Iowa will end its participation in federal pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today. Effective June 13, Iowa will no longer waive employer charges for COVID-related unemployment insurance claims. Iowa Workforce Development cited the strong labor market and recovering economy as the reasoning for the decision, according to a press release. “The overwhelming message we receive from employers these days is the lack of workforce that is adversely affecting their ability to recover from the pandemic,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said in the release. “There are currently over 66,000 job openings posted on [our website.] Our field offices are open and ready to help. We are very excited to return to providing the support and help we love to provide – helping Iowans find their next great job or new career pathway and helping employers find their next great employee.” Among the changes, the state will no longer issue supplemental $300 weekly payments to claimants under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program and the last payable week for those participating in the program will be the week ending June 12. Iowa will continue to pay regular claims, but the affected unemployment insurance claimants will receive official notification from IWD with more information about how these changes affect them individually. See more information about the changes and information for claimants affected by the changes.