McConnell: Extra jobless benefit hurts back-to-work efforts

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Sen. Mitch McConnell says Kentucky’s acceptance of extra jobless benefits is hurting back-to-work efforts as employers struggle to find help. The Senate GOP leader’s comments Wednesday were a dig at the Democratic governor. Gov. Andy Beshear says the weekly $300 federal unemployment payments have contributed to surging consumer spending that benefits Kentucky businesses. McConnell says the extra benefit puts Kentucky at a competitive disadvantage with states that opted to cut off the supplemental payments. The federal enhancement — coming on top of state jobless benefits — is set to expire in September. McConnell’s comments came during his stop in Shelbyville.