RALEIGH, N.C. — State House lawmakers have passed a bill that would remove the state from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.
Senate Bill 116 now goes back to the Senate, which could decide to approve it in one vote. If it becomes law, North Carolina would join 25 other states that have also canceled their benefits early.
According to the NC Department of Commerce, about a quarter-million unemployed workers in North Carolina are currently receiving the benefit, worth $300 per week, adding up to between $72 and $75 million federal dollars pumped into the state's economy each week.
Withdrawing from the program early would mean the loss of around $500 million in federal aid by the program's scheduled end September 6th.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to the Defenders team by emailing money@wcnc.com.