When COVID-19 hit the United States, this caused a shutdown of many states and resulted in massive layoffs and furloughs of positions at various employers. The government’s response was to issue a $600 per week boost in unemployment benefits, but now, those benefits are on the brink of ending as many states are near re-issuing stay-at-home orders due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 40 million Americans have been out of a job. Americans will still be able to get state unemployment benefits, but the lack of the $600 a week enhancement from Congress’ $2 trillion economic package is set to hit and impact over 25 million people.
Reports noted that lawmakers are looking to work on the next economic stimulus package. However, if the package isn’t put together before the ending of the current benefits situation, this would leave citizens on unemployment without the extra benefits for weeks. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon said, “The right thing to do for families and the economy is extend supercharged unemployment benefits. They have unquestionably kept the economy afloat." Stay tuned for more details.
source: CNN
