Kathy Dahlkemper for Congress

2.5 million Americans will see benefits renewed after seven-week delay

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper voted on July 22 to stand with Western Pennsylvania’s families and extend unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who have earned them through a lifetime of work and lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Republicans in the Senate blocked these benefits for more than seven weeks, causing 2.5 million American families to lose the benefits they earned.

Today, Rep. Dahlkemper stood up to their obstruction and secured this lifeline for the people of Western Pennsylvania who desperately need it. The benefits are a proven boost to the American economy, shown by economists to create jobs as families spend into the economy.

“For every one job available in the U.S., there are five people looking for work. In circumstances like these, where the alternative is to leave people at risk of losing their homes, being unable to pay their bills or feed their families, we need to provide stability to Americans who are looking for jobs and for our local economies. Every dollar in unemployment benefits generates about $1.60 in local economic activity. These funds go right back into the community,” said Rep. Dahlkemper.

This bill extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs through November 30, 2010 and retroactively restores benefits to some people who already lost theirs.