A rising number of Indiana residents complain about job cuts due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, according to Convention of States (COS) advocates.
Indiana's positive coronavirus cases number 15,961 with 844 deaths, according to the state’s Department of Health.
“The people of Indiana just want to get back to work so they can provide for their families,” said COS volunteer Paul Phillips.
The total number of workers in the state who have filed for unemployment insurance benefits is 515,000, according to news reports. Nationwide, there are 26 million job losses.
“The most prevalent complaint is the elimination of jobs,” Phillips told the Indiana Business Daily.
In response, Phillips said multiple groups, such as Indiana Citizens and Stop Government Overreach in Indiana!, have organized peaceful protests at the governor’s mansion and the state capitol building. “COS Action facilitates the openthestates.com website for citizen organized groups to communicate,” Phillips said.
When COS activated Open the States, it launched a nationwide response to what it sees as government overreach in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak after a rise in reports of economic damage and unemployment levels.
Republican Gov. Eric J. Holcomb recently extended his April 6 stay-at-home order until May 1. He will potentially extend it again if necessary, according to the governor’s website. Essential businesses or performing an essential activity is exempted.
The governor’s website further states “If this new order is not followed, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Enforcement Response Team created by executive order can take action against businesses. First, a verbal warning will be given. If the business fails to comply with the verbal warning, the Indiana State Department of Health may issue a cease and desist letter. If the business continues to operate, the Indiana State Department of Health can order the business to close. The business will be reported to the Secretary of State and to any relevant licensing, permitting, or certifying board, commission or other entity, and the business could lose its operating license or permit.”