Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

From CNN:
Posted: 08:32 AM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — President Bush signed legislation Friday to extend
unemployment insurance benefits nationwide, his spokeswoman Dana Perino said.The Unemployment Extension Act of 2008 passed with overwhelming support
in the Senate on Thursday. It calls for extending benefits by at least seven
weeks in every state, and by 13 weeks in states with unemployment rates of at
least 6 percent. It is the only bill passed so far by the lame-duck Congress.

The economic crunch gave the bill widespread bipartisan support. In
June, a similar measure failed in the House. Back in 2004, amid the heat of a
presidential race, the Senate rejected a bill to extend unemployment benefits
by one vote, with most Republicans and President Bush opposing it.

In September, Bush had threatened to veto a broader stimulus bill that
included an extension of jobless benefits.

But the White House made clear Bush would sign this bill, which was
approved by the House in October. Perino, in a statement this week, which
noted “the tight job market.”

In most states, unemployment benefits are paid for a maximum of 26
weeks.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that the number of people
filing for unemployment insurance had reached a 16-year high.

Initial filings for state jobless benefits increased by 27,000 to 542,000
for the week ended November 15. It marks the third time since 1992 that initial
claims have exceeded 500,000.

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Finally, I'm hoping my dad can get his benefits extended..again.

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

is NY over 6%?

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

This is WONDERFUL news!

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

They're going to extend it again? They just did last month I think...not that i'm complaining.

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

Re: Bush signs bill to extend unemployment benefits

this was on the unemployment website:

On November 20, 2008, Congress passed an extension to the emergency benefits, allowing seven (7) weeks of additional benefits to the original thirteen weeks of extended benefits, for a total of 20 weeks. The first week of emergency benefits that can be paid under this 7 week extension is Monday, November 24, 2008 through Sunday, November 30, 2008. It is NOT retroactive. You may claim benefits for this week by either using the Department of Labor’s website or by using the Tel-Service toll free number from Sunday, November 30, 2008, through Saturday, December 6, 2008.