Rep. Jim Cox (R-Lancaster) | www.facebook.com/pg/RepJimCox
Rep. Jim Cox (R-Lancaster) | www.facebook.com/pg/RepJimCox
Rep. Jim Cox (R-Lancaster) has introduced a bill that will end Pennsylvania’s participation in federal unemployment programs.
If enacted, House Bill 508 will halt Pennsylvania’s participation in three federal unemployment programs, including the $300 per week benefit increase, one week from the date the bill passes.
The bill will also provide a $300 bonus for those who begin work and continue full-time for four consecutive weeks, with a second $300 bonus for those who work full-time for eight consecutive weeks.
After passing the House Labor and Industry Committee, the bill has not been scheduled for a floor vote.
Cox released a legislative memo along with the bill and points out, “Between borrowed federal stimulus payments with no strings attached and enhanced unemployment benefits that pay people not to work, federal policy has been encouraging unemployment claimants to stay home.”
According to state data, the Pennsylvania labor force is down more than 200,000 and payroll lists are down by more than 400,000.
Research completed by the American Action Forum reveals that 40% of Pennsylvania workers can receive more money through unemployment than working when factoring in the $300 federal bonus.
More than 750,000 Pennsylvanians remain on unemployment, and the state’s unemployment rate is 7.4%, exceeding the national average of 6.1%.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr refuted Gov. Tom Wolf’s arguments that increased unemployment was unrelated to the generous benefits, saying, “Despite claims to the contrary, the impacts of the enhanced federal unemployment benefits are not negligible,” and recommended the passage of HB508.
Additionally, the state will end the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program with a five-week notice. The program extends unemployment benefits.
Pennsylvania announced last month, starting July 18, it will continue the work search requirement for people receiving unemployment benefits. The requirement was waived last year due to COVID-19 by Wolf.
Alerts Sign-up