Just 18 states have accepted President Trump’s offer of a federal supplement of $300 for unemployed citizens, a survey of state governments by the Associated Press has found. Two states have declined the increase in benefits, with 30 continuing to evaluate the offer.
The federal monies come from a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and there’s only enough money in that fund to pay the additional federal supplement for five weeks if all eligible states and federal territories take up the offer. The Trump Administration has said the additional supplements will continue through December, but it is unclear where the additional funds would come from.
Few states have promised to pony up the additional $100. The hesitation with accepting the federal supplements springs from the amount of administrative costs and paperwork expenses that has to be incurred, particularly given the hope that Congress will be able to work a compromise.
The Democratic-led House passed a continuation of aid in May, but the republican Senate could not coalesce their caucus to pass a relief plan. Democratic leaders have attempted to negotiate with the White House, but there has been no agreement.