June 8, 2021—Over the next month, half of the United States will end their participation in federal unemployment programs, CNBC reported.
Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi and Missouri will be the first to opt out of the pandemic-era programs, as of June 12, almost three months ahead of their official expiration. By July 10, 25 states will do the same. In total, roughly 3.9 million Americans will be affected by the state decisions.
This news comes as many legislators, mainly Republicans, argue that enhanced jobless benefits offer an incentive to stay home. A recent study found nearly half of small business owners are reporting unfilled job openings.
A handful of the states are offering return-to-work bonuses of up to $2,000, the report said.
