Kudlow Says Trump Admin Is Considering a Back-To-Work Bonus

While lawmakers debate the necessity of and scope of another coronavirus relief package, conservatives are voicing their concerns about extending the enhanced unemployment benefits.

White House National Economic Council head Larry Kudlow said members of President Donald Trump’s administration are looking at the idea of giving workers a bonus to return to their jobs.

Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has proposed giving workers a $450 bonus to incentivize workers to return to their jobs.

“Senator Portman has a good idea. He understands incentives and disincentives,” Kudlow said during an interview on Fox News when asked about Portman’s idea. He added that administration officials are looking at the idea “very carefully.”

He continued, “The trouble with the $600 plus-up, and maybe we needed it in that emergency period, but frankly, it’s a major disincentive to go back to work, and we don’t want that. We want people to go back to work.”

Watch the interview below:

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Additionally, Kudlow said that the administration still supports the idea of a payroll tax cut.

Portman’s proposal of a back-to-work bonus comes as Republicans have rejected the idea of extending the enhanced unemployment benefits.

The $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill Congress passed in March enhanced unemployment benefits by giving Americans $600 a week on top