By
Stephanie Miceli - July 21, 2010
President Barack Obama says the $34 billion
unemployment extension bill is pivotal in aiding the millions of job-seeking
Americans simply put food on the table. As economic dismay continues to ail the
nation, the debate may put the political careers of some to rest as fall
elections approach.
After yesterday's 60-40 Senate vote barely avoide
d a filibuster, the extension bill is moving forward to the House Wednesday.
Leaders expect to quickly approve it and send it to the White House for Obama's signature later this week. Senate Democrats were able to
overcome a Republican filibuster with the appointment of Carte Goodwin, D-W.
Va, successor to the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd.
In June, Senate Republicans blocked a measure that would have extended
emergency unemployment compensation. Those who are still eligible for
additional benefits will receive compensation for any money they missed between
the beginning of June and the official passage of the bill.
Employers fund unemployment benefits with
payroll taxes, but in times of economic emergency, the federal government steps
in to cover provisions.
However,
the bill would not allow the jobless to receive benefits for longer than the
current maximum of 99 weeks. Instead, it would extend the current system of
compensation until Nov. 30.
Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid says the long-term unemployed need the extra help.
"They can't make their house
payments, they can't make their car payments, they can't feed their families,"
said Reed.
Among the supporters from New England were
Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both Republican senators from Maine. Massachusetts
Republican Senator Scott Brown opposed advancing the legislation.
Republicans who opposed the bill argued the $34
billion could add to the deficit, and cited fear that unemployment benefits may
prevent some from actively seeking work.
The Cape Cod Times reported lieutenant governor
Timothy Murray chastised Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker for supporting
a proposal to require claimants to work for 20 weeks rather than 15 before they
are eligible for benefits.
Baker
campaign spokesman Rick Gorka says Republican gubernatorial candidate's
proposed changes to unemployment eligibility will make Massachusetts' business
environment more competitive. "It would bring Massachusetts in line with
the vast majority of the country," Gorka said. "It's part of a
big-picture plan to get Massachusetts back to work."
(Photo Courtesy: AP Images)
