WASHINGTON – Today the House of Representatives considered key legislation supported by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) to provide much-needed relief to 3.8 million unemployed American workers. The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act (H.R. 5749) would assist hard-working Americans struggling with rapidly rising gas and food costs while they continue to face difficulties finding work in the slowing economy.
The legislation would immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in Massachusetts to workers who have exhausted the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Extending unemployment benefits is one of the most cost-effective and fast-acting ways to stimulate the economy, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Every $1 spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.64 in new economic demand. More than 110,000 people in Massachusetts would be eligible for the extended benefits.
Rep. Markey said, "Last month America suffered the biggest one-month increase in the unemployment rate that our country has seen in two decades. Bay Staters who are suffering from the Bush administration's failed economic policies need immediate relief to assist their families in this difficult time and to stimulate the economy.
"It is unconscionable that President Bush would threaten to veto this crucial legislation and turn his back on Americans suffering in the slowing economy. These benefits would make an important difference to unemployed workers in Massachusetts and around the country, and I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation without delay."
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2008 |
CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836 |
