NFIB State Executive Director Bill Herrle released the following statement today in response to Florida’s decision to end federal pandemic-related unemployment assistance:
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it’s the right one for Florida. The additional payments from the federal government were always intended as a temporary patch to help people through an extraordinary situation. Since then, Florida’s economy has rebounded, but small businesses and national chains say there are more job openings than job applicants.
“Last spring, businesses reduced hours and limited services because of social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. This spring, they’re doing it because they can’t find enough workers.
“NFIB’s latest Small Business Economic Trends report says owners are increasing wages, but a record 44% of small businesses nationwide still have openings they can’t fill. NFIB believes that ending the supplemental federal unemployment assistance early will encourage more people to return to work.”
