Indiana union calls governor's unemployment decision 'cruel'

[Omaha Steve]

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana AFL-CIO is criticizing Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision to withdraw the state from federal programs providing an extra $300 in weekly payments to unemployed workers and expanded jobless benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The labor union said it cost the state nothing to remain in the programs, arguing that they have provided millions of dollars a week to families who could soon face having no income.

Holcomb announced this past week that the Indiana would leave those federal programs effective June 19. Many businesses blame their difficulty filling job openings on the extra $300 weekly payment and programs that provide jobless aid to self-employed or gig workers and to people who have been unemployed for more than six months.

FULL story here: https://apnews.com/article/in-state-wire-indiana-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-2dc6f52f3d03feacbf48ddb26c7f6631