FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2010
Contact: Michael Cox
 
House Committee Sends Unemployment Extension to House Floor
Providing support to unemployed Oregonians is at the top of Democrats’ February agenda
 
SALEM – The House Business and Labor Committee, Chaired by Representative Mike Schaufler (D-Happy Valley), today passed an extension of unemployment benefits, sending the bill to the House floor for a full vote.  The bill, HB 3655, is a top priority for Democrats this February.
 
“We are working hard to get the economy back on track, but there are still too many unemployed Oregonians,” said Rep. Schaufler.  “By extending unemployment benefits a little longer, we are giving Oregonians more time to find a job, and families more help to keep food on the table.”
 
HB 3655 will extend unemployment benefits for nearly 19,000 Oregonians whose benefits have run out or will soon expire.  Unemployment benefits will run out for 12,000 over the next few months, and about 1,000 unemployed workers will lose their benefits each additional week.
 
“Our top priorities this session are to help struggling families and get Oregonians back to work,” said House Democratic Majority Leader Mary Nolan.  “This bill is the first of many that will make good on that promise.”
 
The House will likely put HB 3655 to a full vote tomorrow.
 
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House Committee Sends Unemployment Extension to House Floor