Biden waives unemployment local match

President Biden has approved the Commonwealth’s request for a waiver of the local share of the Lost Wages Assistance program for the unemployed in the Marianas. President Trump created the Lost Wages Program administratively last year, after the Republican controlled Senate refused to extend federal unemployment benefits nationwide. The Commonwealth was unable to use the money, however, because it required a 25 percent local match. Governor Torres asked for a waiver; President Trump would not provide it. So, $7,721,288 in federal funds sat idle. On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced President Biden had decided to approve the Governor’s request. The Commonwealth estimates 8,500 individuals will now be eligible for this additional cash assistance.