Missouri judge rejects attempt to reinstate pandemic-related jobless benefits |

The job increase amounted to growth of just 0.5%, compared with 0.6% nationally. Missouri’s labor force participation rate, the percentage of working-age residents who were working or seeking a job, was unchanged.

But Beetem said he wouldn’t interfere in the governor’s decision.

“The court will not substitute its judgment for that of Missouri’s duly elected governor on such an important policy question, which both Missouri law and the principle of separation of powers confer on Missouri’s Executive Branch,” he wrote.

In June, about 56,000 workers were receiving regular state unemployment benefits, including a $300 supplement, state figures show. More than 90,000 workers also were receiving federal unemployment enhancements.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who represented Parson in the case, said the governor’s policy is sound.

“As Missouri’s economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are still struggling to hire workers for a large number of open, available jobs. Too often, businesses can’t compete with the steady stream of federal benefits,” said Schmitt. “Today’s ruling affirmed the legality of Governor Parson’s decision to terminate these temporary benefits and will hopefully lead to the hiring of workers for businesses that desperately need the help.”