WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) announced that, in a bi-partisan show of support, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 274 – 137 on Thursday to extend benefits for unemployed Kansans.

Boyda said “There is no question that the ailing economy is impacting our Kansas families. Downsizing and outsourcing has resulted in the loss of jobs for many Kansans. Four percent of Kansas workers are currently without paychecks. The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act provides unemployed individuals up to an additional 13 weeks of income while they continue to look for work. At a time of rising gas and food prices, this legislation gives them at least a fighting chance to stay afloat. In addition, economists say that extending unemployment benefits during a recession actually stimulates the economy.”

Since July 1, 2007, the number of unemployed workers has increased by 1.6 million – with a total of 8.5 million Americans nationwide out of work. There are now 200,000 more long-term jobless (six months or longer) Americans now than when President Bush signed the last extension of unemployment benefits into law in 2002.

HR 5749 would extend benefits for those who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits. The weekly benefit amount would be equal to the amount received under regular unemployment compensation. (The average unemployment benefit provides around $300 a week.)

KDOL Secretary Jim Garner: “Kansas’ unemployment rate continues to remain below the national average, nevertheless an increasing number of Kansans are experiencing the impact of the nation’s worsening economy. We expect over 18,000 Kansans who have lost their jobs will exhaust their unemployment benefits this year. This bill will directly help those Kansans during a very difficult time in their lives. It will allow them to continue paying bills and providing for their families until they get their next job.”

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, there were 138,145 new jobless claims in 2007. More than 17,000 exhausted their unemployment benefits. The number of new claims this year is expected to reach 159,000. It is estimated that nearly 18,900 jobless Kansans will exhaust their unemployment benefits in 2008.