Andrews supports bipartisan effort to extend unemployment benefits

On Tuesday, Congressman Andrews voted to provide much-needed relief to unemployed Americans as the House of Representatives considered H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. The bill passed by a vote of 331-to-83, and is designed to provide up to 13 additional weeks of support to people in high unemployment states who are about to run out of benefits.

New Jersey is among the states receiving the extension.  Those in New Jersey who will exhaust all of their unemployment benefits by the end of September can expect an additional 13 weeks of coverage. This is a much needed boost in federal aid, considering that over 300,000 jobless workers nationwide are expected to run out of unemployment compensation by the end of September. While the rate of job losses has declined in recent months, the unemployment rate continues to rise and 14.9 million Americans continue to look for work.

This added benefit will not only provide immediate relief to out-of-work Americans but it will provide a new source of capital to help stimulate the economy.  Those who are struggling to find work will have funds to continue meeting their day-to-day needs. Economic experts have shown that every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new economic demand. Therefore, it is expected that these additional benefits will serve as a cost-effective and fast-acting way to stimulate the economy.

While our economy has experienced recent growth and America is beginning to dig its way out of recession, millions continue to struggle to make ends meet. The need to extend unemployment benefits illustrates how the economic crisis impacts every neighborhood and home in our country. While this is just one measure to help Americans in the tight job market, Congressman Andrews continues to work on behalf of those striving to work and provide a better life for their families.

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