News: State legislature votes to opt out of extra federal unemployment payments

S.B. 116 also would tighten work-search requirements for people collecting unemployment benefits.  According to a press release from bill sponsors, to continue on unemployment, job seekers would have to accept a job if it pays at least 120% of weekly unemployment benefits, must respond to an interview offer within 48 hours, and show up for job interviews. The bill also appropriates $250 million in child care assistance for eligible children.

The House also voted to approve the Free the Smiles Act, which would give local school boards the authority over mask mandates in public school classrooms.  The Senate will likely consider that bill by the end of the week.

“Each one [bill] is critical to getting North Carolina past the pandemic,” House Majority Leader, Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, posted on Facebook Wednesday evening.

S.B. 116 now goes to Governor Roy Cooper for approval or veto.