WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) applauded final action on legislation extending unemployment benefits.  H.R. 6867, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008, extends unemployment benefits by seven weeks in all states and provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits in states such as Michigan that have unemployment rates above 6 percent.  This is the second extension of unemployment benefits by Congress this year.

“I have heard from workers across northern Michigan who are out of work and struggling to find employment,” Stupak said.  “More Americans are looking for jobs than at any time since 1992.  With costs increasing for necessities such as food and health care, these individuals need our help – particularly through this holiday season – while they look for work or retrain for a new career path.”

H.R. 6867 passed the House on Oct. 3 by a vote of 368 to 28.  The Senate passed the bill unanimously on Nov. 20 and President Bush signed it into law on Nov. 21.

Standard unemployment benefits provide for a total of 26 weeks of benefits.  Earlier this year, Congress extended the standard unemployment benefits by 13 weeks for all states.  With the latest extension, unemployed Michigan residents would be eligible for an additional 20 weeks for a total of 59 weeks of benefits through Aug. 27, 2009.