U.S. House Fails to Extend Federal Unemployment Benefits
Friday, November 19, 2010
The U.S. House yesterday failed to extend federal unemployment benefits, which could have an immediate impact on 1,400 Rhode Islanders if no further action is taken before the program expires on Nov. 30.
Congressman Jim Langevin, D-RI, yesterday sharply scolded his Republican colleagues.
“I am extremely disappointed that the House Republicans overwhelming opposed today’s unemployment extension, which led to its failure,” Langevin said. “As we enter the winter months, I remain mindful of the thousands of Rhode Islanders who continue to struggle and I will continue to work to meet their needs. I firmly believe extending unemployment insurance programs is the right action to ensure that our economic recovery continues without interruption.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOf those 1,400 Rhode Islanders, most will be able to move onto State Extended Benefits, according to Laura Hart, a spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Over the longer-term, about 17,000 Rhode Islanders on some form of unemployment compensation will be affected, according to Hart. She said the loss of federal benefits will reduce the maximum amount of time that someone in Rhode Island can collect unemployment benefits, which currently is 99 weeks.
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