Posts Tagged ‘Senator Diane Rosebaum’

Bills extend unemployment benefits and increase small businesses’ access to capital

Two bills that are a major part of the Senate Democrats’ February jobs agenda moved out a Senate committee today. Two bills, one extending unemployment insurance benefits and one making it easier for small businesses to access capital, were voted out of the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee by a unanimous vote.

“These bills are perfect examples of our commitment to getting Oregonians back to work and supporting small businesses this session,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Committee.

Senate Bill 990 uses $19 million in the unemployment trust fund to give Oregonians a six week extension in much-needed benefits. The funds are available after a 2009 extension was supplemented by federal stimulus dollars, leaving a remaining balance for a new extension. SB 990 will be voted on by the full Senate within the week.

“Oregonians need to be able to feed their families while they continue to look for work,” said Rosenbaum. “This six week extension will help over 18,000 workers who have already exhausted their Federal benefits.”

Senate Bill 1017 was also voted out of committee today. That bill gives small businesses better access to the capital they need through the Oregon Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund and the Oregon Business Development Fund.

“This bill will help small businesses in rural and urban areas across the state and it will further the entrepreneurial spirit that is so important to Oregon,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington Co./Portland), the bill’s chief sponsor.