-->

Kansas to seek to provide extra benefits to jobless workers

Gov. Laura Kelly announced plans Thursday for the state to apply to participate in a federal program benefiting jobless Kansas residents, a decision that could end up costing the state millions depending on how many people apply.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will apply to participate in a federal program that provides additional benefits to workers who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday.

Kelly’s announcement came less than two weeks after she questioned the program’s legality and suggested it could be difficult to administer.

Kelly’s office said the state would use a portion of its $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds to cover part of the additional benefits. President Donald Trump issued an executive order this month offering an additional $300 a week in benefits to jobless workers and $400 a week if states chipped in the additional $100. The federal government would have to approve Kansas’ proposal.

Although the number of eligible unemployed applicants is uncertain, estimates suggest the state could spend roughly $200 million.