When disaster strikes, it doesn’t care about political affiliation, geography, or background—it impacts us all. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural catastrophes don’t discriminate—they destroy livelihoods and leave families struggling to survive. Regardless of who you are or where you live, no one should be left behind when facing the aftermath of a disaster.

We stand together as one nation, calling on the federal government to step up and match state unemployment benefits during natural disasters. Just as we united during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that every American, regardless of their state or circumstances, has the support they need to rebuild and recover.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government stepped up and provided essential unemployment support to Americans, supplementing state benefits to meet the unprecedented needs of displaced workers. It’s time to apply that same logic and compassion when natural disasters devastate communities across the country.

Adding to the problem, state unemployment benefits themselves are outdated and insufficient. In many states, the maximum benefit amount hasn't kept up with inflation, leaving families with less purchasing power than they had decades ago. For example:

The last major federal update to unemployment benefits was in the 1970s, yet the cost of living has increased exponentially since then.
Most states cap benefits at amounts that fall far below a livable wage, forcing families into poverty when they lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
We call on the federal government to step up and step in by matching state unemployment benefits throughout the nation when natural disasters occur and mandating regular updates to state benefit levels to account for inflation. By doing so, we can ensure that those who lose their jobs due to disasters are not left behind or forced to choose between feeding their families and keeping a roof over their heads.

Why This Matters:
Equal Support for All States: Some states lack the financial resources to provide adequate unemployment assistance when disaster strikes. Federal matching would ensure a consistent safety net, regardless of location.
Economic Stability: Families and individuals who receive timely and sufficient benefits are better able to support local economies, helping communities recover faster.
Modernized Support: Unemployment benefits must reflect the realities of today’s cost of living, not the outdated standards of decades past.
What We Are Asking For:
We urge Congress, the Senate and the President to pass legislation that:

Mandates Federal Matching Funds for state unemployment benefits during declared natural disasters, just like during COVID-19.
Modernizes State Unemployment Benefits to keep pace with inflation and reflect current living costs.
Provides Timely Assistance to streamline the process and reduce wait times.
Ensures Equitable Distribution so that no one is left behind, no matter where they live.
Sign this petition to show your support for a fair, compassionate, and consistent approach to unemployment assistance in times of crisis. Together, we can make sure that Americans facing the devastation of natural disasters get the help they deserve.