aid have grown increasingly alarmed about its potential impact on the recovery after businesses across the country reported trouble hiring workers.
Economists, however, say it’s not that simple.
While some unemployed workers may be receiving more money through jobless aid than the median wage in their state, many economists say that dynamic is not the only or even the main reason why businesses are having trouble finding applicants.
“The case that labor shortages are slowing jobs growth is stronger today than it was yesterday, however the jury is still out on how much enhanced unemployment benefits are a contributing factor,” Daniel Zhao, senior economist at Glassdoor, said in an email.
“Ultimately, the pandemic is the largest single factor driving these labor shortages. If not for the pandemic, we would have millions of unemployed workers competing for jobs that are in short supply,” Zhao added.
The onset of the COVID-19…
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