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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Lee said Friday he expects a big jump in unemployment payouts to Tennessee residents under legislation passed by Congress for those who lost work to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lee told reporters he doesn’t know the exact amount of increase people will see in their payments. But he said Tennessee can expect $2 billion to $3 billion in overall aid under the federal COVID-19 legislation, including the unemployment boost.
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Tennessee is $275 before the deduction of federal taxes.
The state on Friday confirmed more than 1,200 cases of COVID-19, including six deaths. Local officials in Nashville reported more than 310 cases and officials in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, announced more than 210 confirmed cases.