Northeast Ohio business owners hope for spike in job-seekers as weekly unemployment bonus ends

WELLINGTON, Ohio (WOIO) – Small business owners across Northeast Ohio are hopeful that a statewide reduction in unemployment benefits will lead more people to fill job openings.

Earlier this week, Ohio stopped paying an additional $300 per week bonus to those who were receiving unemployment.

The cost was covered by federal funding, on top of state benefits.

“Thank God,” said Robert Fortney, who’s owned Fort’s Old Town Tavern in Wellington for nearly 30 years.

He said he believes the cut in benefits will lead to more job-seekers.

“Actually, I’m counting on it,” he told 19 News. “I know people that.. it would cost them money to go to work. They’re making more money at home.”

Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who has spearheaded many of Gov. Mike DeWine’s business recovery efforts recently took to social media to promote job growth.

“Find your opportunity this week! OhioMeansJobs.com has 192,794 jobs posted with 103,952 that pay more than $50,000…

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