INDIANAPOLIS - State officials in Indiana filed an appeal this week to again attempt to withdraw the Hoosier state from federal programs that expanded unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne argued in their court filings Monday that a Marion County judge "abused" his discretion last month when he ordered Indiana to resume participation in the benefit programs while a lawsuit is still pending. They both maintain Indiana is not required to participate in the federal programs, and that the governor can withdraw the state from the programs at his discretion.

The appeal comes just days after Indiana was compelled by the appeals court to resume making the $300 federal unemployment payments.