Businesses Hurt by Labor Shortage Due to Rich Federal Benefits

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speak during the Bill Enrollment for the American Rescue Plan Act ceremony after the House Chamber voted on the final revised legislation of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, at the US Capitol in Washington, on March 10, 2021. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—U.S. small businesses have faced an unprecedented economic disruption due to the pandemic and the subsequent government shutdowns. With the economy reopening, many business owners are now hit by another crisis, as they have trouble filling jobs.

Many entrepreneurs can’t compete with the unemployment benefits offered by the federal government. Mark Owens, owner of USA Insulation and a trucking company in Indiana, is one of them.