Hughes Lauds Movement of Unemployment Benefits Extension

Harrisburg, July 28, 2009 — State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila.) announced that after weeks of stalling, House Bill 1770, which would restore unemployment benefits to thousands of jobless workers in Pennsylvania, was finally moved out of a Senate committee.

“Thanks to the steadfast work of my colleague, Senator Christine Tartaglione, 4,180 jobless workers in Philadelphia will be able to continue unemployment benefits,” Hughes said. “I am pleased that my Republican colleagues recognized the importance of assisting these vulnerable Pennsylvanians in this time of economic strife.”

More than 17,000 workers exhausted unemployment benefits more than a week ago as a bill that would use federal money to grant them an extension was held up in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

Hughes added that this measure was passed in the House by a vote of 197-1, but stayed stalled in a Senate committee until demands were made by Senate Democrats and Gov. Ed Rendell to move the bill to the Senate floor for a full vote.

With a half million Pennsylvanians unemployed – 200,000 more than on this day last year -- the Obama Administration reached out to help by offering extended coverage for those who lost their jobs just after the start of the recession.

The bill is expected to be approved by the full Senate this week.

More than 17,000 workers who lost their benefits 10 days ago will be contacted by the state Labor and Industry Department about how to receive the extension.

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