Naples, FL-States ending participation in the $300 weekly unemployment bonus are continuing to lead the nation’s economic comeback. According to data from the latest U.S. Department of Labor report, continuing unemployment claims have plummeted by 13 percent in opt-out states week over week, while states continuing the bonus saw a decrease of less than one percent over the same period.
States that have ended their participation in federal unemployment bonus programs have also seen initial claims decrease by nearly 34 percent since May 1. In contrast, states continuing the bonus have experienced a far less dramatic decline in initial claims during the same time frame.
“State leaders are proving that ending enhanced unemployment bonuses can reignite the economic recovery for workers and businesses alike,” said Hayden Dublois, Senior Research Analyst at FGA. “This latest report further demonstrates how ending the bonus will help cycle individuals off of unemployment and into the record number of open jobs. In order to accelerate the economic recovery, Congress must allow federal unemployment bonus programs to expire on-schedule.”
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The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org
