Texans will not receive an additional $300 in COVID-19 relief starting next week. This would have an impact on some people in the valley. Working odd jobs wasn’t enough.
The pay scale differs greatly between California and Texas.
Odd Jobs
Daniel Mejia found himself working odd jobs in the Valley after moving from California. He survived COVID-19 and, after being hospitalized several times last year, has decided to pursue a career as a truck driver.
Mejia’s unemployment benefits were terminated months ago.
After Gov. Greg Abbott decision to opt out of the additional money, more than 500,000 unemployed Texans will no longer receive an additional $300 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits beginning June 26.
“However, TWC will continue to pay you regular benefits after that date as long as you are eligible and have not exhausted your state benefits,” said Texas Workforce Commission spokesperson Francisco Gamez.
Once you’ve landed a good job, keep it:
According to business owners, the extra money has made it more difficult to find workers. According to experts, some people prefer long-term careers with higher pay.
Mejia expresses confidence in his new path and advised people: “Once you get a good job, keep it.”
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is for persons who do not normally qualify for standard state benefits, such as self-employed and independent contractors, or who have exhausted all other options.
Regular state payments are extended under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program.
The federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program pays an additional $300 per week in benefits.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in mid-May that the state would opt out of additional federal unemployment compensation linked to the COVID-19 pandemic this month. According to The Dallas Morning News, a lawsuit has been filed in Travis County, claiming that the Texas constitution does not provide Abbott the ability to make this decision on his own.
