KEY POINTS

  • Gov. Brad Little will grant a back to work incentive of up to $1,500 for eligible residents
  • He said that is a "bait to get the economy going" 
  • Idaho's unemployment rate rose to 11.5% in April from 2.5% in March

The state of Idaho plans to offer cash incentives for eligible residents who will go back to work, as many businesses restart after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted.

Gov. Brad Little said in a statement that his government would grant $750 for part-time workers and $1,500 for full-time workers who will apply for the incentive if they are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Little's administration has set aside $100 million in relief funds, which can be used for this initiative.

"A strong economic rebound cannot occur without workers returning to a job, and the new Return to Work cash bonuses incentivize our workforce to get back to work safely," the governor said. "Like other states, Idaho went from record employment to record unemployment levels in a matter of weeks. Our hearts go out to those who lost jobs or income due to the global pandemic."

Interested jobless residents may look for the details of the back to work incentive on the official website of the Idaho Workforce Development Council by Thursday (June 18). The application process, however, will be on a first-come, first-served basis with the Idaho State Tax Commission.

The state is expecting to grant the incentive to some 70,000 Idaho residents. Records show that 150,000 residents filed for unemployment benefits for the very first time during the coronavirus lockdown. The state's unemployment rate increased to 11.5% in April from a low of 2.5% in March.

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Idaho residents may apply for a back to work incentive, where they may receive $1,500. Pixabay

Admittedly, Little said that the cash incentive is a "bait to get the economy going" amid concerns that some workers might plan to keep collecting unemployment benefits than risk exposing themselves to the coronavirus at work. Employers who have a hard time recruiting new employees may also file this incentive on behalf of their staff.

Little is not the only GOP official looking to give workers the back to work incentive. Fox News reported that Sen. Rob Portman is also planning to have a similar initiative for the whole country.

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