Business groups are reacting favorably after Governor John Bel Edwards signs a bill to bring enhanced unemployment benefits to an end on July 31.
“Businesses are reporting there are a large number of jobs available—and wages have gone up,” says Stephen Waguespack with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. “But they simply cannot get the applicants.”
Waguespack says they are happy the governor made to the move to spur people back to work.
“They think in this enhanced unemployment was a big reason why [people weren’t returning to work]. So putting a firm deadline on this and encouraging people to get back into workforce, so we think this is a good first step and we’re glad the Governor signed the bill.”
The National Federation of Independent Business’ Dawn McVea also added her approval for the Governor’s action.
“It’s a clear indicator the federal unemployment benefits have been affecting an offices ability to get back open a hundred percent, get back open, get back to full capacity since the restrictions have been lifted and get the economy going again.”
McVea says over 40-percent of business owners said they were having trouble attracting new workers.
She also says, with more people returning to work, the state unemployment trust fund can now be replenished after being drawn down to zero.
