At least nine states have announced that they will be ending participation in unemployment assistance programs directed at alleviating problems produced by the coronavirus pandemic.
Among them: $300 unemployment checks, which for any state that doesn’t opt out will be extended through Sept. 6.
Tennessee is one of the latest states to opt out of the program, as many state Republicans argue the additional funds allow low-wage workers to make more money while staying at home.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee informed the United States Department of Labor Tuesday, joining Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, and South Carolina in ending state participation in federal unemployment programs.
“Families, businesses and our economy thrive when we focus on meaningful employment and move on from short-term, federal fixes,” Lee said in a statement. The assistance program will end in June.
Customers order from a Chipotle restaurant at the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.Mark Makela | ReutersAs the labor market heats up, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced Monday it’s raising pay for restaurant workers, reaching an average of $15 an hour by the end of June.The company has also introduced employee referral bonuses of $200 for crew members and $750 for apprentices or general managers, as it looks to recruit 20,000 new workers across the country to support its peak season and new restaurant openings.The pay hike for new and existing restaurant workers, both hourly and salaried, will roll out …