July 22, 2020
Republicans (click here) are considering extending the enhanced unemployment insurance through the end of the year at a drastically reduced level of $400 per month, or $100 a week.
The current additional benefit of $600 per week expires at the end of July, but Democrats hope to extend it at least into next year.
Republicans had been discussing extending it at a level of $200 per week....
Of the states not providing the standard 26-week maximum: (click here)
- Massachusetts provides up to 30 weeks of UI except when a federal extended benefits program is in place (as it is now) or in periods of low unemployment (as was the case through February), when the maximum drops to 26 weeks;
- Montana provides up to 28 weeks of UI;
- Michigan normally provides up to 20 weeks of UI, but in the COVID-19 emergency that has risen to 26 weeks;
- South Carolina and Missouri provide up to 20 weeks of UI; and
- Arkansas provides up to 16 weeks of regular benefits.
The charity infrastructure in the USA can carry people in financial trouble for a while, but, there are far too many unemployed to place that burden on charity groups.
The first round was squandered by the Republicans that scoffed at the experts telling everyone to stay home and use a mask. Now, that the Republicans have failed the USA, they want to hurt it besides.
The length of unemployment is growing. (click here)
