Senate Democrats offer plan to extend added jobless benefits during pandemic
By Alexander Bolton - 07/01/20 10:22 AM EDT
Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled legislation to extend a generous federal plus-up of weekly unemployment benefits that would continue as long as the coronavirus pandemic impacts the economy.
The American Workforce Rescue Act, introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), would extend the $600 federal increase in weekly unemployment benefits beyond July 31, when the current federal enhancement of benefits is due to expire.
That initial federal boost to weekly state unemployment benefits was included in the CARES Act signed into law in late March, but it has come under fierce criticism from Republicans, who say the benefit is so generous that it has created a disincentive for workers to return to low- and middle-income jobs.
The Schumer-Wyden proposal would extend the $600 increase in weekly unemployment insurance (UI) benefits past July 31 until a time when a state’s three-month average total unemployment rate falls below 11 percent.
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/505405-senate-democrats-offer-plan-to-extend-added-jobless-benefits-during-pandemic
