New York State unemployed workers can soon expect an extra $300 in their pocket thanks to the executive action of President Donald Trump through the “Lost Wage Assistance” program.
Overseen by “The Federal Emergency Management Agency” the extra dough will be retroactive to Aug. 1.
Initially Governor Cuomo was hesitant to participate in this $44 billion effort because of a required matching agreement whereby the State would kick in an extra $100 to the workers bringing the extra money up to $400.
Because the New York State appeared unwilling to contribute to this effort that requirement was waived by Trump.
State Budget Director, Robert Mujica, said that New York would now be willing to receive these funds.
According to the NYS representative, “As Governor Cuomo has said, politics does not impact policy — especially during a pandemic — and if New Yorkers are in need, this administration will do everything we can to support them. But make no mistake, this does not absolve Washington from doing its job, and they must pass a comprehensive aid package that provides a stable extension of unemployment benefits, repeals the SALT cap and supports local and state governments. Anything else would simply be unacceptable.”
New York’s unemployment rate was 15.9% in July, according to the state Department of Labor. There were more than 1.5 million New York people out of work last month.