Rep. Johnson Supports Unemployment Extension

Statement

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson issued the following statement after voting in support of extending unemployment benefits another 13 weeks in hard-hit states, including Illinois.

"People across all sectors of our economy are feeling the effects of this recession. The promise of 3.5 million jobs as a result of the so-called stimulus looks like a pipe dream.

"Unemployment rates in the 15th Congressional District are at levels we haven't seen in decades. Illinois is at 10.4 percent. Places like Vermilion County, at 11.4 percent, have been hit the hardest. We're seeing industries shut their doors and small businesses forced to lay of long-term employees through no fault of their own.

"Just last week in Danville, Modern Machines, a business in operation since 1920, that once employed 80 people, that had weathered hard times before, finally was forced to close. Danville alone had an unemployment rate of 13.4 percent as of July.

"I'm deeply saddened by these developments and will do all I can to support the hard-working men and women who would rather be working, but at this point have no other choice."

Passed by a vote of 331-83, the legislation provides extended benefits to high-unemployment states, defined as states with a three-month average unemployment rate of over 8.5 percent, which includes Illinois and 26 other states.

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