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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dan Deasy
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Bill to extend unemployment compensation benefits sent to governor
HARRISBURG, Aug. 3 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, announced today that a bill to extend unemployment compensation benefits for another seven weeks will be sent to the governor for his signature.
Deasy said the bill (H.B. 1770), which he supported, takes full advantage of the additional weeks of unemployment benefits that were authorized by the federal government through the stimulus bill. The legislation makes a temporary change in Pennsylvania's unemployment law to comply with federal requirements and draw down $145 million in federal funding for extended unemployment benefits.
"The governor needs to sign this bill as soon as possible so people who are receiving unemployment compensation can continue getting their benefits," Deasy said. "People have been laid off as employers deal with the troubled economy. This will enable them to continue receiving their benefits so they can at least put food on the table while they look for work."
Deasy said the bill would not affect the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, which is funded through taxes and employer surcharges.
As of the end of June, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained at 8.3 percent with 537,000 unemployed. The rate was unchanged since May and the number of unemployed increased by 2,000. In comparison, in June 2008, the Pennsylvania unemployment rate was 5.3 percent with 336,000 unemployed.
There are 29 other states that have enacted similar legislation. The governor has said he will sign the bill.
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