Gov., Kim Reynolds, announced today (Tuesday) that the State of Iowa will end participation in the federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs effective June 12. This new measure is a means to address the state’s severe workforce shortage. Iowa will continue to provide regular state unemployment insurance benefits to those eligible under applicable state code. “Federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs initially provided displaced Iowans with crucial assistance when the pandemic began,” Reynolds says. “But now that our businesses and schools have reopened, these payments are discouraging people from returning to work. Our unemployment rate is at 3.7 percent, vaccines are available to anyone who wants one and we have more jobs available than unemployed people.” The week ending June 12 will be the last week for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). Additionally, effective June 13, Iowa will no longer waive employer charges for COVID-related unemployment insurance claims. “Regular unemployment benefits will remain available, as they did before the pandemic, but it’s time for everyone who can work to get back to work,” Reynolds adds. “This country needs to look to the future, and Iowa intends to lead the way.”
