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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Since the emergency expansion of unemployment insurance ended early last month, 7.5 million Americans have lost joblessness benefits entirely, with millions more losing the $300 weekly bonus checks.

The federal government began the additional assistance during the early days of the pandemic to help prop up the economy. From March 2020 to July 2020, Maine paid out more than $1 billion in unemployment compensation from federal and state funds, compared to just $74 million for all of 2019.

But some people criticized the supplemental benefits, saying they discouraged recipients from accepting available jobs.

However, as Mainebiz recently reported, the state continues to face a crippling labor shortage — despite the extra payments ending five weeks ago.

Is hiring in Maine becoming easier for you or your industry, now that supplemental unemployment benefits have ended?
Yes (21%, 52 VOTES)
No (79%, 190 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Since the emergency expansion of unemployment insurance ended early last month, 7.5 million Americans have lost joblessness benefits entirely, with millions more losing the $300 weekly bonus checks.

The federal government began the additional assistance during the early days of the pandemic to help prop up the economy. From March 2020 to July 2020, Maine paid out more than $1 billion in unemployment compensation from federal and state funds, compared to just $74 million for all of 2019.

But some people criticized the supplemental benefits, saying they discouraged recipients from accepting available jobs.

However, as Mainebiz recently reported, the state continues to face a crippling labor shortage — despite the extra payments ending five weeks ago.

  • 242 Votes
  • 10 Comments
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10 Comments

  • October 12, 2021

    Too many unqualified people applying for jobs or unable to work hours due to other commitments like family care.

  • October 12, 2021

    No, it is still hard to get people to apply especially in the trades. Also I feel that the mental toll on those that had worked during the pandemic, in the trades, medical field, service sector, trucking industry. All have paid there dues and have gotten very little recognition or compensation from the government for standing on the front lines, digging in, risking their health, keeping the country going. While we are addressing the physical toll that this pandemic has created, I don't think that it will hold a candle to the mental toll that we are going to witness down the road.

  • October 12, 2021

    Answered no because it is too soon to have an impact. This should have ended long ago. Teaching people not to work doesn't help them in the long run. I would say the old adage about teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry would apply!

  • Roland Tufts
    October 12, 2021

    Replacing the retiring baby boomers is more challenging than anticipated.

  • October 12, 2021

    The ability for an individual to file for unemployment without confirmation from their employer that a job is awaiting is making this worse. Add to that various rent relief programs that remove incentives to work are exacerbating the problem.