ToplineJudges are pushing back as dozens of states have cut off federal government $300-a-week unemployment benefits early. They ordered Maryland and Indiana to keep offering these additional benefits. This is a program that advocates claim is still necessary, but Republican officials say it is stalling the economic recovery.On April 16, 2020, a person in Arlington, Virginia files a request for unemployment benefits. AFP via Getty ImagesThe Key FactsSaturday's temporary restraining orders were issued by a Baltimore state judge. According to Forbes, an attorney who was sued by Larry Hogan last month shared his decision with Forbes. He forbid Hogan from proceeding with his plans to stop receiving $300 checks and other federal unemployment benefits beginning Sunday. Judge Lawrence Fletcher Hill suggested that the state may not have the ability to reject federally provided unemployment money. Fletcher-Hills orders expire in 10 days. A spokesperson for Hogan, Michael Ricci, told Forbes that the governor who decided to end benefits because of Maryland's rising vaccination rates and falling unemployment rates will appeal the decision. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb's plan to reduce his state's unemployment benefits was temporarily stopped by a judge last Wednesday. Indiana, however, is reportedly appealing this ruling. A number of Texas residents have also sued their state for the governor's decision. The Dallas Morning News reported that Greg Abbott's decision to stop extra unemployment checks was denied by a Texas judge.Important QuoteThere are a record number jobs right now. This program makes it more difficult to fill those positions and fully reopen businesses. In a Forbes statement, Ricci, a spokesperson for Hogan, stated that it is hurting recovery in every industry and region.Chief CriticIt is regrettable that Governor Hogan continues to seek to deny federally-funded life-sustaining benefits to hundreds, thousands of Marylanders. This was especially given Saturday's well-reasoned opinion by Circuit Court Judge Sally Dworak Fisher, an attorney representing plaintiffs.Large Number26. CNN reports that at least 26 states have plans to end extra unemployment benefits before September's natural expiration. Except for Louisiana, all of these states have Republican governors. John Bel Edwards (D).Important BackgroundFollowing the Covid-19 scandal that saw tens of million of Americans placed on unemployment rolls, Congress increased the sometimes-small benefits states offer jobless workers by sending weekly checks to all those who are unemployed and creating new programs for Americans who are self-employed. The most recent round of enhanced unemployment benefits was approved in March. It is expected to expire in September. Critics argue that this program is not necessary. Most states have opened their economies fully after more than one year of pandemic restrictions. Federal data shows that millions of jobs remain unfilled. Furthermore, generous unemployment benefits could discourage people from returning work. Supporters argue that these payments are still necessary because the unemployment rate remains high above pre-pandemic levels and certain economic sectors have not fully recovered.TangentAccording to a June poll by The New York Times, 52% of Americans believe that the $300-per-week supplemental unemployment payments should be ended immediately.Continue readingCNN reports that more Americans are seeking to get their unemployment benefits (due to the pandemic) back.
