For Immediate Release
May 15, 2008 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cullen Schwarz
Office: 202.225.4961 |
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House Approves Extension of Unemployment Benefits |
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226,000 Michigan Workers Will Be Eligible for a Benefit Extension |
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(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed an extension of unemployment insurance benefits to help the growing number of jobless workers nationwide and to stimulate the economy. The extension, which was taken up as an amendment to the War and Domestic supplemental funding package, would extend unemployment benefits for 13 weeks across the country and 13 additional weeks in high unemployment states like Michigan. Congressman Sander Levin, a vocal proponent of extending unemployment benefits, spoke on the House Floor today in favor of an extension.
“The number of long term unemployed Americans is almost twice as high now as it was in the last recession,” said Rep. Levin. “I come from Michigan with a high unemployment level. I think it’s time that the minority and the president get out of the offices they reside in and get into the shoes of typical American families.
“And I now read a letter that came from a person in Roseville whose husband has lost his job as a machinist, and I quote:
“With the job market as bleak as it is today, the fear that unemployment benefits may run out is something no family should have to face. My husband has been actively seeking work since his layoff… but there's simply nothing to be had right now. I’ve never seen him look so sad and upset in all our nearly 30 years of marriage.
“The President and Congress must be made to understand that what is happening to the workers of this country and most especially to the people of Michigan is not something they've chosen for themselves.”
Rep. Levin concluded, “Opposition to extension of unemployment compensation is unconscionable.”
With the highest unemployment rate in the country at 7.2 percent (according the U.S. Department of Labor’s most recent available data), Michigan would particularly benefit from an unemployment extension. It is estimated that over 226,000 Michigan workers will be eligible for an extension under the provision approved today.
Nationwide, 3.5 million U.S. workers are expected to exhaust their unemployment benefits in 2008. The U.S. economy has shed over a quarter million jobs since the beginning of this year. According to the Economic Policy Institute, there are roughly 3.8 million job openings across the country, while 7.6 million Americans are unemployed—meaning there are two workers seeking employment for every available job.
The Senate is expected to take up its own supplemental funding package next week.
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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
