Summary
Over 300,000 people in Ohio might receive up to $3,000 in payments after the state's Supreme Court decides on a case about COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Governor Mike DeWine stopped these benefits early, possibly against state law, leaving many without the federal support they were promised.
Key Facts
- The case involves over 300,000 Ohio residents who could receive payments up to $3,000.
- Governor DeWine ended COVID-19 unemployment benefits 10 weeks early, stopping around $900 million in payments.
- Lower courts ruled that Governor DeWine may have violated state law by stopping the payments early.
- The Ohio Supreme Court is reviewing the case after the lower courts' decisions supported the view that benefits should have continued.
- The early end of benefits was due to concerns about labor shortages caused by extra unemployment money.
- Ohio law from the 1930s mandates accepting federal unemployment funds when available.
- If the Supreme Court sides with lower courts, funds would need to be sent to qualifying residents.
- Additional challenges may arise as unspent COVID-19 funds might have been returned to the federal government.
