For Immediate Release
November 21, 2008 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cullen Schwarz
Office: 202.225.4961
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Levin Statement on Signing of Unemployment Extension |
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Bill Signed Today Provides 20-week Extension for the
Long-term Unemployed in Michigan
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(Washington D.C.)- President Bush today signed a much-needed extension of unemployment benefits to provide assistance to the long-term unemployed struggling to find work in a weakening job market. The extension, passed by the House last month and the Senate yesterday, provides a 7-week extension of benefits nationwide and an additional 13-week (for a total 20-week) extension in high unemployment states like Michigan beyond a state’s traditional unemployment program
“With long-term unemployment at its highest level in twenty-five years, this extension is essential during these difficult economic times,” said Rep. Levin. “If Congress had not acted, 68,000 Michigan residents would have exhausted their benefits by the end of this year. These Michiganders are looking hard for a new job but simply cannot find one in this economy and we must provide a bridge to better times.”
The legislation enacted today extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program Congress passed earlier this year. The original EUC program provided a 13-week extension for unemployed Americans. As of the end of October, 53,000 Michigan residents had exhausted their regular and extended benefits, making them eligible for the extension passed today. 68,000 Michiganders and 1.1 million Americans would have exhausted benefits by the end of 2008 without today’s extension.
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To Contact Congressman Levin: -
Email Congressman Levin In Michigan: 27085 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066 | (586) 498-7122 | (248) 968-2025
In Washington: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-4961
