Judge Blocks Attempt To Reinstate Federal Unemployment Benefits

COLUMBUS, OH — A federal judge blocked an attempt to force Ohio back into an unemployment program that increases how much unemployed people receive in benefits each month.

This summer, Ohio joined an exodus of states from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. Unemployed Ohioans were receiving an additional $300 per unemployment check via the program, but Gov. Mike DeWine decided to exit the program and slash those benefits.

Earlier this month, Marc Dann and Brian Flick of DannLaw, and Andrew Engel of Advocate Attorneys, filed the lawsuit to force Ohio back into the program. The lawsuit claimed DeWine's decision was hurting thousands of Ohioans in an attempt to score political points.

DeWine argued the unemployment program was hurting the ability of Ohio companies to find workers.

"We have heard over and over again from employers who can’t find workers to fill open positions, and this policy helps both employers and workers. Our administration has focused on opportunities to help Ohioans find quality, well-paying jobs. As a result of the tough decisions we have made, Ohio's recovery is strong, unemployment claims are declining, and Ohio's unemployment rate is below the national average," DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said after the court decision.

An appeal to the decision is expected to be filed soon, according to WBNS. Indiana and Maryland both faced similar lawsuits and were forced by judges to re-enter the federal unemployment program.