BUFFALO (WBEN) - Republican State Senator George Borrello announced a bill Friday that would opt New York State out of the additional $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits.
Also a business owner, Borrello believes the added aid is causing issues for the hiring market and therefore hurting the economy.
"We've had employees of ours say, 'Call me in September when the extra unemployment benefits are up,'" said Borrello. "The New York State unemployment rate is among the worst in the nation right now, yet I don't know a single employer that isn't looking for employees. The government interference, particularly the extra $300 federal kicker for unemployment, has created this crisis that we have in our workforce."
The average unemployed New Yorker collects $654 per week with the additional federal aid, which equates to $16.25 an hour.
According to the Associated Press, fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, as 22 states, including Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa, plan to begin blocking the $300-a-week federal payment starting in June.
Amherst Chamber of Commerce President and CEO AJ Baynes told WBEN that he's hearing similar stories as Borrello in regard to the current hiring market from their members.
"The number-one thing we're hearing from restaurant owners and small retailers right now is that the expanded unemployment benefits that have been offered by the federal government have really caused a pinch on the hiring side for restaurants," said Baynes. "We're hearing it left and right from restaurants of all levels, whether it's a fast casual or fine dining restaurant."
Baynes didn't necessarily say he supports the idea of opting New York out of the additional federal benefits, but he does want to bring more awareness to the jobs that are currently available.
"I think right now what we would do is advocate on the behalf of our membership," Baynes continued. We're working with the Department of Labor to bring increased attention to the jobs that are available for people that are out there."
