California Labor Federation Hails Passage of Unemployment Insurance Bills

 

The California legislature today approved two bills to take advantage of federal aid to boost the state’s unemployment insurance system and provide much-needed relief to jobless workers. ABX3 23 extends unemployment benefits for an additional 20 weeks. ABX3 29 modernizes the state’s outdated eligibility rules, making the state eligible for an additional $839 million in federal funds. The bills now go to Gov. Schwarzenegger who must sign them soon to keep 90,000 jobless workers from losing benefits in April.

Below is a statement from California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski:

“Today’s actions ensure that a critical lifeline to our state’s jobless won’t be severed. Accessing billions in federal unemployment aid not only will keep families in their homes, it’s going to provide a quick boost to withering local economies and small businesses. We urge the Governor to act swiftly in getting families the help they need by signing these measures into law without delay.”

 

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