{"id":225353,"date":"2021-05-10T19:39:25","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T00:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=225353"},"modified":"2021-05-10T19:42:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-11T00:42:53","slug":"nd-to-terminate-unemployment-assistance-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=225353","title":{"rendered":"ND To Terminate Jobless Assistance Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bismarck\u00a0 (CSi) \u2013 North Dakota will terminate its participation in the federal government\u2019s pandemic-related unemployment assistance programs, effective June 19, to help address the ongoing workforce shortage across the state, Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday.<\/p>\n

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North Dakota elected to participate in four unemployment-related programs in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Continued Assistance to Unemployed Workers Act of 2020.<\/p>\n

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The agreement that was signed to initiate these programs allows North Dakota or the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to terminate the programs upon 30 days\u2019 written notice to the other party.\u00a0North Dakota\u2019s written notice<\/a> was provided to the USDOL Monday.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAfter fighting through severe stress and financial hardship, many North Dakota businesses that survived the pandemic are now facing an unprecedented labor shortage as they attempt to recover,\u201d Burgum said. \u201cThese federal unemployment programs were meant to supplement state benefits and provide short-term relief for displaced and vulnerable workers, and these programs have accomplished their goals but are now counterproductive. Safe, effective vaccines have been available to every adult in North Dakota for months now, and we have an abundance of job openings with employers who are eager to hire.\u201d<\/p>\n

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North Dakota had 16,396 online job openings in April, which was nearly 50 percent higher than the same period in 2020 and represents the state\u2019s largest number of online job openings since July 2015, according to Job Service North Dakota.<\/p>\n

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At the same time, more than 8,300 individuals are claiming unemployment benefits under the four programs North Dakota is terminating on June 19. To date, those four programs have paid out more than $700 million in unemployment benefits, though 29% of federal program claimants live out of state.<\/p>\n

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\u201cFederal funds provided a safety net to our unemployed workers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that open jobs are surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we believe that re-employment is the best recovery plan for North Dakota\u2018s economic health,\u201d said Bryan Klipfel, executive director of Job Service North Dakota.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe termination of federal, pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs is a straightforward solution to a growing workforce problem,\u201d said Arik Spencer, CEO and President of the Greater North Dakota Chamber. \u201cAnytime the federal government competes with private employers to keep people at home is problematic. The federal unemployment relief provided short-term financial assistance and has served its purpose. Let\u2019s get the workforce back in a position to help our state and economy recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNFIB members have long stated that finding adequate workforce is one of their top issues, but as we recover from the pandemic recession this problem has become even more acute,\u201d said Alison Ritter, North Dakota state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. \u201cThe workers small businesses need are being rewarded for staying home. A record 44% of all small business owners report having job openings they could not fill, 22 points higher than the 48-year historical average. We applaud the Governor\u2019s Office for taking steps that will help small business owners find the workers they need to continue running their businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe State of North Dakota has been quick to provide its citizens access to COVID vaccinations and to reopen its economy with innovative programs to support businesses,\u201d said David Farnsworth, chair of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council. \u201cYet today there are \u2018Help Wanted\u2019 signs everywhere as employers desperately try to fill their workforce needs and bring the economy back to pre-pandemic levels with full employment. Incentivizing the return to work by discontinuing expanded unemployment benefits will help meet employer demands and advance the state\u2019s workforce strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe North Dakota Hospitality Association commends Governor Burgum on his decision to opt out of the continuing federal supplemental unemployment aid, addressing the labor shortage for our state\u2019s hospitality industry,\u201d said Rudie Martinson, executive director of the North Dakota Hospitality Association. \u201cWe are on the frontlines of the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, and never has there been a greater need for employees. The positive news is that we are open for business, and good jobs are available at food, lodging and beverage establishments across our state.\u201d<\/p>\n

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To learn more about local job openings, contact the nine workforce centers through the state at www.jobsnd.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The following describes the changes that will take place when North Dakota\u2019s participation in the four programs is terminated effective June 19:<\/p>\n

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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)<\/strong><\/p>\n