For decades, the Left has been pushing to keep more Americans trapped in the cycle of government dependency through expansive government programs, ensuring it is more lucrative to stay home than to work. This increases government dependency, catching people in the welfare trap. Unfortunately, recent changes to the unemployment system in response to COVID-19 have presented a new opportunity for the Left to trap Americans at home.
In response to the pandemic, the federal government relaxed unemployment eligibility rules, extended the number of weeks an individual could receive unemployment insurance benefits, and provided an additional bonus payment each week. Though these programs are supposed to expire, they have been extended several times. And Democrats have sought to make these changes permanent, attempting to make unemployment insurance yet another part of the welfare package.
Unsurprisingly, these changes are well outside of the original intent of the unemployment insurance program. This program was never meant to be a long-term substitute for work. And yet, in a matter of just a few months, Congress transformed it into just that.
This should concern all Americans, not only because of the long-term repercussions on individuals but also because of how this transformation threatens the program’s continued survival.
