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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Robert E. Belfanti, Jr. |
  
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Belfanti announces extension of federal unemployment benefits
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr. said many unemployed Pennsylvanians who have felt the impact of the nation's economic slowdown as they search for work will benefit from an extension in federal unemployment benefits approved by Congress.
The presidents on Monday signed legislation that extends federal unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks.
"Looking for work is always difficult, but for many Pennsylvanians, it is proving especially tough in the current economic climate," Belfanti said. "The additional weeks of unemployment will help tide many people over as they continue their job search, and will save many families from impending financial disaster."
Belfanti said Pennsylvanians who are eligible for the extended benefits will be contacted by mail and urged to apply. The extension applies to people who are currently unemployed and also allows anyone who exhausted their unemployment benefits after May 30, 2007 to apply.
To qualify for the extension, a person must have exhausted their state unemployment compensation and have worked 20 weeks in full-time, covered employment, or earned the equivalent in covered wages.
More information is available at Belfanti's Web site, www.pahouse.com/Belfanti, or by visiting the state Department of Labor and Industry Web site directly at www.dli.state.pa.us.
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CONTACT: Michael J. Herzing |