The spread of COVID-19 did more than just affect our health and lifestyle; it also took quite a tole on the American economy. As stated by the US Census, during the course of the pandemic the employment-to-population ratio dropped to a mere 51.5%. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) was created to protect those who were incapable of applying for regular unemployment. However, many GOP-led states have made the decision to drop from this vital program, leaving many people without those benefits. The governor of Montana, Greg Gianfote, was the first to back out of the program, and with him many Republican states followed.
As stated by Gov. Kim Reynolds, "Federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs initially provided displaced Iowans with crucial assistance when the pandemic began, but now that our businesses and schools have reopened, these payments are discouraging people from returning to work.”
This action could have damaging results on the public at large should more states decide to follow suit. According to the Washington Post analysis, up to 557,000 people could have their unemployment benefits decrease by $300 each week. Rep. Don Beyer was quoted admonishing the decision to back out of these unemployment benefits, stating that the actions were severely misguided.
It is the pandemic, not the rescue, that is causing labor shortages.
Lawmakers were quick to recommend reforms to be made to combat these actions, brainstorming on ways people within those GOP-led states could still receive aid. Many pointed to the CARES Act which required assistance to be provided to those affected by the pandemic as long as there are funds available. President Joe Biden vowed to provide support to those affected and make reforms to allow them to receive the unemployment benefits they need. While fixing the economy should be considered a priority, it is the people who truly need our assistance before all else.
As stated by Sen. Bernie Sanders, "It is critical that the Department of Labor does everything in its power to ensure that jobless Americans continue to receive this aid as the law intended.”
The people’s struggle is America’s struggle, and our continued aid ensures that the public will rise above the pandemic and we will fully be able to heal. Only after should we focus on rebuilding our economy, not before.