Montana’s Republican governor pulls pandemic payments – is he for real?

News on the ground is that there is a labor shortage, so businesses can't find workers. Someone must do something! And it looks like a Republican is leading the way.

This article is a terrible opinion hit-piece. And I would normally not even take note of it, but it brings up the labor shortage that I hear local business people talk about. So, yes, Greg Gianforte is the hero! It's about time that someone did something about this labor mess. And, before you call him (or me) heartless, this governor has an idea of a "return-to-work" bonus. $1,200 after a month of work. A small sum, but if this idea were to roll out in the more prosperous, liberal states as well, then this idea could size up and be a financial buffer as we transition, in this difficult time, back to a work-based economy.

 

Lazy ass people getting used to suckling from the government teat. Which is, of course, exactly what the government wants...

 

I've heard of this. I've also heard of some employers paying people to show up for interviews. I can see how it can be an incentive for some people who have lost their jobs or had them downsized. It's not going to help people who aren't returning to work because of fear of the virus (https://www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...eachers-still-ineligible-for-vaccines/2021/02).

 

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A restaurant chain here in Dallas had to close two of its restaurants because of labor shortage.

Is it only because so many people refuse to go back to work... or is something else happening ??

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I don't think it's a bad idea to limit UE payments if jobs are going unfilled because of them.
It's getting close to opening again.

 

I lost my job in the oilfield in early 2020 due to COVID and oil prices, among other things. I didn't even attempt to draw unemployment. I immediately went out and got another job. I didn't qualify for the COVID stimulus relief checks either because I made too much in 2019. These people are just being lazy asses....

 

Only a republican thinks like that.

 

What do you think about people being forced to be vaccinated to return to work or obtain employment? To me, it seems like the biggest disconnect is the vaccines are not yet FDA-approved. I don't know the legalities on that but I've read arguments for both sides. Fortunately, my financial position is safe. I would go stark raving mad if I had to decide between my income and any unknowns about the vaccines. I feel just horrible for the people stuck in that position.

 

That’s the equivalent of four weeks of federal unemployment assistance. This was the p r governorship the GOP flipped last year. Since taking office, he’s been as busy as the governors of Texas and Florida signing much the same kinds of bills. Gun rights, safe girls sports, religious liberty, and so much more. With Montana gaining a house seat and him as Governor the GOP has full control of drawing the lines so that it’s a GOP seat.

 

I think it depends on the type of work.
But really, given the speed this was done, I can see not wanting vaccination. And I don't think it can be legally forced. But each employer can make their rules.
Same with travel.
One will have to abide by the rules of the one making them.
Now, I don't know the legal part of what Montana gov is doing. Can he force people to work if they are afraid of covid?
That's a tough one. I don't know what the rules are with the new UE benefits from Biden.

 

Under normal conditions, my state of PA has requirements for those on unemployment that they apply for jobs and document them. Think it's like 3-5 jobs a week you're supposed to apply for. That requirement was waived when the pandemic started last year. Recently, the state created a form and a website for employers to report people they had offered jobs to who were on unemployment that refused to take work that was available to them, another requirement of PA unemployment.

This is what needs to be done. Enforcement. The extra unemployment was necessary when things were more shut-down than they were, but now it's time for folks to get back to work.

 

don't republicans believe in economics? how about employers offer more in salary and benefits if they need more labor.

do you know what it means when fast food franchises are offering signing bonuses and $16 per hour? it means the money has been there all along.

 

Every state should.

 

Not yet. Let's see what happens in Montana first. The good thing about our system is that states are free to enact their own laws, and others are free to watch.