Exactly half of the country’s states have announced plans to opt out of the expanded federal unemployment program early, given recent economic growth and fears of a labor shortage.

Maryland became the 25th state to announce an early demise to the supercharged benefits program this week. The program gives the unemployed $300 per week on top of whatever states already provide. The expanded benefits were intended to help those sidelined by the pandemic, although some worry that it has incentivized remaining unemployed.

Recommended Stories

Nebraska, New Hampshire, and South Dakota among the best places to look for a job

New jobless claims at 412,000, more than expected

New jobless claims at 364,000, less than predicted