PHOENIX — Thousands of Arizonans receiving unemployment benefits have a decision to make.
The state is offering a $2,000 bonus to those willing to enter the workforce again. They will also have the option to receive a 3-month subsidy for childcare expenses.
But it’s not an easy decision for some parents.
Bonuses for parents returning to work
The Back to Work Program laid out by the governor this month offers $2,000 to those who have returned to full-time work for at least 10 weeks and $1,000 to those who return part-time.
“It’s not just about money. Money is not more important than my daughter. We still need people to get vaccinated. We still don’t have a vaccine for children,” said Jennifer, an East Valley mother of a 6-year-old girl.
Jennifer said she’s not comfortable leaving her daughter in child care yet. The office administrator was laid off early on in the pandemic. As a single mom, she said she’s received some unemployment insurance from the state and has stayed home with her daughter, who attended kindergarten online.
Vaccine for kids under 12 not available yet
A vaccine won’t likely be available for kids under 12 until at least the fall or early 2022.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of a child getting seriously ill from COVID-19 is extremely low compared to adults.
Fewer child care providers are available
State House Rep. Mitzi Epstein said the Back to Work Program may not work for parents with child care needs.
“There are just not nearly as many child care providers out there as there were before the pandemic, and if you add to that the complexity of, 'Is my child going to be safe in child care?' Parents are faced with really serious questions,” said Epstein (D). "I hope that the plan works to incentivize some people to take a job if it's safe."
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