On Monday Governor Tate Reeves said he would end Mississippi unemployment benefits on Saturday, June 12. The governor said this is to get 1,000's of jobs filled in Mississippi.
But many people are asking, "Why would I go work more hours for less pay?" This question seems to unify people from all walks of life and races. Currently, with the help of the federal government, most Mississippians are able to receive at least $400 a week. That's equivalent to $10 an hour.
That brings $1600 into the household a month. $1600 covers rent, car note, electricity, water, gas, and maybe phone bill. It barely barely helps with food, wifi, cable, clothes, or any day to day things it takes to run a household.
Mississippi is the most poverty stricken state in the country according to the annual US News & World Report. The national median income is $79,000 according to HUD. Even with the help of unemployment at $400 weekly, its still $2,156.75 less a month than the state's median income of $45,081, which is the lowest in the nation according to the World Population Review. According to some experts, cutting unemployment benefits means things get worse not better.
That's why most people people agree ending unemployment is not the problem. However, raising the minimum wage is a solution. Many people around the state are saying ending unemployment benefits right now is a huge mistake.
There are 1,000's of now hiring signs across the state as Mississippians are refusing to work and demanding better pay.
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