Senate Approves Much Needed Unemployment Relief

Late last night, Senators approved final legislation that extends long-term unemployment benefits to millions of Americans through November. The measure reauthorizes payments to individuals who have been out of work for six months or more.

In late May, a filibuster stalled legislation allowing long-term unemployment benefits to expire. As a result, 2.5 million Americans went without much needed income for nearly two months. That filibuster ended Tuesday night with a 60 to 40 Senate vote. Qualifying individuals will receive benefits retroactively, but states may take a month to process and send checks.

Extending unemployment benefits not only helps those in need of unemployment relief, but also provides necessary stimulus for the U.S. Economy. Individuals that have few alternative sources of income have no choice but to spend their unemployment benefits on local goods and services, such as food, childcare, and transportation, providing businesses in their communities with immediate economic boosts.

In fact, the practice of providing jobless benefits in the midst of economic downturn is a routine policy established in 2008 under the Bush Administration. Until unemployment figures fall and the economy achieves greater stability, the tradition to assist individuals during hard times remains one of utmost importance.

For more information on how to access unemployment benefits, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

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