Home California Congressman McNerney Supports Extending Long-Term Unemployment Benefits

Congressman McNerney Supports Extending Long-Term Unemployment Benefits

by ECT

McNerney

With the unemployment benefits discussion set for a showdown in Washington next week, we asked Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) where he stood on the extension of the long-term unemployment benefits.

Without a formal plan, he cannot be specific on which plan he favors, but did say he supported the extension as it provides a lifeline to individuals struggling to find work.

“Thousands of people in my district are out of work and seeking employment.  The unemployment insurance program provides a lifeline to these individuals as they struggle to support their families and find jobs,” said McNerney. “I would strongly support commonsense economic programs such as the unemployment insurance program that keep our economy moving in the right direction.  I will give my full consideration to any proposal to help the long-term unemployed that comes before the House floor for a vote.”

On January 6, with the help of six-republicans, Congress passed a key preliminary hurdle in moving the debate forward on an extension of 3-months for long-term unemployed at $6.5 billion.

Since then, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) has stated he would no longer support a 3-month extension, but instead proposed an 11-month extension for 1.3 million people who recently lost their unemployment benefits in December. The cost is around $18 billion.

The debate over unemployment is expected to heat up next week.

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