Posts Tagged ‘Unemployment Extension’

Senate Bill 990 allows six week extension for about 18,600 unemployed

An estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians who were about to lose unemployment benefits will receive a six-week extension because of a bill passed this morning in the Oregon Senate. Senate Bill 990, a key part of the Oregon Senate Democrats’ agenda for the February session, passed the chamber by a unanimous vote.

“The most important thing the Oregon legislature can do right now is to provide meaningful help for hardworking Oregonians who are struggling to survive in this difficult economy,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “The emergency unemployment benefits in this bill will allow thousands of Oregon families to put food on the table and a roof over their heads while they continue to look for work.”

The unemployment extension in SB 990 has the added benefit of providing dollars that go directly into local communities. Checks are often used to pay rent and buy groceries and other essentials.

“The fact that this is the first bill to be voted on the Senate floor this session is an indication of our priorities – getting people back to work,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “During this short session, we will continue to focus on what matters most to Oregonians – creating jobs, helping families make ends meet, and supporting our struggling businesses.”

SB 990 will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The extension is estimated to last until mid-April.

Senate committee will hold hearing Monday, move bill on Wednesday

This coming Monday, on the opening day of the February session, the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will hold an informational hearing on extending unemployment insurance benefits to an estimated 18,600 out-of-work Oregonians.

“While job creation remains the number one priority in this building, we have a responsibility to make sure that those Oregonians who are struggling to find work are able to put food on the table and take care of their children said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), chair of the Committee.

A legislative proposal utilizes $19 million in the unemployment trust fund from a similar extension passed in the 2009 session. Federal stimulus dollars supplemented that extension, leaving a remaining balance for a new extension.

“The February session is about responding to emerging issues and looking out for the unemployed continues to be a priority of immense importance,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Supporting Oregonians who are looking for work is a cornerstone of the Senate Democrats’ priorities for the February session.”

The Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee will meet Wednesday, February 3 at 3:30, to consider action on SB 990, a bill that extends unemployment benefits. The bill will not affect current employer rates or the unemployment insurance trust fund balance. The $19 million is estimated to last until mid-April with eligible claimants receiving no more than 6 weeks of additional benefits.