Impact of Expanded Unemployment Benefits on Texas Unemployment Rate after lift of COVID restrictions
INTRODUCTION On March 2, 2021, Texas State governor, Greg Abbot, issued a decisive executive order to reopen the state locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities resumed in the state but with a slow return to work even with COVID restrictions lifted. Some business owners complained that they’re struggling to fill jobs, since the opening of the state, arguing this to be a result of unemployed Texans making more money on expanded unemployment benefits provided by the federal government. This argument triggered Governor Abbot’s ending of expanded unemployment benefits on June 26, 2021, to encourage a full return to work of the totally and partially insured unemployed Texans claiming benefits under the programs . Megan Menchaca and Mitchell Ferman quote Abbot as stating in a press release sent from the governor’s office, “The Texas economy is booming and employers are hiring in communities throughout the state... According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the num...