Twenty two Republican states to halt COVID federal unemployment benefits starting in June

Federal unemployment benefits related to COVID-19 will come to an end for 22 GOP-led states in June – with a majority of the states also ending benefits for individuals who have been unemployed or self-employed for over six months.

Republicans, fiscal conservatives and others have asserted that businesses are struggling to find workers as a result of extended benefits that incentivize some to not search for a job.

Democrats say the continued benefits are needed as some people continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic shutdowns. 

According to Business Insider, the following are pulling out of the $300-a-week federal unemployment benefit: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.

The move to wind down the benefits follows the disappointing federal jobs report for April, in which just 266,000 jobs were added to the economy, compared to the 1 million projected by analysts. 

"We have announced the end date of our state of emergency, there are no industry shutdowns, and daycares are operating with no restrictions," Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a press release. "Vaccinations are available for all adults. Alabama is giving the federal government our 30-day notice that it's time to get back to work."

Other governors mentioned the struggles businesses are facing without the proper amount of staff.

"There are help wanted signs posted all over Indiana" and the economy is "roaring," Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said.

Some states will also resume work-search requirements, which had been stopped during the pandemic. Some governors will also end other state programs that have aided residents in staying jobless.