A Message about Unemployment Insurance

Op-Ed

Dear Friends,

This week I was proud to back legislation that will extend unemployment benefits. The Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act was passed by the House by a vote of 274-137. It will aid workers who have lost their jobs as a result of an economy on the brink of recession. If signed into law it would immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to jobless workers in every state.

The country has just seen the largest monthly increase in unemployment in 20 years. Unemployment rose from 5.0% in April to 5.5% in May.

Democrats are trying to help families who are hurting. Hardworking families are struggling today more than ever. For five consecutive months our economy has lost jobs. We've lost 324,000 jobs just this year. With the increase in food and gas prices, it's even harder for unemployed workers to survive.

The legislation approved in the House on Thursday would benefit 3.8 million unemployed Americans. It would provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to workers exhausting the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The legislation will be paid for through the federal unemployment trust funds, which have enough reserves to cover the cost.

I believe extending unemployment benefits is the most cost effective way to stimulate our economy.

The Bush Administration has said it opposes the legislation considered in the House today. I hope President Bush changes his mind.

Sincerely,

Charlie Wilson
Member of Congress
Ohio's Sixth District

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