Cuts to Pandemic UI: Impact on Women and Families

WHAT’S THE IMPACT ON WOMEN OF ENDING THE PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS?

Women, especially Black and Latina women, were hit first and hit hardest by the economic and employment consequences of the pandemic. The expanded unemployment program, passed by Congress, provided much needed financial support to families who were feeling the consequences of the economic crisis.

But Governor DeWine announced in June that the state of Ohio would be ending those benefits early on June 26. Now, a Franklin County judge will hear arguments on whether this decision can stand, or whether Ohioans will be able to continue to receive the additional $300 per week in pandemic unemployment benefits through Labor Day.

As we look towards recovery and rebuilding, the loss of these pandemic benefits will present immense challenges for families and create barriers to their economic stability – and our state’s economic recovery as a whole. We partnered with For Our Future Ohio to host a conversation about what the expanded UI program means for women and families. Watch the full conversation, below:

PANEL DISCUSSION: IMPACT OF CUTS TO PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

• Elizabeth Brown, Executive Director, The Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network
• Desiree Tims, President/CEO, Innovation Ohio
• Representative Lisa Sobecki, State Representative and member of Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council
• Leah Haenszel, Volunteer Lead, Unemployed Action Ohio