Reps. Duckworth, Schneider Call for Immediate Unemployment Insurance Extension

Statement

After hearing constituents share about losing their unemployment insurance today, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) called for an immediate extension of unemployment insurance. Duckworth and Schneider also announced a joint Hiring Event in February where job seekers will be able to meet with potential employers.

"We are beginning to see signs of an economic recovery," said Duckworth. "But it is a slow recovery and allowing unemployment benefits to expire for more than 80,000 families in Illinois is jeopardizing the progress we are making. By removing the benefits to 80,000 Illinois families we are taking more than $25 million out of our economy every week. Many Americans want to find work but simply can't and punishing these families by taking away unemployment insurance is a terrible mistake. Congress needs to extend unemployment insurance now."

"Extending unemployment insurance isn't just the right policy; it's the right thing to do," Schneider said. "Unemployment insurance provides a critical lifeline for many of our still struggling families, and not extending these benefits not only hurts these families, but it impacts our communities and local economy."

Source