Rep. Foster Votes to Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits

News Article

Rep. Foster Votes To Extend Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) voted to extend unemployment insurance benefits for those hardest hit by the recession, helping families and providing a boost for the local economy in the district. The legislation passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 331-83.

"By extending unemployment benefits, individuals and families will have the support they need as they try to find a job in this difficult economy," said Foster. "In addition, extending these benefits means that the money will be injected directly into our local economy, as families can use this money to purchase the things they need from area businesses."

The Unemployed Compensation Act of 2009 will provide immediate assistance to families, extending relief to the estimated 314,000 workers who would otherwise exhaust their unemployment benefits by the end of September, and a million more whose benefits would run out by the end of the year.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has cited unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus. The extension is fully paid for, and strengthens reporting requirements to reduce unemployment insurance overpayments.

Eligible workers will have access to an additional thirteen weeks of insurance, bringing their total to forty-six weeks.

"It is going to take time for our economy to fully recover, and while our economy begins to get back on track, this bill will bring relief to unemployed 14th District residents who are struggling to find employment," said Foster.

Source