The State Finance Council has decided against using state money to take part in a federal relief plan for unemployment assistance.
The plan, as directed through executive order by President Donald Trump last month, would offer $400 per week in unemployment benefits to people who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic — provided states cover $100 of that assistance and build new computer systems to handle the program. States can also apply for the $300 weekly benefit package for affected residents without adding state aid, and it appears the state will now take that route.
Governor Laura Kelly blasted the Finance Council move, saying it “continues to play politics during a public health crisis instead of supporting the plan that was introduced by President Trump.” She also said Republicans missed an opportunity to follow through on statements they want to help residents struggling to get through the pandemic.
The Kansas Republican Party shot back. Party chair Mike Kuckelman says Kelly “sat idly by” for over a month while most other states received the additional $300 federal unemployment benefits. He also says the state money that could have gone to those benefits will be better used for other relief priorities.
From late March to July 25, unemployed residents across the country were eligible for $600 a week in benefits.
