© 2024 Red River Radio
Voice of the Community
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Arkansas To End Supplemental Unemployment Funds

Courtesy: Chuck Smith / Red River Radio News

 ARK ENDS UNEMPLOYMENT  SUPPLEMENT— 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.
 

Chuck Smith brings more than 30 years' broadcast and media experience to Red River Radio. He began his career as a radio news reporter and transitioned to television journalism and newsmagazine production. Chuck studied mass communications at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and motion picture / television production at the University of California at Los Angeles. He has also taught writing for television at York Technical College in Rock Hill, South Carolina and video / film production at Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport.