“Although job losses have begun to decline, unemployment is still too high and the American people need relief now,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “With the national unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, California with the fourth highest unemployment rate in the nation (12.2 percent) and equally staggering in the 37^th Congressional District: Carson, 12.6 percent; Compton, 20.9 percent; Long Beach, 13.7 percent; and Signal Hill, 9.4 percent, an extending of unemployment benefits is urgently needed to help thousands of people in our district above water during this rough economic time. By extending these unemployment benefits, Congress has ensured that people can continue providing for their families’ most basic needs while they are searching for work.”

 

The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act will help families in California and 26 other states with the highest unemployment rates. Workers in California who have exhausted or will soon exhaust their benefits will be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of insurance, bringing the total to 46 weeks.

“With so many people in California struggling to make ends meet while they search for new jobs in this stalled economy, this extension of benefits was needed now more than ever,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “Only by creating this type of proactive relief will we be able to meet the needs of families and our communities. I applaud the House vote today and urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation so that it may be signed by the President.”