On Thursday, the House of Representatives extended a helping hand to Americans who are struggling in today’s economy by passing an extension of unemployment benefits for those workers who have exhausted the 26 weeks of regular benefits and are still looking for work.

In California, this help is sorely needed. The average unemployment rate in California has risen above six percent and in East Lost Angeles it passed eight percent. But these job losses are happening across the country. For four consecutive months, the U.S. economy has lost jobs. In total, 260,000 jobs have disappeared. 800,000 more Americans are looking for work than a year ago.

In addition, the number of long-term unemployed — 1.35 million workers — is higher now than when Congress last extended unemployment benefits in 2002.

Extending unemployment benefits is not only the right thing to do for workers impacted by President Bush’s failed economic policies, but is also a cost-effective and fast-acting economic stimulus. Every $1 spent generates $1.73 in new economic demand.

We are working hard in Congress to address the housing crisis, soaring costs of food, gas and healthcare, and keep American competitive in the global economy. As we work to reverse the disastrous course of the Bush Administrations policies, American workers need our help to keep their families afloat and food on the table in these difficult times.

I am glad today that Congress could move our nation a step forward. I hope our colleagues in the Senate will join us and President Bush will stop blocking progress for America’s working families.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 19th, 2008 at 10:27 am and is filed under Politics, Economy/Budget, Labor .