Chamber of Commerce asks states to stop giving out $300 boosts to jobless benefits

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Friday asked states to stop offering their $300 supplement to weekly unemployment insurance benefits, following the federal government's April jobs report that showed fewer-than-expected increases.

The chamber (known for its largely fiscally conservative policy positions) argued the additional money is preventing people from seeking unemployment, according to The Hill.

"The disappointing jobs report makes it clear that paying people not to work is dampening what should be a stronger jobs market," chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley said Friday.

The Labor Department report  showed the U.S. added just 266,000 jobs last month, amid projections of as many 1 million new jobs added.

Montana and South Carolina's Republican governors earlier this week announce their states would stop the $300 boost and other unemployment benefit.

"Based on the chamber’s analysis, the $300 benefit results in approximately one-in-four recipients taking home more in unemployment than they earned working," Bradley also said.