Kildee Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) today voted to bolster Michigan’s economic recovery and provide extended unemployment benefits for jobseekers across the country. H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Act of 2008, was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 274-137 and would extend unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks in Michigan.  

Rep. Kildee made the following statement following today’s vote:

“Jobseekers in Michigan have endured more hardships and setbacks than those in any other state. My hometown of Flint has been victim to ill-conceived NAFTA-style trade policies and the resulting layoffs.

“I do not take lightly the President’s veto threat to this bill. When the family breadwinner is out of work, children go without adequate nutrition and healthcare, but the President won’t see that from his view from the White House.

“This bill offers Michigan the potential to revitalize its economy. Michigan job hunters will find relief with an additional 26 weeks to find a good-paying job. And each dollar spent by the government on unemployment benefits results in $1.64 in new economic demand.”

While unemployment benefits are normally available for up to 26 weeks, the legislation would provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits. States with levels of unemployment greater than 6 percent, like Michigan, would receive a total of 26 weeks of extended benefits. Relief would benefit 3.8 million Americans and would begin immediately upon the bill’s enactment, continuing through March of 2009.

On Wednesday, the House considered H.R. 5749 under suspended rules of the House, which requires two-thirds of votes cast for approval. The bill narrowly missed that mark, falling three votes short.