Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says the state will end federal unemployment payments of $300 a week beginning in June.
Kemp said the $300 weekly federal subsidies discourage the jobless from finding gainful employment. He added that the payments are “hurting our productivity not only in Georgia, but around the country.”
Congress approved the extra payments in a $2 trillion stimulus package in early 2020. The federal subsidies will end in mid-to-late Jun. Federal law allows states to opt out of the program as early as June 12.
Kemp made his decision after hearing from small business owners seeking an end to the payments.
The organizations said the extra $300 weekly — added to state benefits of up to $365 a week — discouraged people from seeking employment.
People who should be working jobs to help stimulate the local economy are instead jetting off to exotic destinations and brawling in airports.
“This is an issue I’m getting pounded on every day by our small business owners and many Georgians,” Kemp said, adding: “They need some help.”
Meanwhile, employers such as McDonald’s are forced to pay $50 for applicants to sit for an interview.
