NFIB State Director Dawn Starns McVea today applauded state Rep. Michael Echols for introducing an amendment to House Bill 610 that would address the shortage of job applicants by creating financial incentives for people to return to the workplace. HB 610 passed the House Labor Committee today.
“Last spring, Congress helped families impacted by the pandemic by providing additional unemployment benefits so they could get through the immediate crisis. Now, businesses are hiring again, but employers say hardly anyone is applying. Representative Echols’ amendment would create a financial incentive for people to reenter the workforce. The latest NFIB survey shows a record 44% of small business owners nationwide have openings that cannot be filled. Hopefully, the amended bill will encourage people to apply so employers can meet customers’ needs and rebuild their businesses.
“Getting people back to work and off of the unemployment rolls will not only help small businesses find workers but also relieve pressure on the state’s unemployment trust fund.”
