Gordon ends pandemic programs

On May 11, Governor Mark Gordon announced Wyoming would end its participation in federal supplemental unemployment benefits. The reason for the decision, according to the announcement, was to address workforce shortages being felt throughout the state.

The programs providing the supplemental unemployment benefits were made available through federal laws initiated in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Assistance to Unemployed Workers Act of 2020. The additional payments provided through the two federal acts will no longer be available effective June 19, 2021.

“Wyoming needs workers, our businesses are raring to go,” Gordon said in the announcement. “I recognize the challenges facing Wyoming employers and I believe it’s critical for us to do what we can to encourage more hiring. Federal unemployment programs have provided short-term relief for displaced and vulnerable workers at a tough time but are now hindering the pace of our recovery. People want to work and work is available. Incentivizing people not to work is just plain un-American.”

Effective June 19, the following benefits will no longer be paid out by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and no claims will not be accepted.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. This program provided a $300 per week supplemental payment in addition to other unemployment insurance benefits.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. This program was an extension of regular unemployment insurance benefits. While regular unemployment insurance is limited to 26 weeks, this program extended benefits up to a maximum of 53 additional weeks.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Under this program, many people who would not normally be eligible for unemployment insurance were provided eligibility and included those who were self-employed or those who worked for a non-profit.

While the three federal assistance programs would no longer be available after June 19, the Department of Workforce Services will still have available state assistance.

“The 20 Workforce Centers around the state have many opportunities to help those who are seeking work,” said DWS Director Robin Sessions Cooley. “The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act program and the Workforce Development Training Fund, including our Apprenticeship Grants and Internship Grants, can help a person obtain not just a job, but a career.”

According to Chris Brown, executive director of the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association, while the hospitality industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic it is now struggling to hire staff.

“We applaud Governor Gordon’s leadership with this decision and we look forward to providing true Wyoming hospitality to the visiting public as we continue to recover as an industry,” said Brown.