LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas is ending its participation in the federal unemployment program that gives workers an additional $300 a week. Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday announced the decision citing a shortage of workers. He directed the Department of Workforce Services to end the state’s participation in the program June 26. The Republican governor said businesses in retail, restaurant and other sectors are struggling to return to employment levels before the coronavirus pandemic. But the head of the state AFL-CIO said worker concern about their safety is keeping them away, not the additional benefits.
