Washington, D.C. - Today Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to extend unemployment benefits for displaced workers.  The benefits are part of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 that passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This is a real victory for workers and the economy,” Larsen said.  “This economic stimulus package will help kick start the Northwest economy.”  

Larsen continued, “The bill goes a long way to help those who hurt the most.”

The Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act (H.R. 3090) provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for displaced workers; extends the work opportunity tax credit to 2003; and includes a three-year accelerated depreciation on business purchases.

Larsen explained, “This bill will help create new jobs and assist unemployed workers who are seeking employment.”

Monday, March 11th marks the six-month anniversary of the September 11th attacks.   The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that 25,500 unemployed workers in Washington state have exhausted their federal unemployment benefits since September 11th.  The Center projects that each week another 1,660 people in Washington state would exhaust their benefits, if not for the 13 week extension.  

The Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act passed today 417-3.  It is expected to pass easily in the Senate and will soon become law.