In the News

(WWLP) – The federal program that is currently providing more than 30 million unemployed Americans with an extra $600 per week expires Friday.

As of now, leaders on Capitol Hill aren’t on the same page on a new plan to help those struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides agree that help is needed but they can’t decide how to move forward.

Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal said millions of Americans need this money to put food on the table, to pay bills and afford rent as unemployment numbers continue to rise. Neal addressed his reaction to the decision to cut this benefit over a listening session with others directly impacted.

The Heroes Act proposed by the House Ways and Means committee would have continued federal aid through January of next year. The act would provide additional direct payments of up to $1,200 per individual. It would also expand paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation and housing assistance. However, the act has yet to pass Senate.

“For 10 weeks they have not done anything in the Senate. They have understated the nature of the challenge of the COVID crisis.This is about a pandemic this is not about malfeasance,” said Neal.

The leading GOP proposal would renew federal unemployment payments at 66-percent of lost wages, or $200 dollars per week. The talks will continue through the weekend, but a deal doesn’t seem likely.

The number of first-time unemployment aid claims crept up last week in both Massachusetts and nationwide compared to the prior week.

Unemployment numbers went up by more than 1,000 here in Massachusetts which is a sign of continuing economic uncertainty more than four months into the pandemic.